iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16
Quick answer
The iPhone 16 is the same size as the iPhone 12, 6 grams0.21 ounces heavier.
The iPhone 16 on Amazon (paid link) feels familiar in the hand but lasts longer on a single charge and runs apps noticeably faster. It costs significantly more as a new device, while the iPhone 12 (paid link) offers the same size for far less. Choose the 16 for endurance and modern features, or stick with the 12 to save money.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: Same
Pocket: iPhone 12
Weight difference: Not noticeable
iPhone 12
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16
from $799 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: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.4 millimetres, 164 grams. iPhone 16: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 170 grams.
12, 16 shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 12
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 146.7 millimetres, 16 147.6 millimetres.Height: 12 5.78 inches, 16 5.81 inches.Width: 12 71.5 millimetres, 16 71.6 millimetres.Width: 12 2.81 inches, 16 2.82 inches.Depth: 12 7.40 millimetres, 16 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 12 0.29 inches, 16 0.31 inches.Weight: 12 164 grams, 16 170 grams.Weight: 12 5.78 ounces, 16 6.00 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 | 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 146.7 millimetres5.78 inches | 147.6 millimetres, 0.9 millimetres more5.81 inches, 0.04 inches more |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 71.6 millimetres, 0.1 millimetres more2.82 inches, the same |
| Depth | 7.40 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 164 grams5.78 ounces | 170 grams, 6 grams more6.00 ounces, 0.21 ounces more |
| Volume | 77.6 cubic centimetres4.74 cubic inches | 82.4 cubic centimetres, 4.8 cubic centimetres more5.03 cubic inches, 0.29 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 86 percent | 87 percent, 1 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches, the same |
| Resolution | 1170 × 2532 | 1179 × 2556 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, the same |
| 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. | 17 hrs | 22 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 | 64 – 256 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 799 dollars, the same |
| Released | Oct 2020 | Sep 2024 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 16 is 0.9 mm (0.04 in) taller, 0.1 mm wider, 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 6 g (0.21 oz) heavier than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.40 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.29 in) and weighs 164 g (5.78 oz). The iPhone 16 measures 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm (5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in) and weighs 170 g (6.00 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 12
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is iPhone 16 than iPhone 12?
iPhone 16 is 0.9 mm taller and 0.4 mm thicker than iPhone 12. The width difference is negligible at 0.1 mm.
Is iPhone 16 heavier than iPhone 12?
iPhone 16 weighs 6 grams more than iPhone 12. This weight difference is generally not noticeable in daily use.
Do iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 have the same screen size?
Both phones have a 6.1 inch display. The screen area and pixel density are effectively identical.
Are either of these phones easier to use with one hand?
Both phones offer the same ease of one-handed use for an average adult hand. They are suitable for users with small hands.
Does iPhone 12 or iPhone 16 fit better in a pocket?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket, but iPhone 12 is more pocketable because it is lighter and thinner. Neither fits comfortably in a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is it worth upgrading from iPhone 12 to iPhone 16 for size?
Upgrading from iPhone 12 to iPhone 16 is not worth it for size alone because the dimensions are very similar. The battery and chip upgrades are the main reasons to switch.