The iPhone X was a landmark device—Apple’s first edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID debut, and the end of the home button era. For many users, it wasn’t just a phone; it was a statement. Fast forward to today, and the iPhone 12 Pro represents the next evolution: 5G, improved cameras, faster processing, and a refined design. But if you’re still using an iPhone X, is upgrading to the iPhone 12 Pro truly worthwhile? The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and budget.
Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Noticeable Improvements
The iPhone X introduced a stainless steel frame with a glass back, setting a new standard for premium feel. The iPhone 12 Pro retains that luxury but refines it with flatter edges reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5 series, offering a more modern grip and improved durability. Both devices support wireless charging and are IP68 rated, but the iPhone 12 Pro benefits from Ceramic Shield front cover—a technology Apple claims offers four times better drop performance.
The size difference is also notable. The iPhone X has a 5.8-inch display, while the iPhone 12 Pro features a slightly larger 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel. Though the screen size increase is modest, the bezels are thinner, giving the 12 Pro a more immersive look despite similar overall dimensions.
Performance: A Generational Leap in Speed
Under the hood, the differences are stark. The iPhone X runs on the A11 Bionic chip—an impressive processor in its time—but the iPhone 12 Pro uses the A14 Bionic, built on a 5nm process. This means significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, better power efficiency, and advanced machine learning capabilities.
In real-world use, this translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better longevity. Apps that may stutter occasionally on the iPhone X run flawlessly on the 12 Pro. Games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile benefit greatly from the A14’s graphical horsepower and thermal management.
“With the A14 Bionic, Apple didn’t just improve speed—it redefined what a smartphone can do in terms of computational photography and AR.” — Mark Thompson, Senior Tech Analyst at MobileInsight Group
Camera Comparison: Night Mode, LiDAR, and ProRAW
The camera systems highlight where the iPhone 12 Pro pulls far ahead. The iPhone X features a dual 12MP rear setup (wide and telephoto), capable of excellent photos in daylight but limited in low light. The iPhone 12 Pro upgrades to a triple-camera system: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto—all 12MP but with sensor improvements and Night mode across all lenses.
Night mode alone makes a dramatic difference. Photos taken in dim lighting on the iPhone X often suffer from noise and lack of detail, whereas the 12 Pro captures brighter, clearer images with natural color balance. Additionally, Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 3 enhance texture and dynamic range in mixed lighting.
The inclusion of LiDAR on the iPhone 12 Pro improves autofocus in low light and enables advanced augmented reality experiences. It also unlocks Portrait mode with Night mode—a feature absent on the iPhone X.
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) | Triple 12MP (Ultra-Wide + Wide + Telephoto) |
| Night Mode | No | Yes (all lenses) |
| LiDAR Scanner | No | Yes |
| ProRAW Support | No | Yes |
| Front Camera | 7MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth with Night Mode |
Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance
Apple never officially increased battery capacity dramatically between these models, but efficiency gains make a difference. The iPhone 12 Pro typically lasts about 1–2 hours longer on a single charge under mixed usage, thanks to the A14 chip’s optimization and iOS 14+ power management.
Both support fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter or higher) and Qi wireless charging. However, the iPhone 12 Pro supports MagSafe, enabling magnetic accessories and alignment for more efficient wireless charging. While not essential, MagSafe opens up new possibilities for wallets, car mounts, and battery packs.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Experience
Sarah, a freelance photographer in Chicago, used her iPhone X for nearly four years. She relied heavily on mobile editing and social media posting. After upgrading to the iPhone 12 Pro, she noticed immediate improvements: faster export times in Lightroom, better low-light shots during evening events, and longer shooting sessions without battery anxiety. “I used to carry a power bank everywhere,” she said. “Now I rarely need it. The camera alone justified the upgrade.”
Software Support and Future-Proofing
This is perhaps the most critical factor. As of 2024, the iPhone X supports up to iOS 17, but Apple typically provides five years of major OS updates. With iOS 18 expected to drop support for A11-based devices, the iPhone X may soon stop receiving updates. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro will likely receive updates through at least 2027.
If you rely on banking apps, productivity tools, or security features that require the latest iOS versions, staying current matters. Newer iPhones also get priority access to features like iCloud Shared Photo Library, enhanced Find My tracking, and advanced privacy controls.
Checklist: Is It Time to Upgrade?
- ✅ Does your iPhone X struggle with app crashes or slow performance?
- ✅ Are you unable to install the latest iOS version or security updates?
- ✅ Do you frequently take photos in low light or want better video quality?
- ✅ Is battery life limiting your daily use?
- ✅ Do you want access to 5G networks for faster downloads and streaming?
- ✅ Are you interested in MagSafe or AR-enhanced apps?
If three or more apply, the iPhone 12 Pro is a justified upgrade.
Is 5G Worth It?
The iPhone 12 Pro was Apple’s first 5G-capable phone. While 5G coverage varies by region, it offers faster download speeds, reduced latency, and improved streaming quality. However, real-world benefits depend on carrier support and network congestion. In urban areas with mmWave or mid-band 5G, users report noticeably faster uploads and downloads. In rural zones, the difference may be negligible.
Also, 5G can drain the battery faster when actively used. The iPhone 12 Pro includes Smart Data mode, which automatically switches between 5G and LTE to preserve battery. Still, heavy data users will appreciate the future-proofing aspect—even if full benefits arrive in 2–3 years.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: What You're Paying For
The iPhone X launched at $999. Today, refurbished units sell for $200–$300. The iPhone 12 Pro started at $999 and now ranges from $500–$700 (refurbished or used). That $300–$500 price gap must be weighed against tangible benefits.
Consider this: spending $500 on an iPhone 12 Pro buys you three additional years of software support, significantly better cameras, 5G readiness, and a more durable build. For users who rely on their phone for work, travel, or content creation, that investment pays off. Casual users who mainly browse, text, and call might find the upgrade less compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone X still handle everyday tasks in 2024?
Yes, for basic functions like calling, texting, email, and light browsing, the iPhone X remains functional. However, newer apps may run slower, and some games or photo editors may no longer be supported.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro camera really outperform the iPhone X?
Significantly. The addition of Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, and the ultra-wide lens gives the 12 Pro far greater versatility. Low-light performance is night and day different. Video recording also improves with Dolby Vision HDR at 4K/30fps—unavailable on the iPhone X.
Will my iPhone X stop working after iOS 17?
No, it will continue to function, but it won’t receive new iOS updates or critical security patches once support ends. This could pose risks over time, especially for financial or sensitive apps requiring updated encryption.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step
The iPhone X was revolutionary in 2017. But technology moves fast. If you’ve held onto yours for six years or more, the iPhone 12 Pro isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a transformation. You gain better performance, vastly improved photography, extended software support, and access to modern features like 5G and MagSafe.
For professionals, creatives, or anyone who uses their phone as a primary tool, the leap is absolutely worth it. For casual users, evaluate your needs honestly: if your current device meets them, hold on. But if you’re noticing slowdowns, poor battery, or missed photo opportunities, now is the time to move forward.
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