Apple’s iPhone lineup has evolved significantly over the years, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max being its current flagship model. At the same time, the iPhone 12 remains a popular choice for many users seeking a solid, more affordable option. This comparison explores the differences and similarities between the two Apple mobiles to help you decide which device can better fit your lifestyle and budget.
This overview reflects the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s advancements in display technology, processing power, camera versatility, and battery endurance compared to the iPhone 12. The following table summarises their key specs:
Specification |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Display |
6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868x1320 pixels, 460 ppi, ProMotion Technology, 120Hz refresh rate |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532x1170 pixels, 460 ppi |
Processor |
A18 Pro chip |
A14 Bionic chip |
Storage Options |
256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Rear Cameras |
Triple 48MP (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) with LiDAR Scanner |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth, ƒ/1.9, HDR 5 |
12MP TrueDepth, ƒ/2.2, HDR 3 |
Battery Life (Video Playback) |
Up to 33 hours |
Up to 17 hours |
Connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 |
5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Dimensions |
163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm, 227g |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, 162g |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (6m up to 30 mins) |
IP68 (6m up to 30 mins) |
Operating System |
iOS 18 |
iOS 14 |
Apple’s design language has matured, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max showcasing premium materials and refined aesthetics compared to the iPhone 12. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s titanium frame offers a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, while the iPhone 12’s aluminum frame is sturdy but lighter and smaller.
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Frame Material |
Titanium |
Aluminum |
Front Protection |
Ceramic Shield (latest generation) |
Ceramic Shield |
Back Material |
Textured matte glass |
Glass |
Finish Options |
Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
Black, White, (PRODUCT)RED, Green, Blue, Purple |
Dimensions (mm) |
163 (H) x 77.6 (W) x 8.25 (D) |
146.7 (H) x 71.5 (W) x 7.4 (D) |
Weight |
227 grams |
162 grams |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
Buttons |
Side button, customisable Action button, Volume buttons, Camera Control |
Side button, Volume buttons |
The camera capabilities mark a significant leap forward from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels with a professional-grade triple-camera setup including a telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner for enhanced AR and low-light photography. The iPhone 12’s dual-camera system is still very capable but lacks telephoto zoom and LiDAR.
Camera Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Rear Cameras |
Triple: 48MP Wide (ƒ/1.78), 48MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2), 12MP Telephoto (ƒ/2.8), LiDAR scanner |
Dual: 12MP Wide (ƒ/1.6), 12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.4) |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth (ƒ/1.9), autofocus, Night mode |
12MP TrueDepth (ƒ/2.2) |
Video Recording |
4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 120fps (Fusion), Cinematic mode, ProRes video |
4K video up to 60 fps, Dolby Vision HDR up to 30fps |
Features |
Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, Night mode, Portrait mode, Depth Control |
Smart HDR 3, Night mode, Deep Fusion, Portrait mode |
Flash |
Adaptive True Tone flash |
True Tone flash with Slow Sync |
Performance improvements and battery longevity are key factors when comparing these two models. The A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides significant gains in speed and graphics compared to the A14 in the iPhone 12. Battery life is substantially extended, supporting almost double the video playback time.
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Chipset |
A18 Pro chip |
A14 Bionic chip |
CPU/GPU |
6-core CPU, 6-core GPU |
6-core CPU, 4-core GPU |
Video Playback Battery Life |
Up to 33 hours |
Up to 17 hours |
Audio Playback Battery Life |
Up to 105 hours |
Up to 65 hours |
Charging |
USB-C, MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W, Fast charging |
Lightning, MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W, Fast charging |
Both iPhones run iOS, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports the latest iOS 18 with exclusive features enabled by its advanced hardware. Its display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and sports hardware features like the Action button and satellite emergency connectivity. The iPhone 12 provides a solid iOS experience but lacks these newer enhancements.
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Operating System |
iOS 18 |
iOS 14 |
Biometric Security |
Face ID with TrueDepth camera |
Face ID with TrueDepth camera |
Display Features |
ProMotion 120Hz, Always-On display, Dynamic Island |
No ProMotion, Always-On, or Dynamic Island |
Brightness |
1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR) |
1,200 nits peak brightness (HDR) |
Connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 7, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, Bluetooth 5.3 |
5G, Wi-Fi 6, Ultra Wideband, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Exclusive Features |
Action button customisation, Advanced safety features |
Standard iOS features |
The iPhone 12 remains a budget-friendly option for users wanting premium Apple quality without the flagship price. The iPhone 16 Pro Max commands a premium price reflecting its top-tier features and materials.
Model |
Storage |
Price |
iPhone 12 |
64GB |
₹49,900 |
iPhone 12 |
128GB |
₹54,900 |
iPhone 12 |
256GB |
₹64,900 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
256GB |
₹1,44,900 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
512GB |
₹1,64,900 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
1TB |
₹1,84,900 |
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary as per configuration, region, and available offers. Please check Apple’s official website for up-to-date pricing.
If you desire the latest in Apple’s technology with a large, vibrant display, professional-grade camera system, and extended battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a good choice. It suits power users, photographers, and those who want future-proof features.
Conversely, the iPhone 12 can be suitable if you want a capable, stylish iPhone at a more accessible price, with solid performance and good camera quality for everyday use. Your choice depends on your budget and how much value you place on the newest innovations.
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The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a larger, higher-refresh-rate OLED display, an advanced triple-camera system with LiDAR, the powerful A18 Pro chip, and significantly longer battery life compared to the iPhone 12’s dual-camera setup, A14 chip, and standard OLED display.
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a premium flagship with cutting-edge hardware and features, reflected in its higher price, while the iPhone 12 offers solid performance at a more affordable cost.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports up to 33 hours of video playback, almost double the iPhone 12’s 17 hours, thanks to a powerful battery and improved power efficiency.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion 120Hz and higher brightness, delivering smoother and more vivid visuals than the iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch standard OLED display.
Yes, features like Dynamic Island, Always-On display, LiDAR scanner, Action button customisation, and satellite connectivity are exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
If you value enhanced camera versatility, smoother display, longer battery life, and the latest performance improvements, upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro Max is worthwhile. For basic use, the iPhone 12 remains a capable device.