Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Our Verdict: The iPhone 16 Plus is four years newer than the iPhone 12 Pro, and it shows in the specs. The 16 Plus has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, and there's more battery in the 16 Plus, 4674mAh to 2815mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 16 Plus has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1", and the 12 Pro is the lighter phone at 189g against 199g. The 16 Plus is the better phone; upgrade from the 12 Pro if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro starts at £180 SIM-free.
19 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
|
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 19 reviews |
4.2 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 2796 x 1290 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 460 |
| 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 | 4,674 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 | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm |
| Weight | 189 grams | 199 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£32.79/mo
£9.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £510.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro'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 or Apple iPhone 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 Plus?
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 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 16 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 16 Plus uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 10g lighter at 189 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 16 Plus?
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 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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.