iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 12: Which One Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12? You’re not alone. Both phones offer impressive features and performance, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the right choice.
The iPhone 11 Pro, with its powerful processor and stunning display, remains a strong contender. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, introduces some significant upgrades, including a more advanced camera system and 5G connectivity. We will delve into everything from design to performance.
We will explore the nuances of each device, including display quality, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience. This detailed comparison of the iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 12 will provide you with all the information you need to confidently choose the perfect iPhone for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 11 Pro | 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Storage Options | 64/256/512GB | 64/128/256GB |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Weight | 188g | 162g |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- 11 Pro: Features a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. It offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, but the bezels are slightly thicker compared to the 12.
- 12: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, providing a larger screen and slightly sharper image. It has thinner bezels and a more modern design.
- Winner: 12
Processor
- 11 Pro: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which offered impressive performance at the time of its release. It’s still a capable processor for everyday tasks and gaming.
- 12: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements in both CPU and GPU tasks. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance.
- Winner: 12
Camera System
- 11 Pro: Features a triple 12MP camera system with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. Delivers excellent image quality with good low-light performance and impressive video recording capabilities.
- 12: Also features a dual 12MP camera system, but with improved sensors and computational photography. Offers enhanced low-light performance, Night mode on all lenses, and Smart HDR 3 for better dynamic range.
- Winner: 12
Design
- 11 Pro: Features a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, providing a premium feel. The design is still stylish, but the overall look is older compared to the 12.
- 12: Boasts a flat-edge design with a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. Offers a more modern aesthetic with a slimmer profile.
- Winner: 12
5G Connectivity
- 11 Pro: Does not support 5G connectivity.
- 12: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- Winner: 12
Battery Life
- 11 Pro: Provides solid battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage.
- 12: Offers similar battery life to the 11 Pro, but it can vary depending on 5G usage.
- Winner: Tie
Durability
- 11 Pro: Features a glass back and stainless steel frame, offering good durability.
- 12: Boasts a Ceramic Shield front cover, making it more resistant to drops and scratches.
- Winner: 12
Price
- 11 Pro: Typically available at lower prices, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- 12: Generally more expensive, reflecting its newer technology and features.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | 12 |
| Camera (Overall) | 11 Pro |
| 5G Connectivity | 12 |
| Design | 12 |
| Value | 11 Pro (potentially) |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Super Retina XDR displays, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
- Water Resistance: Both the 11 Pro and 12 boast an IP68 rating, providing protection against water submersion and dust.
- Front Camera: Both phones feature a 12MP front-facing camera, allowing users to capture high-quality selfies and enjoy clear video calls.
- Display Size: Both phones share the same 6.1-inch display size, providing a comfortable balance between screen real estate and portability.
- Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60fps, enabling users to capture high-resolution videos with impressive clarity.
11 Pro Vs 12 Buying Guide
Performance & Processor
The iPhone 12 boasts the A14 Bionic chip, offering a noticeable performance upgrade over the iPhone 11 Pro’s A13 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences. The A14’s Neural Engine is also more advanced, contributing to enhanced computational photography capabilities. While the 11 Pro remains a capable device, the 12’s processor provides a tangible edge in overall speed and efficiency, making it feel snappier in day-to-day use. This difference is especially evident in graphically intensive tasks.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones offer excellent camera systems, but the iPhone 12 edges out the 11 Pro with its improved low-light performance and Smart HDR 3. The 12’s wider aperture on the main lens lets in more light, resulting in brighter and clearer photos in challenging conditions. The addition of Night mode on all cameras, including the front-facing camera, on the iPhone 12 is a significant advantage. While the 11 Pro still captures great images, the 12 delivers slightly better image quality, especially in low-light scenarios, and offers more versatility.
Display Technology
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR display, a notable upgrade from the 11 Pro’s Super Retina XDR display. Although both offer vibrant colors and excellent contrast, the 12’s display is slightly brighter and offers improved outdoor visibility. The 12 also uses a Ceramic Shield front cover, providing increased drop protection. The 12’s display technology and overall robustness provide a better viewing experience and improved durability compared to the 11 Pro.
