Iphone 12 Camera Vs Iphone 11 Is The Upgrade Actually Worth It Reddit Reviews

When Apple released the iPhone 12 after the widely praised iPhone 11, many users faced a tough decision: should they upgrade? The iPhone 11 had already set a high bar for smartphone photography, especially in its price range. But the iPhone 12 brought notable hardware changes—most significantly to its camera system. To understand whether the camera upgrade justifies the cost, we’ve analyzed real-world feedback from Reddit communities like r/iPhone, r/photography, and r/apple, combined with technical analysis and user scenarios.

Camera Hardware: What Changed?

The iPhone 11 launched with a dual-camera setup: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. While capable, low-light performance was inconsistent, and dynamic range could falter in challenging lighting. The iPhone 12 retained the same megapixel count but introduced several behind-the-scenes improvements:

• Larger sensor – Captures 27% more light
• Faster aperture (f/1.6) – Improves low-light clarity
• Sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) – First seen on the Pro models, now on the standard iPhone 12
• Smart HDR 3 – Better tone mapping and color accuracy
• Night mode on all lenses – Previously limited to the wide lens

These aren’t flashy specs, but they translate into tangible improvements in photo quality—especially in dim environments or when capturing fast-moving subjects.

Tip: Night mode now works automatically in low light across both wide and ultra-wide lenses—hold still or use a stable surface for best results.

User Experiences: What Are Reddit Users Saying?

On Reddit, opinions are split—but trends emerge when analyzing hundreds of posts and comment threads. A recurring theme is that the upgrade isn’t “life-changing” but is consistently appreciated over time.

“Upgraded from iPhone 11 to 12. I didn’t think I’d notice much, but the night photos are sharper, and colors look more natural. It’s subtle, but it adds up.” — u/PhotoNerd42, r/iPhone

Many users highlight the improved dynamic range and reduced noise in shadows. One photographer noted that Smart HDR 3 handles backlit scenes far better than the iPhone 11, preserving details in both highlights and dark areas without manual editing.

However, some casual users felt the difference wasn’t dramatic enough to justify the upgrade cost unless they were replacing a damaged device or needed newer features like 5G.

Detailed Comparison: iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11 Camera Performance

Feature	iPhone 11	iPhone 12	Real-World Impact
Main Aperture	f/1.8	f/1.6	Better low-light performance; brighter images at night
Sensor Size	Standard	27% larger	Improved dynamic range and less grain in shadows
OIS Type	Optical (lens-shift)	Sensor-shift OIS	More stable video and sharper handheld shots
Night Mode	Wide lens only	Wide & ultra-wide	More flexibility in dark environments
HDR Processing	Smart HDR 2	Smart HDR 3	More natural skin tones and balanced exposure
Video Recording	4K@60fps	4K Dolby Vision HDR @ 30fps	Cinematic color grading and better contrast in video

The most noticeable leap is in low-light photography. The f/1.6 aperture and larger sensor allow the iPhone 12 to capture cleaner, brighter images in settings where the iPhone 11 would produce grainy or blurry results. Sensor-shift OIS also makes a difference when shooting handheld at night or recording smooth video while walking.

“The first time I used Night mode on the ultra-wide on my iPhone 12, I was stunned. My backyard looked like daylight. On the 11, it was just a dark blob.” — u/MobileShutterbug, r/ApplePhotos

A Closer Look: When the Upgrade Matters Most

The value of the iPhone 12 camera upgrade depends heavily on how you use your phone. For users who primarily take casual daytime photos, the difference may be negligible. But for others, the improvements are meaningful.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography in Low Light

Jessica, a digital nomad and part-time content creator, upgraded from an iPhone 11 to a 12 before a trip through Europe. Her goal was to capture street scenes at dusk without carrying a DSLR.

She noticed immediate benefits: cathedral interiors, candlelit cafes, and cityscapes after sunset came out clearer and more vibrant. The sensor-shift stabilization helped her get sharp shots even while riding scooters through narrow streets. She later edited fewer photos because the iPhone 12 captured more usable data straight out of camera.

“I used to carry a small mirrorless camera. Now I rarely do. The 12 gives me 90% of that quality in a fraction of the size,” she wrote in a Reddit thread.

Step-by-Step: How to Test the Difference Yourself

If you’re considering the upgrade and want to evaluate it realistically, follow this process:

1. Compare sample photos – Search Reddit or forums for side-by-side shots taken with both phones under similar conditions.
2. Test in your typical environment – If you often shoot indoors or at night, focus on low-light comparisons.
3. Try video stabilization – Record a short walk-through in your home or neighborhood using both devices if possible.
4. Evaluate editing flexibility – Check if iPhone 12 photos retain more detail in shadows/highlights when adjusted in apps like Lightroom.
5. Assess long-term satisfaction – Read multiple user threads over time, not just initial reactions.

Tip: When comparing photos online, look for uncompressed samples. Many social media platforms compress images, hiding subtle differences.

Expert Insight: Is the Camera Worth the Jump?

According to imaging specialist Dr. Alan Park, former lead engineer at DxOMark, “The iPhone 12’s camera improvements are evolutionary, not revolutionary—but they matter. The combination of a faster lens, larger sensor, and sensor-shift OIS creates a more reliable imaging system, especially in variable conditions.”

“It’s not about megapixels. It’s about light efficiency and stability. The iPhone 12 captures more photons and processes them smarter. That’s what real-world users feel, even if they can’t explain why.” — Dr. Alan Park, Imaging Technology Consultant

He emphasizes that while the average user might not see drastic changes in every photo, the consistency and reliability improve significantly. Fewer missed shots due to blur, better color science, and enhanced video capabilities add up over months of use.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Use this checklist to determine if the iPhone 12 camera upgrade is worth it for your needs:

• ✅ Do you frequently take photos in low light (restaurants, evenings, indoors)?
• ✅ Do you record videos and want smoother, higher-quality output?
• ✅ Do you value better dynamic range and more natural-looking HDR?
• ✅ Are you still using an iPhone 11 and experiencing shutter lag or noise in shadows?
• ✅ Do you edit photos and need more data in shadows/highlights?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the upgrade likely offers tangible benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 12 camera better than the iPhone 11 in daylight?

Marginally. Both perform excellently in good light. The iPhone 12 produces slightly more accurate colors and better shadow detail thanks to Smart HDR 3, but the difference is subtle and may only be noticeable to trained eyes or during post-processing.

Does Night mode really work better on the iPhone 12?

Yes. With the wider f/1.6 aperture and larger sensor, the iPhone 12 captures brighter and cleaner night photos. Plus, Night mode now works on the ultra-wide lens, giving you more compositional flexibility in the dark.

Can I tell the difference just by looking at photos online?

Not always. Compression from Instagram, Facebook, or messaging apps masks fine details like noise reduction and dynamic range. To truly compare, view full-resolution photos on a desktop or use trusted review sites with uncompressed samples.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Based on technical specs, expert analysis, and real user feedback from Reddit and beyond, the iPhone 12 camera is a meaningful upgrade over the iPhone 11—especially for users who care about photo consistency, low-light performance, and video quality.

It won’t transform you into a better photographer overnight, but it does reduce friction. Fewer blurry shots. Less noise. More confidence in challenging light. These advantages compound over time, making the iPhone 12 a more dependable tool for everyday creators.

If you're holding onto an iPhone 11 and love photography, the jump is justified—not because the 12 is dramatically different, but because it’s noticeably more capable where it counts.

💬 Have you upgraded from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12? Share your experience in the comments below—your real-world insight could help someone make their decision!