iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Plus? 

• The iPhone 16 Plus has the A18 Bionic chip with 8GB RAM for faster multitasking, smoother gaming, and advanced AI capabilities, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the older A14 Bionic with 6GB RAM.
• iPhone 16 Plus features a 48MP main camera for capturing sharper photos with greater detail and better low-light performance, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12MP main camera.
• It comes with a larger 4350mAh battery for longer daily use and up to 27 hours of video playback, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a smaller 3687mAh battery.
• The iPhone 16 Plus supports USB-C connectivity for faster and more universal charging and accessory compatibility, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Lightning connector.
• iPhone 16 Plus has Bluetooth 5.3 for more stable wireless connections and improved efficiency with modern headphones and accessories, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Bluetooth 5.0.
• It comes with new hardware controls like the Action Button and Camera Control button for quicker access to essential functions and photography, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max retains the older mute switch without customizable controls.
• The iPhone 16 Plus features a lighter aluminum frame about 199 grams for easier handling and less strain during extended use, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a stainless steel frame that weighs around 228 grams.
• iPhone 16 Plus supports Apple Intelligence with on-device generative AI for smarter Siri interactions, text rewriting, and advanced photo tools, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max does not support Apple Intelligence.

Maybe the iPhone 12 Pro Max price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 16 Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

What Common Both Can Do?

• Display Size & Type: Both phones share a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, meaning users get the same large canvas with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent HDR performance for media and gaming.
• HDR Support: Each device supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision playback, ensuring high-quality streaming from services like Netflix and Disney+ with accurate brightness and color grading.
• Refresh Rate: Neither model uses ProMotion 120Hz; both are limited to a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which results in a familiar scrolling and animation feel across the two generations.
• Front Camera Resolution: Both include a 12MP TrueDepth front camera, which enables high-quality selfies and FaceTime calls with consistent sharpness and detail.
• Face ID Security: Each model uses Apple’s TrueDepth sensor array for Face ID, giving users secure biometric authentication that works for unlocking, payments, and app sign-ins.
• Portrait Mode: Both phones capture portrait shots with background blur and advanced depth control, supported by Apple’s computational photography pipeline.
• Night Mode: Night Mode is available on all cameras for both devices, meaning low-light photos are enhanced with better exposure and detail preservation.
• 4K Video Recording: The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 Pro Max both record in 4K at up to 60fps, maintaining high-resolution video capture for creators and everyday users.
• MagSafe: Both models feature MagSafe charging up to 15W, compatible with Apple’s ecosystem of magnetic wallets, cases, and chargers.
• IP68 Water & Dust Resistance: Each phone is rated IP68, allowing submersion in water for up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, giving users strong durability in daily conditions.
• Storage Options: Both are sold with multiple storage capacities, ensuring flexibility for users who need more space for apps, photos, and videos.
• Stereo Speakers: Each device uses dual stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience when listening to music, watching movies, or playing games.
• 5G Connectivity: Both devices support 5G networks, ensuring high-speed cellular data and lower latency compared to older LTE-only models.
• iOS Updates: Both run on iOS and receive Apple’s long-term update support, ensuring regular security patches, new features, and longevity of usability.
• User Experience Continuity: Since both are iPhones, the overall UI, App Store access, and Apple ecosystem integration (AirDrop, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime) remain consistent, making the user experience very familiar across both devices.