iPhone 11 Pro vs 12 Pro: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Struggling to choose between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro? You’re not alone. Both phones boast impressive features and sleek designs, making the decision a tough one for any potential buyer. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which device best suits your needs.
The iPhone 11 Pro, a powerhouse of its time, still holds its own in the smartphone arena. Its triple-camera system and powerful processor continue to impress. However, the iPhone 12 Pro brings advancements in design, performance, and features, setting a new standard for Apple’s flagship phones.
We’ll delve into the specifics, examining everything from their displays and cameras to their performance and battery life. Whether you’re a loyal Apple user looking to upgrade or simply seeking the best iPhone experience, this comparison of the iPhone 11 Pro vs 12 Pro will provide valuable insights.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP | Triple 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60 fps | 4K up to 60 fps, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| MagSafe | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 144 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back. It’s a solid and premium feeling device, known for its durable build. However, the design is starting to show its age compared to newer models.
- 12 Pro: Boasts a flat-edge design with a Ceramic Shield front cover and stainless steel frame, offering increased durability. The design is more modern and refined than the 11 Pro, providing a fresh look and feel.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a 5.8-inch (Pro) or 6.5-inch (Pro Max) Super Retina XDR display. It offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, providing a great viewing experience. However, it lacks the higher refresh rate of the 12 Pro.
- 12 Pro: Offers a 6.1-inch (Pro) or 6.7-inch (Pro Max) Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield. While the resolution is similar to the 11 Pro, it offers a brighter display and better contrast.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Processor
- iPhone 11 Pro: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor for everyday tasks and gaming. While fast, it’s starting to show its age against the newer chips.
- 12 Pro: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, providing a significant performance boost in CPU and GPU tasks. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Camera System
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a triple 12MP camera system, offering excellent image quality in various lighting conditions, particularly in daylight. However, low-light performance isn’t as good as the 12 Pro.
- 12 Pro: Also features a triple 12MP camera system but with improved processing and features like Night mode on all cameras, and Apple ProRAW. This leads to significantly better low-light performance and more creative control.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Video Recording
- iPhone 11 Pro: Can record 4K video at up to 60fps. Offers good video quality, but lacks the advanced features found in the 12 Pro.
- 12 Pro: Offers the ability to record in Dolby Vision HDR video, providing a wider dynamic range and improved color accuracy. It also has enhanced video stabilization.
- Winner: 12 Pro
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 11 Pro: Does not support 5G connectivity.
- 12 Pro: Supports 5G, providing faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro: Offers solid battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage.
- 12 Pro: Offers comparable battery life.
- Winner: Tie
MagSafe
- iPhone 11 Pro: Does not support MagSafe.
- 12 Pro: Includes MagSafe, allowing for magnetic attachment of accessories like chargers and wallets.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Display Size | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Camera Features | iPhone 12 Pro |
| 5G Connectivity | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Design | iPhone 12 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68, offering excellent protection against water and dust.
- Display Technology: Both models feature Super Retina XDR displays, providing vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Front Camera: Both phones have a 12MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
- Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple 12MP rear camera system, offering versatile shooting options.
- iOS: Both phones run on iOS, ensuring access to the latest software updates and features.
iPhone 11 Pro vs. 12 Pro Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a significant performance leap over the iPhone 11 Pro, primarily due to the A14 Bionic chip. This newer chip offers considerable improvements in CPU and GPU performance, leading to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The A14 Bionic also enables advanced computational photography features. While the iPhone 11 Pro’s A13 Bionic remains a capable processor, the 12 Pro’s advancements provide a noticeable advantage for demanding tasks and future-proofing the device for longer.
