What we covered?
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 pro
Table of Contents:
- Introduction on iphone 12 vs iphone 12 pro
- Design and Build Quality
- Display Technology
- Performance and Hardware
- Camera Systems
- Battery Life and Charging
- Software and Features
- Price and Value
- Conclusion on iphone 12 vs iphone 12 pro
Introduction on iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 pro
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, both released in October 2020, brought significant upgrades to Apple’s smartphone lineup. While they share several similarities, there are key differences that set them apart, particularly in terms of features, performance, and price. This guide will break down the distinctions between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro to help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro appear quite similar, both featuring a flat-edge design reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5. However, there are subtle differences in materials and finishes:
- iPhone 12:
- Aluminum frame with a glossy glass back
- Available in a wide range of vibrant colors (Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, Purple)
- Lighter weight: 164g
- iPhone 12 Pro:
- Stainless steel frame with a matte glass back
- More subdued, premium color options (Graphite, Silver, Gold, Pacific Blue)
- Heavier weight: 189g
The iPhone 12 Pro’s stainless steel frame gives it a more premium feel and a slightly heavier build, while the iPhone 12’s aluminum frame makes it lighter and more colorful.
Display Technology
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro come with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering stunning visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors. However, there are a few differences in the display features:
- Resolution: Both models offer a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, with a pixel density of 460 ppi.
- Brightness: The iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly higher typical brightness (800 nits) compared to the iPhone 12 (625 nits), though both peak at 1200 nits for HDR content.
- Material: Both displays are protected by a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple claims offers four times better drop performance.
While the display performance is nearly identical, the iPhone 12 Pro’s higher brightness may offer a slight advantage in outdoor visibility.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which delivers exceptional performance and efficiency. However, the iPhone 12 Pro comes with a few additional hardware enhancements:
- iPhone 12:
- A14 Bionic chip
- 4GB of RAM
- Storage options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- iPhone 12 Pro:
- A14 Bionic chip
- 6GB of RAM
- Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
The additional RAM in the iPhone 12 Pro ensures smoother multitasking and better performance in memory-intensive tasks, while the higher storage options cater to users who need more space for apps, photos, and videos.
Camera Systems
The camera systems are where the differences between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro become more apparent. While both models share the same 12MP wide and ultra-wide cameras, the iPhone 12 Pro adds a few significant upgrades:
- iPhone 12 Camera:
- Dual-camera system: 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide
- Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3
- 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording up to 30fps
- iPhone 12 Pro Camera:
- Triple-camera system: 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto
- LiDAR scanner for enhanced AR experiences and improved low-light autofocus
- Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, Apple ProRAW
- 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording up to 60fps
The iPhone 12 Pro’s additional telephoto lens offers 2x optical zoom, and the LiDAR scanner enhances AR experiences and improves low-light photography. Additionally, the ProRAW feature on the iPhone 12 Pro provides professional photographers with more control over editing their images.
Battery Life and Charging
Both models offer similar battery life, though the iPhone 12 Pro’s slightly larger battery provides a marginally longer usage time:
- iPhone 12:
- Up to 17 hours of video playback
- MagSafe and Qi wireless charging
- 20W fast charging (50% in 30 minutes)
- iPhone 12 Pro:
- Up to 18 hours of video playback
- MagSafe and Qi wireless charging
- 20W fast charging (50% in 30 minutes)
While the difference in battery life is minimal, both models support the same charging methods, including MagSafe, which allows for easy attachment of accessories and wireless chargers.
Software and Features
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro run on iOS 15 (and are upgradable to later versions), offering the same core software experience. However, the iPhone 12 Pro includes additional features that cater to power users:
- iPhone 12:
- Core iOS features like FaceTime, iMessage, Apple Maps, and the App Store
- Standard software updates and support
- iPhone 12 Pro:
- All iPhone 12 features, plus:
- Apple ProRAW for advanced photo editing
- Enhanced AR experiences with the LiDAR scanner
The iPhone 12 Pro’s additional features make it more appealing to users who require advanced photography tools and AR capabilities.
Price and Value
Price is one of the most significant factors that differentiate the iPhone 12 from the iPhone 12 Pro:
- iPhone 12: More affordable, with lower storage options and fewer advanced features.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Higher price due to premium materials, additional camera features, and more storage options.
For those on a budget, the iPhone 12 offers excellent value with most of the key features found in the Pro model. However, if you require the advanced photography tools, extra storage, or premium build, the iPhone 12 Pro is worth the extra investment.
Conclusion on iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 pro
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are both powerful smartphones that deliver top-tier performance, stunning displays, and excellent cameras. The choice between them depends on your needs and budget:
- Choose the iPhone 12 if: You want a high-performing iPhone with most of the essential features at a lower price point.
- Choose the iPhone 12 Pro if: You need advanced camera capabilities, more storage options, and a premium design with enhanced features.
Both models are excellent choices, but the iPhone 12 Pro offers additional features that cater to power users and photography enthusiasts.