Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Our Verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is four years newer than the iPhone 12 Pro, and it shows in the specs. The 16 Pro Max has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, and the 16 Pro Max has the bigger battery of the two, 4685mAh against 2815mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. Storage goes higher on the 16 Pro Max, up to 1TB against 512GB, and the 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.9" against 6.1". If you're on the 12 Pro, the 16 Pro Max is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro starts at £180 SIM-free.
19 reviews 4.4
11 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
|
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 19 reviews |
4.4 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1320 x 2868 |
| 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 |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,685 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 189 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 | - |
£34.42/mo
£20.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £649.99 |
| 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 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" 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 Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max?
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 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses the Apple A18 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 38g 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 Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14.1 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.