Choosing between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 can feel like standing at a crossroads, each path offering its own allure. On one hand, you’ve got the trusted familiarity of the iPhone 11, a device that’s proven its worth. On the other, the iPhone 12 dazzles with sleek upgrades and cutting-edge features designed to push boundaries. But what truly sets them apart?
From the first glance, their differences go beyond just aesthetics. Whether it’s the sharper edges of the iPhone 12 or the subtle curves of the iPhone 11, each tells a different story. Yet, the real intrigue lies under the hood—performance, display, and technology that could redefine how you experience a smartphone.
If you’re wondering which one deserves a spot in your pocket, you’re not alone. Let’s jump into what makes these two Apple creations unique and help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Design And Build Quality
iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 share similarities in design but differ significantly in build quality and modern refinements. These distinctions impact aesthetics, durability, and usability.
Size And Weight
iPhone 11 measures 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm and weighs 194g, while iPhone 12 is slimmer and lighter at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm and 164g. A thinner profile of the iPhone 12 makes it easier to hold and transport, especially for extended usage.
The iPhone 12 shed size without compromising performance, featuring a sleeker aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield for enhanced hardness. It might be the optimal fit if portability and durability are your priorities, but the iPhone 11 could feel more substantial in hand.
Display Technology
The iPhone 11 features a Liquid Retina HD display with LCD technology at 1792 x 828 resolution and a 326 PPI density. In comparison, the iPhone 12 boasts a Super Retina XDR OLED display with 2532 x 1170 resolution and 460 PPI, offering drastically better contrast and vibrancy.
With HDR support and True Tone in both phones, the iPhone 12’s OLED screen delivers deeper blacks, sharper details, and an improved viewing experience in low-light situations. This difference is noticeable while watching high-quality videos or gaming, an area where the iPhone 12 excels.
Color Options
iPhone 11 comes in six colors: Black, White, Green, Yellow, Purple, and Product(RED). iPhone 12 offers fewer choices—Black, White, Green, Blue, and Product(RED)—yet introduces a richer Blue and a more vibrant Green hue. The new tones target users who value a modern, dynamic look.
Whichever palette you prefer, both phones provide matte finishes that resist fingerprints. If you lean towards subtle or bold tones, ensure your choice aligns with your personality and style needs.
Performance And Hardware
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 differ significantly in performance due to advancements in hardware. Apple’s focus on delivering powerful and efficient devices is evident in both models, though the iPhone 12 introduces notable upgrades.
Processor Speed
The iPhone 11 features the A13 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 12 is powered by the next-generation A14 Bionic chip. The A14 chip, built on a 5nm process, provides improved energy efficiency and computing power compared to the A13’s 7nm architecture. In benchmarks, the A14 demonstrates around a 16% increase in CPU performance and a 17% boost in GPU speed. This leads to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better gaming experiences on the iPhone 12.
If you rely on intensive apps or demand high processing power, the iPhone 12 delivers a noticeable edge. For example, tasks like editing 4K videos or running augmented reality applications exhibit fewer lags on the A14.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 houses a 3,110mAh battery, whereas the iPhone 12 includes a slightly smaller 2,815mAh battery, partly due to its thinner design. Even though this, Apple’s optimizations in the A14 Bionic and energy-efficient OLED display help the iPhone 12 maintain a similar overall usage time as the iPhone 11. On average, you can expect up to 17 hours of video playback on either model.
Real-world usage might show the iPhone 11 lasting marginally longer during tasks like streaming or browsing. If battery life remains a primary concern, the differences may influence your choice depending on your needs.
Storage Options
Apple offers the same storage capacities for both iPhone 11 and iPhone 12: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The 64GB base option works for users with minimal storage demands, though heavy multimedia users might prefer the higher tiers. Neither model supports expandable storage, so choosing the right capacity is essential.
If you frequently download large apps or store extensive photo libraries, opting for 128GB strikes a balance between cost and functionality. The 256GB tier suits those managing high-resolution videos or extensive offline content.
Camera Capabilities
The camera capabilities of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 exhibit notable distinctions. Each model enhances your photography experience in unique ways, depending on individual needs and expectations.
Rear Camera Features
The iPhone 11 features a dual 12MP camera setup with Ultra-Wide and Wide lenses, ensuring flexibility for group shots or landscapes. By contrast, the iPhone 12 improves upon this with the same dual 12MP setup but introduces enhancements like Smart HDR 3 for better image processing. The addition of Night Mode on both lenses in the iPhone 12 ensures brighter, more detailed low-light photos, a feature absent on the Ultra-Wide lens of the iPhone 11.
For example, capturing cityscapes at night with the iPhone 12 yields clearer results due to advanced noise reduction. On the other hand, the iPhone 11’s ultra-wide lens remains reliable for most daylight scenarios, perfect for casual users prioritizing simplicity.
Front Camera Improvements
Both models offer a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. Still, the iPhone 12 refines this with Night Mode and Deep Fusion, enabling sharper and more natural selfies under various lighting conditions, including dimly lit environments.
The iPhone 11 lacks Night Mode for selfies, meaning shots in such conditions may appear darker or less detailed. If frequent low-light selfies are part of your routine, the iPhone 12 provides a much more compelling option.
