Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £230 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
11 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.4 11 reviews |
| 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 |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 4,685 mAh |
| 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 | - |
£41.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £689.00 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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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 £229.99.
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.