Let’s talk about something we’ve all done before—held onto an old iPhone like it was a childhood teddy bear. Maybe it’s comfort. Maybe it’s stubbornness. Or maybe you’re still using an iPhone 12 and telling yourself, “It’s still good, right?” (Sweetie… we need to talk.)
Enter the iPhone 16e. Apple’s not-so-budget budget phone. It’s like Apple saying, “We know you don’t want to drop a grand, but let’s still make it cute.”
Now we’ve got a 2020 classic facing off against a 2025 glow-up. Think of it as your college jeans versus your current-day wardrobe—familiar, functional, but maybe a little… outdated?
Let’s break it down and understand together.
Table of Contents
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 12: The Verdict
Let’s cut to the chase because some of y’all don’t like to scroll.
- Best Camera: iPhone 16e
- Best Battery Life: iPhone 16e
- Best Price (as of right now): iPhone 12 (duh, it’s been around the block)
- Best for Daily Use & Future-Proofing: iPhone 16e
- Best Design/Feel in the Hand: Toss-up (depends on your nostalgia level)
Verdict? If you’re all about budget and you’re okay with living in the past, the iPhone 12 is still a dependable little workhorse. But if you’re craving even a little bit of tech magic without committing to the full iPhone 16 Pro Max Life™, the 16e is the one to flirt with.
But wait—don’t ghost me here. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty where we get real, real specific.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 12: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 16e |
| Camera | Dual 12MP (wide + ultra-wide), decent Night Mode | Improved 48MP main camera, enhanced low-light performance, AI-powered Smart HDR |
| Battery Life | 2,815 mAh (~6-7 hours screen time) | ~3,400 mAh (~20-22 hours screen time), smarter battery management |
| Performance | A14 Bionic chip, smooth but aging | A17 chip, faster, cooler, future-proofed |
| Display | 6.1″ OLED, 60Hz refresh rate | 6.1″ OLED, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Design & Build | Flat edges, aluminum frame, slightly slippery | Similar design with ergonomic tweaks and updated colors |
| Audio & Speakers | Solid stereo speakers | Improved sound staging and clarity |
| AI & Software | Limited AI features, eligible for iOS updates (for now) | Full AI support with smarter Siri and advanced Apple Intelligence features |
| Price | ~$300–$400 refurbished | ~$599 retail price |
Camera
Let’s be real—if your camera roll isn’t 87% selfies, food, and pets, what are you even doing?
- iPhone 12: Dual 12MP setup (wide + ultra-wide). Decent night mode. No telephoto. Basically, “Hey, I’m just here for Instagram stories.”
- iPhone 16e: Still a dual camera, BUT with software upgrades thanks to the A17 chip and improved image processing. Portraits look less like they were taken by a toaster.
Low-light, high-detail, AI-powered smart HDR in the 16e puts it a few levels ahead. Even though on paper, it’s still 12MP—trust me, the pixels work harder now.
Winner: iPhone 16e
Because we all want to look good at brunch, even in backlighting.
Battery Life
Remember when the iPhone 12 could barely hang past dinner without begging for a charger? That battery was more dramatic than your ex.
- iPhone 12: 2,815 mAh battery. About 6-7 hours of screen time if you’re kind.
- iPhone 16e: Bigger battery (rumored to be ~3,400 mAh), smarter battery management with the A17 chip, and—drumroll—better screen efficiency.
More juice, less stress. And it charges faster too (finally, Apple decided we’re allowed nice things).
Winner: iPhone 16e
Because battery anxiety is so 2022.
Performance
If you think processors are boring, think again. This is the difference between opening 20 Safari tabs with confidence or your phone having a midlife crisis.
- iPhone 12: A14 Bionic chip. It’s still snappy but starting to feel its age in the heavier apps and games department.
- iPhone 16e: A17 chip—aka, the glow-up. It handles everything from editing 4K videos to running apps with 0 drama.
It’s faster, cooler (literally), and future-proofed. No stutters, no slowdowns.
