Apple iPhone 16e (256GB) vs Apple iPhone 12 (256GB)
Side by side comparison between Apple iPhone 16e vs Apple iPhone 12 phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?
,
6.1"
OLED
OLED
1170x2532
48
MP
MP
12mp
8GB
RAM
RAM
Hexa-core
4005
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
vs
6.1"
OLED
OLED
1170x2532
12
MP
MP
12mp
4GB
RAM
RAM
Hexa-core
2815
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
What's the better phone? Apple iPhone 16e (256GB)
The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!
9 Advantages 
4 Advantages | 45 Common items in both devices |
| 256GB (230GB available) / 256GB (240GB available) |
| NVMe (SSD) |
| Aluminum frame, glass front/back |
| Super Retina XDR OLED |
| 60Hz |
| 1170x2532 pixels |
| 457 PPI |
| +38 specs and more in the table below |
Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.
Highlight differences Clear highlight📱 Model features | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Model | iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) |
| Other model names | iPhone 16e (A3212, A3408, A3409, A3410) | iPhone 12 A2172, A2402, A2403, A2404 |
| Country or region available |  (Global, International) | (Global, International) |
| Brand | Apple | Apple |
| Release date | 2/28/2025, Announced: 2/19/2025 | 10/13/2020 |
| Depth | 7.8 millimeters (0.31 inches) | 7.4 millimeters (0.29 inches) |
| Size (width x height) | 71.5 x 146.7 millimeters (2.81 x 5.78 in) | 71.5 x 146.7 millimeters (2.81 x 5.78 in) |
| Weight | 167 grams (5.85 ounces) | 164 grams (5.74 ounces) |
| Build, materials | Aluminum frame, glass front/back | Aluminum frame, glass front/back |
| Protection against water and others | IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant | IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant |
📲 Display | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Display type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Screen size | 6.1" inches | 6.1" inches |
| Screen-to-body ratio | ~87.1% (screen-to-body ratio) | ~87.1% (screen-to-body ratio) |
| Display resolution | 1170x2532 pixels (19.5:9) | 1170x2532 pixels (19.5:9) |
| Touchscreen | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points |
| Pixel density (dot pitch) | 457 PPI | 457 PPI |
| Colors | 1 billion | 16 million |
| Scratch-resistant glass | Ceramic Shield | Ceramic Shield |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Display features | 1200nits[peak] HDR10 Oleophobic coating screen True-tone Wide color gamut | 625nits[typ], 1200nits[peak] Dolby Vision/HDR10 Wide color gamut True-tone Oleophobic coating screen |
🤖 Operating System | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| System version | iOS 18 | iOS 14 |
| Firmware update | feature not registered | iOS 18 |
| User Interface | feature not registered | feature not registered |
⚙️ Processor | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Chipset | 64bit: Apple A18 (3nm) | 64bit: Apple A14 Bionic (5nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-core, 2 processors: 2x 3.78GHz P-Core (Dual-core) 4x 2.1GHz E-Core (Quad-core) | Hexa-core, 2 processors: 2x 3.1GHz Firestorm (Dual-core) 4x 1.8GHz Icestorm (Quad-core) |
| GPU graphical controller | A18 GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU MP4 |
| Performance (benchmark) | AnTuTu: 1401105 (v10) Geekbench: 8224 (v6) | AnTuTu: 568674 (v8) Geekbench: 4067 (v5.1) GFXBench: 58fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
💽 Memory and storage | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| RAM memory | 8GB LPDDR5X | 4GB LPDDR4X |
| Internal storage | 256GB (230GB available) NVMe (SSD) | 256GB (240GB available) NVMe (SSD) |
| External storage | Not supported | Not supported |
📶 Mobile networks | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card |
| SIM card | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM |
| Maximum Download / Upload | 5000/1024 Mbps | 5000/1024 Mbps |
| Network technology | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Frequency, bands | Expand band details Collapse details | |
| GSM MHz band | Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 | Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 2G network | CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 3G network | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO TD-SCDMA 1900/2000 UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 |
| Primary 4G network | LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 53, 66, 71) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48) VoLTE | LTE Cat20 VoLTE A2172 version: LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48) A2402 version: LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48) A2403, A2404 versions: LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48) |
| Primary 5G network | SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79) | A2172 version: Sub6/mmWave (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 260, 261) A2402, A2403, A2404 versions: Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79) |
| Primary data network | GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 | GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, TD-SCDMA, UMTS, TD-HSDPA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 |
| Secondary 2G network | Not supported | Not supported |
