iPhone 12 Pro vs 11 Pro: Which iPhone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new iPhone can be tough, especially when you’re deciding between two powerhouses. Are you upgrading, or are you just curious about the differences? This comparison dives deep to help you decide which phone is best for you.
We’re putting the iPhone 12 Pro head-to-head against its predecessor, the iPhone 11 Pro, to dissect their key features. From design and display to performance and camera capabilities, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Get ready to explore the nuances of these two impressive devices.
This detailed analysis will help you understand the improvements and trade-offs between the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro. We’ll examine the aspects that matter most to users. Ultimately, our goal is to help you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 5.8-inch |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Triple-lens | 12MP Triple-lens |
| Ultra Wide Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| MagSafe | Yes | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 12 Pro: Features a flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. It boasts a stainless steel frame and a more modern aesthetic. Pros: Sleeker look, improved durability. Cons: Flat edges might feel less comfortable for some.
- 11 Pro: Has a curved-edge design with a stainless steel frame and textured matte glass back. Offers a comfortable grip. Pros: Comfortable in hand. Cons: Glass back is still susceptible to damage.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Display
- iPhone 12 Pro: Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a higher pixel density, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast. Supports HDR video playback. Pros: Improved display quality. Cons: No significant size difference.
- 11 Pro: Features a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display, known for its excellent color accuracy and brightness. Supports HDR video playback. Pros: Excellent display quality. Cons: Smaller screen size.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Processor
- iPhone 12 Pro: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements in both CPU and GPU tasks. Enables faster processing and improved efficiency. Pros: Faster performance. Cons: Minor real-world performance difference for average users.
- 11 Pro: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, still a powerful processor that handles demanding tasks efficiently. Offers excellent performance for its generation. Pros: Still very fast. Cons: Slower than the A14.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Camera System
- iPhone 12 Pro: Features a triple 12MP camera system with advanced computational photography, including ProRAW for more editing flexibility, and improved low-light performance. Offers a wider dynamic range. Pros: Improved low-light performance, ProRAW. Cons: Minor real-world difference.
- 11 Pro: Features a triple 12MP camera system that delivers excellent image quality, including Night mode and Deep Fusion technology. Provides great image stabilization. Pros: Excellent image quality. Cons: Lacks ProRAW.
- Winner: 12 Pro
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 12 Pro: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds where available. Offers a future-proof experience. Pros: Faster data speeds. Cons: 5G coverage is still developing.
- 11 Pro: Does not support 5G connectivity, relying on 4G LTE. Pros: N/A. Cons: Lacks the latest network technology.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 12 Pro: Offers similar battery life to the 11 Pro, providing all-day usage for most users. Performance can vary depending on 5G usage. Pros: All-day battery life. Cons: Can be impacted by 5G usage.
- 11 Pro: Provides excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage. Pros: Excellent battery life. Cons: N/A.
- Winner: Tie
MagSafe
- iPhone 12 Pro: Includes MagSafe technology, allowing for magnetic attachment of accessories like chargers and wallets. Enables faster wireless charging. Pros: Convenient accessory attachment. Cons: Limited ecosystem initially.
- 11 Pro: Does not have MagSafe. Relies on standard wireless charging. Pros: N/A. Cons: Lacks the MagSafe ecosystem.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Price
- iPhone 12 Pro: Typically launched at a higher price point than the 11 Pro. Reflects the newer features and technologies. Pros: Newer tech. Cons: More expensive.
- 11 Pro: Typically available at a lower price point now, making it a more affordable option. Pros: More affordable. Cons: Older model.
- Winner: Tie (Depends on budget)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Camera Features | iPhone 12 Pro |
| 5G Connectivity | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Display | Tie |
| Value | iPhone 11 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Super Retina XDR displays, providing vibrant colors and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
- Triple-Lens Camera: Both models feature a versatile triple-lens camera system, allowing for wide, ultrawide, and telephoto shots, providing flexibility in capturing various scenes.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and 11 Pro offer IP68 water resistance, providing protection against spills and submersion in water.
- Premium Build: Both phones are crafted with premium materials like stainless steel and glass, ensuring a high-end feel and durability.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both phones run on the iOS operating system, providing access to a wide range of apps and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
iPhone 12 Pro Vs 11 Pro Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 12 Pro boasts the A14 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance leap over the A13 Bionic found in the iPhone 11 Pro. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The A14’s improved neural engine also powers advanced computational photography features. While the 11 Pro remains a capable device, the 12 Pro’s processing power provides a noticeable edge, especially for demanding tasks.
The 12 Pro is significantly better in gaming and video editing and processing. This makes the 12 Pro a more future-proofed option.
