iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 Pro: Which iPhone Reigns?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12 Pro? You’re not alone. Both phones, while belonging to different generations, offer compelling features and performance, making the choice a tricky one for many potential buyers. This in-depth comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the right decision.
The iPhone 11, with its vibrant display and powerful A13 Bionic chip, remains a strong contender even now. It provides a solid user experience and excellent value. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 Pro boasts a more advanced camera system, a faster processor, and a sleek, modern design.
We’ll delve into the specifics, examining everything from camera capabilities and display quality to performance and battery life. Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or simply looking for the best phone for your needs, this comparison of the iPhone 11 versus the iPhone 12 Pro will provide valuable insights to guide your purchase.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Dual | 12MP Triple |
| Ultra Wide Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Telephoto Camera | No | Yes |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps, Dolby Vision HDR |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| MagSafe | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. Offers good color accuracy and brightness for everyday use, but lacks the sharpness and contrast of higher-end displays.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. Provides significantly sharper images, better contrast, and enhanced brightness, along with HDR support for more vibrant content.
- Winner: iPhone 12 Pro
Processor
- iPhone 11: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor for smooth performance in most apps and games. While efficient, it’s older technology compared to the Pro model.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, offering a noticeable performance boost in tasks such as gaming, video editing, and overall system responsiveness. It’s more power efficient.
- Winner: iPhone 12 Pro
Camera System
- iPhone 11: Features a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses. Delivers good image quality in various lighting conditions, but lacks a telephoto lens for optical zoom and advanced features like ProRes video recording.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Includes a triple-camera system with 12MP wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. Offers superior image quality, optical zoom capabilities, and features like LiDAR scanner for improved low-light performance and portrait mode, as well as ProRes video recording.
- Winner: iPhone 12 Pro
Design and Build
- iPhone 11: Features an aluminum frame and glass back, with a more rounded design. While durable, it doesn’t offer the premium feel of the iPhone 12 Pro.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Showcases a stainless steel frame and a Ceramic Shield front cover, providing a more premium and durable design. The squared-off edges give it a modern look.
- Winner: iPhone 12 Pro
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 11: Does not support 5G connectivity.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Winner: iPhone 12 Pro
Video Recording Capabilities
- iPhone 11: Can record video up to 4K at 60fps.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Can record video up to 4K at 60fps, also supports Dolby Vision HDR recording and ProRes video recording for professional-level video editing.
- Winner: iPhone 12 Pro
Storage Options
- iPhone 11: Offered in storage options up to 256GB.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Offered in storage options up to 512GB.
- Winner: iPhone 12 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 11: Offers good battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Offers similar battery life to the iPhone 11, despite the added features and processing power.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Camera | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Display Quality | iPhone 12 Pro |
| 5G Connectivity | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Design | iPhone 12 Pro |
| 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.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 Pro are rated IP68 for water resistance, providing protection against spills and submersion.
- Ultra Wide Camera: Both phones include an ultra-wide camera, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes and group photos.
- 4K Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60fps, ensuring high-quality video capture.
- Front Camera: Both phones offer a front-facing camera for selfies and video calls, with similar resolution and features.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 Pro Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a significantly more powerful A14 Bionic chip compared to the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic. This difference translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance in graphically demanding games. The 12 Pro also benefits from improved machine learning capabilities, further boosting overall responsiveness. While the iPhone 11 remains a capable device for everyday tasks, the 12 Pro offers a noticeable performance upgrade, especially for power users and those prioritizing speed.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 12 Pro features a more advanced camera system with a triple-lens setup, including a telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner, absent in the iPhone 11. These additions allow for improved zoom capabilities, enhanced low-light performance, and more accurate depth sensing. The iPhone 11, with its dual-lens system, still takes excellent photos, but the 12 Pro provides superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions and offers greater creative flexibility. The 12 Pro also shoots in ProRAW.
Display Quality
The iPhone 12 Pro features a Super Retina XDR display with improved brightness, contrast, and color accuracy compared to the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina HD display. This results in a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience, especially when watching HDR content. The 12 Pro’s display also benefits from a smaller notch and Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. While the iPhone 11’s display is still good, the 12 Pro’s is noticeably superior, offering a more premium feel.
