Apple’s iPhone lineup has long been the subject of much discussion, and the iPhone 11 and 12 are no exception. From design changes and display upgrades to camera upgrades and performance boosts, we will explore every facet that sets the two models, the iPhone 11 vs. 12, apart, providing valuable insights for those considering an upgrade or a new purchase.
So, let’s dive deep and uncover what truly differentiates these smartphones!
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12: Side-by-Side Comparison
| iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Aluminum and glass design; rounded edges | Ceramic Shield front; a rectangular shape |
| Display | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE support | 5G support |
| Processor | A13 Bionic chip | A14 Bionic chip |
| MagSafe | Not available | Available |
| Camera | Dual 12MP camera system (Wide, Ultra Wide) | Dual 12MP camera system (Wide, Ultra Wide); Night mode improvements |
| Storage | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: What’s the Difference?
With its iconic iPhone lineup, Apple has long led the charge to shape the smartphone landscape. Let’s explore some subtleties that set the iPhone 11 and 12 apart, offering insight into their design, performance, and features.
Design and Build
Apple has always placed a high value on the design of its smartphones. The iPhone 12 showcases an updated design reminiscent of the earlier iPhone 4 and 5 models. Flat edges replace its curved contours for improved grip and handling and create an undeniably luxurious feel.
It also features a slightly smaller dimension and lighter weight than the iPhone 11, providing a more ergonomic and comfortable user experience. Measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing only 164 grams, its sleek form factor makes it pocket-friendly compared to the iPhone 11’s 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm form factor and 194-gram weight.
- IOS 12
- 4G
- 64 GB memory storage capacity
- Compatible with carriers on the GSM network only
Apple has enhanced the iPhone 12 by equipping its front cover with Ceramic Shield material, which provides enhanced drop protection compared to the iPhone 11. Though both models still use glass backs, their strengthened construction makes them more robust.
The iPhone 12 introduces MagSafe, which is absent from the iPhone 11. MagSafe features an inner ring of magnets to seamlessly attach accessories like chargers, cases, and wallets for an efficient and versatile user experience.
Display Technology
Apple’s iPhone 11 and 12 phones demonstrate how display technology continues to advance rapidly. The iPhone 12 features Super Retina XDR OLED, a more innovative panel than the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina IPS LCD panel.
The iPhone 12 features a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, providing users with a crisp 460 PPI for an unparalleled visual experience. This is significantly greater than the iPhone 11’s 1792 x 828 resolution with only 326 PPI. This gives users more lifelike images that are both detailed and precise.
OLED screen technology used in the iPhone 12 is known for its exceptional contrast ratios. This technology can create true black levels by turning off individual pixels, producing an eye-catching contrast between dark and light areas.
Unfortunately, the iPhone 11’s IPS LCD panel could not match this depth and richness, making the display of the iPhone 12 even more striking and immersive.
Color accuracy and vibrancy are hallmarks of an excellent OLED display, particularly concerning images, videos, and visually-demanding apps such as games. The iPhone 12 OLED’s wide color gamut offers more vibrant and lifelike hues, enhancing viewing experiences and apps such as VR.
Processing Power
The iPhone 12 features the A14 Bionic chip, an upgrade from the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic processor. The A14 Bionic was constructed using a 5-nanometer process, making it more energy efficient and compact than the 7-nanometer one on A13 Bionic.
Thanks to this new manufacturing technology, the A14 now houses 11.8 billion transistors (compared with 8.5 billion on the A13), increasing power output and energy savings. Performance-wise, the A14 Bionic offers a 20% boost to CPU and GPU capabilities over the A13.
This increased processing power ensures that the iPhone 12 can easily manage even the most demanding tasks, such as running high-end games or editing 4K videos. Users should experience an increasingly responsive experience, reduced load times, and seamless multitasking abilities.
5G Connectivity
The introduction of 5G support in the iPhone 12 marks a notable upgrade to the 4G found on the iPhone 11. 5G connectivity offers many advantages over 4G. Notably, 5G allows for lightning-fast download and upload speeds, enabling users to access high-resolution content quickly.
This is particularly important for streaming videos without interruption or enjoying more responsive online gaming experiences. Under ideal conditions, speeds could even reach 100 times those of 4G, making the iPhone 12 an appealing option for those searching for speedy connectivity.
Camera Capabilities
Although both the iPhone 11 and 12 feature dual 12MP rear cameras, subtle yet significant enhancements are made to the iPhone 12’s camera system, enhancing its photographic prowess.
The iPhone 12 offers a slightly larger aperture for its main wide-angle lens than the one found on the iPhone 11; an f/1.6 aperture as opposed to an f/1.8 one. This change improves light capture, low-light performance, and noise reduction in dimly lit environments.
This difference becomes particularly evident when using its improved Night Mode, which produces brighter and more detailed images even under challenging lighting conditions.
Another key distinction between the two models is the iPhone 12’s support of HDR video recording and Dolby Vision technology, providing more dynamic range when recording videos with bright highlights and deep shadows, rendering each with incredible precision.
Furthermore, Dolby Vision ensures that videos appear vibrant and true to life when viewed on compatible displays for an immersive cinematic experience.
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12: 7 Must-Know Facts
- The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced durability and drop protection over the iPhone 11’s standard glass cover.
- The iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity for faster download and upload speeds, while the iPhone 11 only offers 4G LTE service.
- The iPhone 11 and 12 offer dual 12-MP rear cameras, but only the iPhone 12 offers a larger aperture for improved low-light performance.
- The iPhone 12 boasts MagSafe technology for easy accessory attachment and wireless charging.
- The iPhone 12 features an OLED display for more vivid colors and deeper blacks, while the iPhone 11 offers LCD graphics.
- The iPhone 11 and 12 offer Face ID to enable safe facial recognition and unlocking.
- The iPhone 12 is lighter and thinner than its predecessor, making it easier to carry and handle.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: Which One Is Better?
Comparing the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 12 can be overwhelming. When selecting between the two, evaluate both models’ features to determine which one meets your needs, preferences, and budget.
The iPhone 12 stands out with its elegant flat-edge design and Ceramic Shield front cover, creating a modern aesthetic and increased durability.
Its OLED display offers improved color accuracy and contrast compared to the LCD found on the iPhone 11. In addition, 5G connectivity and MagSafe technology further future-proof its use. Its improved low-light camera performance and Dolby Vision HDR recording capabilities attract photographers who prioritize high-quality photography.
On the other hand, the iPhone 11 offers more budget-conscious buyers an appealing option without breaking their budget. Even with an LCD, it still provides a quality visual experience.
Overall, if your priority is a modern design, better display, 5G connectivity, and advanced camera features, then the iPhone 12 may be the best option. But for those on a tight budget looking for a reliable phone, the iPhone 11 is your best bet.
- Apple iPhone 11
- IOS 12
- 4G
- 64 GB memory storage capacity
- Compatible with carriers on the GSM network only
- Apple iPhone 12
- IOS 16
- 5G
- 64 GB memory storage capacity
- Compatible with any carrier of choice
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