Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Apple iPhone 16 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone 16 Plus is slightly thicker (0.4 mm), similar height and width makes both feel quite similar in hand |
| Weight | 228g | 199g | iPhone 16 Plus is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical display size provides similar screen real estate for content consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1290x2796 | Very similar resolution; both provide sharp and detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 458 | 460 | Almost identical pixel density, both phones offer sharp text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Identical OLED technology for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz, which may feel less smooth compared to devices with higher refresh rates when scrolling |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Plus has much better visibility in bright sunlight, and generally a brighter display in all conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) | iPhone 16 Plus has a significantly newer chip, offering vastly better performance, power efficiency, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 1,753,018 | iPhone 16 Plus performs much faster in benchmarks, translating to snappier apps, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU (6-core) | iPhone 16 Plus GPU is more powerful, resulting in superior gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1.70 µm pixels, Sony IMX603 sensor | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.3", Sony IMX904 sensor, 1.00 µm pixels | iPhone 16 Plus has a much higher resolution primary camera, leading to greater detail and flexibility when editing images. Larger sensor size on the iPhone 16 Plus improves image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX514 | 12MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX714 | iPhone 16 Plus has a wider aperture on the selfie camera, leading to better low-light performance and potentially better bokeh in portraits |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Sony IMX590, 1.00 µm pixels | None | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a telephoto lens offering optical zoom capabilities while iPhone 16 Plus does not have a dedicated telephoto camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", Sony IMX372, 1.40 µm pixels | None | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX633, 1.40 µm pixels | iPhone 16 Plus has a ultrawide camera with macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, Stereo Sound, Slow-mo 240fps | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, Stereo Sound, Slow-mo 240fps | Similar video recording capabilities; both are excellent for video recording. |
| DXoMark Score | Mobile: 131, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | iPhone 12 Pro Max has been benchmarked on DXoMark. The newer model is likely superior in camera performance based on sensor and processing improvements. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3687 mAh | 4674 mAh | iPhone 16 Plus has a significantly larger battery, leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless | 25W Fast Charging, 25W Wireless Charging | iPhone 16 Plus charges faster via both wired and wireless methods, with better wireless charging speeds as well. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, * Unconfirmed capacity, 20W adapter sold separately, MagSafe, Qi wireless | Non-removable, 25W Wireless Charging | iPhone 16 Plus boasts more efficient charging solutions than its older counterpart. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1, Max version 18 | iOS 18 | iPhone 16 Plus has a newer OS, meaning latest features, better optimization, and longer software support. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual-band, Wi-Fi hotspot, MIMO | WiFi 6E, Dual-band, Wi-Fi hotspot, MIMO | iPhone 16 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and less interference compared to the older WiFi 6 on the 12 Pro Max. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, APT-x | iPhone 16 Plus has newer Bluetooth, with improved range, connectivity, and sound quality (via AptX codec). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | iPhone 16 Plus supports more satellite systems, providing better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB | iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM, which improves multitasking performance and reduces app reloads. |
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Same storage options for both devices. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, the iPhone 16 Plus has enhanced microphone setup for calls and recordings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Advantages:
- Significantly Improved Performance: The A18 chip offers much better CPU and GPU performance compared to the A14 Bionic, making it smoother and faster for all tasks.
- Superior Battery Life: Larger battery and more efficient chip translate to significantly longer battery life for all-day usage.
- Brighter Display: 2000 nits peak brightness means significantly better visibility in bright sunlight conditions.
- Better Cameras: Upgraded main camera sensor with higher resolution, better low-light performance and a Macro camera. Improved selfie camera as well.
- Faster Charging: 25W wired and wireless charging enables faster charging times compared to the older 20W standard.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide better, faster, and more reliable wireless connections.
- More RAM: 8 GB of RAM ensures smoother multitasking and better overall system responsiveness.
- Newer OS - Newer operating system with the latest software features and long software support.
- Lighter Weight - The iPhone 16 Plus is lighter, which makes it more comfortable to hold for longer periods.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens offering true optical zoom for better close-up shots.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle lens: Offers a different lens than on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- Lower Price (likely): Being an older model, it's likely to be available at a lower price point on the used market.
- DXoMark Scores Available: For some, existing camera benchmarks may be an advantage.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a telephoto lens, but the iPhone 16 Plus has a superior main sensor and a macro lens.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper (on the used market), but the iPhone 16 Plus is significantly more performant and has a better screen.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max is heavier, while the iPhone 16 Plus is a more comfortable design with a larger battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 16 Plus:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand the best performance for gaming, video editing, and other intensive tasks.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want to capture the best possible photos and videos with a great main sensor, and also want to use macro lens photography.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who need a phone that lasts all day without needing a recharge.
- Users who appreciate cutting-edge technology: People who want the newest features and connectivity standards.
Use Cases for iPhone 16 Plus:
- Mobile gaming with high frame rates and smooth graphics.
- Editing 4K video on the go.
- Professional photography in various lighting conditions.
- All-day productivity and multitasking with many apps.
- Reliable navigation and connectivity in diverse situations.
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Users on a Budget: Individuals who want an iPhone at a lower price point on the used market.
- Users Who Want an Optical Zoom: Someone who values a telephoto zoom lens for specific photography needs.
Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Basic daily use (browsing, social media, calls).
- Photography where optical zoom is needed often.
- Users who want a high-quality camera without needing the very latest features.
- Users who already have MagSafe accessories.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Is the budget a primary factor? If yes, consider a used iPhone 12 Pro Max, if budget is not a primary concern, consider the iPhone 16 Plus.
- How important is top-tier performance and longevity? If you want future-proofing, the iPhone 16 Plus is the better choice.
- What camera features do I value the most? If you want a telephoto camera, the 12 Pro Max is better, otherwise, the iPhone 16 Plus is superior in the other camera categories.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy User, Budget Not Limiting: Buy the iPhone 16 Plus for its superior performance, battery, screen, and camera technology.
- Scenario 2: Camera Enthusiast With Telephoto Focus: Consider the iPhone 12 Pro Max if you absolutely need a telephoto lens, but be prepared to compromise on other aspects.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer: Consider a used iPhone 12 Pro Max for its lower price point. If budget is not the biggest factor, the iPhone 16 Plus offers better value in all other aspects.
My Choice
I would choose the iPhone 16 Plus. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a telephoto lens which might be useful in some situations, the iPhone 16 Plus offers a superior overall user experience. The massive upgrade in performance with the A18 chip makes the phone future-proof for years to come, while the significantly improved battery and screen brightness allow for more comfortable all-day usage. Also, the higher resolution primary camera and improved macro lens are huge positives for a frequent phone photographer like me, and outweigh the benefit of the optical zoom on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, for my specific usage patterns.
