Apple has unveiled the long-awaited iPhone 12, ending months of speculation and anticipation. The new smartphone represents a significant performance improvement compared to previous models, introducing the new A14 Bionic chip and also 5G support for the first time. It also offers Apple fans a noticeably different design, reintroducing the flat metal-edged sides of the iPhone 4 and 5, while giving the display a smaller edge-to-edge notch.
It looks very sharp, but considering the iPhone 11 was only released a year ago, is it really worth upgrading to the new model? We answer this question by comparing two phones in various categories. By comparing their specs, performance, designs, displays, cameras and special features, we should help you decide if the iPhone 12 is worth the switch.
Glasses
| iPhone 12 | iPhone 11 | |
| Size | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29 inches) | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 inches) |
| Weight | 164 grams (5.78 ounces) | 194 grams (6.84 ounces) |
| Screen size | 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD |
| Screen resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 pixels per inch) | 1792 x 828 pixels (326 pixels per inch) |
| Operation system | iOS 14 | iOS 14 |
| Storage | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
| microSD card slot | Not | Not |
| Tap to pay services | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
| Processor | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A13 Bionic |
| working memory | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Camera | Dual lens 12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide rear, 12MP TrueDepth front | Dual-lens 12MP and 12MP wide-angle rear, 12MP TrueDepth front |
| Video | 4K up to 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps | 4K up to 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| port | Lightning connector | Lightning connector |
| Fingerprint sensor | No, FaceID instead | No, FaceID instead |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh
Fast charging (20W charger sold separately) Qi wireless charging |
3,100 mAh
Fast charging (18W charger sold separately) Qi wireless charging |
| Application market | Apple App Store | Apple App Store |
| Network support | All major carriers | All major carriers |
| Colors | Black, blue, green, white and red | Purple, white, yellow, green, black, red |
| Prices | $799+ | $699+ |
| Review rating | 4.5 out of 5 stars | 4 out of 5 stars |
Design, screen and durability
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Apple may have been content over the past few years to reuse the iconic iPhone X design, but this year it’s shaking things up a bit. The iPhone 12 retained the edge-to-edge display of previous models, but got rid of the rounded sides of the iPhone 11, replacing them with the flat metal edges of the beloved iPhone 4 (or the newer iPad Pro). This change may not be to everyone’s taste, but it certainly gives the iPhone 12 a more streamlined look.
As the passage above implies, the iPhone 11 happily mimicked the designs of the iPhone XS and X. It looks very nice, and some may prefer the rounded edges, but it certainly wasn’t particularly adventurous at the time, while the larger notch is obvious (albeit small) lack. On the other hand, it’s noticeably heavier than the iPhone 12, and while some might consider that a drawback, it gives the older phone a satisfying heft.
The iPhone 12 also has a distinct advantage when it comes to its display. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED display, which has 2532 x 1170 pixels or 460 pixels per inch. In contrast, the iPhone 11 comes with a 6.1-inch LCD display, which doesn’t quite offer the same depth and richness of color as the iPhone 12’s OLED display. The iPhone 11 also offers a lower resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels, which works out to 326 ppi. You will probably notice a difference in quality.
Both phones are IP68 rated, meaning they can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes, but Apple claims the new Ceramic Guard glass for the iPhone 12 will increase its durability over older iPhones. But even without that, with a revamped design and a noticeably more vivid display, it’s clear that the iPhone 12 will make it this round.
Winner: iPhone 12
Performance, battery life and charging
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
In terms of performance, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 are identical, except for one most important component. The iPhone 12 runs on the newer Apple A14 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 11 has a year older A13. Both contain 4GB of RAM, but with an improved and more efficient processor, the iPhone 12 will handle multitasking and the latest games more easily than its predecessor.
Both phones give you 64GB of internal storage as standard, while both can be upgraded to 128GB and 256GB for extra cash. Neither offers a MicroSD card slot, like many Android flagships.
