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iPhone 11 Pro Vs iPhone 12

  • 1-year minimum warranty
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iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:187.00

Versus €809.00 new

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iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:167.07

Versus €829.00 new

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Differences at a glance

The iPhone 11 Pro, released in September 2019, and the iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent two consecutive generations of Apple's smartphone lineup. While both offer a premium experience, the iPhone 12 introduces a newer processor, 5G connectivity, and an updated design, distinguishing it from its predecessor which focused on refining the triple-camera system.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors come into play, including their initial release and expected software support.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 Pro was introduced in September 2019, while the iPhone 12 followed in October 2020. This one-year difference means the iPhone 12 will likely receive software updates for a longer period, extending its practical lifespan.
  • Software Longevity: Both devices run on Apple's iOS, known for its extended support. Typically, iPhones receive major iOS updates for five to six years from their release date. The iPhone 12, being a year newer, is expected to maintain software compatibility and security updates for approximately one year longer than the iPhone 11 Pro.
  • Durability Features: The iPhone 11 Pro features an IP68 rating, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 12 also carries an IP68 rating but improves upon this by being rated for submersion in up to 6 meters of water for the same duration, alongside a Ceramic Shield front cover designed for enhanced drop performance.

Year of Release

2019

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key aspect for any smartphone, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently daily tasks are handled.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 11 Pro is equipped with a capable processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively. The iPhone 12 features a newer generation processor, offering improvements in overall speed and efficiency, which translates to faster app loading times and smoother performance in graphically intensive games.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both models provide a responsive user experience for everyday tasks. The iPhone 12's newer processor contributes to a slightly more fluid feel, particularly when switching between multiple applications or running complex operations.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 11 Pro was available with 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage. The iPhone 12 offers storage configurations of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Users with extensive media libraries or those who frequently download large applications might find the 512GB option on the 11 Pro beneficial, while the 128GB option on the iPhone 12 provides a balanced choice for many users.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and both iPhones offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable differences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch display with a resolution of 2436x1125 pixels at 458 ppi. The iPhone 12 has a slightly larger 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 ppi, offering a marginally sharper image.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both displays achieve a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits for the iPhone 11 Pro and 625 nits for the iPhone 12, with both capable of reaching 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 11 Pro's higher typical brightness might offer a slight advantage in bright outdoor environments.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth experience for most daily interactions.

Resolution

1125 x 2436

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both iPhones are designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach this with different configurations and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 11 Pro features a versatile triple-camera system, including 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses, offering 2x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system with 12MP Main and Ultra Wide lenses, providing 2x optical zoom out. The 11 Pro's dedicated telephoto lens offers more flexibility for zoomed-in shots without digital cropping.
  • Low-Light Performance and Features: Both phones excel in low-light conditions with Night mode. The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Night mode and Deep Fusion for improved detail and noise reduction. The iPhone 12 extends Night mode functionality to all its cameras, including the Ultra Wide and front-facing camera, and features Smart HDR 3 for enhanced image processing. The iPhone 12's main camera also has a wider ƒ/1.6 aperture, allowing it to capture 27% more light than its predecessor, leading to better low-light photos.
  • Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second with cinematic video stabilization. The iPhone 12 introduces HDR video recording with Dolby Vision at up to 4K at 30fps, offering enhanced color and contrast in videos.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several other elements contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity: A significant difference lies in network capabilities. The iPhone 11 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 but lacks 5G connectivity. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, introduced 5G (sub-6 GHz) support, offering faster cellular data speeds in compatible areas, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Design and Build Materials: The iPhone 11 Pro features a stainless steel frame and a frosted glass back. The iPhone 12 adopts a flat-edged design with an aluminum frame and a glossy glass back, protected by a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. The iPhone 11 Pro is slightly thicker and heavier at 8.1mm and 188g, compared to the iPhone 12's 7.4mm and 164g.
  • Biometric Security: Both models utilize Face ID for secure facial recognition, enabling unlocking the device, authenticating purchases, and securing applications.

Weight

188 g

164 g

Screen size (in)

5.8

6.1

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

What the community thinks

The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 each offer compelling features, catering to slightly different user priorities. User feedback for the iPhone 11 Pro often praises its robust build quality and the versatility of its triple-camera system, particularly the dedicated telephoto lens. Some users appreciate its slightly more compact form factor compared to larger models. Criticisms sometimes point to the absence of 5G and its older processor compared to newer generations.

For the iPhone 12, common praise highlights its introduction of 5G connectivity, the improved low-light performance across all cameras, and its refreshed design. Users also note the enhanced durability provided by the Ceramic Shield front. Some feedback mentions the removal of the telephoto lens found on the 11 Pro as a trade-off for the standard model.

Users prioritizing a dedicated telephoto camera and a slightly more compact, heavier build might find the iPhone 11 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value future-proof 5G connectivity, enhanced low-light photography across all lenses, and a lighter, more durable front display will likely lean towards the iPhone 12. Both devices remain capable smartphones, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model, allowing consumers to make informed, sustainable choices.