Design and Build
The iPhone 12 Pro adopts a more modern design with flat edges and a premium stainless steel frame, while the iPhone 11 features a more rounded design with an aluminum frame. The 12 Pro also offers a more durable build with Ceramic Shield. The 12 Pro is generally perceived as a more refined and stylish device. While the iPhone 11 offers a comfortable grip, the 12 Pro’s design elevates the overall aesthetic and provides a more premium feel.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 Pro offer similar all-day battery life for typical usage. However, the iPhone 12 Pro benefits from the A14 Bionic chip’s efficiency, which can lead to slightly better battery performance during demanding tasks. The 12 Pro also supports MagSafe charging. The actual battery life will vary depending on individual usage patterns, but both phones are designed to last a full day on a single charge.
Price and Value
Considering the features and specifications, the iPhone 12 Pro, being the newer and more advanced model, comes with a higher price tag. The iPhone 11, available at a lower price point, represents a good value for those seeking a capable iPhone without the top-of-the-line features. The value depends on your budget and desired features. If you prioritize performance, camera capabilities, and display quality, the iPhone 12 Pro is worth the investment. The iPhone 11 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You’re on a budget and looking for a reliable iPhone at a more affordable price.
- You don’t need the latest processor or 5G connectivity.
- You prioritize ease of use and a familiar iPhone experience.
- You primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and social media.
Buy iPhone 12 Pro If…
- You want the best possible performance and the latest features.
- You’re a photography enthusiast and value the telephoto lens and advanced camera capabilities.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
- You want a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a more durable Ceramic Shield front cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in camera quality?
The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple-lens camera system with a telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner, enabling superior zoom capabilities, improved low-light performance, and more accurate depth sensing. The iPhone 11’s dual-lens system takes excellent photos but lacks these advanced features, resulting in less detail and flexibility in challenging lighting conditions. The 12 Pro also supports ProRAW.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 12 Pro features a Super Retina XDR display, which is brighter, more vibrant, and offers better color accuracy and contrast than the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina HD display. The 12 Pro also benefits from a smaller notch and Ceramic Shield. The 12 Pro’s display provides a more immersive and premium viewing experience, especially when viewing HDR content.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have better performance?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro, powered by the A14 Bionic chip, delivers significantly faster performance compared to the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic. This translates to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences. The A14 Bionic also enhances machine learning capabilities, leading to an overall more responsive user experience.
Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer similar all-day battery life for typical usage. However, the iPhone 12 Pro, with its more efficient A14 Bionic chip, may provide slightly better battery performance during demanding tasks. Battery life depends heavily on usage patterns, but both phones are designed to last a full day on a single charge under normal conditions.
What is the build quality like?
The iPhone 12 Pro features a premium stainless steel frame and a Ceramic Shield front cover, offering a more durable and refined build compared to the iPhone 11’s aluminum frame. The 12 Pro’s design gives it a more modern and stylish appearance, while the iPhone 11 offers a comfortable grip. The 12 Pro feels more premium.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro worth the extra cost?
The iPhone 12 Pro offers significantly upgraded features, including a more advanced camera, a superior display, and faster performance. Whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your budget and needs. If you prioritize premium features, the 12 Pro is the better choice. The iPhone 11 remains a great option for budget-conscious users.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 12 Pro, with its more powerful A14 Bionic chip, provides a superior gaming experience. Games will load faster, run smoother, and benefit from improved graphics performance compared to the iPhone 11. The 12 Pro also benefits from a brighter and more vibrant display, enhancing the visual experience during gameplay.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 Pro clearly surpasses the iPhone 11 in several key areas, including camera capabilities, performance, and display quality. While the iPhone 11 remains a capable and affordable option, the 12 Pro offers a more premium experience with cutting-edge features. The enhanced camera system and superior processing power make the iPhone 12 Pro the better choice for those seeking the ultimate iPhone experience.
Winner: iPhone 12 Pro