iPhone 11 Vs iPhone 12

The iPhone 11, released in September 2019, and the iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent two consecutive generations of Apple's mainstream smartphones. While both devices offer a similar form factor and operate on iOS, the iPhone 12 introduces a refreshed design, an enhanced display, 5G connectivity, and a more advanced processor compared to its predecessor.

When considering longevity, both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 offer solid software support and durability, though the newer model has an edge.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 12, being released a year later, is expected to receive iOS updates for approximately one year longer than the iPhone 11. The iPhone 11 originally shipped with iOS 13, and the iPhone 12 with iOS 14.1, with both upgradable to iOS 26.2 as of the current date.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 introduced Ceramic Shield front cover, which provides a significant improvement in drop performance compared to the iPhone 11's dual-ion exchange-strengthened glass. Both devices have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, with the iPhone 12 capable of withstanding submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11 is rated for 2 meters for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: Both models generally have moderate repairability scores. The iPhone 11 has a repairability score of 6/10, allowing for some component replacements such as the display and battery.

Performance differences between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are primarily driven by their respective processors and battery optimizations.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 12 features Apple's A14 Bionic chip, offering improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the iPhone 11's A13 Bionic chip. This translates to smoother operation for demanding applications, faster game loading times, and more efficient handling of complex tasks on the iPhone 12.
• Storage Options: Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 offer internal storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. For most users, 128GB provides a balanced amount of space for apps, photos, and videos.
• Battery Behavior: While the iPhone 12 has a slightly smaller battery capacity than the iPhone 11 (2,815 mAh vs. 3,110 mAh), its more efficient A14 Bionic chip often results in comparable or even slightly better real-world battery life for typical usage, especially with optimized software. Heavy users may notice that both phones generally require daily charging.

The display is one of the most significant upgrades found in the iPhone 12 when compared to the iPhone 11.

• Display Technology: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. The iPhone 11 uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD display, which provides good color accuracy but cannot match the contrast ratios of OLED technology.
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 12 offers a higher resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi, resulting in sharper text and images. The iPhone 11 has a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels at 326 ppi.
• Brightness Levels: Both phones offer a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits. However, the iPhone 12 can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits when displaying HDR content, enhancing the viewing experience for HDR videos.

Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 offer capable camera systems, with the newer model providing some notable enhancements.

• Camera System Capabilities: Both devices feature a dual 12-megapixel camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses. The iPhone 12's wide camera features an improved f/1.6 aperture, allowing it to capture 27% more light than the f/1.8 aperture on the iPhone 11.
• Low-Light Photography: Both models include Night Mode, significantly improving performance in low-light conditions. The iPhone 12 extends Night Mode functionality to all cameras, including the front-facing camera.
• Video Recording Quality: Both phones support 4K video recording at up to 60fps. The iPhone 12 is the first iPhone model capable of shooting 10-bit high dynamic range Dolby Vision 4K video at up to 30fps, offering greater brightness and deeper shadows.
• Audio and Speakers: Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 feature stereo speakers with support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, providing a balanced and immersive sound experience. Users generally find the speaker quality to be very good on both, suitable for media consumption and calls.