iPhone 11 vs 12: Which iPhone Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to choose between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12? You’re not alone! Both of these Apple smartphones offer compelling features and performance, making the decision a tough one for many consumers. This detailed comparison will break down the key differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
The iPhone 11, released in 2019, quickly became a popular choice, known for its powerful A13 Bionic chip and impressive camera capabilities. The iPhone 12, arriving a year later, brought significant upgrades, including a new design, improved display, and the introduction of 5G connectivity. These changes make the comparison between the phones very interesting.
We’ll delve into the specs, performance, camera quality, and overall user experience of both the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12. Whether you’re a long-time iPhone user or considering switching to iOS, this guide will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision and pick the perfect iPhone for you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps, Dolby Vision HDR |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| MagSafe | No | Yes |
| Ceramic Shield Front Cover | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 11: Features an aluminum frame and glass back with a slightly rounded design. It’s available in a range of vibrant colors. A bit thicker and heavier than the 12.
- 12: Boasts a flat-edge design with a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. It offers a premium feel and a more modern aesthetic. Thinner and lighter than the 11.
- Winner: 12
Display
- iPhone 11: Equipped with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. Offers good color accuracy and brightness, but lacks the contrast and sharpness of OLED.
- 12: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Provides stunning contrast, vibrant colors, and significantly improved sharpness and brightness compared to the 11.
- Winner: 12
Processor
- iPhone 11: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor, offering smooth performance for most tasks and games. May show its age compared to newer chips.
- 12: Runs on the A14 Bionic chip, providing a noticeable performance boost, especially in graphics-intensive tasks and machine learning. Offers faster processing and improved efficiency.
- Winner: 12
Camera System
- iPhone 11: Features a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses. Delivers excellent image quality with good dynamic range and Night mode capabilities.
- 12: Also has a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses, but with improved low-light performance, thanks to a wider aperture on the main lens. Supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording.
- Winner: 12
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 11: Does not support 5G connectivity. Relies on 4G LTE for mobile data.
- 12: Offers 5G connectivity, providing faster download and upload speeds, as well as lower latency in compatible areas.
- Winner: 12
Battery Life
- iPhone 11: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. Battery performance can vary depending on usage patterns.
- 12: Battery life is comparable to the 11, though some users might find it slightly less due to the more power-hungry display and 5G connectivity.
- Winner: 11
MagSafe
- iPhone 11: Does not have MagSafe technology.
- 12: Incorporates MagSafe, enabling magnetic attachment of accessories like chargers and wallets. This offers convenience and new accessory options.
- Winner: 12
Price
- iPhone 11: Generally available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option, especially used or refurbished.
- 12: Typically more expensive than the iPhone 11, reflecting its newer technology and features.
- Winner: 11
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 12 |
| Display Quality | iPhone 12 |
| Camera | Tie |
| 5G Connectivity | iPhone 12 |
| Design | iPhone 12 |
| Value | iPhone 11 |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Size: Both phones feature a 6.1-inch display, offering a similar viewing experience for users who prefer a larger screen size.
- Water Resistance: Both models are rated IP68 for water resistance, providing protection against splashes and submersion in water.
- Wireless Charging: Both iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 support wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their devices without cables.
- Storage Options: Both phones are available in the same storage configurations, providing users with the flexibility to choose the amount of storage that best suits their needs.
- Front Camera: Both phones share the same 12MP front-facing camera, delivering consistent quality for selfies and video calls.
Iphone 11 Vs 12 Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The iPhone 12 boasts a significantly more powerful A14 Bionic chip compared to the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic. This translates to faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and enhanced efficiency. The A14 Bionic allows for smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive overall user experience. This difference is especially noticeable when playing graphically intensive games or running demanding applications. The iPhone 12 also benefits from improved machine learning capabilities, enabling advanced features like enhanced computational photography and more intelligent Siri interactions.
Display Technology
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR display, utilizing OLED technology, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and a higher contrast ratio compared to the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina LCD display. OLED provides a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. The iPhone 12’s display also supports HDR, further enhancing the dynamic range and visual fidelity. While the iPhone 11’s display is still excellent, the iPhone 12’s display offers a noticeable upgrade in terms of visual quality and clarity.