Things get more interesting with the battery, as the iPhone 12 comes with a 2,815 mAh cell, down from the iPhone 11’s 3,100 mAh equivalent. In practice, however, both phones offer similar lifespans, with the iPhone 12 comfortably getting through just one day of heavy use. It’s also compatible with 20W fast charging (as opposed to 18W), allowing it to charge slightly faster than its big brother.
This is a tough round to wrap up. In terms of performance and battery life, both phones are largely similar, but the newer processor and slightly faster charging give the iPhone 12 the edge.
Winner: iPhone 12
Cameras
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Like the iPhone 11, the iPhone 12 lacks the triple-lens cameras of its more premium siblings, settling for a dual-lens rear camera setup. This includes a wide lens and an ultra-wide lens. Our review of the iPhone 11 showed that it offers an excellent all-round camera. With features like Smart HDR, faster autofocus and semantic rendering, it can capture beautiful shots in most situations.
The iPhone 12 continues this tradition and comes with a wider f/1.6 aperture for more light. Improvements to HDR, Deep Fusion and night shots also allow it to provide a more versatile camera than the iPhone 11. It captures highly colorful and detailed images during the day, while its addition of a night mode to the ultra-wide lens also means its low-light performance is noticeably improved.
Both smartphones can record 4K video at 60 frames per second as well as 1080p video at 240 fps. Still, with updated features and improvements to its main camera, the iPhone 12 wins another round.
Winner: iPhone 12
Software and updates
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
This round is not surprisingly a dead race. Both the iPhone and iPhone 11 run using iOS 14, which offers the biggest redesign iOS has seen in years. It greatly improves the customization offered by iOS, allowing you to place very useful app widgets wherever you want on the home screen. It also includes a very useful app library, as well as the nifty ability to double-tap the back of your iPhone to activate shortcuts.
Likewise, both phones will benefit from equally fast updates from Apple, even if the iPhone 12 may be supported for longer (given that it’s a year younger than the iPhone 11). Considering the identical software, this can only mean that this round is also a draw.
Winner: Undecided
Special features
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Yes, it’s been a while, but Apple’s smartphone finally supports 5G. The iPhone 12 is the first Apple device to achieve this feat, and while it doesn’t appear to support the faster mmWave band, its sub-6Hz 5G support will still mean it delivers noticeably faster download speeds than the 4G-only iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 also gets Apple’s MagSafe system for the first time on an iPhone, although its wider applicability is still a bit limited at this point, given the relative lack of compatible third-party accessories.
Apart from 5G, both phones offer similar special features. Both come with the now familiar TrueDepth camera, which lets you unlock your phone and pay for things in stores using Face ID. Face ID also enables Animojis and Memojis: these are carefree avatars you can create for yourself and then use with FaceTime calls or in iMessages. Both phones also come with surprisingly good speaker systems, which, despite their small dimensions, serve well in cases where you need a dedicated sound device.
While both phones share many special features, the inclusion of 5G for the first time and MagSafe ultimately puts the iPhone 12 ahead in this round.
Winner: iPhone 12
Price and availability
The iPhone 11 is available unlocked directly from Apple, as well as widely available from all major carriers, starting at $699. The 128GB version will set you back $749, while the 256GB version goes up to $849.
The iPhone 12 starts at $799 for the 64GB version, while the 128GB and 256GB versions will set you back $849 and $949. It will also be available from every major carrier and the vast majority of major retailers.
Overall winner: iPhone 12
Digital trends
The iPhone 11 is still an extremely good phone for its price, but the iPhone 12 wins convincingly in this comparison. Its design is more striking and adventurous, its screen is richer and more detailed, it offers better performance, and it also supports 5G. In other words, if you can afford to upgrade or replace your iPhone 11, the iPhone 12 is definitely worth it.
But if you’re happy with your phone, the iPhone 12 has little to draw you in right away. The iPhone 11 remains a great choice for those who don’t bother with the latest phone or who aren’t interested in 5G. Its camera is very versatile, its software is second to none, and its battery life is decent. It may not be the latest iPhone anymore, but it’s still among the best.
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Source: newstars.edu.vn