Winner: iPhone 16e
Because we don’t have time for buffering.
Display
Okay, this is where the tea gets lukewarm.
- iPhone 12: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz. Still bright, still beautiful.
- iPhone 16e: Basically the same display size and type… but still locked at 60Hz. C’mon Apple, give us 120Hz in budget phones already!
Honestly, side by side, there’s not a huge difference unless you have eagle vision.
Winner: Tie
Both are cute, but neither has that silky 120Hz scrolling.
Design & Build
If you’re into flat edges, aluminum, and minimalism, both phones are on the same wavelength.
- iPhone 12: First with the flat-edge revival. Feels premium, a bit slippery.
- iPhone 16e: Very similar design but more refined. Feels sturdier, lighter, and the back has a slightly different matte vibe.
If you like colors, the 16e comes with fun updated shades that scream “I’m not afraid of commitment.”
Winner: Slight edge to iPhone 16e
Fresh color palette + ergonomic tweaks = subtle but appreciated.
Audio & Speakers
Let’s talk sound.
- iPhone 12: Solid stereo speakers. Loud and crisp.
- iPhone 16e: Slightly improved sound staging and clarity, especially at higher volumes.
Is it a massive jump? No. But if you blast Spotify or scroll TikTok all day (guilty), you’ll notice it.
Winner: iPhone 16e
By a whisper, but a cute whisper.
AI & Software
This is where 2025 flexes hard.
- iPhone 12: Still eligible for the latest iOS (for now), but definitely won’t be in a couple years. No real AI enhancements.
- iPhone 16e: Comes packed with AI-based features—smarter Siri (finally), on-device voice commands, better autocorrect (thank god), and real-time transcription that actually works.
Also, some of the new Apple Intelligence features will only be available on A17 chip devices.
Winner: iPhone 16e
Because your phone should be as smart as your inner monologue.
Price
Let’s talk wallets. Or lack thereof.
- iPhone 12: You can find refurbished or resale units anywhere from $300–$400. Bargain hunter’s dream.
- iPhone 16e: $599-ish retail price. Not “cheap,” but also not iPhone 16 Pro Max money.
If you’re truly budgeting, the 12 is still a solid entry point. But for a bit more, the 16e gives you years of updates and better features.
Winner: iPhone 12
Only if you’re pinching pennies. Otherwise, the 16e is the smarter long-term buy.
Top 3 Alternatives to iPhone 16e and iPhone 12
Sometimes, the answer isn’t Apple. Sometimes, you want Galaxy-level drama. And we support that.
1. Galaxy S25 Ultra with Galaxy AI (Pre-Order Now)
Let’s be honest—this one’s the Beyoncé of the Android world. Insane camera system, Galaxy AI features that actually feel like the future, and a massive battery that doesn’t quit. It’s not budget-friendly, but it’s power user friendly.
- Best for: Hardcore multitaskers, creators, and anyone who wants more than “just enough.”
2. iPhone 14
A sweet middle ground: iPhone 14 has a better battery, a brighter display, and more advanced features than the iPhone 12, but still not as expensive as the newer 16 series.
- Best for: Apple loyalists who want something newer without going full 2025.
3. Pixel 8
Meet the Pixel 8. The nerdy-cute Android with surprisingly great camera chops, live transcription, and clean software. Google’s been doing their homework lately.
- Best for: People who want a smart, AI-powered phone without the Apple tax.
Conclusion
Let’s not sugarcoat it, babe: the iPhone 12 had its moment in the spotlight. It gave us MagSafe, a flatter design, and some solid upgrades back in the day. But it’s 2025. We’re living in the age of AI, smarter software, and—let’s be honest—expecting more from our pocket-sized BFFs.
The iPhone 16e? It’s not revolutionary. It’s not trying to be your sugar daddy. But it’s reliable, future-ready, and still cute enough to turn heads in a coffee shop. It’s the glow-up your inner tech lover deserves.
And hey, if you’re feeling bold? That Galaxy S25 Ultra is ready to seduce you with some AI magic. Just sayin’.