Camera Capabilities and Features
Both phones offer excellent camera systems, but the iPhone 12 Pro introduces improvements. The 12 Pro features a LiDAR scanner for enhanced augmented reality and improved low-light performance. It also offers ProRAW, giving photographers more control during editing. While the 11 Pro’s camera is still excellent, the 12 Pro’s enhancements provide a wider range of creative options and better image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
The 12 Pro also has improved video recording capabilities, including Dolby Vision HDR recording for more dynamic and vibrant videos.
Design and Display Differences
The iPhone 12 Pro features a redesigned, flatter-edged design, giving it a more modern aesthetic compared to the rounded edges of the iPhone 11 Pro. The 12 Pro also has a slightly larger display, despite having a similar overall size, thanks to reduced bezels. The 12 Pro’s display is protected by Ceramic Shield, offering improved drop protection. Both phones have vibrant displays, but the 12 Pro’s design is a notable upgrade.
The display on the 12 Pro also has a higher peak brightness, making it easier to see in direct sunlight.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is comparable between the two models, with both offering all-day use for most users. However, the iPhone 12 Pro supports MagSafe wireless charging, providing faster and more convenient charging options. The 11 Pro relies on standard wireless charging. Both phones support fast charging with a compatible adapter, but neither includes one in the box. The 12 Pro’s MagSafe is a convenient addition.
While the 11 Pro’s battery life is still respectable, the 12 Pro benefits from software optimizations that can extend battery life.
5G Connectivity and Future-Proofing
The iPhone 12 Pro introduces 5G connectivity, providing faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. The iPhone 11 Pro is limited to 4G LTE. This makes the 12 Pro a more future-proof option, especially as 5G networks continue to expand. While 5G availability varies, the 12 Pro is better equipped for future connectivity standards. This ensures the 12 Pro will remain relevant for longer.
Even if 5G isn’t widespread in your area currently, the 12 Pro’s 5G capabilities will become increasingly valuable over time.
Price and Value Proposition
The iPhone 12 Pro was released at a higher price point than the iPhone 11 Pro. While the 11 Pro may be found at a lower price point now, the 12 Pro’s upgrades in performance, camera, and design may justify the extra cost for some users. Consider your budget and needs, and evaluate whether the improvements are worth the price difference. The 11 Pro offers good value, while the 12 Pro provides a more premium experience.
Consider the long-term value. The 12 Pro’s features may result in it lasting longer before needing replacement.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 Pro If…
- You want the latest processor and performance.
- 5G connectivity is important to you.
- You want the improved camera features, including Dolby Vision HDR video recording.
- You want MagSafe compatibility.
Buy iPhone 11 Pro If…
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You don’t need 5G connectivity.
- You are happy with the performance and camera capabilities of the 11 Pro.
- You prioritize value over the newest features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better processor?
The iPhone 12 Pro has the A14 Bionic chip, which is significantly more powerful than the A13 Bionic in the iPhone 11 Pro. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive games and video editing. The A14 also features an improved neural engine for advanced computational photography features and overall enhanced performance.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have a better camera?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro has a better camera system. It includes a LiDAR scanner for improved low-light performance and augmented reality experiences. It also offers ProRAW, giving photographers more control during editing. While the iPhone 11 Pro has a great camera, the 12 Pro offers enhanced features and better image quality in various lighting conditions, resulting in improved photos and videos.
What are the design differences?
The iPhone 12 Pro has a redesigned, flatter-edged design, giving it a more modern look than the iPhone 11 Pro’s rounded edges. The 12 Pro also has a slightly larger display with reduced bezels, and Ceramic Shield for improved drop protection. Overall, the 12 Pro features a more contemporary and durable design.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G connectivity, which enables faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. The iPhone 11 Pro is limited to 4G LTE. The 5G capability makes the iPhone 12 Pro more future-proof, ensuring it can take advantage of the latest network technologies as they become more widely available.
What about battery life?
Battery life is comparable between the two models. Both phones offer all-day use for most users. The iPhone 12 Pro supports MagSafe wireless charging, which provides faster and more convenient charging options compared to the standard wireless charging in the iPhone 11 Pro. Both support fast charging with a compatible adapter.
Which phone is more expensive?
The iPhone 12 Pro was initially released at a higher price point than the iPhone 11 Pro. The 11 Pro can now be found at a lower price, however, the 12 Pro’s upgrades justify the cost for some. Consider your budget and needs, and whether the improvements are worth the price difference.
Which phone should I buy?
It depends on your priorities. The iPhone 12 Pro offers better performance, a more advanced camera, a redesigned look, and 5G support. The iPhone 11 Pro is still a great phone and may be more budget-friendly. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when making your decision.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 Pro offers significant upgrades over the 11 Pro, including a faster processor, improved camera features with LiDAR, a modern design, and 5G connectivity. While the 11 Pro remains a capable phone and offers better value, the 12 Pro’s advancements make it the superior choice for those seeking the latest technology and performance.
Winner: iPhone 12 Pro