iPhone 12 vs iPhone 10: Which iPhone Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 10? You’re not alone. Apple’s iPhone lineup has evolved significantly over the years, and choosing the right one can be tricky. This in-depth comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
The iPhone 10, released in 2017, marked a significant design shift for Apple. It introduced the notch and Face ID, setting the stage for future iPhones. However, the iPhone 12, released a few years later, boasts several upgrades and improvements.
We’ll explore everything from performance and camera capabilities to design and battery life. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone best suits your needs and budget. Get ready to discover the strengths and weaknesses of both the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 10.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 5.8-inch |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K |
| Storage Options | 64/128/256GB | 64/256GB |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe) | Yes |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | iOS | iOS |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 12: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. It offers vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and improved contrast. The display is also protected by Ceramic Shield for enhanced durability.
- iPhone 10: Equipped with a 5.8-inch Super Retina display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. It provided a sharp and clear image, but it lacks the brightness and contrast of the iPhone 12. Durability is also a point of concern.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Processor
- iPhone 12: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, offering significant performance gains in both CPU and GPU tasks. It’s notably faster and more efficient than the A11. This leads to smoother multitasking and improved gaming performance.
- iPhone 10: Utilizes the A11 Bionic chip, which was a powerful processor at the time of its release. While still capable, it’s considerably slower than the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12, especially in demanding applications.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Camera System
- iPhone 12: Boasts a dual 12MP camera system with advanced features like Night mode on all cameras, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3. It captures significantly better photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- iPhone 10: Features a dual 12MP camera system, but it lacks the advanced computational photography capabilities of the iPhone 12, resulting in lower quality photos, particularly in challenging lighting.
- Winner: iPhone 12
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 12: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds, along with lower latency. This provides a more responsive online experience, especially in areas with 5G coverage.
- iPhone 10: Lacks 5G support, relying on 4G LTE connectivity. This results in slower data speeds compared to the iPhone 12, particularly in areas with strong 5G infrastructure.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Design and Build Quality
- iPhone 12: Features a flat-edged design with Ceramic Shield front cover, making it more durable. It also offers a more modern aesthetic.
- iPhone 10: Features a glass and stainless steel design. While premium, the glass back is prone to cracking.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Offers improved battery life compared to the iPhone 10, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. The efficiency of the A14 Bionic chip contributes to this improvement.
- iPhone 10: Offers decent battery life, but generally doesn’t last as long as the iPhone 12. Battery degradation is also a factor for older devices.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Storage Options
- iPhone 12: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. This provides users with flexibility in choosing the storage capacity that best suits their needs.
- iPhone 10: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. While still adequate, the lack of a 128GB option might be a drawback for some users.
- Winner: iPhone 12 (due to wider range)
Software and Updates
- iPhone 12: Runs on the latest versions of iOS, ensuring access to the newest features, security updates, and app compatibility.
- iPhone 10: Still receives software updates, but it is further down the update cycle. It is likely to receive updates for fewer years going forward.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 12 |
| Camera | iPhone 12 |
| Display | iPhone 12 |
| Connectivity | iPhone 12 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 12 (Slightly) |
| Value | iPhone 10 |
What They Have in Common
- Face Id: Both phones utilize Apple’s Face ID technology for secure unlocking and authentication.
- Dual Camera System: Both devices feature dual-camera systems on the rear, allowing for wide and ultra-wide photography.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both phones run on the iOS operating system, providing access to the App Store and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Wireless Charging: Both iPhone models support wireless charging, providing convenient ways to power up your device.
- Sleek Design: Both iPhones share a similar design aesthetic with glass fronts and backs.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 10 Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 12 boasts a significantly more powerful A14 Bionic chip, providing a substantial performance upgrade over the iPhone 10’s A11 Bionic. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences. The A14 chip also features a more advanced Neural Engine, enhancing machine learning capabilities for tasks like photo processing and Siri interactions. The iPhone 10, while still capable, struggles with demanding tasks compared to its newer counterpart. Consider your usage habits. If you are a heavy user, or gaming is important to you, the iPhone 12 is a clear winner.
Camera
The iPhone 12’s camera system is a considerable leap forward. It features a dual-camera system with improved low-light performance, thanks to larger sensors and Night mode on all cameras, including the front-facing camera. The iPhone 10’s camera is competent, but the iPhone 12 offers sharper images, better dynamic range, and more advanced computational photography features. Video recording on the iPhone 12 also benefits from Dolby Vision HDR, enabling stunning video quality. For photography enthusiasts and those who prioritize image quality, the iPhone 12 is the superior choice.
