iPhone 12 vs 12 Pro: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro? You’re not alone! Apple’s iPhone lineup can be tricky to navigate, with subtle differences that make a big impact on your daily experience. Choosing the right phone means understanding what each model offers and how it fits your needs and budget.
This in-depth comparison dives into the key distinctions between the iPhone 12 and its Pro counterpart. We’ll explore the design, display, camera capabilities, performance, and battery life of both devices. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone is the perfect match for you.
Get ready to uncover the nuances that separate these two powerful smartphones. From the stunning Super Retina XDR displays to the advanced camera systems, we’ll break down everything you need to know. Let’s find out if the iPhone 12 Pro’s premium features are worth the extra investment over the standard iPhone 12.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Triple 12MP |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Material | Aluminum | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| MagSafe | Yes | Yes |
| Night Mode | Yes | Yes, on all cameras |
| ProRes Video | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 12: Features a sleek aluminum design with a flat-edge aesthetic and a glass back. It’s available in a range of vibrant colors. A more budget-friendly choice, but still stylish.
- 12 Pro: Boasts a premium stainless steel design with a matte glass back, offering a more luxurious feel and enhanced durability. Comes in elegant finishes. It is more durable and feels higher quality.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Display
- iPhone 12: Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. Offers excellent color accuracy and brightness. Lacks ProMotion, meaning it has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
- 12 Pro: Also features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, with the same excellent quality. Lacks ProMotion, meaning it has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
- Winner: Tie
Cameras
- iPhone 12: Features a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses. Delivers great image quality in various lighting conditions and offers Night mode on all cameras. Lacks telephoto lens.
- 12 Pro: Upgrades to a triple-camera system, adding a 12MP telephoto lens for optical zoom and improved portrait mode capabilities. Also offers Apple ProRAW for more creative control in post-processing.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Processor
- iPhone 12: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, offering fast performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Provides excellent speed and efficiency.
- 12 Pro: Also powered by the A14 Bionic chip. Performance is identical to the iPhone 12.
- Winner: Tie
Storage
- iPhone 12: Starts with 64GB of storage, with options for 128GB and 256GB. Can fill up quickly depending on user habits.
- 12 Pro: Starts with 128GB of storage, with options for 256GB and 512GB. Offers more storage options for professionals and users with large media libraries.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Video Recording
- iPhone 12: Records video up to 4K at 60 fps with Dolby Vision HDR. Great video quality, but lacks the advanced features of the Pro.
- 12 Pro: Records video up to 4K at 60 fps with Dolby Vision HDR and offers Apple ProRes video recording for professional-grade editing and color grading.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Offers all-day battery life for most users. Battery life is decent but can vary depending on usage.
- 12 Pro: Offers similar all-day battery life as the iPhone 12.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 12: More affordable than the 12 Pro, making it a better value for users who don’t need all the advanced features.
- 12 Pro: Significantly more expensive. Justifies the price with its premium build, advanced camera system, and more storage.
- Winner: 12
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value | iPhone 12 |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Performance | Tie |
| Design & Build Quality | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Features | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Storage Options | iPhone 12 Pro |
What They Have in Common:
- Display: Both the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro feature a stunning 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering vibrant colors and exceptional clarity for an immersive viewing experience.
- Processor: Both phones are powered by the A14 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- 5g Connectivity: Both models support 5G, enabling faster download and upload speeds, as well as improved streaming and online gaming.
- Design: Both phones share a similar design aesthetic with flat edges and a durable build, providing a premium feel.
- Water Resistance: Both phones boast an IP68 water resistance rating, offering protection against spills and splashes.
- Magsafe: Both devices are compatible with MagSafe accessories, allowing for convenient charging and attachment of accessories.
iPhone 12 vs 12 Pro Buying Guide
Performance
Both the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are powered by the A14 Bionic chip, ensuring snappy performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The 12 Pro might edge out the 12 in sustained performance during intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, thanks to its slightly better thermal management. However, for the average user, the performance difference will be negligible. Both phones offer a fluid and responsive user experience.
The A14 Bionic chip is a powerhouse, handling complex tasks with ease. It allows for seamless multitasking and supports the latest iOS features. Considering this, both phones are excellent in terms of performance.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a more advanced camera system than the iPhone 12. It features a telephoto lens and a LiDAR scanner, enhancing low-light photography and enabling features like Portrait mode in Night mode. The 12 still has excellent cameras, including an ultra-wide lens, but the 12 Pro offers greater versatility and image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Pro also supports Apple ProRAW for more editing flexibility.
The 12 Pro excels in situations requiring greater detail and dynamic range. The LiDAR scanner also improves autofocus speed and accuracy. If photography is a priority, the 12 Pro provides a significant upgrade.
