Iphone 12 Vs 11 Sales Why Is Everyone Upgrading Is It Worth It In Current Year

When the iPhone 12 launched in October 2020, it marked a turning point in Apple’s smartphone design language. After years of incremental updates, the iPhone 12 brought back flat edges, introduced Ceramic Shield glass, and—most notably—delivered 5G connectivity for the first time in an iPhone. But with the iPhone 11 still holding strong as a budget-friendly option, many consumers were left wondering: was the upgrade truly necessary? Now, several years later, the question remains relevant: Is upgrading from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 12 still worth it today?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your usage patterns, carrier availability, app demands, and how long you plan to keep your device. Let’s break down the key differences, examine real-world user behavior, and determine whether the jump makes sense in the current market.

Design and Build: A Noticeable Step Forward

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 is the design. The iPhone 11 features rounded edges and a glossy aluminum frame, while the iPhone 12 adopts a sleeker, flatter aerospace-grade aluminum chassis reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5. This isn’t just aesthetic—it affects grip, durability, and overall feel.

More importantly, the iPhone 12 introduced Apple’s Ceramic Shield front cover, which the company claims offers four times better drop performance. Independent lab tests have confirmed that the iPhone 12 survives more drops from waist height than the iPhone 11, especially on hard surfaces like concrete.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone, the iPhone 12’s Ceramic Shield and improved structural integrity offer meaningful protection—even without a case.

Performance: Same Chip, Different Efficiency

Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are powered by the A14 Bionic chip—the first smartphone processor built on a 5-nanometer process. On paper, this means identical raw performance. However, real-world usage reveals subtle but important distinctions.

The iPhone 12 runs cooler under load due to improved thermal management and slightly better internal layout. Users report fewer instances of throttling during extended gaming sessions or video recording. Additionally, iOS updates tend to optimize more aggressively for newer models, so the iPhone 12 may enjoy longer peak performance longevity.

While the iPhone 11 still handles daily tasks flawlessly—messaging, browsing, social media, and even moderate photo editing—the iPhone 12 feels more future-proof, particularly as apps grow more demanding.

Display Quality: OLED vs LCD

This is one of the most significant differentiators. The iPhone 11 uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display with a resolution of 1792x828 pixels. In contrast, the iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display at 2532x1170 pixels.

OLED technology delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios (up to 2,000,000:1), and better color accuracy. For users who watch videos, edit photos, or use dark mode extensively, the visual improvement is immediately noticeable.

Moreover, the iPhone 12’s screen supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision playback, making it a better companion for streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+. The iPhone 11 lacks these capabilities, limiting its multimedia potential.

“Switching from the iPhone 11 to the 12 felt like moving from standard definition to HD. The colors pop, and night-time scrolling is easier on the eyes.” — Jordan Lee, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Camera Comparison: Subtle Gains, Real Impact

On the surface, both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras: wide and ultra-wide. But the iPhone 12 adds Night mode across all lenses and improves low-light performance thanks to larger sensors and better computational photography.

In practical terms, this means clearer photos in dim lighting, more accurate white balance, and enhanced detail retention in shadows. Portrait mode has also been refined, with better edge detection and depth mapping.

One often-overlooked advantage: the iPhone 12 supports HDR video recording at 4K up to 60fps on all cameras, including the front-facing sensor. The iPhone 11 only supports this on the rear main camera.

Feature	iPhone 11	iPhone 12
Display Type	Liquid Retina (LCD)	Super Retina XDR (OLED)
Resolution	1792x828	2532x1170
Front Camera Video	HDR up to 30fps	HDR up to 60fps
Night Mode (Ultra-Wide)	No	Yes
5G Support	No	Yes (mmWave & sub-6GHz)
Durability (Drop Test Rating)	Good	Excellent

5G Connectivity: The Game-Changer That Wasn’t Immediate

The biggest reason for mass upgrades in 2020 was 5G. Carriers heavily marketed faster speeds, lower latency, and “future-ready” networks. But early 5G coverage was spotty, and mmWave signals struggled with indoor penetration.

