iPhone 12 Pro vs 15 Pro: Which iPhone Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to decide between Apple’s powerhouses? You’re not alone. The iPhone landscape is constantly evolving, and choosing the right model can be a challenge. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison: the iPhone 12 Pro versus the newer iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 12 Pro, a champion of its time, still holds its own against the latest innovations. But can it truly compete with the advanced features packed into the iPhone 15 Pro? We’ll analyze every aspect, from performance and camera capabilities to design and battery life.
Prepare to explore the key differences and similarities that will help you determine which iPhone best suits your needs and budget. Whether you’re a loyal Apple user or considering a switch, this comparison is your ultimate guide to understanding the nuances of these two impressive devices. Let’s find out which iPhone takes the crown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | A17 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 48MP |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Ultrawide Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Titanium |
| Charging Port | Lightning | USB-C |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 12 Pro: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. Offers vibrant colors and good brightness, but lacks the ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates. This results in a less fluid scrolling experience compared to newer models.
- iPhone 15 Pro: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology (adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz). Provides a smoother, more responsive user experience, especially when scrolling and playing games. Offers improved peak brightness.
- Winner: 15 Pro
Processor
- iPhone 12 Pro: A14 Bionic chip. Powerful for its time, handling most tasks and games with ease. However, it’s significantly older compared to the newer chips, leading to potential performance limitations in demanding applications.
- iPhone 15 Pro: A17 Pro chip. Offers substantial performance improvements in CPU and GPU performance. Provides faster processing speeds, improved graphics, and enhanced efficiency for longer battery life.
- Winner: 15 Pro
Camera System
- iPhone 12 Pro: Triple 12MP camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses. Delivers excellent image quality with good low-light performance. Limited in video recording capabilities compared to the 15 Pro.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Advanced triple-camera system with a 48MP Main lens, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto. Offers improved image quality, especially in low light, and ProRes video recording capabilities. Enhanced video stabilization and computational photography.
- Winner: 15 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 12 Pro: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, it lags behind the 15 Pro in terms of overall battery efficiency.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Improved battery life, capable of lasting a full day or longer with typical usage. The more efficient A17 Pro chip and other optimizations contribute to extended battery performance.
- Winner: 15 Pro
Design & Build
- iPhone 12 Pro: Features a flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield front cover and stainless steel frame. Modern and premium-feeling, but the design is now a few generations old.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Titanium design with Ceramic Shield front cover. Lighter and more durable than the 12 Pro, offering a more premium feel and better scratch resistance.
- Winner: 15 Pro
Connectivity
- iPhone 12 Pro: Supports 5G connectivity for faster download and upload speeds. Relies on older 5G modem technology.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Upgraded 5G modem for faster and more reliable 5G connections. Includes Wi-Fi 6E support for faster Wi-Fi speeds.
- Winner: 15 Pro
Storage Options
- iPhone 12 Pro: Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options.
- Winner: 15 Pro
Operating System & Software
- iPhone 12 Pro: Runs iOS, receives software updates but will eventually be phased out sooner than the 15 Pro.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Runs iOS, and will receive software updates for several years to come.
- Winner: 15 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | iPhone 15 Pro |
| Main Camera | iPhone 15 Pro |
| Battery Life | iPhone 15 Pro |
| Build Quality | iPhone 15 Pro |
| Storage Options | iPhone 15 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both phones feature a 6.1-inch display, offering a similar viewing experience for users. This size provides a balance between screen real estate and comfortable one-handed use.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro support 5G, enabling fast download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. This enhances streaming, gaming, and overall online performance.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68 for water resistance, providing protection against spills and submersion in water up to a certain depth and duration. This offers peace of mind in everyday use.
- Ultrawide Camera: Both models include an ultrawide camera, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes and group photos with ease. This provides versatility in photography.
- Telephoto Camera: Both phones have a telephoto camera, which allows for optical zoom, enabling users to get closer to their subjects without sacrificing image quality. This is useful for portraits and capturing distant objects.
iPhone 12 Pro vs 15 Pro Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 15 Pro boasts a significantly more powerful A17 Bionic chip compared to the iPhone 12 Pro’s A14 Bionic. This translates to faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and enhanced graphics performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The 15 Pro also benefits from improved thermal efficiency, preventing the device from overheating during extended use. While the 12 Pro remains capable, the 15 Pro offers a noticeable leap in performance, ensuring a superior user experience.
Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro features a vastly improved camera system with a larger main sensor, advanced image processing, and enhanced low-light performance. The 15 Pro’s telephoto lens also offers greater optical zoom capabilities. The 12 Pro’s camera is still excellent, delivering high-quality photos and videos, but the 15 Pro provides significantly better image clarity, dynamic range, and overall versatility. The 15 Pro also introduces new features like ProRes video recording and improved computational photography.
