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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. 

Key Specifications

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

Design and Build

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

Camera Comparison

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 and Battery

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

Software and Features

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

Price Comparison

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.

Verdict: Which iPhone Should You Buy?

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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FAQs

What is the major difference between iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 12?

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.

Is iPhone 16 Pro Max worth more than iPhone 12?

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. 

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max's battery life significantly better than the iPhone 12?

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.

How does the display quality of the iPhone 16 Pro Max compare to the iPhone 12?

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.

Are there any new features in the iPhone 16 Pro Max not available in the iPhone 12?

Yes, features like Dynamic Island, Always-On display, LiDAR scanner, Action button customisation, and satellite connectivity are exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max worth the upgrade from the iPhone 12?

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. 

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