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iPhone 16e vs iPhone 12

Quick answer

The iPhone 12 is the same size as the iPhone 16e, 3 grams0.11 ounces lighter.

The iPhone 16e on Amazon (paid link) delivers a massive jump in speed and battery life compared to the iPhone 12 (paid link), with generations of modern silicon between them. Both still receive the latest software, but the 16e supports Apple Intelligence and lasts noticeably longer on a charge. At a higher price, it is the pick if you need modern features and endurance.

Paid link.

Easier one-handedSame

PocketSame

Weight differenceNot noticeable

Paid link.

Paid link.

HeightWidthDepthWeight16e146.7 millimetres5.78 inches71.5 millimetres2.81 inches7.80 millimetres0.31 inches167 grams5.89 ounces12146.7 millimetres, the same5.78 inches, the same71.5 millimetres, the same2.81 inches, the same7.40 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less164 grams, 3 grams less5.78 ounces, 0.11 ounces less

Height: 16e 146.7 millimetres, 12 146.7 millimetres.Height: 16e 5.78 inches, 12 5.78 inches.Width: 16e 71.5 millimetres, 12 71.5 millimetres.Width: 16e 2.81 inches, 12 2.81 inches.Depth: 16e 7.80 millimetres, 12 7.40 millimetres.Depth: 16e 0.31 inches, 12 0.29 inches.Weight: 16e 167 grams, 12 164 grams.Weight: 16e 5.89 ounces, 12 5.78 ounces.

Specifications

Specifications for iPhone 16e, iPhone 12. Differences are given against iPhone 16e.
Specification16e12
Height146.7 millimetres5.78 inches146.7 millimetres, the same5.78 inches, the same
Width71.5 millimetres2.81 inches71.5 millimetres, the same2.81 inches, the same
Depth7.80 millimetres0.31 inches7.40 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less
Weight167 grams5.89 ounces164 grams, 3 grams less5.78 ounces, 0.11 ounces less
Volume81.8 cubic centimetres4.99 cubic inches77.6 cubic centimetres, 4.2 cubic centimetres less4.74 cubic inches, 0.26 cubic inches less
Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure.86 percent86 percent, the same
Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches.6.1 inches6.1 inches, the same
Resolution1170 × 25321170 × 2532
Pixel density460 pixels per inch460 pixels per inch, the same
CutoutNotchNotch
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.26 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.599 dollars799 dollars, 200 dollars more
ReleasedFeb 2025Oct 2020
StatusCurrentLegacy

Dimensions

The iPhone 12 is 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 3 g (0.11 oz) lighter than the iPhone 16e. 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). 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 16e

Questions about these phones

Are the iPhone 16e and iPhone 12 the same size?

The iPhone 16e and iPhone 12 have identical height and width at 146.7 mm by 71.5 mm. The iPhone 12 is 0.4 mm thinner than the iPhone 16e.

Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 weighs 164 grams while the iPhone 16e weighs 167 grams. The weight difference is not noticeable to most users.

Do the iPhone 16e and iPhone 12 have the same screen size?

Both models feature a 6.1 inch display with the same resolution and pixel density. There is no difference in screen dimensions between the two phones.

Is the iPhone 16e easier to use one handed than the iPhone 12?

Both phones offer the same level of one handed ease due to their identical dimensions. Neither model is specifically better suited for small hands than the other.

Do the iPhone 16e and iPhone 12 fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?

Both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 12 fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither phone fits in a typical women's jeans pocket based on measured medians.

Is the iPhone 16e worth upgrading to from the iPhone 12 for size?

The size difference alone does not make the upgrade worth it since the dimensions are nearly identical. The battery and chip speed are the main drivers for upgrading.