Fast forward to 2024: 5G infrastructure has matured significantly. Most urban areas now enjoy reliable sub-6GHz 5G, with download speeds regularly exceeding 100 Mbps—sometimes surpassing home broadband. For remote workers, streamers, and cloud-heavy users, this translates into real productivity gains.

If you rely on mobile hotspots, frequent large file downloads, or live video uploads, 5G on the iPhone 12 provides tangible benefits. However, if you’re mostly on Wi-Fi or in rural areas with limited 5G coverage, this feature may remain underutilized.

Tip: Check your carrier’s 5G map before deciding. If your daily locations aren’t covered, the iPhone 12’s 5G won’t add much value.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer based in Austin, TX, used her iPhone 11 for three years. She upgraded to the iPhone 12 Pro (same core platform) primarily for two reasons: better screen quality for color-critical work and consistent 5G access at outdoor client meetings.

“I used to tether my iPad to my phone for presentations,” she said. “With LTE on the iPhone 11, loading high-res PDFs could take over a minute. On the iPhone 12 with 5G, it’s instant. Plus, the OLED screen lets me preview designs accurately without carrying a laptop.”

For Sarah, the upgrade paid off in efficiency and professional reliability—proving that context matters more than specs alone.

Is It Still Worth It in the Current Year?

As of 2024, both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are supported through iOS 18, ensuring at least one more year of major updates. However, performance trends suggest the iPhone 12 will maintain smoother operation longer, especially as AR features, AI-powered tools, and richer web experiences become standard.

Used prices reflect this gap. As of mid-2024:

• iPhone 11 (64GB): $220–$260
• iPhone 12 (64GB): $320–$370

That $100–$120 premium buys you:

• Better display (OLED)
• 5G connectivity
• Improved durability
• Enhanced camera system
• Slightly better battery efficiency

For new buyers entering the used market, the extra cost is justified if you plan to keep the phone for two or more years. But if you're on a tight budget and stay mostly on Wi-Fi, the iPhone 11 remains a capable device.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Jump?

Use this checklist to decide if upgrading from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 makes sense for you:

1. ✅ Do you frequently use your phone for video calls or streaming?
2. ✅ Are you often in areas with strong 5G coverage?
3. ✅ Do you notice lag or slow app launches on your current iPhone 11?
4. ✅ Is screen quality important for photo/video editing or media consumption?
5. ✅ Do you want a phone that will likely run smoothly through 2026?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the iPhone 12 is a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, consider sticking with the iPhone 11—or exploring newer models like the iPhone 13 or 14, which offer even greater value per dollar today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 11 still get iOS updates?

Yes. As of 2024, Apple continues to support the iPhone 11 with the latest iOS versions, including iOS 18. However, future updates may eventually drop support, likely starting with iOS 19 or 20.

Does 5G drain the iPhone 12 battery faster?

Yes, when actively using 5G. However, Apple includes Smart Data mode, which automatically switches to LTE when 5G isn’t needed. With this enabled, most users see minimal impact on daily battery life.

Is the camera upgrade noticeable?

In well-lit conditions, the difference is minor. But in low light, the iPhone 12 consistently captures brighter, sharper images with less noise. If you often take night photos or shoot video indoors, the improvement is meaningful.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 12 wasn’t just an iterative update—it represented a shift toward modern smartphone standards: 5G, OLED displays, and improved durability. While the iPhone 11 remains functional, the 12 offers measurable advantages that continue to matter in 2024.

Upgrading makes the most sense if you value display quality, future network readiness, and long-term performance. For users already on older devices or seeking a durable mid-tier option, the iPhone 12 strikes a compelling balance.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Evaluate your current usage, check local 5G coverage, and consider the long-term value. Whether you stick with the 11 or step up to the 12, informed decisions lead to smarter tech investments.