| Secondary 3G network | Not supported | Not supported |
| Secondary 4G network | Not supported | Not supported |
| Secondary data network | Not supported | Not supported |
📷 Camera | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Back camera (main camera) | 48 megapixels | (dual camera) 12 megapixels 12MP ultrawide f/2.4120°13mm1/3.6" |
| Main camera resolution | 8000x6000 pixels | 4000x3000 pixels |
| Video recording (primary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps | 4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps |
| Flash | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Focal aperture | f/1.6 (aperture) | f/1.6 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 26mm (lens) | 26mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | 1/1.56" inches | feature not registered |
| Pixel size | 1µm pixel | 1.4µm pixel |
| Autofocus | PDAF on back camera and autofocus front camera | PDAF: phase detection autofocus |
| Touch focus | Supported | Supported |
| Image stabilization | OIS: Optical stabilization | OIS: Optical stabilization |
| Zoom | Only digital zoom | Only digital zoom |
| Face/smile detection | Face detection, Smile detection | Face detection, Smile detection |
| BSI sensor | Supported | Supported |
| HDR | HDR photo/video on both cameras | HDR photo/video on both cameras |
| Camera extras | 4K@24/25/30/60fps 1080p@25/30/60/120fps Dolby Vision HDR (60fps) | 1080p@240fps |
📸 Front camera | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Front camera (secondary) | (dual front camera) 12 megapixels 0.3MP SL 3D | (dual front camera) 12 megapixels 0.3MP SL 3D |
| Front camera resolution | 4000x3000 pixels | 4000x3000 pixels |
| Video recording (secondary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) |
| Front flash | Not supported | Not supported |
| Focal aperture | f/1.9 (aperture) | f/2.2 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 23mm (lens) | 23mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | 1/3.6" inches | 1/3.6" inches |
| Pixel size | feature not registered | feature not registered |
🔉 Sound and multimedia | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Loudspeaker | Stereo sound Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio 3D | Stereo sound Dolby Atmos |
| Active noise cancellation | 3 microphones | 3 microphones |
| Radio | Not supported | Not supported |
| TV | Not supported | Not supported |
| Video formats | MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV | MPEG4, H.265, H.264, MOV |
| Audio formats | MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC | MP3, WAV, AAX+, AIFF |
🔌 Connectivity | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| USB | USB 2.0 Type-C reversible connector | USB 2.0 proprietary connector |
| Audio output | Type-C reversible connector | proprietary audio output |
| TV output | USB Type-C (reversible) | Proprietary TV-out |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 + A2DP/LE | 5.0 + A2DP/LE |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi hotspot | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi hotspot |
| DLNA | Not supported | Not supported |
| GPS | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| Infrared port | Not supported | Not supported |
🧭 Sensors | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 3D Gyroscope Proximity sensor | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 3D Gyroscope Proximity sensor UWB (Ultra Wideband) |
| Vibrating alert | Supported | Supported |
🔋 Battery | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Battery type | Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable) | Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable) |
| Battery capacity | 4005 mAh | 2815 mAh |
| Charger, watts | 30W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 2.0 | 20W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 2.0 |
| Inductive / wireless charging | 7.5W Qi wireless charging | 15W Qi wireless charging |
| Talk time autonomy | feature not registered | feature not registered |
| Standby | feature not registered | feature not registered |
➕ Other features | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| Call control | Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands | Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands |
| Messaging | SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail | SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail |
| Hands-free calling | Supported | Supported |
| Video calling | Supported | Supported |
| Ringtones | Polyphonic and customized | Polyphonic and customized |
| Web browser | HTML, XHTML, HTML5 | HTML, XHTML, HTML5 |
| Antenna | Internal antenna | Internal antenna |
| Qwerty physical keyboard | Not supported | Not supported |
| Miscellaneous | • Colors: Black, White • Apple Intelligence • Apple Pay • Face ID | • Colors: Black, White, Red, Green, Blue • Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX) • Face ID |
☢️ Radiation rate | ||
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | iPhone 12 (256GB) | |
| SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.) | 1.19W/kg (head), 1.2W/kg (body) | feature not registered |
| SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.) | 1.48W/kg (head), 1.49W/kg (body) | 0.99W/kg (head), 0.99W/kg (body) |