Display
The iPhone 15 Pro retains the Super Retina XDR display technology, but with notable upgrades. The 15 Pro boasts a brighter display, making it easier to view content in direct sunlight. The 15 Pro also features the Dynamic Island, which replaces the notch of the 12 Pro. While the 12 Pro has a quality display, the 15 Pro’s advancements in brightness and the Dynamic Island contribute to a more immersive and user-friendly experience.
Design & Build Quality
The iPhone 15 Pro showcases a refined design with a titanium frame, making it lighter and more durable than the iPhone 12 Pro’s stainless steel frame. The 15 Pro also features slightly thinner bezels, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio. Both phones are water-resistant, but the 15 Pro’s design improvements offer a more premium feel and enhanced resilience to everyday wear and tear. The 15 Pro provides a more modern and premium look and feel.
Battery Life
The iPhone 15 Pro generally offers improved battery life compared to the iPhone 12 Pro, allowing for longer usage between charges. The A17 Bionic chip’s efficiency contributes to better power management. The 15 Pro’s larger battery capacity, combined with software optimizations, ensures that users can enjoy their device for extended periods without needing to find a power outlet. While both phones provide all-day battery life for most users, the 15 Pro takes the lead.
Connectivity & Features
The iPhone 15 Pro introduces several connectivity and feature upgrades, including a USB-C port, replacing the Lightning port, and faster Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. The 15 Pro also features the Action button, customizable for various functions. The 12 Pro, while still supporting 5G, lacks these advanced features. The 15 Pro’s modern connectivity options and additional features make it more future-proof and offer a more versatile user experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 Pro If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and are looking for a high-end iPhone at a lower price point.
- You’re primarily interested in the core iPhone experience and don’t need the latest features.
- You prefer the design and materials of the iPhone 12 Pro.
- You are upgrading from an older iPhone and the performance of the 12 Pro is a significant improvement.
Buy iPhone 15 Pro If…
- You want the latest and greatest features, including a more powerful processor.
- You prioritize the improved camera system, particularly the higher resolution main camera and potential for enhanced low-light performance.
- You want the longer battery life and faster performance offered by the A17 Bionic chip.
- You desire the more premium build materials, such as the titanium frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major differences in performance?
The iPhone 15 Pro packs a significantly more powerful A17 Bionic chip, offering substantial improvements in processing speed and graphics performance. This results in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and enhanced capabilities for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing, far surpassing the A14 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 12 Pro. The 15 Pro also benefits from improved thermal efficiency.
How does the camera compare between the two phones?
The iPhone 15 Pro features a more advanced camera system with a larger main sensor, improved low-light performance, and enhanced image processing. The 15 Pro’s telephoto lens also provides greater optical zoom capabilities. The iPhone 12 Pro’s camera is still capable, but the 15 Pro delivers superior image clarity, dynamic range, and overall versatility, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
What are the display differences?
The iPhone 15 Pro offers a brighter Super Retina XDR display, making it easier to view content in direct sunlight. The 15 Pro also features the Dynamic Island, which offers a more interactive user experience, replacing the notch of the 12 Pro. While both offer excellent display quality, the 15 Pro’s increased brightness and Dynamic Island provide a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Is the design different?
Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro features a titanium frame, making it lighter and more durable than the iPhone 12 Pro’s stainless steel frame. The 15 Pro also has thinner bezels for a higher screen-to-body ratio. Both phones have a premium feel, but the 15 Pro offers a more modern design, and improved build quality, offering a more premium look and feel.
What about battery life?
The iPhone 15 Pro generally offers improved battery life due to its more efficient A17 Bionic chip and potentially a larger battery capacity. This results in longer usage between charges. Although the iPhone 12 Pro provides all-day battery life for most users, the 15 Pro’s advancements in power management offer a significant advantage, particularly for heavy users.
Are there connectivity differences?
Yes. The iPhone 15 Pro features a USB-C port, replacing the Lightning port, for faster charging and data transfer. It also supports faster Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity and introduces the customizable Action button. The iPhone 12 Pro, while still offering 5G, lacks these advanced features. The 15 Pro is more future-proof with its modern connectivity options.
Which phone should I buy?
The iPhone 15 Pro is the better choice if you prioritize performance, camera quality, battery life, and modern features. However, the iPhone 12 Pro remains a capable phone at a potentially lower price. Consider your budget and specific needs when making your decision.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 15 Pro emerges as the clear victor, offering substantial upgrades in performance, camera capabilities, display technology, and overall design. While the iPhone 12 Pro remains a solid option, the 15 Pro’s advancements make it the superior choice for users seeking the best iPhone experience. The improved battery life, modern connectivity, and refined design further solidify its position.
Winner: iPhone 15 Pro