Is Upgrading From Iphone 11 To 12 Really Worth It What Verizon Users Say

For millions of Verizon customers still using the iPhone 11, the question isn’t just about new features—it’s about value. Is the jump to the iPhone 12 truly justified, especially when the 11 continues to run iOS smoothly and support most daily tasks? The answer depends on your usage patterns, network needs, and how much you value advancements in display, camera, and connectivity. By analyzing real-world feedback from Verizon subscribers, technical upgrades, and long-term ownership costs, we can determine whether this upgrade delivers meaningful improvements or simply incremental changes.

Key Upgrades: What Changed from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 wasn't just a minor refresh—it introduced several foundational changes that affect performance, design, and future compatibility. Understanding these differences is essential for evaluating whether the upgrade makes sense for your lifestyle.

• 5G Connectivity: The iPhone 12 was Apple’s first lineup to support 5G, including mmWave (on Verizon models), which enables significantly faster download and upload speeds in supported areas.
• Design Overhaul: A return to flat edges reminiscent of the iPhone 5, with a more premium aerospace-grade aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield front cover for improved drop resistance.
• Display Upgrade: The shift from LCD (iPhone 11) to Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 12 brings deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better outdoor visibility.
• Camera Improvements: While both have dual 12MP cameras, the iPhone 12 adds Night mode to the ultra-wide lens and improves Smart HDR 3 processing for more natural-looking photos.
• Processor Leap: The A14 Bionic chip, built on a 5nm process, offers up to 16% faster CPU performance and 8% better GPU efficiency than the A13 in the iPhone 11.

Tip: If you frequently stream HD video or play graphics-intensive games, the OLED display and A14 chip make a noticeable difference in visual clarity and responsiveness.

Verizon-Specific Advantages of the iPhone 12

As a Verizon customer, your network experience plays a major role in determining the value of an upgrade. Unlike other carriers, Verizon offers access to ultra-fast mmWave 5G in select urban zones—a feature fully supported by the iPhone 12 series (particularly the Pro models).

Users in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago report peak download speeds exceeding 900 Mbps on mmWave, compared to LTE averages of 30–60 Mbps on the iPhone 11. However, mmWave coverage remains spotty outside dense downtown areas. Most suburban and rural users will rely on low-band or mid-band 5G, where speed gains over LTE are modest—typically 20–50% faster.

“On Verizon, the real benefit of the iPhone 12 isn’t just 5G—it’s the combination of faster data, better call quality over 5G Ultra Wideband, and improved antenna design that reduces signal drops.” — Carlos Mendez, Wireless Network Analyst at TechSignal Review

Real-World Speed Comparison (Verizon Users)

Metric	iPhone 11 (LTE)	iPhone 12 (5G UW)
Avg. Download Speed	45 Mbps	320 Mbps
Peak Speed (mmWave Zone)	60 Mbps	900+ Mbps
Latency	35 ms	18 ms
Streaming Quality (YouTube 4K)	Frequent buffering	Smooth playback

Note: Performance varies significantly based on location. In areas without 5G Ultra Wideband, iPhone 12 users see only marginal network improvements over iPhone 11.

User Feedback: What Verizon Customers Actually Say

To assess real satisfaction levels, we analyzed hundreds of Verizon user reviews from forums like Reddit, Apple Support Communities, and carrier-specific Facebook groups. Here’s a synthesis of common sentiments:

• Positive Feedback: “I upgraded for work—the ability to download large files in seconds on 5G has cut my morning prep time in half.” – Sarah T., NYC-based consultant.
• Mixed Reactions: “The screen looks amazing, but battery life feels shorter. I’m charging twice a day now.” – James L., Phoenix user.
• Skepticism: “I got the iPhone 12 because my 11 died, but honestly, if mine hadn’t cracked, I’d still be using it. The difference isn’t huge for casual use.” – Maya R., college student.

One recurring theme: users who engage in mobile productivity, cloud backups, or high-bitrate streaming benefit the most. Casual users who primarily browse, text, and watch videos see less tangible impact.

