Iphone 11 Vs Iphone 12 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

When Apple released the iPhone 12 in October 2020, it marked a significant shift in design and capability compared to its predecessor. For millions of iPhone 11 owners still enjoying solid performance, the question remains: is upgrading to the iPhone 12 truly worthwhile? With both models offering excellent cameras, reliable software support, and strong battery life, the decision isn’t as straightforward as it once was. This breakdown examines key differences in design, performance, display, camera, and future-proofing to help you determine whether the jump from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 justifies the cost.

Design and Build: A Return to Flat Edges

The most noticeable difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 is the design language. The iPhone 11 features curved edges and an aluminum frame, giving it a softer, more rounded feel. In contrast, the iPhone 12 adopts a flat-edge stainless steel design reminiscent of the iPhone 5 era, lending it a sleeker, more modern aesthetic.

Despite being slightly lighter (164g vs. 194g), the iPhone 12 feels more premium due to its Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple claims offers four times better drop protection. Both phones are splash, water, and dust resistant (IP68 rated), but the iPhone 12 can survive up to 6 meters for 30 minutes—double the depth of the iPhone 11.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone, the iPhone 12’s improved durability could reduce repair costs over time.

Display: From LCD to Super Retina XDR

The iPhone 11 uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD display with a resolution of 1792x828 pixels. While perfectly serviceable, it lacks the vibrancy and contrast of OLED panels. The iPhone 12 upgrades to a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels. This change results in deeper blacks, higher brightness (up to 1200 nits for HDR), and improved color accuracy.

For users who consume a lot of video content or use their phones outdoors, the OLED screen on the iPhone 12 provides a noticeably sharper and more immersive experience. Even though both devices have the same 60Hz refresh rate, the superior pixel density and contrast make the iPhone 12’s screen feel like a generational leap.

“Moving from LCD to OLED on mid-tier iPhones was a game-changer for visual fidelity and energy efficiency.” — Mark Sullivan, Senior Tech Analyst at Tom’s Guide

Performance: A13 vs A14 – How Much Faster?

Under the hood, the iPhone 11 runs on the A13 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic—the first smartphone processor built on a 5nm process. Benchmarks show the A14 delivers approximately 16% faster CPU performance and up to 8% better GPU efficiency than the A13.

In real-world usage, this translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better performance in graphics-intensive games. More importantly, the A14’s architectural improvements enhance machine learning tasks, benefiting features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and AR applications.

Both phones handle iOS 17 and expected future updates well, but the A14 gives the iPhone 12 a longer projected lifespan—potentially extending usable life by an additional year or two.

Camera Comparison: Subtle But Meaningful Upgrades

On paper, both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 feature dual-camera systems: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. However, the iPhone 12 introduces several behind-the-scenes improvements that elevate photo quality.

• Better low-light performance: The wide sensor on the iPhone 12 has larger pixels and a wider f/1.6 aperture, capturing 27% more light.
• Night mode enhancements: Now available on all lenses, including the front-facing camera.
• Smart HDR 3: Improved dynamic range and skin tone accuracy in mixed lighting.
• Photographic Styles: Introduced later via iOS update, allowing customizable color and tone presets.

In practical terms, the iPhone 12 produces brighter night shots, more natural highlights, and slightly crisper details. Portrait mode edge detection is also more accurate, especially around hair and glasses.

“I’ve used both daily for photography. The difference is subtle, but in dim indoor settings, the iPhone 12 consistently pulls ahead.” — Sarah Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Blogger

5G Connectivity: The Defining Feature of iPhone 12

The single biggest technological leap in the iPhone 12 is the inclusion of 5G. The iPhone 11 supports only LTE, while the iPhone 12 offers both mmWave (in select models) and sub-6GHz 5G bands. This enables significantly faster download and upload speeds in supported areas.

However, real-world benefits depend heavily on location and carrier coverage. In urban centers with robust 5G infrastructure, streaming 4K video or downloading large apps happens almost instantly. But in rural or suburban areas, 5G may not be available or may drain the battery faster without delivering consistent speed gains.

Additionally, early 5G models of the iPhone 12 faced criticism for poor battery optimization when connected to 5G networks. Apple addressed some of these issues through software updates, introducing Smart Data Mode to switch between LTE and 5G based on need.

Tip: Enable Smart Data Mode in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode to balance speed and battery life.

Comprehensive Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 11	iPhone 12
Release Year	2019	2020
Processor	A13 Bionic	A14 Bionic
Display	6.1\" LCD (Liquid Retina)	6.1\" OLED (Super Retina XDR)
Resolution	1792x828	2532x1170
Rear Cameras	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Front Camera	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2 with Night mode
Water Resistance	IP68 (2m for 30 min)	IP68 (6m for 30 min)
Connectivity	LTE only	5G + LTE
Weight	194g	164g
Starting Storage	64GB	64GB
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 17 hours	Up to 17 hours

Real-World Scenario: Should You Upgrade?

Consider the case of James, a freelance graphic designer using an iPhone 11 since 2019. His device still performs well, but he often works remotely and needs fast uploads for client feedback. After switching to an iPhone 12, he noticed that sending high-resolution mockups over 5G reduced transfer time from three minutes to under 30 seconds. Additionally, the OLED screen helped him assess color accuracy more confidently during outdoor shoots.

However, his colleague Maria, a teacher who primarily uses her phone for messaging, browsing, and occasional photos, found no compelling reason to upgrade. Her iPhone 11 handles video calls and educational apps without lag, and she rarely accesses data-heavy services. For her, the upgrade offered minimal benefit relative to the cost.

This illustrates a key point: the value of upgrading depends on how you use your phone and whether new features align with your needs.

Upgrade Checklist: Is the iPhone 12 Right for You?

Before making the switch, ask yourself the following:

1. Do I live in or frequently travel to areas with reliable 5G coverage?
2. Do I value a sharper, more vibrant display for media consumption?
3. Am I planning to keep my phone for more than three years?
4. Do I regularly shoot photos in low light or rely on camera quality?
5. Is a lighter, more durable build important for daily carry?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the iPhone 12 likely offers meaningful improvements. Otherwise, sticking with the iPhone 11—or considering a newer budget model like the iPhone SE (3rd gen)—might be more cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone 12 battery last longer than the iPhone 11?

No significant difference in real-world usage. Both offer similar battery life, but 5G usage on the iPhone 12 can reduce endurance if not managed properly.

Can the iPhone 11 get the same iOS updates as the iPhone 12?

Yes. Both devices support iOS 17 and are expected to receive updates through at least 2025, possibly into 2026.

Is the camera upgrade worth it?

Only if you frequently take photos in challenging lighting. Casual shooters won’t notice a dramatic difference in everyday conditions.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The iPhone 12 is undeniably a better device—superior display, faster processor, enhanced durability, and 5G connectivity. But \"better\" doesn't always mean \"worth upgrading.\" For power users, creatives, or those entering 5G-rich environments, the iPhone 12 delivers tangible benefits. For average users whose iPhone 11 still functions well, the upgrade may feel more like a luxury than a necessity.

If you're on a tight budget or plan to replace your phone within two years, hold off. But if you want a longer-lasting device with modern features and improved resilience, the iPhone 12 makes a compelling case.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your usage patterns, test both devices in-store if possible, and invest only when the upgrade aligns with your lifestyle—not just the spec sheet.