Design & Durability
The iPhone 12 introduces a new design with flat edges, giving it a more modern aesthetic compared to the 11 Pro’s rounded design. The flat-edge design also makes the phone easier to grip. Furthermore, the 12 is slightly thinner and lighter than the 11 Pro. The Ceramic Shield front cover enhances durability. While both phones are well-built, the 12’s design updates and improved drop protection offer a more appealing and robust overall package.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is comparable between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12, offering similar all-day usage for most users. However, the iPhone 12 supports MagSafe wireless charging, a convenient feature not available on the 11 Pro. MagSafe allows for faster and more secure wireless charging and enables the use of MagSafe accessories. Both phones support fast charging, but you’ll need to purchase a separate fast charger. The 12’s MagSafe compatibility provides an advantage.
Connectivity & Features
The iPhone 12 introduces 5G connectivity, a significant upgrade over the 11 Pro’s 4G LTE. While 5G coverage is still expanding, the 12 is future-proofed for faster download and upload speeds. The 12 also features a more advanced Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless speeds. Both phones offer features like Face ID and water resistance. The 12’s 5G capability and improved Wi-Fi support provide a clear advantage in terms of future-proofing and connectivity speed.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 11 Pro If…
- You prioritize having a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- You prefer the design aesthetics of the 11 Pro.
- You find a great deal on a used or refurbished model.
- You don’t need 5G connectivity.
Buy 12 If…
- You want the latest A14 Bionic chip for improved performance.
- You value the lighter and more compact design of the 12.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
- You are looking for the latest iPhone features and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main performance differences?
The iPhone 12, with its A14 Bionic chip, outperforms the iPhone 11 Pro, which uses the A13 Bionic. The A14 offers faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and a more advanced Neural Engine, leading to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive applications. This results in a noticeably snappier and more responsive user experience on the iPhone 12.
How does the camera compare between the two phones?
The iPhone 12 camera system improves upon the 11 Pro’s capabilities, especially in low light. With a wider aperture on the main lens and Night mode on all cameras, the iPhone 12 captures brighter and clearer images in challenging conditions. Both phones capture excellent photos, but the 12 offers superior image quality, particularly in low-light, and offers more versatility in terms of shooting modes and overall image processing.
Is the display significantly better on the iPhone 12?
Yes, the iPhone 12 boasts a slightly improved Super Retina XDR display compared to the 11 Pro. While both offer vibrant colors and excellent contrast, the 12’s display is slightly brighter, offers better outdoor visibility, and benefits from the Ceramic Shield front cover, making it more durable. These combined elements contribute to a more enjoyable viewing experience and enhanced protection.
What about the design and build quality?
The iPhone 12 features a new, flat-edge design, offering a more modern aesthetic compared to the 11 Pro. The flat edges enhance grip and give it a different feel. Additionally, the iPhone 12 is slightly thinner and lighter. Both phones are well-built, but the Ceramic Shield front cover on the 12 provides enhanced drop protection, making it more robust overall.
Does the iPhone 12 have better battery life?
The iPhone 12 and 11 Pro offer comparable all-day battery life for most users. Both phones can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy usage. However, the iPhone 12 does support MagSafe wireless charging, which is a convenient feature that is not available on the 11 Pro. This allows for faster and more secure wireless charging along with the ability to use MagSafe accessories.
What connectivity features are different?
The most significant difference in connectivity is the iPhone 12’s support for 5G, whereas the 11 Pro is limited to 4G LTE. 5G provides significantly faster download and upload speeds where available, making the 12 more future-proof. Also, the iPhone 12 has more advanced Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster wireless speeds. These upgrades provide a clear advantage for users seeking the latest connectivity technology.
Is the iPhone 12 worth the upgrade from the 11 Pro?
The iPhone 12 offers several notable upgrades over the 11 Pro, including a faster processor, improved camera capabilities, a more modern design, and 5G connectivity. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your priorities. If you value the latest technology, better performance, and future-proofing, the upgrade is likely worthwhile. However, the 11 Pro remains a capable phone.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 emerges as the superior device due to its faster processor, enhanced camera capabilities, more modern design, and 5G connectivity. While the iPhone 11 Pro remains a strong contender, the iPhone 12 offers a more compelling overall package, providing a better user experience and future-proofing. Its improvements in key areas make it the clear winner in this comparison.
Winner: iPhone 12