Iphone 12 Pro Vs Iphone 11 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It 2

For millions of iPhone users clinging to their iPhone 11, the question isn’t whether the iPhone 12 Pro is better—it’s whether the improvements justify the cost. After all, the iPhone 11 remains a strong performer in 2024. But Apple’s 2020 flagship, the iPhone 12 Pro, introduced several key upgrades that could matter depending on how you use your phone. This isn’t just a spec sheet showdown; it’s a real-world breakdown of what changes—and what doesn’t—when you make the switch.

Design and Build Quality

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 Pro is design language. The iPhone 11 features rounded aluminum edges and a glossy back, making it sleek but prone to fingerprints and drops. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro adopts a flat-edge stainless steel frame reminiscent of the iPhone 5 era, giving it a more premium, modern feel. The matte glass back resists smudges and feels more durable in hand.

Both phones are rated IP68 for water resistance, but the iPhone 12 Pro can survive up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, compared to the iPhone 11’s 4-meter limit. That extra depth margin might not matter daily, but it adds peace of mind near pools or in heavy rain.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone, the iPhone 12 Pro’s flatter edges may catch surfaces more easily—pair it with a protective case.

Display: From Good to Significantly Better

The iPhone 11 uses an LCD Liquid Retina display at 1792 x 828 resolution. It's bright and color-accurate for everyday use, but lacks the vibrancy and contrast of OLED. The iPhone 12 Pro steps up with a Super Retina XDR OLED display (2532 x 1170), delivering deeper blacks, higher brightness (up to 1200 nits HDR), and improved power efficiency.

This isn't just about aesthetics. OLED enhances photo editing, video streaming, and even readability in sunlight. For users who consume media or edit visuals on their phones, the jump is transformative. You’ll notice richer colors in apps like Netflix and greater detail when reviewing photos taken on the same device.

“OLED displays fundamentally change how users interact with content—they’re not just brighter, they’re more immersive.” — David Lin, Display Technology Analyst at Mobile Insights Group

Performance: A Generational Leap

Under the hood, the iPhone 12 Pro runs on Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, the first smartphone processor built on a 5nm process. Compared to the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic, the A14 delivers roughly 16% faster CPU performance and 8% better GPU efficiency. More importantly, it has improved machine learning capabilities and better thermal management.

In practical terms, this means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and enhanced AR experiences. Games like Genshin Impact run more consistently on the 12 Pro, especially during extended sessions. The A14 also future-proofs your device—iOS updates will likely support it longer than the A13.

Feature	iPhone 11	iPhone 12 Pro
Chipset	A13 Bionic	A14 Bionic (5nm)
RAM	4GB	6GB
Storage Options	64/128/256GB	128/256/512GB
Benchmark (Geekbench 5)	CPU: ~890	CPU: ~1020

Camera System: Where the Pro Really Shines

If photography matters to you, the iPhone 12 Pro isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a reinvention. Both phones have dual rear cameras (wide and ultra-wide), but the 12 Pro adds a third: a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. This dramatically expands creative flexibility, allowing tighter framing without digital cropping.

The LiDAR scanner on the 12 Pro improves low-light autofocus by up to 60%, making night mode portraits sharper and AR apps more responsive. Combined with Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 3, the 12 Pro captures more texture, dynamic range, and accurate skin tones—even in mixed lighting.

Video quality sees a major leap too. The 12 Pro supports Dolby Vision HDR recording at 4K/60fps, something no iPhone 11 can match. Filmmakers and content creators benefit from richer shadows, highlights, and professional-grade color grading options post-capture.

Tip: Use the 12 Pro’s ProRAW mode (available after iOS 14.3) to capture uncompressed images for advanced editing.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance travel photographer, held onto her iPhone 11 for three years. She loved its durability and battery life but struggled with blurry night shots and limited zoom. After testing a friend’s iPhone 12 Pro on a trip to Lisbon, she noticed immediate differences: clearer close-ups of street art using the telephoto lens, faster focus in dim cafés thanks to LiDAR, and smoother 4K time-lapses along the Tagus River. She upgraded and now uses her phone as her primary backup camera. “It didn’t replace my DSLR,” she says, “but it eliminated the need for a second compact camera.”

5G Connectivity and Battery Life

The iPhone 12 Pro introduces 5G support—a double-edged sword. While future-proof, 5G drains battery faster than LTE. In real-world tests, the 12 Pro lasts about 1–1.5 hours less than the iPhone 11 under mixed usage when 5G is enabled. However, Apple’s Smart Data mode automatically switches to LTE when high speed isn’t needed, helping conserve power.

Battery capacity is slightly smaller in the 12 Pro (2,815 mAh vs 3,110 mAh), but the A14’s efficiency and OLED display help offset the loss. With moderate use, both phones last a full day. Heavy users may still need a midday charge, especially if streaming or gaming.

Step-by-Step: Maximizing Battery on iPhone 12 Pro

1. Enable Low Data Mode in Settings > Cellular to reduce background data.
2. Turn on Auto-Switch to LTE under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode.
3. Use Optimized Battery Charging to slow degradation over time.
4. Lower screen brightness or enable Auto-Brightness.
5. Close unused apps and disable location services for non-essential apps.

Price and Value in 2024

When launched, the iPhone 12 Pro started at $999, while the iPhone 11 began at $699. Today, used or refurbished models tell a different story. You can find a well-maintained iPhone 11 for $250–$300, while the 12 Pro typically sells for $400–$500. That $150–$200 gap raises the core question: does the upgrade deliver proportional value?

For casual users who mostly browse, message, and take occasional photos, the iPhone 11 remains excellent. But for creatives, professionals, or those planning to keep their phone for 4+ years, the 12 Pro’s superior processor, camera system, and build quality offer meaningful longevity.

📋 Upgrade Checklist: Should You Switch?

• ✅ Need better low-light photos or portrait zoom?
• ✅ Want future-proof performance and iOS support?
• ✅ Value OLED display for media consumption?
• ✅ Use your phone for video creation or AR apps?
• ✅ Willing to pay $150–$200 more for long-term gains?

If you answered yes to three or more, the iPhone 12 Pro is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 11 still supported by Apple?

Yes. As of 2024, the iPhone 11 continues to receive iOS updates and security patches. It’s expected to be supported through at least 2025, possibly into 2026.

Can the iPhone 12 Pro camera beat dedicated cameras?

No, but it comes remarkably close for its size. With Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Dolby Vision, it outperforms most point-and-shoots and competes with entry-level mirrorless systems in daylight conditions.

Does the iPhone 12 Pro come with a charger?

No. Unlike the iPhone 11 box, which included a 5W charger and EarPods, the 12 Pro ships with only a USB-C to Lightning cable. You’ll need to buy a charger separately.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The iPhone 11 is still a capable device—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But the iPhone 12 Pro isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s a shift toward a more professional, durable, and visually refined experience. The combination of 5G readiness, LiDAR, telephoto lens, and OLED makes it a compelling choice for users who demand more from their devices.

If you're on a tight budget or your iPhone 11 works flawlessly, staying put is perfectly reasonable. But if you’ve been waiting for a reason to upgrade—one that brings tangible benefits in image quality, responsiveness, and display fidelity—the iPhone 12 Pro delivers.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess your usage, compare current prices, and ask yourself: do I want a phone that merely works—or one that inspires? The answer will guide your next move.