Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max & Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max rather than the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Pro Max?
- The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the latest A19 Bionic chip for faster performance, enhanced multitasking, and smoother app usage, compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s A14 Bionic chip.
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a ProMotion LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, responsive touch, and fluid animations, compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s 60Hz Super Retina XDR OLED display.
- It has a triple 48MP camera system with improved low-light performance, higher resolution photos, and 8K video recording, compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s triple 12MP camera setup.
- The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster wireless connections, improved range, and better device compatibility, compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a USB-C port with Thunderbolt support for faster data transfer, wider accessory compatibility, and quick file management, compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s Lightning port.
- It features satellite connectivity for emergency communication in remote areas, enhancing safety and connectivity, compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, which lacks this feature.
- The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger 4,600mAh battery with 35W fast charging for extended battery life and quicker recharge, compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s 3,687mAh battery with 20W charging.
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is designed with a titanium frame for increased durability, reduced weight, and a premium feel, compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s stainless steel frame.
Maybe the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2020 |
| Display Type | LTPO OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 1-120Hz | 60Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 2500 nits | 1200 nits |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels | 2778 x 1284 pixels |
| Chipset | A19 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| GPU | Apple-designed 6-core GPU | Apple-designed 4-core GPU |
| Neural Engine | 17-core | 16-core |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
| Storage Variants | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Main Camera Configuration | Triple 48MP + LiDAR | Triple 12MP + LiDAR |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 (wide), f/2.2 (telephoto), f/2.4 (ultra-wide) | f/1.6 (wide), f/2.2 (telephoto), f/2.4 (ultra-wide) |
| Optical Zoom | 6x optical, 10x digital | 2.5x optical, 12x digital |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps |
| Front Camera Features | Photonic Engine, Auto HDR, Cinematic mode | Smart HDR 3, Night mode |
| Battery Capacity | 4,600mAh | 3,687mAh |
| Charging Speed | 35W wired, 15W MagSafe, 10W Qi | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| 5G Support | Advanced 5G mmWave, Sub-6GHz | 5G Sub-6GHz |
| USB Port | USB-C with Thunderbolt | Lightning |
| Operating System | iOS 19 | iOS 14 |
| Build Material | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front, Gorilla Glass back | Stainless steel frame, Ceramic Shield front |
| Weight | 228g | 226g |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Satellite Communication | Yes | No |
| Dynamic Island | Yes | No |
| Price | Check 16 Pro Max Price | Check 12 Pro Max Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Display Size and Resolution: Both devices feature a 6.7-inch display with very similar resolution, ensuring a large and vibrant viewing experience.
- HDR Support: Both models support HDR10 and Dolby Vision, offering rich contrast and enhanced color for video playback.
- Camera Configuration: Both phones have a triple camera setup (wide, telephoto, ultra-wide), allowing for versatile photography options.
- Front Camera: Both models include a 12MP front camera with similar features, making them excellent for selfies and video calls.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are IP68 rated, meaning they can withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
- Face ID: Both models use Face ID for biometric security, providing secure and convenient unlocking.
- Wireless Charging: Both support MagSafe wireless charging at 15W and Qi wireless charging, making charging easy and efficient.
- Dual SIM Support: Both offer dual SIM functionality, combining a physical Nano-SIM and an eSIM.
- Operating System: Both run on iOS, ensuring a consistent and familiar user experience with regular updates.
- Material: Both feature a Ceramic Shield front, offering enhanced durability and scratch resistance.
- Build Quality: Both phones are known for their premium finish, combining sleek aesthetics with robust build quality.
- Night Mode: Both support Night Mode on the main and front cameras, allowing for improved low-light photography.
- Video Stabilization: Both have Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for smoother video recording.
- Video Recording: Both can record 4K video at 60fps, providing high-quality, smooth footage.
- Smart HDR: Both feature Smart HDR, which enhances image quality by balancing highlights and shadows.
- Night Mode Portraits: Both models support Night Mode Portraits, improving portrait shots in low-light conditions.
- TrueDepth Camera: Both use the TrueDepth camera system for selfies and Face ID functionality.
- LiDAR Scanner: Both include a LiDAR scanner, improving AR performance and low-light focusing.
- Voice Assistant: Both feature Siri for voice commands and hands-free assistance.
- Audio: Both support Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, offering immersive sound experiences.
- Security Updates: Both devices receive regular iOS updates, keeping the system secure and up-to-date.
Common Features
| Feature | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels | 2778 x 1284 pixels |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Camera Configuration | Triple camera setup | Triple camera setup |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe (15W), Qi Wireless Charging | MagSafe (15W), Qi Wireless Charging |
| Dual SIM Support | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | iOS | iOS |
| Material | Ceramic Shield front | Ceramic Shield front |
| Build Quality | Premium finish | Premium finish |
| Night Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Video Stabilization | Optical Image Stabilization | Optical Image Stabilization |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps |
| Smart HDR | Yes | Yes |
| Night Mode Portraits | Yes | Yes |
| TrueDepth Camera | Yes | Yes |
| LiDAR Scanner | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Audio | Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos | Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos |
| Security Updates | Regular iOS updates | Regular iOS updates |
| Price | Check 16 Pro Max Price | Check 12 Pro Max Price |
FAQ
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Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max support reverse wireless charging? Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max camera significantly better than the iPhone 12 Pro Max? Can both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max record in 4K? Do both models support MagSafe charging? Are both phones water-resistant? Do both models have Face ID? What are the storage options available for both models? Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max have a better display than the iPhone 12 Pro Max? Which device offers better battery life? Do both phones have Dynamic Island? What charging ports do they have? Can both phones run the latest iOS version? Do both models support 5G? Which device is heavier and bulkier? |