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iPhone Comparison Guide: iPhone 12 Series to iPhone 16 (Plus iPhone SE Models)
Are you stuck trying to decide between the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, or even an iPhone SE? With Apple rolling out cutting-edge features each year, picking the best iPhone for your needs (and your budget) can be tricky.
Whether you're upgrading your old phone, searching for a cost-effective option like a refurbished iPhone, or curious about how the latest iPhone 16 stacks up, this guide breaks down the key differences for you. With the help of Cellmigo, finding the perfect iPhone—new, used, or refurbished—is now simpler than ever!
Let’s dive in to explore what makes each iPhone model stand out and how they compare, so you can confidently make the right decision.
iPhone Mini, Standard, Pro, and Pro Max Comparison Table
Here’s a detailed breakdown of all iPhone models from the 12 Series to the 16 Series, segmented by type.
iPhone Mini Models
|
Feature |
 iPhone 12 Mini |
 iPhone 13 Mini |
|
Release Year |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Display Size |
5.4" OLED |
5.4" OLED |
|
Processor |
A14 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
|
Main Camera |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 15 hours |
Up to 17 hours |
|
Storage / RAM Options |
64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM |
Note: Apple discontinued the Mini models after the iPhone 13 series.
iPhone Plus Models
|
Feature |
 iPhone 14 Plus |
 iPhone 15 Plus |
|
Release Year |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Display Size |
6.7" Super Retina XDR |
6.7" Super Retina XDR |
|
Processor |
A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
A16 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
|
Main Camera |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
Dual 48MP (Wide) + 12MP (Ultra Wide) |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 26 hours video playback |
Up to 26 hours video playback |
|
Storage / RAM Options |
128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM |
Note: Apple discontinued the Plus models after the iPhone 15 series.
Standard iPhone Models
|
Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 14 |
iPhone 15 |
iPhone 16 |
|
Release Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Display Size |
6.1" OLED |
6.1" OLED |
6.1" OLED |
6.1" OLED |
6.1" OLED |
|
Processor |
A14 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
A16 Bionic |
A17 Bionic |
|
Main Camera |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
48MP Wide + 12MP Ultra Wide |
48MP Wide + 12MP Ultra Wide |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 17 hours |
Up to 19 hours |
Up to 20 hours |
Up to 23 hours |
Up to 25 hours |
|
Storage / RAM Options |
64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM |
128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM |
128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM |
128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
iPhone Pro Models
|
Feature |
12 Pro
|
13 Pro
|
14 Pro
|
15 Pro
|
16 Pro
|
|
Release Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Display Size |
6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.1" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.1" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
|
Processor |
A14 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
A16 Bionic |
A17 Pro |
A18 Pro |
|
Main Camera |
Triple 12MP (Wide, Telephoto, Ultra Wide) |
Triple 12MP (Wide, Telephoto, Ultra Wide) |
48MP Wide + Dual 12MP (Telephoto, Ultrawide) |
48MP Wide + Dual 12MP (Telephoto, Ultrawide) |
Dual 48MP (Wide, Ultrawide) + 12MP Telephoto |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 17 hours |
Up to 22 hours |
Up to 23 hours |
Up to 23 hours |
Up to 27 hours |
|
Storage / RAM Options |
128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM |
128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM |
128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM |
128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM |
128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM |
iPhone Pro Max Models
|
Feature |
12 Pro Max
|
13 Pro Max
|
14 Pro Max
|
15 Pro Max
|
16 Pro Max
|
|
Release Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Display Size |
6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.7" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.7" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
|
Processor |
A14 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
A16 Bionic |
A17 Pro |
A18 Pro |
|
Main Camera |
Triple 12MP (Wide, Telephoto, Ultra Wide) |
Triple 12MP (Wide, Telephoto, Ultra Wide) |
48MP Wide + Dual 12MP (Telephoto, Ultrawide) |
48MP Wide + Dual 12MP (Telephoto, Ultrawide) |
Dual 48MP (Wide, Ultrawide) + 12MP Telephoto |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 20 hours |
Up to 28 hours |
Up to 29 hours |
Up to 29 hours |
Up to 33 hours |
|
Storage / RAM Options |
128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM |
128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM |
128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM |
256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM |
256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM |
iPhone SE Models (including 16 SE - 2025)
|
Feature |
 iPhone SE (1st Gen) |
 iPhone SE (2nd Gen) |
 iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
 iPhone 16e |
|
Release Year |
2016 |
2020 |
2022 |
2025 |
|
Display Size |
4.0" Retina LCD |
4.7" Retina HD LCD |
4.7" Retina HD LCD |
6.1" OLED |
|
Processor |
A9 |
A13 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
A18 |
|
Main Camera |
12 MP, f/2.2 |
12 MP, ƒ/1.8 |
12 MP, f/1.8 |
48MP, f/1.6 |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 13 hours |
Up to 13 hours |
Up to 15 hours |
Up to 25 hours |
|
Storage / RAM Options |
16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM |
64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM |
64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
1. Performance
-
The A17 Bionic chip in the iPhone 16 series outshines its predecessors, delivering top-tier speed and efficiency, ideal for gaming and multitasking.
