Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16e
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 16e are four years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 16e leads on camera hardware with a 48MP main sensor to the 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and the 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1". The 16e is the lighter phone at 167g against 228g. The 16e is the better phone; upgrade from the 12 Pro Max if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro Max starts at £230 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.7
12 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 16e
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
3.7 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 457 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A18 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 4,005 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£22.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £359.00 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16e?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16e?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e?
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 16e?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16e comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16e use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16e?
The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two: it's 61g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16e?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16e run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 16e 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.