Display and Design
The iPhone 12 Pro introduces a more modern design with flatter edges, while the iPhone 11 Pro has curved edges. Both phones have excellent displays, but the iPhone 12 Pro features a Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. The 12 Pro also offers a slightly larger screen size (6.1 inches vs. 5.8 inches) with similar resolutions and brightness levels. The design refresh and improved durability make the 12 Pro more appealing aesthetically and practically.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones have impressive camera systems, but the iPhone 12 Pro introduces several improvements. The 12 Pro features a new telephoto lens and improved low-light performance thanks to its larger sensor and computational photography enhancements. It also adds features like Apple ProRAW for more editing flexibility. While the iPhone 11 Pro delivers excellent photos and videos, the 12 Pro offers superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, and enhanced video recording capabilities. Both have three rear cameras.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is comparable between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro, with both offering all-day use for most users. The iPhone 12 Pro can charge faster via a 20W charger (sold separately) and supports MagSafe wireless charging, which the 11 Pro lacks. While the difference in battery life isn’t substantial, the 12 Pro provides more convenient charging options and is therefore preferable in this regard. The 11 Pro has a fast charger included in the box.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone 12 Pro introduces 5G connectivity, a significant advantage for faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. It also includes MagSafe, a magnetic system for attaching accessories like chargers and wallets. While the iPhone 11 Pro supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it lacks 5G and MagSafe. The inclusion of 5G and MagSafe makes the iPhone 12 Pro more future-proof and enhances its overall functionality.
Price and Value
Considering the phones’ ages, the iPhone 11 Pro is generally available at a lower price point than the iPhone 12 Pro, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the iPhone 12 Pro offers superior performance, camera improvements, and newer features that justify its higher price tag for some users. The choice depends on your budget and desired features. If you value the latest technology and are willing to pay more, the 12 Pro is the better value; otherwise, the 11 Pro provides excellent performance at a more affordable cost.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro If…
- You want a premium iPhone experience at a potentially lower price point, especially if buying used.
- You don’t need the latest processor or 5G connectivity.
- You prefer a slightly more compact design.
Buy iPhone 12 Pro If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance and future-proofing.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
- You value the improved camera features, including Dolby Vision HDR video recording.
- You want MagSafe compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main performance difference between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro?
The iPhone 12 Pro features the A14 Bionic chip, which provides a significant performance boost over the iPhone 11 Pro’s A13 Bionic. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences. The A14 also enables enhanced computational photography features, making the 12 Pro noticeably faster and more efficient.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have a better display than the iPhone 11 Pro?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly larger display with a new design and the Ceramic Shield front cover, which provides increased durability. While both phones have excellent displays, the 12 Pro’s screen is slightly better, offering more resistance to damage and a modern design. The resolutions are similar, but the 12 Pro has an edge.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro’s camera significantly better than the iPhone 11 Pro’s?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro’s camera system offers significant improvements, particularly in low-light performance. It features a new telephoto lens and enhanced computational photography. The 12 Pro also supports Apple ProRAW, providing greater editing flexibility. While the 11 Pro has a great camera, the 12 Pro’s is noticeably better.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. The iPhone 11 Pro does not have 5G capabilities, making the 12 Pro more future-proof in terms of mobile connectivity. The 5G connectivity is one of the major advantages.
What are the charging differences between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro?
The iPhone 12 Pro supports MagSafe wireless charging and can charge faster with a 20W charger (sold separately). The iPhone 11 Pro has a fast charger included in the box but does not have MagSafe. Both phones offer similar battery life, but the 12 Pro provides more convenient charging options.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro worth the extra cost compared to the iPhone 11 Pro?
The iPhone 12 Pro is more expensive, but it offers better performance, camera improvements, 5G connectivity, and MagSafe. Whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your budget and needs. If you want the latest features and improved performance, the 12 Pro is a great choice. Otherwise, the 11 Pro is still a solid option.
What are the design differences between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro?
The iPhone 12 Pro features a more modern design with flatter edges, while the iPhone 11 Pro has curved edges. The 12 Pro’s design gives it a more contemporary look. The 12 Pro also has the Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. The overall design refresh makes the 12 Pro more visually appealing to some users.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 Pro emerges as the superior choice due to its advanced A14 Bionic chip, improved camera system, 5G connectivity, and modern design. While the iPhone 11 Pro remains a capable phone, the 12 Pro offers a more premium experience with enhanced performance and features, justifying its higher price for those seeking the latest technology and capabilities.
Winner: iPhone 12 Pro