PHONE AiPhone 12
No fresh verified price
Full specs →DATA-DRIVEN PHONE COMPARE
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16
32 source-backed differences · 8 fields the same. Official sources below.
✓Both records verified · latest Aug 19, 2026
Comparing shared product base specs.
PHONE A
PHONE BiPhone 16
128GB $799
Full specs →Direct answer
iPhone 12 has advantages in design & dimensions, while iPhone 16 has advantages in battery, performance, rear cameras.
Top Differences
Prioritize what matters to you, then expand the full shared field set.
✓43 registry fields
What Changed
Deterministic differences from the verified structured records.
625 nits typical; 1,200 nits hdr compared with 2,000 nits outdoor
11 compared with 18
A14 Bionic compared with A18
12 MP compared with 48 MP
Unknown compared with 12 MP
Full Comparison
Expand every verified field and inspect the complete side-by-side data.
✓43 registry fields
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
Ultra Wide cameraMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknown12 MPHigher resolution can preserve more detail in wide scenes.
Main cameraMarginal difference2 official sources12 MP48 MPResolution is one part of camera detail and crop flexibility.
ApertureMarginal difference2 official sourcesƒ/2.2 apertureƒ/1.9 apertureNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ZoomMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknown2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 4x optical zoom rangeNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
VideoMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknown4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fpsNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
Outdoor brightnessMeaningful difference2 official sources625 nits typical; 1,200 nits hdr2,000 nits outdoorHigher outdoor brightness improves sunlight readability.
ResolutionMarginal difference2 official sources2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi2556-by-1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppiNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
ChipMarginal difference2 official sourcesA14 BionicA18Newer silicon generally extends performance headroom.
Gpu coresMarginal difference2 official sources45No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
Video playbackMarginal difference2 official sources17 hours22 hoursApple’s common playback test gives a comparable endurance signal.
Fast chargeMarginal difference2 official sourcesUp to 50% charge in 30 minutes 13 with 20W adapter or higher (sold separately)Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes 6 with 20W adapter or higher (available separately) paired with USB-C charging cable, or 30W adapter or higher paired with MagSafe Charger (both available separately)Shorter top-up time matters during travel and busy days.
Audio playback hoursMarginal difference2 official sources6580No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Streamed video hoursMeaningful difference2 official sources1118No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
WeightMinor difference2 official sources164 g170 gWeight affects long sessions and one-handed comfort.
Depth mmMarginal difference2 official sources7.47.8No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Height mmMarginal difference2 official sources146.7147.6No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Width mmMarginal difference2 official sources71.571.6No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ColorsMarginal difference2 official sourcesBlack, WhiteBlack, White, Pink, Teal, UltramarineNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
MaterialsMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknownAluminum design, Ceramic Shield front, Color-infused glass back (Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine)No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
Storage optionsMarginal difference2 official sources64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GBAvailable capacities determine local media and app headroom.
ContentsMarginal difference2 official sourcesiPhone 12, USB-C to Lightning Cable, Documentation, We encourage you to re-use your current USB-A to Lightning cables, power adapters, and headphones which are compatible with this iPhone. But if you need any new Apple power adapters or headphones, they are available for purchase.iPhone 16, USB-C Charge Cable (1 m), Documentation, We encourage you to use any compatible USB-C power adapter. If you need a new Apple power adapter or headphones, they are available for purchase.No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ReleaseYearMarginal difference2 official sources20202024No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ListMarginal difference2 official sourcesFace ID, Barometer, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensorFace ID, Barometer, High dynamic range gyro, High-g accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Dual ambient light sensorsNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
BluetoothMarginal difference2 official sourcesBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.3The generation can affect accessory capabilities.
UwbMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknownYesNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
WifiMarginal difference2 official sourcesWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
U.S. SIMMarginal difference2 official sourcesDual SIMDual eSIM onlySIM format determines carrier setup and travel flexibility.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
Magsafe wMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknown25No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Qi2 wMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknown25No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
ConnectorMarginal difference2 official sourcesLightningUSB-CNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Usb speedMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknownUSB 2 (up to 480Mb/s)No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone 16Why it matters
Fresh ordinary priceMarginal difference1 official sourceUnavailable$829 · 128GBOrdinary unlocked prices avoid presenting carrier-dependent discounts as universal.
What’s the same
Which should you buy?
iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 trade strengths: iPhone 12 leads in Design, while iPhone 16 leads in Battery, Performance and Camera.
- Choose iPhone 12 if you prioritize design.
- Choose iPhone 16 if you prioritize battery, performance and camera.
Category-by-category
Leads in battery.
Leads in performance.
Leads in camera.
Leads in design.
Comparable across display.
Comparable across other.
Comparable across connectivity.
Comparable across regional.
Comparable across charging.
Comparable across ports.
Comparable across price.
FIELD-LEVEL PROVENANCE
4 official sources
Every compared field traces to an official product source. No model-generated specs, prices or winners.