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iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 12

Quick answer

The iPhone 12 is 6.3 millimetres0.25 inches narrower and 35 grams1.23 ounces lighter than the iPhone 16 Plus.

The iPhone 16 Plus on Amazon (paid link) lasts significantly longer than the iPhone 12 (paid link), and its newer chip makes everything feel smoother. Both run the latest iOS and get supported equally. If you want the extra battery and display, the 16 Plus is worth the premium; otherwise, the 12 is a solid pick.

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Easier one-handediPhone 12

PocketiPhone 12

Weight differenceNoticeable

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HeightWidthDepthWeight16 Plus160.9 millimetres6.33 inches77.8 millimetres3.06 inches7.80 millimetres0.31 inches199 grams7.02 ounces12146.7 millimetres, 14.2 millimetres less5.78 inches, 0.56 inches less71.5 millimetres, 6.3 millimetres less2.81 inches, 0.25 inches less7.40 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less164 grams, 35 grams less5.78 ounces, 1.23 ounces less

Height: 16 Plus 160.9 millimetres, 12 146.7 millimetres.Height: 16 Plus 6.33 inches, 12 5.78 inches.Width: 16 Plus 77.8 millimetres, 12 71.5 millimetres.Width: 16 Plus 3.06 inches, 12 2.81 inches.Depth: 16 Plus 7.80 millimetres, 12 7.40 millimetres.Depth: 16 Plus 0.31 inches, 12 0.29 inches.Weight: 16 Plus 199 grams, 12 164 grams.Weight: 16 Plus 7.02 ounces, 12 5.78 ounces.

Specifications

Specifications for iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 12. Differences are given against iPhone 16 Plus.
Specification16 Plus12
Height160.9 millimetres6.33 inches146.7 millimetres, 14.2 millimetres less5.78 inches, 0.56 inches less
Width77.8 millimetres3.06 inches71.5 millimetres, 6.3 millimetres less2.81 inches, 0.25 inches less
Depth7.80 millimetres0.31 inches7.40 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less
Weight199 grams7.02 ounces164 grams, 35 grams less5.78 ounces, 1.23 ounces less
Volume97.6 cubic centimetres5.96 cubic inches77.6 cubic centimetres, 20.0 cubic centimetres less4.74 cubic inches, 1.22 cubic inches less
Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure.88 percent86 percent, 2 percent less
Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches.6.7 inches6.1 inches, 0.6 inches less
Resolution1290 × 27961170 × 2532
Pixel density460 pixels per inch460 pixels per inch, the same
CutoutDynamic IslandNotch
Rear main48MP48MP
Rear ultra-wide——
Rear telephoto——
Front camera12MP12MP
ChipA18A14 Bionic
Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity.27 hrs17 hrs
PortUSB-CLightning
Wireless5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0
Water resistanceIP68 (6m for 30 min)IP68 (6m for 30 min)
Storage128 – 512 GB64 – 256 GB
Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars.899 dollars799 dollars, 100 dollars less
ReleasedSep 2024Oct 2020
StatusCurrentLegacy

Dimensions

The iPhone 12 is 14.2 mm (0.56 in) shorter, 6.3 mm (0.25 in) narrower, 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 35 g (1.23 oz) lighter than the iPhone 16 Plus. 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). 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).

Also compared with iPhone 16 Plus

Questions about these phones

How much bigger is the iPhone 16 Plus than the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 16 Plus is 14.2 mm taller and 6.3 mm wider than the iPhone 12.

What is the screen size difference between these models?

The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch display while the iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch display.

Is the iPhone 16 Plus heavier than the iPhone 12?

Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus weighs 35 grams more than the iPhone 12.

Which phone is easier to use one-handed?

The iPhone 12 is easier to use one-handed and better for small hands than the iPhone 16 Plus.

Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?

Both fit in a typical men's jeans pocket, but the iPhone 12 is more pocketable than the iPhone 16 Plus.

Is it worth upgrading for the size difference alone?

Whether upgrading for size alone is worth it depends on your priorities because battery and performance matter more than size.