Video Recording Enhancements
Video capabilities see significant upgrades in the iPhone 12. Both devices support 4K video recording at 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps, but the iPhone 12 takes a lead with Dolby Vision HDR recording at up to 30fps. This enhances dynamic range and colors, creating cinematic videos. The iPhone 11, although limited to standard 4K, handles day-to-day video recording tasks effectively.
For instance, family vacations or special moments filmed on the iPhone 12 will appear more vibrant and lifelike. The iPhone 11 remains practical for users needing basic video recording without the added finesse of HDR.
Connectivity And 5G
iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 differ significantly in connectivity and 5G capabilities, aligning with their respective technology generations. While both offer excellent network performance, the iPhone 12 introduces features that cater to faster, more reliable connections.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 11 supports 4G LTE, providing reliable browsing and streaming speeds for most tasks. It’s compatible with numerous global carriers and ensures stable connectivity in regions lacking 5G infrastructure. If your area doesn’t support 5G or you prioritize affordability without sacrificing performance, the iPhone 11 remains a solid choice.
The iPhone 12 introduces 5G, enabling far faster downloads, reduced latency, and smoother streaming. In cities or regions with 5G networks, you experience dramatically improved speeds, particularly for activities like video conferencing and online gaming. Sub-6GHz and mmWave technologies ensure robust compatibility, especially in the US market. This feature underscores the iPhone 12’s adoption of cutting-edge connectivity standards.
Wi-Fi And Bluetooth Upgrades
Both models support Wi-Fi 6, which optimizes internet speeds in compatible routers. Tasks like streaming 4K content or managing smart home devices benefit from this standard. But, paired with 5G, the iPhone 12 maximizes network efficiency, especially in data-intensive scenarios.
For Bluetooth, both rely on the 5.0 standard, ensuring seamless connections to accessories like AirPods. The iPhone 12 refines the experience with its enhanced hardware integration, ensuring faster pairing and improved energy management, particularly for wireless peripherals during extended use. These advancements make the iPhone 12 more suited to users who seek seamless, future-ready wireless connectivity.
Software And Updates
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 run on iOS, delivering a seamless, feature-rich experience. But, differences in software optimization and future support affect the overall appeal of each model.
Operating System Features
The iPhone 12 benefits from iOS 14 onwards with specific optimizations for the A14 Bionic chip. These include faster app loading, enhanced AR capabilities, and improved security protocols. The iPhone 11, running on the A13 Bionic chip, supports all core iOS features but processes certain tasks marginally slower due to hardware limitations. Features like App Clips, Widgets, and advanced Face ID functionality perform similarly on both, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Even though these similarities, the iPhone 12’s hardware enables exclusive software enhancements, such as HDR video playback. Updates in energy management also help the iPhone 12 maintain balanced performance during resource-intensive tasks, setting it apart from the iPhone 11 in high-performance scenarios.
Longevity Of Updates
Apple’s track record suggests extended software support for all its devices, resulting in approximately 5-6 years of updates per iPhone. Since the iPhone 12 launched a year after the iPhone 11, it’s likely to receive updates for an additional year, ensuring longer access to new features and security patches.
For instance, if the iPhone 11 and 12 both receive iOS 20, the iPhone 12 might also receive iOS 21 afterward, outliving the iPhone 11’s update cycle. This could influence your decision, especially if you prioritize staying current with the latest software innovations.
Pricing And Value
The pricing of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 reflects their generational gap and technological advancements. Each model’s value depends on budget and preferences.
Initial Price Comparison
The iPhone 11 launched in September 2019 with a starting price of $699, while the iPhone 12 was introduced a year later at $799. The $100 difference highlights the newer technologies and 5G connectivity in the iPhone 12. Currently, prices vary depending on retailers, storage options, and promotions, but Apple’s official store no longer sells the iPhone 11 directly. Refurbished iPhone 11 units are available at reduced rates, offering a cost-effective alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
Sales trends reveal discounts occasionally occur on both models during shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day. For instance, during a 2023 sale, some retailers listed the iPhone 11 at $400 for the base model, undercutting iPhone 12’s least expensive offers by $150. If you prioritize spending less upfront and don’t require the latest network speeds or OLED displays, the iPhone 11 may seem more appealing.
Longevity Of Resale Value
The iPhone 12 holds better resale value over time due to its 5G support and modern hardware. Data from resale platforms like Swappa shows that as of late 2023, a used iPhone 12 typically sells for around $450 in good condition, 22% higher than a similar-condition iPhone 11 at approximately $370. These differences make the iPhone 12 more attractive for those looking to upgrade within a few years.
Market demand influences depreciation. The iPhone 12’s advanced display and compatibility with future iOS updates keep it relevant longer. For buyers considering trade-in programs, Apple’s trade-in estimates as of October 2023 provide $250 for an iPhone 12 and $200 for an iPhone 11 in standard condition. If you foresee upgrading frequently, investing in the iPhone 12 pays off better in the long term.
When value over time matters most, choosing a device like the iPhone 12 with durable features leads to higher returns. Decisions eventually hinge on how long you’ll use the device and its role in your tech ecosystem.
Conclusion
Choosing between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re drawn to cutting-edge features like 5G connectivity, a brighter OLED display, and enhanced camera capabilities, the iPhone 12 is a clear winner. But, the iPhone 11 remains a reliable and budget-friendly option with solid performance and a wider range of colors.
Consider your priorities, whether it’s future-proofing with newer technology or saving money without sacrificing quality. Both models offer great value, so your decision should reflect your needs and how you plan to use your device.
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