iPhone 12 Pro vs 11 Pro: The Differences
Buying a new iPhone. It seems like a simple decision. After all, the iPhone 12 Pro is newer than the 11 Pro , so logically better. With its improved camera , 5G support , and the ability to magnetically attach handy accessories via MagSafe , the choice seems obvious. Yet, it's not so black and white. While the iPhone 12 Pro excels in innovations like the LiDAR Scanner and Ceramic Shield , the iPhone 11 Pro scores better on battery life —crucial if you're on the go a lot. Moreover, the price difference, especially when combined with any extras like AirPods or protective accessories, makes the trade-off much more compelling. Time to thoroughly weigh both devices against each other.
Useful links
Design and build quality
Design-wise, the iPhone 12 Pro returns to its roots with a square design reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5, in contrast to the 11 Pro's more rounded shapes. The 12 Pro's flatter design also makes it more water resistant, with an IP68 rating for 6 meters of depth, compared to 4 meters for the 11 Pro.
The dimensions are virtually identical, although the 12 Pro is a fraction longer and wider, but also slightly thinner. In terms of color, the 12 Pro offers a new gold, ocean blue, graphite, and silver. The 11 Pro is available in midnight green, gold, space gray, and silver.
Screen
With a 6.1-inch screen, the iPhone 12 Pro is significantly more spacious than the 11 Pro's 5.8-inch display. The bezels are also thinner on the 12 Pro. A major improvement is the introduction of the scratch-resistant Ceramic Shield on the 12 Pro. The 12 Pro performs slightly better in terms of resolution, although the difference is barely noticeable to the naked eye.
Performance and battery life
Under the hood, we find the usual processor upgrade in the 12 Pro. While both are blazing fast, the 12 Pro's new A14 chip is just a tad faster. On the other hand, the 11 Pro lasts longer on a full charge, with 18 hours of streaming compared to 17 hours on the 12 Pro.
5G and MagSafe
Two notable exclusive features of the 12 Pro are 5G support for lightning-fast mobile internet (provided your provider offers it) and MagSafe. MagSafe allows you to magnetically attach accessories like card holders to the back of the 12 Pro.
Camera
Both models share the same lenses, but the 12 Pro has an improved wide-angle sensor that captures more light and improves depth of field. Unique to the 12 Pro is the LiDAR Scanner, which uses lasers to map the environment for better low-light portraits and advanced AR applications.
Further improvements on the 12 Pro include Smart HDR for more beautiful colours, Apple ProRAW for more control in post-processing and the ability to record Dolby Vision HDR video.
Conclusion
The iPhone 12 Pro offers numerous camera upgrades and some exclusive features like 5G and MagSafe. The 11 Pro is considerably more affordable, has a longer battery life, and is also available with 64GB of storage, compared to the 12 Pro's minimum of 128GB. If bigger is always better, consider the advantages of the 12 Pro Max.
Which iPhone is Right for You?
The choice between the iPhone 11 Pro and 12 Pro depends primarily on your personal preferences and budget. The 12 Pro stands out with its updated square design, larger screen, 5G capabilities, and improved camera system with LiDAR. However, the 11 Pro remains an excellent choice for those who prioritize longer battery life and a more affordable price. Both devices offer top quality, with the 12 Pro offering the latest features and the 11 Pro excelling in reliability and long-lasting value. For the best value for money, a refurbished iPhone is worth considering.
