Iphone 12 Vs 12 Pro Is The Pro Version Really Worth It For The Camera

When Apple released the iPhone 12 lineup in 2020, it introduced a clear divide between its standard and professional models. While both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro share the same A14 Bionic chip, display size, and design language, the key differentiator lies in the camera system. For many consumers, especially photography enthusiasts, the question remains: does the extra cost of the Pro model translate into meaningful improvements in photo quality and creative flexibility?

The answer depends on how you use your phone. Casual photographers may find the standard iPhone 12 more than sufficient. But for those who regularly shoot in low light, capture portraits, or edit photos professionally, the Pro’s enhancements offer tangible benefits.

Camera Hardware: The Core Differences

The most significant distinction between the two models lies in their rear camera setups.

Feature	iPhone 12	iPhone 12 Pro
Rear Cameras	Dual: 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide	Triple: 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide + 12MP Telephoto
Zoom Capability	2x optical zoom out	2x optical zoom out, 4x optical zoom in (up to 10x digital)
Aperture (Wide Lens)	f/1.6	f/1.6
Aperture (Telephoto)	N/A	f/2.0
LiDAR Scanner	No	Yes
ProRAW Support	No	Yes (iOS 14.3+)

The addition of the telephoto lens on the iPhone 12 Pro allows for tighter framing without sacrificing image quality—essential for portraits, wildlife, or events where you can’t get physically closer. Meanwhile, the LiDAR scanner enhances autofocus speed in low-light conditions and improves augmented reality experiences, which indirectly benefits photography by reducing blur and shutter lag.

Tip: Use the telephoto lens on the iPhone 12 Pro to avoid digital zoom degradation when shooting distant subjects.

Low-Light Performance and Night Mode

Both phones feature Night mode on all rear cameras, but the implementation differs subtly. The iPhone 12 Pro benefits from slightly better sensor calibration and the presence of LiDAR, which helps the camera focus faster in near-darkness. In practical terms, this means fewer missed shots and sharper results when lighting is poor.

In side-by-side tests, the iPhone 12 Pro consistently produces images with better depth accuracy and reduced noise in shadows. This is particularly noticeable in portrait mode at night, where edge detection is more precise thanks to the depth data provided by LiDAR.

“Depth sensing through LiDAR gives computational photography a massive advantage in realism, especially in challenging lighting.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Computational Imaging Researcher at MIT Media Lab

For users who frequently take indoor shots, concert photos, or evening cityscapes, these advantages accumulate over time. While the base iPhone 12 handles low light well, the Pro model offers greater consistency and reliability.

Portrait Mode and Depth Control

The iPhone 12 relies solely on software-based depth estimation for Portrait mode using its dual cameras. The iPhone 12 Pro combines software with hardware input from the LiDAR scanner, resulting in more accurate subject separation, especially around fine details like hair strands or glasses.

This difference becomes apparent when editing photos after capture. On the Pro, you can adjust depth effects post-shot with higher precision, simulating DSLR-like bokeh control. The standard iPhone 12 allows some adjustments, but errors in segmentation are more common, especially with complex backgrounds.

Real Example: Wedding Guest Photography

Sarah, a freelance writer and amateur photographer, attended her friend’s outdoor wedding using only her iPhone 12. She loved capturing candid moments but struggled when trying to isolate subjects against busy floral backdrops. Later, she borrowed an iPhone 12 Pro and retook similar shots. The Pro’s telephoto lens allowed tighter framing, while LiDAR ensured crisp focus even as guests moved. Her final gallery had noticeably cleaner bokeh and better-exposed faces.

She concluded: “I didn’t realize how much guesswork was involved until I saw what the Pro could do automatically.”

Video Capabilities and Pro Workflow Features

While both models support Dolby Vision HDR recording up to 4K at 60fps—a first for any smartphone—the iPhone 12 Pro unlocks additional creative potential through ProRAW and enhanced editing headroom.

ProRAW captures uncompressed image data, preserving dynamic range and allowing non-destructive edits in apps like Lightroom or Capture One. This is invaluable for photographers who want full control over white balance, exposure, and noise reduction without being locked into Apple’s processing algorithms.

• ProRAW file size: ~25MB per photo vs ~3–5MB for HEIF
• Editing flexibility: Adjust shadows, highlights, and color grading with minimal quality loss
• Workflow compatibility: Ideal for semi-pro creators publishing to blogs, portfolios, or social media platforms requiring high fidelity

Tip: Enable ProRAW only when needed—its large file sizes fill storage quickly.

Who Benefits Most from These Features?

1. Mobile journalists needing quick turnaround with broadcast-quality visuals
2. Social media influencers producing branded content that demands consistent tone and color grading
3. Travel photographers relying on one device for versatility across landscapes, architecture, and people
4. Event attendees capturing performances or ceremonies where flash isn’t allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 12 take good portraits?

Yes, the iPhone 12 delivers excellent Portrait mode results in daylight and moderate lighting. However, it struggles more than the Pro in low light or with complex edges due to lack of LiDAR-assisted depth mapping.

Is the telephoto lens worth the upgrade?

If you often zoom in or shoot portraits, yes. The 2x optical zoom (equivalent to 52mm) on the Pro mimics classic portrait focal lengths and avoids the pixelation seen when digitally zooming on the iPhone 12.

Do casual users need the iPhone 12 Pro camera?

Most casual users won’t notice a day-to-day difference. The iPhone 12 takes stunning photos for social media, family albums, and everyday documentation. The Pro’s advantages shine primarily in specialized scenarios or for creative professionals.

Final Verdict: Is the Pro Version Worth It for the Camera?

The iPhone 12 Pro’s camera system isn't about radical reinvention—it's about refinement. It builds upon the already excellent foundation of the iPhone 12 with tools designed for precision, consistency, and creative freedom. The telephoto lens expands compositional options. LiDAR improves focus reliability. ProRAW empowers advanced editing.

For the average user snapping vacation photos or sharing memes with friends, the standard iPhone 12 remains a powerful and capable choice. But if you value photographic control, shoot in varied lighting, or treat your phone as a primary camera, the iPhone 12 Pro justifies its premium.

Ultimately, the decision hinges not on specs alone, but on intent. Are you documenting life, or creating art? If it's the latter, the Pro isn't just worth it—it’s essential.

💬 Have you switched from iPhone 12 to 12 Pro for photography? Share your experience and sample scenarios where the camera made a real difference!