Purple Iphone 12 Vs 11 Is The Upgrade Worth It For The Color Alone

The launch of the purple finish on the iPhone 12 brought a fresh wave of interest in Apple’s mid-tier flagship. For many iPhone 11 owners still satisfied with their device, the question isn’t about raw power or features—it’s simpler: Is the new purple color enough of a reason to upgrade? Aesthetics matter, especially when your phone is an extension of personal style. But before trading in a perfectly functional iPhone 11 for a splash of violet, it's worth examining what else changes beyond the hue.

Design Evolution: More Than Just a New Shade

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 in purple is visual. The iPhone 11’s “Purple” variant leaned toward a soft lavender-mauve tone—subtle, almost pastel. In contrast, the iPhone 12’s “Purple” (introduced in 2021) is bolder, deeper, and more saturated, with a modern gradient effect that shifts under light. It’s less whimsical, more sophisticated.

But the change isn’t only about color. The iPhone 12 marked a shift in industrial design. Apple returned to flat-edged aluminum rails, reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5 era, giving the device a sharper, more premium feel. The body is also thinner and lighter than the iPhone 11, despite housing a slightly larger display.

Tip: If you prioritize aesthetics, hold both models side by side. The iPhone 12’s flatter edges and glass-back symmetry make the purple pop more dynamically.

Display and Build Quality Differences

Beyond color, the materials used impact how the purple finish feels and ages. The iPhone 11 uses aerospace-grade aluminum and a matte-finish back glass, which resists fingerprints but can dull over time. The iPhone 12 steps up with Ceramic Shield front cover—a technology co-developed with Corning—which Apple claims offers four times better drop protection.

The display is another major leap. The iPhone 11 has an LCD-based Liquid Retina HD display at 1792x828 resolution. The iPhone 12, however, features a Super Retina XDR OLED panel with 2532x1170 resolution. This means deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors—including that rich purple. On the iPhone 12, the color appears crisper and more immersive, especially when viewing photos or videos.

Feature	iPhone 11 (Purple)	iPhone 12 (Purple)
Display Type	Liquid Retina HD (LCD)	Super Retina XDR (OLED)
Resolution	1792 x 828	2532 x 1170
Build Material	Matte glass back, aluminum frame	Glossy glass back, flat-edge aluminum
Front Protection	Standard glass	Ceramic Shield
Water Resistance	IP68 (2m for 30 min)	IP68 (6m for 30 min)

The improved water resistance rating on the iPhone 12 may seem minor, but it reflects tighter sealing and overall build refinement—important if you're investing based on longevity.

Performance and Real-World Impact

The iPhone 11 runs the A13 Bionic chip; the iPhone 12 upgrades to the A14 Bionic—the first smartphone processor built on a 5nm process. While both chips handle daily tasks smoothly, the A14 delivers noticeable improvements in graphics rendering, app launch speed, and machine learning efficiency.

In practical terms, this means augmented reality apps, photo editing, and multitasking feel snappier on the iPhone 12. Games like Genshin Impact run at higher frame rates, and Face ID unlocks marginally faster due to optimized neural engine performance.

“Even if you’re not a power user, the A14 Bionic ensures the iPhone 12 will remain supported and performant for three to four years longer than the iPhone 11.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Capabilities: Subtle but Meaningful Gains

Both phones feature dual-camera systems: 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses. However, the iPhone 12 introduces Night mode across all lenses (previously only on the wide), and its sensors capture more light thanks to larger apertures and improved Smart HDR 3 processing.

When photographing in low light, the difference becomes apparent. Purple clothing or objects under dim lighting retain their true hue better on the iPhone 12, whereas the iPhone 11 may render them as muddy burgundy or grayish tones. Additionally, Dolby Vision HDR video recording at 4K/60fps is exclusive to the iPhone 12—ideal for creators who value color accuracy.

Tip: Test both cameras by shooting the same purple object indoors and outdoors. Compare the results in natural light—look for saturation, clarity, and shadow detail.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a graphic designer in Portland, loved her iPhone 11’s original purple finish but found herself envious of colleagues using the newer model. She didn’t need more storage or 5G, but the combination of the richer color and OLED screen intrigued her. After renting both devices for a week, she noticed the iPhone 12’s display made her design mockups look closer to print quality. The flatter edges also made it easier to grip while sketching on apps like Procreate.

She upgraded—not solely for the color, but because the enhanced display made that color meaningful. “It’s not just that it’s purple,” she said. “It’s that the purple looks *right*.”

Is the Color Alone Worth the Upgrade?

If you're emotionally drawn to the new purple and have been waiting for a reason to refresh your device, the aesthetic evolution might be justification enough—especially if your iPhone 11 is showing signs of wear. But objectively, the color serves as a gateway to broader improvements: better screen, stronger durability, faster performance, and superior photography.

That said, if your iPhone 11 works well and you don’t value OLED contrast or future-proofing, spending $700+ just for a different shade may not be cost-effective. Consider alternatives: high-quality purple cases or skins can refresh your current phone’s look at a fraction of the price.

📋 Upgrade Checklist: Ask Yourself These Questions

• Is my iPhone 11 experiencing battery degradation or slow performance?
• Do I want a brighter, sharper display for media consumption?
• Am I likely to keep my phone for 3+ more years?
• Does the deeper purple tone genuinely appeal to my personal style?
• Would I benefit from improved low-light photos or video features?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the new purple color on the iPhone 11?

No. The deeper purple finish was introduced exclusively for the iPhone 12 and later models. The iPhone 11’s purple is lighter and no longer in production.

Does the iPhone 12 purple fade over time?

Apple uses durable dye-sublimation techniques for its colored finishes. Under normal use, fading is minimal. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight or abrasive surfaces may dull the finish. Using a clear case helps preserve appearance.

Is 5G necessary if I’m upgrading for color?

While not directly related to aesthetics, the iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, which the iPhone 11 lacks. If you frequently download large files or stream in high resolution, 5G could enhance your experience—but coverage varies by region.

Conclusion: Style Meets Substance

The purple iPhone 12 isn’t just a recolored iPhone 11. It represents a generational leap in display technology, build quality, and long-term usability. While the vibrant new hue is undeniably attractive, it shines brightest when paired with the hardware advancements that make it visible—literally and figuratively.

If you’re holding onto an iPhone 11 purely out of loyalty, and the thought of a richer purple excites you, consider whether the entire package elevates your experience. For some, beauty is enough. For most, it’s the harmony of form and function that makes an upgrade worthwhile.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current usage, test the devices in person if possible, and decide whether the new purple inspires more than just desire—it should inspire confidence too.