Part of Apple’s latest flagship smartphone lineup, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro boast new designs and a flurry of premium features. But with a price difference of £200, which should you choose?
In November, Apple fans got to choose from four new handsets: the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Today we’ll compare the standard iPhone 12 against its premium cousin, the iPhone 12 Pro, to see if the extra tech justifies its hefty price-tag.
Let’s take a look…
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro: what’s the difference?
Image credit: Apple
Well, at first glance they’re identical. But at 6.7 ounces, the 12 Pro is heavier than the 12’s 5.8 ounces, and there’s build differences, too – like the 12 Pro’s steel edges to the 12’s less impressive aluminum frame.
And don’t let their glossiness fool you. Thanks to new Ceramic Shield coating, which Apple says is four times more likely to protect your device from a drop than previous iPhones, they are in fact the Californian tech giant’s sturdiest phones to date.
On their backs there’s various built-in magnets so that accessories like phone cases and charges can be attached. Both phones are 5G ready, and come with Apple’s latest mammoth processor – the A14 Bionic.
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iPhone 12 vs iPhone Pro design
To some, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro’s design might look a bit dated. Gone are the smooth sides ardent fans have come to expect from a new Apple handset, in their places rounded edges – à la 2012’s iPhone 5. We’re big fans of the new design, though – the iPhone 4 and 5 were cool looking phones, even by 2020 standards.
The iPhone 12 comes in black, white, (PRODUCT)RED, green and blue. And you can get the 12 Pro in silver, graphite, gold and pacific blue.
Verdict: It's a tie.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro camera
Image credit: Apple
The iPhone 12’s main, rear camera combines a 12-megapixel standard wide lens with a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. There’s also Dolby Vision HDR video recording and up to 30 fps, plus 2 x optical zoom range for staggeringly clear up-close shots.
The iPhone 12 Pro, on the other hand, sports an ultra wide, wide and telephoto lens, along with Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 60 fps with even higher 4x optical zoom range.
As you’d expect, both phones feature a wide array of impressive camera functions – like Nigh Mode – but the 12 Pro’s extra lens and LiDAR scanner for enhanced Night Mode portraits, quicker autofocus in low-light and improved AR puts it just ahead of the standard version.
Verdict: iPhone 12 pro
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro screen
Both screens clock in at 6.1-inches, and boast Super Retina XDR displays. Both are also OLED, with a resolution of a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 pixels per inch. Moreover, they include Haptic Touch – the small vibration you feel when holding down an icon – and True Tone display.
In short, then, there’s not much between them. On paper, the iPhone 12 Pro is slated to be slightly brighter than the iPhone 12, but we reckon you’d struggle to notice any significant difference.
Verdict: It’s a tie.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro battery life and performance
Image credit: Apple
As you might expect, they both come with Apple’s latest processor, the A14 Bionic.
Each pack 2,185mAh batteries. And Apple says you’ll get up to 17 hours of video playback, up to 11 hours streamed and up to 65 hours audio playback, too.
Moreover, you’ll also get up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter – though you’ll have to buy the adapter separately.
Verdict: It’s a tie
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro software
The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro use iOS 14, which includes features like App Clips – making apps easier to discover – enhanced privacy features, and an easy-to-use app navigation view.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro verdict
If you prefer a handset with the absolute best features, the iPhone 12 Pro is well worth a look. But if you can live with one less camera and some minor downgrades, go for the iPhone 12.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro contracts
Think you'd like the iPhone 12? Head to our deals page to see our pick of the best iPhone 12 contracts.
Prefer the iPhone 12 Pro? Take a look at the standout iPhone 12 Pro deals.