Camera Capabilities
While both phones offer excellent cameras, the iPhone 12 introduces improvements in low-light performance and video recording. The iPhone 12’s camera system incorporates features like Night mode on all lenses, including the front-facing camera. The video recording capabilities of iPhone 12 are also improved, with support for Dolby Vision HDR video recording. The iPhone 11 still takes great photos and videos, but the iPhone 12 offers a more versatile and capable camera system, especially in challenging lighting conditions. This makes it a better choice for photography enthusiasts.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 features a sleeker design with flatter edges, similar to the iPad Pro. It also uses Ceramic Shield front cover, providing improved drop resistance compared to the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 is slightly thinner and lighter than the iPhone 11. Both phones are water-resistant. The iPhone 12’s more modern design and enhanced durability give it an edge in this category, making it feel more premium in hand. These subtle changes contribute to a more refined and contemporary look and feel.
5G Connectivity
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone 12 is the inclusion of 5G connectivity. This allows for significantly faster download and upload speeds, as well as reduced latency, provided you are in an area with 5G coverage. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, is limited to 4G LTE. This difference is particularly important for users who frequently stream content, download large files, or participate in online gaming. 5G offers a more future-proof connectivity experience.
Battery Life and Charging
While both phones offer all-day battery life, the iPhone 11 generally has a slightly longer battery life than the iPhone 12, especially when considering real-world usage scenarios. The iPhone 12 supports MagSafe wireless charging, which provides a more convenient and faster wireless charging experience. Both phones support fast charging with a compatible adapter. The difference in battery life isn’t huge, but it’s worth considering for users who prioritize extended usage without needing to charge.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You’re on a budget and looking for a more affordable iPhone.
- You don’t need the latest processor or 5G connectivity.
- You prioritize value and still want a great camera and performance.
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want the latest processor for faster performance and improved efficiency.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
- You want a better display with OLED technology and improved durability with Ceramic Shield.
- You want access to MagSafe accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone 12 has a more powerful A14 Bionic chip, leading to faster processing speeds, improved graphics, and better efficiency compared to the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic. This results in smoother multitasking, quicker app loading, and a more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable in demanding tasks and games. The A14 also enhances machine learning capabilities.
How does the display compare between the two phones?
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and a higher contrast ratio than the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina LCD. OLED provides a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 12’s display also supports HDR, enhancing the dynamic range and visual fidelity, making it ideal for media consumption.
Is the camera on the iPhone 12 significantly better?
The iPhone 12’s camera offers improvements, particularly in low-light performance and video recording. It includes Night mode on all lenses and supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording, making it more versatile. While the iPhone 11 still takes great photos, the iPhone 12’s enhanced capabilities allow for improved results in challenging lighting conditions and more creative video options.
What are the design differences?
The iPhone 12 has a sleeker design with flatter edges and a Ceramic Shield front cover for improved drop resistance. It’s slightly thinner and lighter than the iPhone 11. Both phones are water-resistant. The iPhone 12’s design feels more premium and modern. These changes contribute to a more refined and contemporary look and feel.
Does the iPhone 12 have 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds and reduced latency compared to the iPhone 11, which is limited to 4G LTE. This is particularly beneficial for streaming, downloading large files, and online gaming, providing a more future-proof connectivity experience for users.
How does battery life compare?
The iPhone 11 generally has slightly longer battery life in real-world usage. The iPhone 12 supports MagSafe wireless charging. While both phones offer all-day battery life, the iPhone 11 may last a bit longer. The difference isn’t substantial, but users who prioritize extended usage may find this factor important.
Which phone is more expensive?
The iPhone 12, being the newer model with advanced features and technology, typically has a higher initial price point than the iPhone 11. However, the exact price difference can vary depending on the storage configuration, retailer, and any ongoing promotions or sales that are available at the time of purchase.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 offers significant upgrades over the iPhone 11, including a more powerful processor, a superior display, improved camera capabilities, 5G connectivity, and a more modern design. While the iPhone 11 remains a capable device, the iPhone 12 provides a more advanced and future-proof experience. The enhancements in performance, display, and camera make the iPhone 12 the better choice for most users.
Winner: iPhone 12