iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16e
Quick answer
The iPhone 16e is the same size as the iPhone 12 Pro, 22 grams0.78 ounces lighter.
The iPhone 16e on Amazon (paid link) keeps the same familiar frame but arrives lighter and lasts far longer on a charge. You lose MagSafe on this model, yet the newer chip keeps everything responsive where the older one may start to lag. For a device to hold onto for years, the 16e is the safer buy at its renewed price. If you want the absolute latest features, you might also look at the iPhone 17 (paid link).
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 16e
Pocket: Same
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 12 Pro
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 12 Pro: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.4 millimetres, 189 grams. iPhone 16e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 167 grams.
12 Pro, 16e shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 12 Pro
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 Pro 146.7 millimetres, 16e 146.7 millimetres.Height: 12 Pro 5.78 inches, 16e 5.78 inches.Width: 12 Pro 71.5 millimetres, 16e 71.5 millimetres.Width: 12 Pro 2.81 inches, 16e 2.81 inches.Depth: 12 Pro 7.40 millimetres, 16e 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 12 Pro 0.29 inches, 16e 0.31 inches.Weight: 12 Pro 189 grams, 16e 167 grams.Weight: 12 Pro 6.67 ounces, 16e 5.89 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 Pro | 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 146.7 millimetres5.78 inches | 146.7 millimetres, the same5.78 inches, the same |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 71.5 millimetres, the same2.81 inches, the same |
| Depth | 7.40 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 189 grams6.67 ounces | 167 grams, 22 grams less5.89 ounces, 0.78 ounces less |
| Volume | 77.6 cubic centimetres4.74 cubic inches | 81.8 cubic centimetres, 4.2 cubic centimetres more4.99 cubic inches, 0.26 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 86 percent | 86 percent, the same |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches, the same |
| Resolution | 1170 × 2532 | 1170 × 2532 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, the same |
| Cutout | Notch | Notch |
| 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. | 17 hrs | 26 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. | 999 dollars | 599 dollars, 400 dollars less |
| Released | Oct 2020 | Feb 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 16e is 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 22 g (0.78 oz) lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.40 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.29 in) and weighs 189 g (6.67 oz). The iPhone 16e measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 167 g (5.89 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone Duo
Questions about these phones
How does the iPhone 16e size compare to the iPhone 12 Pro?
The iPhone 16e and iPhone 12 Pro have the same height and width. The iPhone 16e is 0.4 mm thicker than the iPhone 12 Pro.
Is the iPhone 16e lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro?
The iPhone 16e weighs 22 grams less than the iPhone 12 Pro. This weight difference is noticeable in daily use.
Do the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16e have the same screen size?
Both phones have a 6.1 inch display with the same resolution. The screen size does not change between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16e.
Which phone is better for one-handed use?
The iPhone 16e is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 12 Pro. It is also better for small hands due to its lighter weight.
Will the iPhone 16e fit in my pocket?
Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16e fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither phone fits in a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is upgrading from iPhone 12 Pro to iPhone 16e worth it for size?
Whether the size upgrade is worth it depends on how much you value the lighter weight. The iPhone 16e offers longer battery life with the same physical footprint.