Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 16e
The 12 is the cheaper one to own: around £359 over a typical contract, £217 less than the 16e.
18 reviews 3.7
12 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
Apple iPhone 16e
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 reviews |
3.7 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 457 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A18 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,005 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, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£11.99/mo
£49.00 upfront |
£22.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £140.00 | £359.00 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 16e cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £359.16 over the life of the deal from £11.99 per month with £49.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 16e?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 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 16e?
The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £140.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 16e?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 16e comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 16e use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 16e?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 3g lighter at 164 grams, both are similar in overall footprint, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 16e?
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 16e run?
The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 16e 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.