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

iPhone 16 Plus & iPhone 12 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 16 Plus rather than the iPhone 12

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Plus

  • The iPhone 16 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina OLED display for a more immersive viewing experience with sharper detail when streaming or gaming, whereas the iPhone 12 has a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display.
  • iPhone 16 Plus has a 48 MP dual rear camera system with advanced sensor-shift stabilization for capturing high-resolution photos and steadier videos, while the iPhone 12 includes a 12 MP dual rear camera system with less detail and stability.
  • It comes with the A18 Bionic chip for faster multitasking, smoother app performance, and advanced AI processing, whereas the iPhone 12 uses the older A14 Bionic chip with slower performance and no AI optimization.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus has a larger ~4350 mAh battery for longer endurance that delivers up to 27 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 12 uses a smaller ~2815 mAh battery.
  • iPhone 16 Plus includes USB-C connectivity for faster charging and universal accessory compatibility, while the iPhone 12 relies on the Lightning connector with limited accessory support.
  • It features Bluetooth 5.3 for more stable wireless connections and improved efficiency with modern headphones and wearables, while the iPhone 12 uses Bluetooth 5.0 with less reliability and range.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus has a Camera Control button and customizable Action Button for quicker access to photography and essential functions, whereas the iPhone 12 only includes a traditional mute switch with limited use.
  • iPhone 16 Plus supports Wi-Fi 7 for faster and more reliable wireless internet connectivity in high-bandwidth environments, while the iPhone 12 supports older Wi-Fi 6.

Maybe the iPhone 12 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.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 12
Display size6.7-inch6.1-inch
Display resolution2796 × 1290 px2532 × 1170 px
Pixel density (ppi)460(not specified)
Display typeSuper Retina XDR OLED with HDR & True ToneSuper Retina XDR OLED with True Tone
Rear cameraDual 48 MPDual 12 MP
Main camera aperturef/1.6(not specified)
Ultra-wide camera aperturef/2.2(not specified)
ChipsetA18 BionicA14 Bionic
CPU performance boostUp to ~60 % fasterBaseline
GPU performance boostUp to ~2× faster (or 40–70 %)Baseline
Storage options128 / 256 / 512 GB64 / 128 / 256 GB
Battery capacity~4350 mAh~2815 mAh
Battery (video playback)Up to 27 hoursSignificantly lower
Connector typeUSB-CLightning
Bluetooth version5.35.0
Weight~199 g~164 g
New physical buttonsAction button + Camera Control buttonSilent switch only
Wireless chargingQi / MagSafeQi
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Plus PriceCheck iPhone 12 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Brand (Apple): Both are Apple devices, sharing the same ecosystem, quality standards, design philosophy, and seamless integration with services like iCloud, App Store, and continuity across Apple products.
  • Operating System (iOS): Both run Apple’s iOS and benefit from long-term software support, including updates, security patches, and access to Apple Intelligence features over time.
  • Display Technology (OLED with True Tone): Both use high-quality OLED panels offering excellent contrast, vibrant colors, and the True Tone feature, which adapts screen warmth to ambient lighting for better visual comfort.
  • Face ID: Facial recognition is used for secure authentication on both models, enabling unlocking, payments, and app authentication via the TrueDepth camera system.
  • Water Resistance (IP68): Rated for splash, water, and dust resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, both devices are built to endure everyday exposure to water and dust.
  • Wireless Charging (Qi & MagSafe): Both models support wireless charging using Qi and MagSafe, enabling convenient cable-free charging and compatibility with magnetic accessories.
  • 5G Connectivity: Both support 5G cellular connectivity, offering high-speed mobile data and better network performance where available.
  • NFC Support: Both include NFC (Near Field Communication), enabling Apple Pay, quick pairing, and other contactless interactions.
  • Dual SIM Capability: Both can accommodate dual SIM use via a combo of nano-SIM and eSIM (region-dependent), allowing for flexible carrier configurations and travel use.
  • GPS / Multi-GNSS: Equipped with satellite navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS), both support accurate location tracking for navigation, mapping, and location-based apps.
  • Ultra Wideband (UWB): Both include Apple’s UWB chip, providing precise spatial awareness for features like AirTag location tracking and improved AirDrop sharing.
  • Sensors (Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient Light, Barometer, Proximity): A suite of sensors—accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, barometer, and proximity sensor—is present in both, facilitating motion detection, adaptive display brightness, environmental readings, and efficient screen behavior during calls.
  • Rear Glass Material & Aluminum Frame: Both are built with a glass back and aluminum housing, balancing a premium feel, durability, and support for wireless charging.
  • Splash/Dust Resistance: Both hold the same IP68 certification, ensuring they’re equally protected against water splashes and dust ingress.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 12
BrandAppleApple
Operating systemiOSiOS
Display technologyOLED Super RetinaOLED Super Retina XDR
Face IDYesYes
Water resistanceIP68IP68
Wireless chargingQi and MagSafeQi and MagSafe
5G connectivityYesYes
NFC supportYesYes
Dual SIMYesYes
GPS supportYesYes
Ultra Wideband (UWB)YesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
Ambient light sensorYesYes
BarometerYesYes
Proximity sensorYesYes
Rear glass materialGlass-back designGlass-back design
Aluminum frameYesYes
Splash/dust resistanceYesYes
Price Check iPhone 16 Plus Price Check iPhone 12 Price

FAQ

Does the iPhone 16 Plus have a bigger screen than the iPhone 12?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus comes with a 6.7-inch OLED display, which is significantly larger than the iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch OLED screen, making it better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.

Do both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 support Face ID?
Yes, both models include Apple’s Face ID technology using the TrueDepth camera system, ensuring secure authentication for unlocking, payments, and app sign-ins.

Are the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 both water resistant?
Yes, both phones carry an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, allowing them to withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both support 5G networks, giving users access to faster download and upload speeds compared to older 4G LTE models.

Is MagSafe available on both iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12?
Yes, both models support MagSafe charging and accessories, which means they can magnetically align with wireless chargers and compatible add-ons.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 both use OLED display technology?
Yes, both feature Super Retina OLED displays with HDR and True Tone, delivering vibrant colors, high contrast, and immersive visuals.

Is NFC available in both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12?
Yes, both devices include NFC functionality for Apple Pay and other contactless interactions.

Do both models come with glass backs and aluminum frames?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 are built with glass backs to enable wireless charging and an aluminum frame for durability and lightweight design.

Can both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 run iOS 18?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus ships with iOS 18, while the iPhone 12 can be upgraded to iOS 18, ensuring both models benefit from Apple’s latest software features.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 both support dual SIM functionality?
Yes, both can operate with a nano-SIM and an eSIM, depending on the region, which is useful for traveling or managing personal and work numbers.

Are both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 equipped with Ultra Wideband technology?
Yes, both models include UWB, enabling precise device location for AirTags and enhancing AirDrop sharing between nearby devices.

Do both phones support wireless charging standards besides MagSafe?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 support standard Qi wireless charging, making them compatible with a wide range of chargers.

Are the front cameras the same on the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12?
Yes, both feature a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera, capable of high-quality selfies and FaceTime calls with support for Portrait mode and other Apple camera features.

Do both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12 come with a barometer and motion sensors?
Yes, both include sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and barometer, which help in navigation, fitness tracking, and adaptive screen functions.

Is the overall build quality premium on both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 12?
Yes, both devices maintain Apple’s premium standards with a sleek design, durable aluminum housing, and scratch-resistant glass, ensuring longevity and a premium feel in hand.

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