Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16
iPhone 16 delivers superior value at $200 less, featuring a brighter 2000-nit display versus 800 nits, a larger 3561mAh battery, and the newer A18 chip with 8GB RAM. Camera improvements are significant: the 48MP main sensor (up from 12MP) captures substantially more detail, though both phones lack telephoto capabilities on the base model. Display technology remains OLED on both, but 16's enhanced brightness makes outdoor viewing noticeably better. Battery life favors iPhone 16 with faster 25W wireless charging and greater capacity. iPhone 12 Pro's stainless steel build feels premium compared to aluminum, and its 2.5x telephoto lens provides optical zoom advantage. However, iPhone 16's USB-C connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 support, and modern iOS 18 with AI features justify the recommendation. iPhone 16 represents better overall value for most users, offering nearly flagship-level specs at mid-range pricing.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 14 | iOS 18 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 189 g | 170 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision |
| Telephoto | 12 MP 2.5x | — |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 3561 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 25W MagSafe |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU (5-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A18 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Pros
- First iPhone with LiDAR scanner for AR and Night mode portraits
- Introduced MagSafe magnetic accessory ecosystem
- First 5nm chip (A14 Bionic) on any smartphone
- ProRAW format for professional photo editing
- Flat-edge design revival praised for aesthetics
Cons
- No 120Hz ProMotion display at Pro pricing
- Small 2815 mAh battery requires charging daily
- Charger removed from box controversially
- 2.5x telephoto falls short of Android competition
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
- Compact and lightweight design
- Improved 48 MP main camera
- Strong battery life for its size
Cons
- Still 60Hz display in 2024
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto lens
- No always-on display
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