Considering an upgrade or a more budget-friendly Apple device? The perennial question of which iPhone is right for you often boils down to comparing the latest models with their predecessors.
The iPhone 11, a beloved device for its value and performance, stands against the newer, more refined iPhone 12. Both offer compelling features, but significant differences in design, camera capabilities, and processing power can sway your decision.
This iphone 11 vs 12 review dives deep into what each device brings to the table, helping you determine if the iPhone 12’s advancements justify the cost or if the iPhone 11 still holds its ground as a fantastic option.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Rear Camera System | Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) | Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| MagSafe Compatibility | No | Yes |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Build Material | Aluminum frame, Glass back | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, Glass back |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (Qi) | Yes (Qi and MagSafe) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- iPhone 11: Features a rounded aluminum frame and a glass back. It’s durable and comfortable to hold, but the design feels a bit dated compared to newer models.
- 12 Review: Boasts a flat-edged design with an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced durability. This modern aesthetic is a significant upgrade, though the flat edges can feel less ergonomic for some.
- Winner: 12 review
Display
- iPhone 11: Equipped with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display. It offers good color accuracy and brightness for everyday use, but lacks the contrast and deep blacks of OLED.
- 12 Review: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. This provides superior contrast, true blacks, and HDR support, making for a much more vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
- Winner: 12 review
Processor and Performance
- iPhone 11: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip. This chip is still very capable, handling most apps and games with ease, offering smooth performance for its generation.
- 12 Review: Utilizes the A14 Bionic chip, which is faster and more power-efficient. It offers a noticeable performance boost for demanding tasks and future-proofs the device for longer.
- Winner: 12 review
Camera System
- iPhone 11: Comes with a dual-camera system (wide and ultrawide). It takes excellent photos in good lighting and offers Night Mode for improved low-light shots.
- 12 Review: Also features a dual-camera system (wide and ultrawide) but with wider apertures and improved Night Mode. It delivers better low-light performance, detail, and supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording.
- Winner: 12 review
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 11: Does not support 5G networks. It is limited to 4G LTE speeds, which will become increasingly relevant as 5G infrastructure expands.
- 12 Review: Introduces 5G connectivity, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds where available. This is a major future-proofing feature and a key differentiator.
- Winner: 12 review
Battery Life
- iPhone 11: Known for its excellent battery life, often lasting a full day or more for most users. It’s a reliable performer for extended use.
- 12 Review: Battery life is generally good, but can be slightly less than the iPhone 11, especially when utilizing 5G heavily. It still offers solid all-day usage for most.
- Winner: iphone 11
MagSafe
- iPhone 11: Lacks MagSafe technology. Wireless charging is supported, but without the magnetic alignment and accessory ecosystem.
- 12 Review: Introduces MagSafe, a system of magnets on the back for easy attachment of wireless chargers and accessories. This adds a new level of convenience and functionality.
- Winner: 12 review
Price and Value
- iPhone 11: As an older model, it’s significantly more affordable, offering great value for its performance and features, especially on the used market.
- 12 Review: Launched at a higher price point, reflecting its newer technology and features like 5G and OLED. Its value is in its more advanced capabilities and longer support lifecycle.
- Winner: iphone 11
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone 12 |
| Performance | iPhone 12 |
| Camera Versatility | iPhone 12 |
| Connectivity | iPhone 12 |
| Durability | iPhone 12 |
| Value for Money | iPhone 11 |
| MagSafe Ecosystem | iPhone 12 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 feature a 6.1-inch display, offering a comfortable viewing experience for media consumption and general use.
- Camera System: Both models boast a capable dual-camera system on the rear, comprising a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, allowing for versatile photography. The front-facing camera is also a 12MP TrueDepth sensor on both devices.
- Water Resistance: You can expect a similar level of durability with an IP68 water resistance rating on both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, providing protection against submersion in water.
- Wireless Charging: Both iPhones support Qi wireless charging, offering a convenient way to power up without needing to plug in a cable.
- Storage Options: Apple offers the same storage configurations for both devices, with options for 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, catering to different user needs for app and media storage.
iPhone 11 Vs 12 Buying Guide
Budget Considerations
The iPhone 11, being the older model, typically comes with a significantly lower price tag. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a capable iPhone experience. You’ll find it readily available at discounted prices from various retailers and on the refurbished market. If your primary concern is getting the most value for your money without compromising on core smartphone functionalities, the iPhone 11 is a strong contender. (See Also: Rm Williams Vs Blundstone )
Camera Performance for Everyday Use
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 offer impressive camera systems that excel in everyday photography. The iPhone 11 boasts a dual-camera setup that captures excellent photos in good lighting conditions, with natural colors and good detail. The iPhone 12 introduces an improved aperture and Night Mode on the front camera, offering slightly better low-light performance and enhanced detail in challenging situations. For casual photos and social media sharing, the iPhone 11’s camera is more than sufficient, while the iPhone 12 offers subtle but noticeable improvements.
