When Apple released the iPhone 12, it marked a turning point in smartphone design and capability. But for owners of the iPhone 11, the question remains: does the upgrade offer enough meaningful improvements to justify the cost? After all, the iPhone 11 was already a strong performer with excellent battery life and camera quality. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to compare both models across key areas like display, performance, camera, connectivity, and long-term value.
Design and Build: A Shift in Aesthetics
The most immediate difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 is their design language. The iPhone 11 features rounded edges and a glossy back, giving it a softer, more familiar feel. In contrast, the iPhone 12 returns to flat-edged aluminum sides, reminiscent of the iPhone 5 era, lending it a sleeker, more modern look.
The iPhone 12 also uses Ceramic Shield front cover glass, which Apple claims offers better drop resistance—up to four times better than previous models. This is a significant improvement over the standard glass on the iPhone 11. Additionally, the iPhone 12 is slightly thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable to hold despite having a similar screen size (6.1 inches).
Display Quality: Brighter, Sharper, More Vibrant
Both phones have 6.1-inch displays, but the technology differs significantly. The iPhone 11 uses an LCD panel (called Retina HD), while the iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display. OLED panels deliver deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more accurate color reproduction.
In practical terms, this means videos, photos, and dark-mode interfaces look noticeably crisper and more immersive on the iPhone 12. It also reaches higher peak brightness (up to 1,200 nits for HDR content), which enhances outdoor visibility. For users who consume a lot of media or work with visual content, this is a compelling advantage.
“OLED displays fundamentally change how content is perceived—they’re not just brighter; they’re more emotionally engaging.” — David Kim, Display Technology Analyst at TechInsight Group
Performance and Software Longevity
Under the hood, both devices are powered by Apple’s A-series chips—the iPhone 11 runs on the A13 Bionic, while the iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic. The A14 was the first smartphone chip built on a 5-nanometer process, offering about 16% faster CPU performance and 8% faster GPU speeds than the A13.
While day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media don’t show dramatic differences, the A14 provides smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and improved machine learning capabilities. More importantly, future iOS updates will likely be optimized first for newer chips. This suggests the iPhone 12 may receive software support for one to two additional years compared to the iPhone 11.
For users planning to keep their phone beyond three years, this extended software lifespan could be a deciding factor.
Camera Capabilities: Subtle but Meaningful Upgrades
On paper, both phones feature dual-camera systems: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. However, the iPhone 12 introduces improvements that matter in real-world use.
- Night mode now works on both rear cameras and the front-facing TrueDepth camera.
- Photographic Styles allow customizable color and tone preferences (introduced later via iOS update).
- Better low-light video thanks to sensor enhancements and Dolby Vision HDR recording at 4K/30fps—something no other smartphone offered at the time.
Dolby Vision support is particularly noteworthy. While editing tools for this format were limited initially, major platforms like YouTube and iMovie now support it. If you enjoy shooting and sharing high-quality video, the iPhone 12 gives you creative flexibility the iPhone 11 simply can't match.
Real Example: Content Creator’s Experience
Sophia, a travel vlogger based in Portland, upgraded from an iPhone 11 to an iPhone 12 primarily for video capabilities. “I shoot nearly all my content handheld,” she said. “The jump to Dolby Vision changed how my videos look after editing. Colors are richer, shadows are cleaner, and I spend less time correcting exposure.” She noted that even her audience commented on the improved production quality within weeks of switching.
Connectivity: Welcome to the 5G Era
This is where the iPhone 12 pulls ahead decisively. It was Apple’s first phone to support 5G networks, offering faster download and upload speeds in supported areas. While 5G coverage is still expanding and real-world benefits vary by location, early adopters in urban centers report quicker app downloads, smoother streaming, and better video call stability.
However, 5G comes with trade-offs. It drains the battery faster, and unless you frequently transfer large files or stream in high resolution, LTE on the iPhone 11 may be sufficient for your needs.
Comparison Table: iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11 at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1\" Super Retina XDR (OLED) | 6.1\" Retina HD (LCD) |
| Chipset | A14 Bionic (5nm) | A13 Bionic (7nm) |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide | 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide |
| Video Recording | Dolby Vision HDR up to 4K/30fps | 4K/60fps (no HDR) |
| Network | 5G + LTE | LTE only |
| Front Glass | Ceramic Shield | Standard Glass |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours video playback | Up to 17 hours video playback |
| Starting Price (Launch) | $799 | $699 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I upgrade from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12?
If you're satisfied with your iPhone 11’s performance and don’t need 5G or advanced video features, the upgrade isn’t urgent. However, if you want better display quality, longer software support, and future-proof connectivity, the iPhone 12 is a worthwhile step up.
Is the iPhone 12 camera significantly better?
Photos in daylight are very similar, but the iPhone 12 excels in low light and offers Night mode on all cameras. Its biggest advantage is Dolby Vision video recording, which gives videographers superior dynamic range and editing potential.
Does 5G make a big difference in daily use?
It depends on your habits and location. In cities with strong mmWave or mid-band 5G, downloads and uploads are noticeably faster. But for average users relying on Wi-Fi most of the time, the benefit may be minimal—especially given the increased battery consumption.
Conclusion: Who Should Upgrade?
The iPhone 12 is objectively better than the iPhone 11 in nearly every technical category. But whether it’s “worth it” depends on your priorities. Casual users who mainly browse, message, and take occasional photos may find the iPhone 11 still performs excellently and doesn’t require replacement.
On the other hand, professionals, creatives, frequent travelers in 5G zones, or those who plan to keep their phone for four years or more will benefit meaningfully from the iPhone 12’s advancements in display, processing power, camera versatility, and network readiness.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4
Comments
No comments yet. Why don't you start the discussion?