iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus
Quick answer
The iPhone 16 Plus is the same size as the iPhone 12 Pro Max, 29 grams1.02 ounces lighter.
The iPhone 16 Plus on Amazon (paid link) feels noticeably lighter despite its battery lasting longer, making it a joy to carry for hours. It keeps the same big-screen footprint as the iPhone 12 Pro Max (paid link) while bringing USB‑C and future software updates. For anyone wanting a large phone that won't weigh you down, this is the sensible move. If you want the newest big-screen option, the iPhone 18 Pro Max (paid link) is worth a look.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: Same
Pocket: Same
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 12 Pro Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16 Plus
from $899 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: 160.8 by 78.1 by 7.4 millimetres, 228 grams. iPhone 16 Plus: 160.9 by 77.8 by 7.8 millimetres, 199 grams.
12 Pro Max, 16 Plus shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 12 Pro Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16 Plus
from $899 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 Pro Max 160.8 millimetres, 16 Plus 160.9 millimetres.Height: 12 Pro Max 6.33 inches, 16 Plus 6.33 inches.Width: 12 Pro Max 78.1 millimetres, 16 Plus 77.8 millimetres.Width: 12 Pro Max 3.07 inches, 16 Plus 3.06 inches.Depth: 12 Pro Max 7.40 millimetres, 16 Plus 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 12 Pro Max 0.29 inches, 16 Plus 0.31 inches.Weight: 12 Pro Max 228 grams, 16 Plus 199 grams.Weight: 12 Pro Max 8.04 ounces, 16 Plus 7.02 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 Pro Max | 16 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 160.8 millimetres6.33 inches | 160.9 millimetres, 0.1 millimetres more6.33 inches, the same |
| Width | 78.1 millimetres3.07 inches | 77.8 millimetres, 0.3 millimetres less3.06 inches, 0.01 inches less |
| Depth | 7.40 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 228 grams8.04 ounces | 199 grams, 29 grams less7.02 ounces, 1.02 ounces less |
| Volume | 92.9 cubic centimetres5.67 cubic inches | 97.6 cubic centimetres, 4.7 cubic centimetres more5.96 cubic inches, 0.29 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 87 percent | 88 percent, 1 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches, the same |
| Resolution | 1284 × 2778 | 1290 × 2796 |
| Pixel density | 458 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A18 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 20 hrs | 27 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 128 – 512 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 1,099 dollars | 899 dollars, 200 dollars less |
| Released | Nov 2020 | Sep 2024 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 16 Plus is 0.1 mm taller, 0.3 mm (0.01 in) narrower, 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 29 g (1.02 oz) lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.40 mm (6.33 × 3.07 × 0.29 in) and weighs 228 g (8.04 oz). The iPhone 16 Plus measures 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm (6.33 × 3.06 × 0.31 in) and weighs 199 g (7.02 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 12 Pro Max
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- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro
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- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16
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- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Duo
Questions about these phones
Are the screen sizes the same on the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus?
Both phones have a 6.7-inch display so the screen sizes are effectively the same. This means viewing area does not change between these phones.
Is the iPhone 16 Plus lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 16 Plus is 29 grams lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. This weight difference is noticeable to most users holding the devices.
Is one phone easier to use with one hand than the other?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus are similar in height and width for one-handed use. The verdicts rate one-handed ease as the same for both models.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither model fits in a typical women's jeans pocket.
How do the physical dimensions compare between the two phones?
The iPhone 16 Plus is 0.3 mm narrower but 0.4 mm thicker than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The overall volume is slightly larger on the iPhone 16 Plus.
Is upgrading to the newer model worth it if the size is similar?
If you want a lighter phone with longer battery life but the same screen size the upgrade is worth it. The verdicts confirm that a size-only upgrade is worth it in this comparison.