iPhone 12 vs iPhone 17
Quick answer
The iPhone 17 is the same size as the iPhone 12, 13 grams0.46 ounces heavier.
The iPhone 17 on Amazon (paid link) easily outlasts the day on a single charge, and the newer chip makes daily use feel instantly snappier. The iPhone 12 (paid link) is a reasonable choice if you are buying renewed and can live with a smaller screen and older build.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 12
Pocket: iPhone 12
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 12
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.4 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.2 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 17: 149.6 by 71.5 by 7.95 millimetres, 177 grams.
12, 17 shown at 2.2 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 12
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 146.7 millimetres, 17 149.6 millimetres.Height: 12 5.78 inches, 17 5.89 inches.Width: 12 71.5 millimetres, 17 71.5 millimetres.Width: 12 2.81 inches, 17 2.81 inches.Depth: 12 7.40 millimetres, 17 7.95 millimetres.Depth: 12 0.29 inches, 17 0.31 inches.Weight: 12 164 grams, 17 177 grams.Weight: 12 5.78 ounces, 17 6.24 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 | 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 146.7 millimetres5.78 inches | 149.6 millimetres, 2.9 millimetres more5.89 inches, 0.11 inches more |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 71.5 millimetres, the same2.81 inches, the same |
| Depth | 7.40 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.95 millimetres, 0.55 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 164 grams5.78 ounces | 177 grams, 13 grams more6.24 ounces, 0.46 ounces more |
| Volume | 77.6 cubic centimetres4.74 cubic inches | 85.0 cubic centimetres, 7.4 cubic centimetres more5.19 cubic inches, 0.45 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 86 percent | 90 percent, 4 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 6.3 inches, 0.2 inches more |
| Resolution | 1170 × 2532 | 1206 × 2622 |
| 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 | A19 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 17 hrs | 30 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 | 256 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 799 dollars, the same |
| Released | Oct 2020 | Sep 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 17 is 2.9 mm (0.11 in) taller, 0.55 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 13 g (0.46 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 17 measures 149.6 × 71.5 × 7.95 mm (5.89 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 177 g (6.24 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 12
Questions about these phones
How much taller is iPhone 17 than iPhone 12?
iPhone 17 is 2.9 mm taller than iPhone 12. The width is identical at 71.5 mm.
Is iPhone 17 heavier than iPhone 12?
iPhone 17 is 13 grams heavier than iPhone 12. The page notes this weight difference is noticeable.
Which has a bigger screen iPhone 12 or iPhone 17?
iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch screen while iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen. The difference is 0.2 inches.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone 12 is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 17. It is also better for small hands.
Does iPhone 17 fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
iPhone 17 fits in a typical men's jeans pocket but is rated less pocketable than iPhone 12. It does not fit in a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is upgrading from iPhone 12 to iPhone 17 worth it for size?
The verdicts state that a size only upgrade from iPhone 12 to iPhone 17 depends on your needs. iPhone 17 is taller and thicker with a larger screen.