Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 16e
Compare Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 16e side by side: Apple A14 Bionic vs Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine), 12MP vs 48MP camera, 2815mAh vs 3960mAh…
Apple
iPhone 12
$699
5categories won
Apple
iPhone 16e
$599
8categories won
7 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 16e takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 16e proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 12, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. For battery longevity and charging speed, the iPhone 16e takes the lead, while the iPhone 12 is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the iPhone 16e if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 12 if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
iPhone 16e takes battery honors offering 3,960 mAh alongside 25W charging.
iPhone 12 leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Apple A14 Bionic and 4GB RAM.
iPhone 16e takes photography with 48MP optics.
iPhone 16e wins on budget and value at $599 compared to $699.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16e: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.1" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixel density | 457 ppi | 457 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| Process node | 5 nm | 3 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 3,200,000Winner | 1,650,000 |
| Geekbench multi | 10800Winner | 8120 |
| Maximum RAM | 4 GB | 8 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GBWinner | 128GB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 48 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2Winner | 1 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision HDR |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,815 mAh | 3,960 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 20 W | 25 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 164 g | 167 g |
| Thickness | 7.4 mmWinner | 7.8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Ceramic Shield front, glass back and aluminum design | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, color-infused glass back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 18 | iOS 18.3 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 6 years |
| Security updates | 6 years | 7 yearsWinner |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $699 | $599Winner |
Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 upgraded the best-selling base model formula with a stunning Super Retina XDR OLED panel, Ceramic Shield glass, 5G capabilities, and featherlight 164g ergonomics.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A14 Bionic
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 2,815mAh
Apple iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e brings Apple's apex 3nm A18 silicon and full Apple Intelligence generative AI support to a sub-$600 form factor. Featuring an upgraded 48MP 2-in-1 Fusion camera with 2x lossless telephoto cropping, Face ID, USB-C, and class-leading battery endurance, it replaces both legacy SE models and previous base offerings.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,960mAh