Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 and the iPhone 15 Plus are three years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 15 Plus 5G has a far higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the 12's 12MP, and the 15 Plus 5G packs the bigger battery, 4383mAh against 2815mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 15 Plus 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the 12 tops out at 256GB, and the 15 Plus 5G has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1". Coming from the 12, the 15 Plus 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Over a full contract, the 12 works out around £510 all-in, about £335 less than the 15 Plus 5G.
18 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 reviews |
4.2 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1290 x 2796 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,383 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 201 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£19.00/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £149.99 | £344.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 15 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £510.00 over the life of the deal from £19.00 per month with £9.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12'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 or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 15 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 or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 15 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 15 Plus uses the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 37g lighter at 164 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 or Apple iPhone 15 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 and Apple iPhone 15 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 15 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.