Display Quality
Both phones share the same Super Retina XDR display, offering vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and impressive brightness. The display quality is identical in terms of resolution and overall visual experience. However, the 12 Pro might have a slight advantage in terms of scratch resistance due to its stainless steel frame, which protects the display better in case of drops and other damage.
The display is one of the key selling points for both phones. Both devices provide an immersive experience for viewing content, playing games, and browsing the web. The display quality is top-notch in both devices.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro share a similar design aesthetic, featuring flat edges and a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. The key difference lies in the materials used. The 12 has an aluminum frame, while the 12 Pro sports a more premium stainless steel frame. The 12 Pro also has a matte glass back, while the 12 has a glossy finish.
The 12 Pro feels more premium in hand due to its materials. Both phones are water-resistant, and the Ceramic Shield front cover adds extra protection. The build quality is excellent in both models.
Storage Options and Price
The iPhone 12 offers storage options starting at 64GB, while the 12 Pro starts at 128GB. The higher starting storage of the 12 Pro is a benefit for those who store many photos, videos, and apps. The 12 Pro also commands a higher price tag due to its more advanced features and premium build. The price difference depends on the storage size you select for either device.
Consider your storage needs and budget when deciding. If you need more storage or prefer the extra features, the 12 Pro is worth the extra cost. If you don’t need the extra features, the 12 offers excellent value.
Battery Life
Both phones deliver comparable battery life, providing all-day usage for most users. The exact battery life can vary based on usage patterns, such as gaming and video streaming. The 12 and 12 Pro should last the whole day for most users. However, if you are a heavy user, keep a charger handy.
You can expect similar battery performance from both phones. Both phones have fast-charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly top up your battery. Neither phone has a dramatically better battery life.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want a powerful phone with excellent performance at a more affordable price.
- You prioritize a great camera system for everyday photography and video recording.
- You appreciate a sleek design and vibrant display.
- You don’t need the extra features of the Pro model, such as a telephoto lens or ProRes video.
Buy 12 Pro If…
- You’re a professional photographer or videographer who needs advanced camera features.
- You want the best possible build quality and premium materials.
- You need the extra storage capacity offered by the Pro models.
- You want a telephoto lens for optical zoom and more creative shooting options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro?
The primary differences lie in the camera system, build materials, and storage options. The 12 Pro features a telephoto lens, LiDAR scanner, and stainless steel frame, along with a starting storage of 128GB. The 12 offers a dual-camera system, an aluminum frame, and starts at 64GB of storage. The 12 Pro also supports Apple ProRAW for enhanced photo editing.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro camera significantly better than the iPhone 12’s?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro camera is significantly better, offering a telephoto lens, LiDAR scanner, and support for Apple ProRAW. This allows for better low-light performance, improved portrait mode, and more editing flexibility. The 12 still has excellent cameras, but the Pro provides a more versatile and capable system.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have a better display than the iPhone 12?
No, both phones share the same Super Retina XDR display, with identical resolution, brightness, and color accuracy. While the 12 Pro might be slightly more resistant to scratches due to its stainless steel frame, the display experience is nearly identical between the two models. Both offer an excellent viewing experience.
Which phone offers better value for money?
The iPhone 12 generally offers better value for money, providing excellent performance, a great display, and capable cameras at a lower price point. However, if you’re a serious photographer or need more storage and a more premium build, the 12 Pro is worth the extra cost.
What is the benefit of the LiDAR scanner in the iPhone 12 Pro?
The LiDAR scanner enhances augmented reality experiences, improves low-light autofocus performance, and enables faster and more accurate depth mapping. It also contributes to better Portrait mode photos in low-light conditions. The LiDAR scanner is a key feature of the 12 Pro.
What are the storage options for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro?
The iPhone 12 is available with storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The iPhone 12 Pro starts at 128GB and offers 256GB and 512GB options. The Pro offers larger storage options, which is a bonus for users who require more space for photos, videos, and apps.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones have the A14 Bionic chip, delivering excellent gaming performance. The 12 Pro might have slightly better thermal management during extended gaming sessions, but the difference is minimal. The gaming experience is excellent on both devices, with no substantial difference in performance.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro depends on your individual needs and budget. The iPhone 12 offers exceptional value with its impressive performance, excellent display, and capable cameras. However, the iPhone 12 Pro elevates the experience with its more advanced camera system, premium build, and added features like the LiDAR scanner, making it a better choice for photography enthusiasts and those who prioritize a premium feel. Both are great phones, but their target audiences are different.
Winner: iPhone 12 Pro