In 2024, the iPhone 11 remains a capable device for everyday tasks, but Apple’s iPhone 12 introduced key advancements that still matter today. With iOS updates becoming more demanding and app ecosystems evolving, many iPhone 11 owners are reconsidering whether upgrading to the iPhone 12 makes financial and practical sense. The answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about longevity, usability, and how you use your phone.
This comparison dives into real-world differences that affect daily experience: performance under load, camera quality in varied lighting, network readiness, durability, and software support. For users clinging to an iPhone 11, understanding these nuances helps determine if the jump to iPhone 12 is justified—or if holding on longer might be smarter.
Performance and Longevity: A14 Bionic vs A13
The most significant hardware leap between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 is the processor. The iPhone 11 runs on the A13 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 12 features the A14 Bionic—Apple’s first 5nm chip. While both processors were powerful in their time, the A14 delivers approximately 16% faster CPU performance and 8–10% better GPU efficiency.
In 2024, this difference becomes noticeable during multitasking, gaming, and when using augmented reality (AR) apps or photo editing tools. The A14 handles background processes more efficiently, reducing lag when switching between memory-intensive apps like Final Cut Pro Mobile or Adobe Lightroom.
iOS 17 and expected iOS 18 updates place heavier demands on system resources. Early reports suggest that while the iPhone 11 supports iOS 17, it shows slower app launch times and occasional stutters during animations. The iPhone 12, by contrast, maintains fluid responsiveness, suggesting it may receive one additional major iOS update compared to the iPhone 11.
Display and Design: Flat Edges and OLED Advantage
One of the most visible upgrades is the display. The iPhone 11 uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD with a resolution of 1792×828 pixels. The iPhone 12 retains the same screen size but switches to a Super Retina XDR OLED panel with a resolution of 2532×1170 pixels. This results in deeper blacks, higher contrast (up to 2,000,000:1), and improved color accuracy.
OLED technology also contributes to better battery efficiency when displaying dark content—important as more streaming platforms adopt dark mode interfaces. HDR support on the iPhone 12 enhances viewing experiences for services like Netflix and Apple TV+, delivering brighter highlights and richer detail in supported content.
Design-wise, the iPhone 12 returns to the flat-edge aluminum frame reminiscent of the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4. Beyond aesthetics, this design improves grip and feels more premium. It also introduced Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple claims offers four times better drop performance. Real-world drop tests from consumer labs confirm that the iPhone 12 survives more impacts from waist height than the iPhone 11.
Display Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Liquid Retina (LCD) | Super Retina XDR (OLED) |
| Resolution | 1792 × 828 | 2532 × 1170 |
| Pixels Per Inch (PPI) | 326 | 460 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1400:1 | 2,000,000:1 |
| Brightness (typical) | 625 nits | 625 nits |
| HDR Support | No | Yes (Dolby Vision, HDR10) |
Camera Improvements: More Than Megapixels
Both phones feature dual-camera systems: 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses. However, the iPhone 12 adds sensor improvements, larger apertures (ƒ/1.6 on the wide lens), and Night mode across all cameras—including the front-facing camera.
In low-light conditions, the iPhone 12 captures significantly more detail and dynamic range. Its Smart HDR 3 processing adjusts tone mapping per subject, preserving facial details even in backlit scenes. Video recording sees a notable boost with Dolby Vision HDR at 4K up to 60fps—a feature absent on the iPhone 11.
“HDR video capability on the iPhone 12 changed how casual creators approach mobile filmmaking. It’s not just sharper—it’s cinematic.” — Lena Torres, Mobile Photography Instructor at SF Media Academy
For social media creators, vloggers, or parents documenting family moments, the ability to shoot professional-grade video without post-processing is a tangible advantage. Even casual photographers benefit from more consistent exposure and reduced noise in indoor shots.
Connectivity: Welcome to 5G
The iPhone 12 was Apple’s first 5G-capable lineup. While 5G adoption was slow initially, by 2024, mid-band and mmWave networks are expanding rapidly in urban areas. Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile now offer broader coverage and competitive unlimited 5G plans.
If you live in or frequently travel to cities with strong 5G infrastructure, the iPhone 12 enables faster downloads, smoother cloud backups, and better real-time collaboration via apps like Zoom or Google Workspace. However, rural users may see minimal benefit—and increased battery drain due to modem activity searching for signal.
Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Decision
Maria, a freelance graphic designer in Austin, used her iPhone 11 for work calls, client photo reviews, and managing cloud files. By late 2023, she noticed delays syncing large Photoshop files over iCloud and sluggish performance during FaceTime HD calls. After testing an iPhone 12 at a local store, she upgraded primarily for 5G and improved display clarity. Within weeks, her project turnaround improved thanks to faster uploads and accurate color previewing on the OLED screen. For her, the upgrade paid off in productivity—not just novelty.
Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist
Before making the move, evaluate your current needs. Use this checklist to assess whether the iPhone 12 offers meaningful improvements for your lifestyle:
- ✅ Are you experiencing frequent app crashes or slowdowns on iOS 17?
- ✅ Do you edit photos or videos regularly and need better dynamic range?
- ✅ Do you live in an area with reliable 5G coverage?
- ✅ Is your iPhone 11 showing signs of battery degradation (under 80% health)?
- ✅ Do you value a brighter, crisper display for reading or streaming?
- ✅ Are you planning to keep your phone for another 2+ years?
If three or more apply, the iPhone 12 represents a worthwhile investment. But if your iPhone 11 still handles daily tasks smoothly, consider delaying the upgrade—especially since both models will likely lose official support around 2025–2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the iPhone 11 stop working in 2024?
No. The iPhone 11 continues to receive security updates and supports iOS 17. While performance may degrade slightly with future iOS versions, it remains functional for basic tasks like calling, messaging, browsing, and light app usage.
Is the iPhone 12 waterproof enough for daily use?
Yes. The iPhone 12 has an IP68 rating (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes), making it resistant to splashes, rain, and accidental spills. However, water resistance diminishes over time, especially after drops or repairs, so avoid intentional submersion.
Can I save money by buying a used iPhone 12?
Absolutely. Refurbished or gently used iPhone 12 models can be found for $250–$350 in 2024, offering excellent value. Just ensure the battery health is above 85%, and verify it’s unlocked for your carrier.
Final Verdict: Worth It for Some, Not All
The upgrade from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 in 2024 isn’t essential for everyone—but it matters for those who rely on their phone for creativity, connectivity, or long-term reliability. The combination of 5G readiness, superior display, enhanced camera capabilities, and extended software support gives the iPhone 12 a clear edge in longevity.
However, if your iPhone 11 performs well and you’re not pushing its limits, extending its life with a battery replacement ($69 from Apple) and protective case is a cost-effective alternative. Sustainability also plays a role: keeping electronics longer reduces e-waste and environmental impact.
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