Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 17
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 17 are five years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 17 leads on camera hardware with a 48MP main sensor to the 12 Pro's 12MP, plus a 18MP selfie camera against 12MP, and there's more battery in the 17, 3692mAh to 2815mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 17 has the bigger screen, 6.3" against 6.1", and the 17 is the lighter phone at 177g against 189g. If you're on the 12 Pro, the 17 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 4.5
12 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
|
Apple iPhone 17
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 19 reviews |
4.5 12 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 | 18 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A19 Pro |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 3,692 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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 | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm |
| Weight | 189 grams | 177 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£29.99/mo
£59.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £599.00 |
| Prices updated 17 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 17?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17 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 17?
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 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 17?
It's a trade-off: the Apple iPhone 17 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is more compact. It's 12g lighter at 177 grams, though the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is actually the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 17?
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 17 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 17 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.