Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Our verdict: If screen real estate matters, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max wins at 6.9". With 48MP on the rear, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the higher-resolution camera. Prefer to own outright? The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max starts from just £219.99.

Screen
6.7" 6.9"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1284 x 2778 1320 x 2868
Pixels Per Inch
457 458
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A14 Bionic Apple A18 Pro
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
iOS14 Apple iOS
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm
Weight
228 grams 227 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£43.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£219.99 £618.00
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Screen 6.7" 6.9"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1284 x 2778 1320 x 2868
Pixels Per Inch 457 458
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic Apple A18 Pro
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS iOS14 Apple iOS
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm
Weight 228 grams 227 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £43.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £219.99 £618.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max's 6.7", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £219.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max use?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses the Apple A18 Pro.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is the more portable of the two — they weigh about the same (228 grams vs 227 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max run?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max runs Apple iOS. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.