Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Our verdict: With a 6.3" display, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro gives you more viewing area. Snap-happy users may prefer the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and its 48MP rear camera. For a lighter carry, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro wins at 189g. If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro starts at £189.00 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.3
19 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch
457 458
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Apple A18 Pro
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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 5.2, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm
Weight
189 grams 199 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
£37.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£189.00 £549.95
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Apple iPhone 12 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Expert Rating 4.3
19 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch 457 458
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Apple A18 Pro
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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 5.2, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm
Weight 189 grams 199 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 £37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £189.00 £549.95
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.

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

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £189.00.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro uses the Apple A18 Pro.

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

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 Pro?

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

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

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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.