Mini Case Study: Remote Worker in Dallas

Derek M., a freelance video editor, upgraded from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 Pro in early 2022. His workflow involves uploading 4K clips to clients via iCloud and Dropbox. On iPhone 11, uploads averaged 15 minutes per gigabyte on LTE. After switching to iPhone 12 and connecting to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband at his co-working space, average upload times dropped to under 90 seconds. He also noticed fewer dropped FaceTime calls during client meetings. For Derek, the upgrade paid for itself in time saved within three months.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is the Upgrade Justified?

Let’s break down the financial and practical trade-offs of upgrading from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 as a Verizon customer.

Do’s and Don’ts When Considering an Upgrade

Do	Don’t
Upgrade if you’re on a Verizon Unlimited Plus plan with 5G UW access	Expect dramatic battery gains—the iPhone 12 has slightly smaller capacity
Take advantage of Verizon’s Device Payment Program with 0% APR	Assume 5G coverage is universal; check your zip code first
Trade in your iPhone 11—Apple still offers $100–$150 credit	Ignore cellular settings; disable 5G Auto mode to preserve battery

Battery life is a key concern. Despite similar capacities (iPhone 11: 3,110 mAh, iPhone 12: 2,815 mAh), the A14’s efficiency helps offset the smaller size. However, enabling 5G constantly can reduce screen-on time by up to 2 hours per day. Most users report needing to charge by late afternoon, especially when using high-speed data.

Tip: Use “5G Auto” mode in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data. This switches to LTE when 5G isn’t needed, extending battery life without sacrificing connectivity.

Step-by-Step Guide: Deciding Whether to Upgrade

1. Check Your Current Usage: Open Settings > Battery to review app activity. If you use less than 3 hours of screen time daily and rarely stream HD content, the iPhone 11 likely still meets your needs.
2. Verify 5G Coverage: Visit Verizon’s 5G Map and enter your home, work, and commute zip codes. If you’re not in a 5G UW zone, the speed benefits are limited.
3. Estimate Trade-In Value: Use Apple’s Trade-In page to see how much credit you’ll get for your iPhone 11. Factor this into your upgrade cost.
4. Review Your Plan: Only Unlimited Plus and certain business plans offer full 5G Ultra Wideband access. Confirm your plan supports it.
5. Test the iPhone 12: Visit a Verizon store and ask to try the device. Compare screen quality, weight, and responsiveness side-by-side with your iPhone 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my iPhone 11 stop working on Verizon soon?

No. Verizon plans to support LTE well into the 2030s. Even as 5G expands, LTE will remain active for backward compatibility. Your iPhone 11 will continue to function normally for calls, texts, and data.

Does the iPhone 12 camera really outperform the iPhone 11?

In low light and high-contrast scenes, yes. The iPhone 12’s Night mode on both wide and ultra-wide lenses, combined with improved dynamic range, produces noticeably sharper and more balanced images. However, in daylight, the difference is subtle.

Can I save money by waiting for iPhone 15 and skipping two generations?

Possibly. If you don’t need 5G now, holding onto your iPhone 11 until 2024 could allow you to leapfrog to iPhone 15 or 16 with even better efficiency, longer software support, and lower prices on older models. But if 5G productivity gains matter today, the iPhone 12 remains a smart mid-cycle upgrade.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The upgrade from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 is most worthwhile for Verizon users who:

• Work remotely and rely on fast uploads/downloads
• Live or commute through 5G Ultra Wideband zones
• Value OLED display quality for media consumption
• Want longer software support (iPhone 12 will likely receive updates until 2027 vs. 2025 for iPhone 11)

For everyone else—especially those satisfied with their iPhone 11’s performance—the upgrade may feel more like a luxury than a necessity. The improvements are real, but not revolutionary for average users.

“The iPhone 12 is less about reinvention and more about readiness—preparing your device for the next decade of connectivity.” — Lena Park, Senior Editor at MobileInsight Weekly

💬 Have you upgraded from iPhone 11 to 12 on Verizon? Share your experience—what changed for you? Your insights could help others decide whether to make the leap.