Performance and Longevity
When it comes to performance, both devices are powered by Apple’s robust A-series chips, ensuring smooth operation for most tasks. The iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic chip is still highly capable for gaming, app usage, and general multitasking. The iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chip offers a generational leap in speed and efficiency, which may translate to slightly better longevity in terms of software updates and demanding future applications. However, for current usage, the iPhone 11’s performance remains excellent and will likely satisfy most users for several years.
Design and Display Features
The iPhone 12 sports a modern, flat-edged design reminiscent of older iPhone models, along with a more vibrant Super Retina XDR OLED display. This display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better color accuracy compared to the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina IPS display. While the iPhone 11’s display is still very good and bright, the iPhone 12’s offers a more premium visual experience. If screen quality is a high priority, the iPhone 12 has a distinct advantage in this area. (See Also: Munchkin Swing Vs Mamaroo )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You’re looking for a fantastic value smartphone with excellent performance and camera capabilities.
- 5G connectivity isn’t a priority for you, and you primarily use Wi-Fi or LTE.
- You prefer a slightly more affordable option and don’t need the latest display technology or MagSafe features.
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want access to the latest 5G network speeds for faster downloads and streaming.
- You desire a superior display experience with the vibrant colors and deeper blacks of an OLED panel.
- You’re interested in the convenience and accessory ecosystem of MagSafe for charging and attachments.
- You want the slightly more durable Ceramic Shield front and a more modern, flat-edged design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 12’s camera significantly better than the iPhone 11’s?
While both offer excellent camera performance, the iPhone 12 does present notable improvements. It features a wider aperture on its main lens, allowing more light to enter and resulting in better low-light shots. Furthermore, the iPhone 12 boasts improved HDR processing and enhanced Night Mode capabilities across more lenses, leading to brighter and more detailed photos in challenging lighting conditions. For users who prioritize photography, especially in varied lighting, the iPhone 12 offers a tangible upgrade.
Will the iPhone 11 still receive software updates for a long time?
Apple is renowned for its long-term software support for its devices. The iPhone 11, released in 2019, is still actively receiving the latest iOS updates and is expected to continue doing so for several more years. This means you’ll benefit from new features, security patches, and performance enhancements, ensuring your device remains modern and secure for an extended period, making it a wise investment even today.
Is the iPhone 12’s battery life comparable to the iPhone 11’s?
Battery life can be a nuanced comparison. While the iPhone 12 generally offers slightly better power efficiency due to its A14 Bionic chip and OLED display, real-world usage patterns significantly influence battery longevity. In many tests, the iPhone 11 often matches or even slightly outperforms the iPhone 12 in terms of pure video playback or web browsing endurance. For most users, both devices should comfortably last a full day on a single charge with moderate use. (See Also: Everton Vs Southampton Odds )
What are the key differences in display technology between the iPhone 11 and 12?
The most significant difference lies in the display technology. The iPhone 11 features an LCD Liquid Retina display, which is bright and offers good color reproduction. In contrast, the iPhone 12 is equipped with a Super Retina XDR OLED display. OLED panels provide much deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant, accurate colors, leading to a more immersive and visually superior viewing experience, especially when consuming media or viewing HDR content.
Should I choose the iPhone 11 for its lower cost or the iPhone 12 for its newer features?
The decision hinges on your priorities and budget. If you’re seeking a high-quality iPhone experience at the most affordable price point, the iPhone 11 is an exceptional choice. It still offers robust performance, a great camera, and long software support. However, if you value the latest design, a superior OLED display, marginally better camera capabilities, and the latest processor for enhanced future-proofing, the iPhone 12 is worth the investment. Consider how much you’re willing to spend versus the specific new features you desire.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 remains a compelling option for those seeking excellent value. Its performance, camera, and battery life are still highly capable for everyday use. However, the iPhone 12 offers a significant upgrade in design, display quality with its OLED panel, and a slightly more advanced camera system. For users who want a more modern aesthetic and a superior viewing experience, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner.
Winner: iPhone 12