iPhone 12 Pro Vs iPhone 15 Plus

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical construction.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, making it a device from an earlier generation. The iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, benefits from being a more recent model.
• Software Longevity: The iPhone 15 Plus is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer period due to its newer release, offering extended access to the latest features and security patches. The iPhone 12 Pro is currently compatible with iOS 18.x, while the iPhone 15 Plus launched with iOS 17 and is compatible with iOS 18.
• Build Materials: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced durability and are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a stainless steel frame, while the iPhone 15 Plus features an aluminum frame with a color-infused glass back.

Performance differences between these two models stem primarily from their respective internal components and battery capacities.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Plus features a newer-generation processor, which translates to smoother operation for demanding applications, faster app loading times, and more efficient multitasking compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 6GB of RAM, providing a capable foundation for running multiple applications simultaneously. Both also offer storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, catering to different user storage needs.
• Battery Performance: The iPhone 15 Plus offers significantly longer battery life, with up to 26 hours of video playback, compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's up to 17 hours. User experiences frequently highlight the iPhone 15 Plus's exceptional battery longevity, often lasting through heavy usage days.

The visual experience on these devices is shaped by their display technology, size, and brightness capabilities.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus utilize Super Retina XDR OLED displays, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 15 Plus provides a larger 6.7-inch viewing area.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPhone 15 Plus offers higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 1000 nits typical, 1600 nits for HDR content, and an impressive 2000 nits for outdoor viewing. The iPhone 12 Pro has a typical brightness of 800 nits and 1200 nits for HDR. Both maintain a pixel density of approximately 460 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp text and images.
• Refresh Rate and Features: Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. A notable difference is the inclusion of the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 15 Plus, which integrates alerts and activities into an interactive area at the top of the display, replacing the traditional notch found on the iPhone 12 Pro.

The camera systems on these iPhones offer distinct capabilities for photography and videography.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple 12-megapixel camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide, and a dedicated Telephoto lens, alongside a LiDAR Scanner for improved depth sensing and low-light portraits. The iPhone 15 Plus has an advanced dual-camera system, including a 48-megapixel Main camera and a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera. It achieves 2x optical-quality telephoto zoom by cropping from the high-resolution main sensor.
• Photography Features: The iPhone 15 Plus benefits from newer computational photography features like Photonic Engine and Smart HDR 5, which enhance image processing, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It also offers next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. The iPhone 12 Pro includes Night mode portraits enabled by its LiDAR Scanner.
• Video Recording: Both devices support 4K Dolby Vision HDR video recording at up to 60 frames per second, providing high-quality video capture. The front-facing TrueDepth cameras on both are 12-megapixel, with the iPhone 15 Plus's front camera featuring autofocus.

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two iPhone models.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 15 Plus upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster wireless speeds and more stable connections compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's Bluetooth 5.0. A significant change is the iPhone 15 Plus's adoption of a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, replacing the Lightning port found on the iPhone 12 Pro.
• Sensors and Biometrics: Both models rely on Face ID for secure authentication. The iPhone 12 Pro includes a LiDAR Scanner, which assists with augmented reality applications and enhances low-light photography. The iPhone 15 Plus does not feature a LiDAR Scanner.
• Physical Design: The iPhone 12 Pro measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighs 189 grams. The iPhone 15 Plus is larger and slightly heavier at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and 201 grams, reflecting its larger screen size. The iPhone 12 Pro features a stainless steel frame, while the iPhone 15 Plus uses an aluminum frame.