Display
The iPhone 12 features a brighter and more vibrant Super Retina XDR display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 10’s OLED display is still excellent, but it lacks the improved brightness and HDR capabilities of the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12’s display is also protected by Ceramic Shield, providing increased drop resistance. The bezels on the iPhone 12 are also noticeably thinner, resulting in a more modern design and a larger screen-to-body ratio. If you watch a lot of video, the display on the iPhone 12 is a huge benefit.
Battery Life
While the iPhone 12 doesn’t have a dramatically larger battery than the iPhone 10, its more efficient processor and software optimizations contribute to comparable or slightly better battery life. Real-world usage may vary, but both phones should easily last a full day of moderate use. However, battery health degrades over time. If considering a used iPhone 10, battery life should be a primary consideration. The iPhone 12 has an advantage in terms of power efficiency, and the battery will likely last longer.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 features a more modern design with flat edges, a departure from the curved edges of the iPhone 10. Both phones boast premium build quality, but the iPhone 12 uses a Ceramic Shield front cover, making it more resistant to drops. The iPhone 12 is also slightly lighter and thinner than the iPhone 10. Both phones are water-resistant, but the iPhone 12 has a higher IP rating. Aesthetics is subjective, but the iPhone 12 offers a more contemporary and more durable design.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, a significant advantage for faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. The iPhone 10 only supports 4G LTE. The iPhone 12 also includes MagSafe, a magnetic system for attaching accessories like chargers and wallets. Both phones offer Face ID for secure authentication. The iPhone 12 offers improved wireless charging capabilities. For future-proofing and access to the latest connectivity advancements, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner, particularly with 5G.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want the latest processor and performance.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- You prioritize a more advanced camera system with improved video recording capabilities.
- You want a larger display.
Buy iPhone 10 If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable iPhone.
- You don’t need the latest features like 5G or the newest processor.
- You prefer a smaller form factor.
- You want a reliable iPhone with excellent performance for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main performance difference?
The iPhone 12 utilizes the A14 Bionic chip, providing significantly enhanced performance over the iPhone 10’s A11 Bionic. This means faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better graphics processing for gaming and other demanding tasks. The A14 also features an improved Neural Engine for advanced machine learning, leading to improved photo processing and Siri responses. The iPhone 12 is noticeably faster in everyday use.
How does the camera compare between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 10?
The iPhone 12’s camera system is a substantial upgrade. It features a dual-camera setup with improved low-light performance due to larger sensors and Night mode on all cameras. The iPhone 12 also offers features like Dolby Vision HDR video recording. The iPhone 10’s camera is capable, but the iPhone 12 captures sharper images with better dynamic range, offering a superior photographic experience.
Does the iPhone 12 have a better display?
Yes, the iPhone 12 has a brighter and more vibrant Super Retina XDR display. It offers improved HDR capabilities and a more immersive viewing experience compared to the iPhone 10’s OLED display. The iPhone 12’s display is also protected by Ceramic Shield, making it more resistant to drops. The thinner bezels on the iPhone 12 create a better screen-to-body ratio.
What about battery life?
The iPhone 12 and the iPhone 10 have comparable battery life. The iPhone 12 benefits from a more efficient processor and software optimizations, which results in battery life that is similar to, or slightly better than the iPhone 10. Battery life can vary based on usage, but both should easily last a full day of moderate use. Battery health is a factor to consider for used iPhone 10s.
What are the design differences?
The iPhone 12 features a more modern design with flat edges, diverging from the curved edges of the iPhone 10. The iPhone 12 uses Ceramic Shield for increased drop resistance. The iPhone 12 is also slightly lighter and thinner. While both phones boast premium build quality, the iPhone 12 offers a more contemporary aesthetic. The iPhone 12’s design is more modern.
Does the iPhone 12 support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, providing significantly faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. The iPhone 10 only supports 4G LTE. The inclusion of 5G makes the iPhone 12 more future-proof. 5G is a significant advantage, providing faster data speeds for streaming, downloading, and general internet browsing.
Are there any other notable features?
The iPhone 12 includes MagSafe, a magnetic system for attaching accessories like chargers and wallets. Both phones offer Face ID for secure authentication. The iPhone 12 also provides improved wireless charging capabilities. These features enhance the overall user experience, making the iPhone 12 more versatile and convenient. The iPhone 12 has more modern features.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 offers significant upgrades over the iPhone 10, particularly in performance, camera quality, display technology, and connectivity. While the iPhone 10 remains a capable device, the iPhone 12 provides a superior user experience with its more advanced features and modern design. The iPhone 12’s faster processor, improved camera, and 5G support make it the better choice for most users.
Winner: iPhone 12