Choosing the right iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options available. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 12 and the 12 Pro? You’re not alone, as both models offer impressive features and capabilities.
This detailed comparison will break down the key differences between the iPhone 12 and its Pro counterpart. We’ll explore everything from camera quality and performance to design and battery life. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone best suits your needs and budget.
Prepare to dive deep into the specifications, performance benchmarks, and user experience of each device. We’ll help you make an informed decision, ensuring you get the perfect iPhone for your lifestyle. Let’s find out which iPhone reigns supreme in the iPhone 12 vs 12 Pro showdown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 | 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Triple 12MP |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Build Material | Aluminum & Glass | Stainless Steel & Glass |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| ProRes Video | No | Yes |
| LiDAR Scanner | No | Yes |
| Colors | Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, Purple | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Pacific Blue |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 12: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. Offers vibrant colors and excellent brightness, making it great for everyday use. A potential drawback is the lack of ProMotion for smoother scrolling.
- 12pro: Also boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with the same resolution. Provides the same excellent visual experience as the iPhone 12. Lacks ProMotion, meaning the display refresh rate isn’t as dynamic as in later Pro models.
- Winner: Tie
Cameras
- iPhone 12: Equipped with a dual 12MP camera system, offering wide and ultrawide lenses. Delivers impressive image quality in various lighting conditions. However, it lacks features like a telephoto lens and ProRes video recording.
- 12pro: Features a triple 12MP camera system, including wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. Offers greater versatility with optical zoom and enhanced low-light performance. Supports ProRes video recording for professional-grade editing.
- Winner: 12pro
Processor
- iPhone 12: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, providing fast and efficient performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Handles most applications with ease.
- 12pro: Also utilizes the A14 Bionic chip, delivering identical performance to the iPhone 12. Offers the same swift app loading and smooth multitasking capabilities.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- iPhone 12: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. Offers sufficient storage for most users depending on their needs.
- 12pro: Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. Provides greater storage capacity, especially beneficial for users who capture a lot of photos and videos or work with large files.
- Winner: 12pro
Build and Design
- iPhone 12: Features a sleek design with a durable Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum frame. Available in a variety of colors.
- 12pro: Upgrades the build with a surgical-grade stainless steel frame for a more premium feel. Offers a matte glass back and is available in more sophisticated colors.
- Winner: 12pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Provides solid battery life, easily lasting a full day for average users. Offers good endurance for various tasks.
- 12pro: Offers similar battery life to the iPhone 12, providing all-day usage. Performance is comparable.
- Winner: Tie
Video Recording
- iPhone 12: Records video up to 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision HDR. Excellent video quality for general use.
- 12pro: Records video up to 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision HDR, and also supports ProRes video recording. Provides more professional video editing capabilities.
- Winner: 12pro
Price
- iPhone 12: Generally more affordable than the 12 Pro. Offers excellent value for its features.
- 12pro: More expensive than the iPhone 12 due to its enhanced features like the telephoto lens, ProRes video recording, and premium build materials.
- Winner: iphone 12
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | iPhone 12 |
| Camera Quality | 12 Pro |
| Build Quality | 12 Pro |
| Performance | Tie |
| Display | Tie |
| Storage Options | 12 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both phones feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering vibrant colors and excellent clarity for media consumption and everyday use.
- Chipset: Both models are powered by the A14 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro support 5G connectivity, providing faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Water Resistance: Both phones have an IP68 water resistance rating, offering protection against splashes and submersion in water up to a certain depth.
- Design: Both phones share a similar design language with flat edges and a sleek aesthetic.
- Night Mode: Both phones offer impressive Night mode capabilities for enhanced low-light photography.
