Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16
Our Verdict: The iPhone 16 is four years newer than the iPhone 12 Pro, and it shows in the specs. The 16 has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, and the 16 has the bigger battery of the two, 3561mAh against 2815mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 16 is the lighter phone at 170g against 189g. Coming from the 12 Pro, the 16 is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro starts at £180 SIM-free.
19 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
|
Apple iPhone 16
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 19 reviews |
4.2 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 461 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 3,561 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | 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 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 189 grams | 170 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £479.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 16?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 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 or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 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 or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 16 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 19g lighter at 170 grams, both are similar in overall footprint, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 16?
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 and Apple iPhone 16 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 16 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.