-
Older models like the iPhone 12 and SE (2020) are still great for basic tasks but lag behind in raw performance.
2. Camera Upgrades
-
The 48MP main camera in the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 delivers incredible detail, making these models the best for photography enthusiasts.
-
The iPhone SE models stick with a single-lens 12MP camera—fine for casual photography but limited compared to newer models.
3. Battery Life
-
If battery life is your priority, the iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max offers up to 25 hours of video playback.
-
Compact options like the iPhone SE (2020) have shorter battery life, lasting up to 13 hours.
4. Best Budget Option
-
For those on a budget, refurbished iPhones provide excellent value with modern features and improved durability.
5. Premium Design
-
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models’ titanium build elevates durability while keeping the phone lightweight.
Why Buy Refurbished iPhones?
Buying a refurbished iPhone is a smart way to save money without sacrificing quality. At Cellmigo, we provide a wide range of refurbished iPhones—from the affordable iPhone SE to the powerful iPhone 15 Pro Max. All our refurbished iPhones are rigorously tested, come with warranties, and are priced up to 50% less than new models!
Shop Refurbished iPhones Now
Ready to upgrade your phone? Explore refurbished iPhones on Cellmigo for unbeatable deals on iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone SE, and even newer models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓1. Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone?
Absolutely. Refurbished iPhones from Cellmigo are tested, certified, and come with warranty coverage. You get the same performance and iOS updates as new phones, often for 30–50% less than retail prices.
❓2. Which iPhone has the best battery life?
The iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer some of the longest battery life among all iPhones—up to 25–30 hours of video playback, depending on the model.
❓3. Do all iPhone models support 5G?
Starting from the iPhone 12 series, all iPhone models—including the SE (2022)—support 5G connectivity, though the mmWave feature may vary by region and carrier.
❓4. What's the difference between the iPhone SE and the standard iPhone models?
The iPhone SE (2020 and 2022) models are compact and affordable, featuring the classic Home button and Touch ID. They use powerful processors (A13 and A15), but lack features like Face ID, dual cameras, and OLED displays found in iPhone 12–16 models.
❓5. Which iPhone is best for photography?
The iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro, and 16 Pro models feature 48MP main cameras, advanced computational photography, and ProRAW features—making them ideal for photography enthusiasts.
❓6. Is the iPhone 16 significantly better than the iPhone 14 or 15?
The iPhone 16 series features the new A17 Bionic chip, improved battery life, and camera enhancements—especially in the Pro and Pro Max models. It also supports faster AI and on-device processing compared to earlier models.
❓7. Which iPhone offers the best value for money in 2025?
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 (especially refurbished) offer an excellent balance of performance, battery life, and modern design at a great price. They support iOS 18 and include most of the features people need in daily use.
❓8. Can I still get software updates on older iPhones like iPhone 12 or SE (2020)?
Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years. As of 2025, both iPhone 12 and SE (2020) still receive regular iOS updates, though they may not get the latest AI features introduced in newer models.