iPhone 12 vs 12 Pro Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro share the same A14 Bionic chip, providing exceptional performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications. Both phones offer blazing-fast speeds and seamless multitasking capabilities. While the raw processing power is identical, the 12 Pro may exhibit slightly better sustained performance under heavy workloads due to its more advanced thermal management. However, for the average user, the difference is negligible. Both devices provide a smooth and responsive user experience.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system, excelling in most lighting conditions. The 12 Pro, on the other hand, boasts a triple-camera system, including a telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom and enhanced portrait mode capabilities. The 12 Pro’s ProRAW format provides greater flexibility in post-processing. The 12 Pro captures more detailed images with greater dynamic range, especially in low-light environments, thanks to its larger sensor. If photography is a priority, the 12 Pro is the superior choice. (See Also: Apple Iphone 14 Vs 15 )
Display and Design
Both phones sport a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, delivering vibrant colors and excellent clarity. The design language is identical, featuring a flat-edged design with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. The 12 Pro utilizes stainless steel for its frame, offering a more premium feel compared to the 12’s aluminum frame. Both phones are water and dust resistant, offering peace of mind in various conditions. The choice here comes down to material preference.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 offers storage options starting from 64GB, with upgrades to 128GB and 256GB. The 12 Pro provides a higher starting point, with options beginning at 128GB and extending to 256GB and 512GB. Consider your storage needs; if you plan to store a large number of photos, videos, and applications, the 12 Pro’s higher storage options might be more suitable. However, for casual users, the 12’s storage options could suffice.
Battery Life
Both the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro offer similar battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. Factors like screen brightness, app usage, and network connectivity can impact battery performance. Real-world tests show battery life between the two is very close, meaning neither phone has a significant advantage in this area. Consider purchasing a power bank if you are a heavy user and require longer battery life.
Price and Value
The iPhone 12 is generally more affordable than the 12 Pro. The price difference reflects the enhanced features of the Pro model, primarily the camera system and premium build. Evaluate your needs and budget. If you prioritize photography and premium build quality, the 12 Pro offers greater value for the investment. If you are budget conscious and not as reliant on advanced camera features, the iPhone 12 provides excellent value and performance. (See Also: Texas Vs Wyoming Llc )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want a premium iPhone experience without the highest price tag.
- You prioritize a balance of features and value.
- You prefer a wider range of color options.
Buy 12 Pro If…
- You need the best possible camera system with a telephoto lens and ProRes video recording.
- You want the added features like a LiDAR scanner for enhanced augmented reality and low-light photography.
- You desire a more premium build with stainless steel and additional storage options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro?
The primary differences lie in the camera system and build materials. The 12 Pro features a triple-camera system with a telephoto lens for optical zoom and improved low-light performance. It also uses a stainless steel frame compared to the 12’s aluminum frame, giving it a more premium feel. These features are the largest differences between the two phones.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have a better display than the iPhone 12?
No, both phones share the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with identical resolution, brightness, and color accuracy. Both screens deliver vibrant colors and excellent clarity. The display experience is virtually identical between the two models, so there is no advantage here.
Which phone is better for photography?
The iPhone 12 Pro is superior for photography. Its triple-camera system includes a telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom and improved portrait mode. Its larger sensor also captures more detail and has better low-light performance. The 12 Pro is also able to shoot in ProRAW.
Are the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro waterproof?
Both phones are water-resistant to a depth of up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, according to the IP68 rating. This means they can withstand splashes, rain, and accidental submersion, but it’s crucial to avoid prolonged exposure to water and to dry them thoroughly if they get wet. Water damage is not covered under warranty. (See Also: Swagbucks Vs Survey Junkie )
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have more storage options?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro offers storage options starting at 128GB, with upgrades to 256GB and 512GB. The iPhone 12 starts at 64GB, with options for 128GB and 256GB. Consider your storage requirements, as the Pro offers higher maximum capacity.
Which phone has better battery life?
The battery life is very similar between the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. Both phones can easily last a full day of moderate use. Actual battery performance depends on usage patterns, screen brightness, and other factors. However, the difference between the two is minimal.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro worth the extra cost?
That depends on your needs. If you prioritize photography, the 12 Pro’s superior camera system justifies the higher price. If you value a premium build and more storage options, the 12 Pro is the better choice. If you are on a budget or don’t need the advanced camera features, the iPhone 12 offers excellent value.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are both excellent smartphones, sharing the same powerful A14 Bionic chip and stunning display. The 12 Pro distinguishes itself with a superior camera system, offering optical zoom, ProRAW capabilities, and enhanced low-light performance. It also features a more premium build. However, the iPhone 12 provides excellent performance and value for the price. The best choice depends on individual needs and budget.
Winner: iPhone 12 Pro