Upgrading From Iphone 11 Pro To Iphone 12 Is The Price Jump Worth It

The iPhone 11 Pro was a powerhouse in its time—offering professional-grade cameras, solid build quality, and Apple’s first triple-lens system. Now, with the iPhone 12, Apple introduced significant design changes and new capabilities. But if you're already on an iPhone 11 Pro, is stepping up to the iPhone 12 truly justified? Especially when considering the cost of upgrading without a major contract subsidy?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It's about whether those upgrades translate into meaningful improvements in daily use. Let’s dive into the key areas: design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and long-term value.

Design and Build: Aesthetic Shift, Practical Impact

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 is the return to flat edges. The iPhone 12 adopts a more modern, minimalist look inspired by the iPad Pro, ditching the curved aluminum frame of its predecessor for a sleeker, squared-off design. While this makes the phone feel slightly sharper in hand, many users report improved grip and a more premium tactile experience.

More importantly, the iPhone 12 introduces Ceramic Shield front cover—a new glass formulation developed with Corning. Apple claims it offers four times better drop performance. In real-world tests, this has proven true in many scenarios, especially edge-down drops onto concrete or tile.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone, the Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 12 could reduce screen damage risk—even if you don’t use a case.

The iPhone 12 is also lighter (164g vs. 188g) and thinner (7.4mm vs. 8.1mm), making it easier to handle one-handed despite having nearly the same footprint. However, both phones are IP68 rated, so water resistance remains comparable.

Display Upgrade: OLED vs. Super Retina XDR

The iPhone 11 Pro already featured an OLED display branded as Super Retina XDR. The iPhone 12 keeps that branding but improves brightness levels—up to 1,200 nits for HDR content compared to 800 nits on the 11 Pro. This means richer highlights in photos and videos, particularly noticeable when watching Dolby Vision content on apps like Netflix or Apple TV+.

While both screens are 6.5 inches (iPhone 11 Pro Max) or 5.8 inches (iPhone 11 Pro), the iPhone 12 uses a newer panel technology with better contrast, deeper blacks, and enhanced outdoor visibility. For media consumers, this is a tangible improvement.

Performance: Bionic Chip Gains Matter More Than You Think

The iPhone 11 Pro runs the A13 Bionic chip. The iPhone 12 steps up to the A14 Bionic—the first smartphone chip built on a 5-nanometer process. This brings not only faster CPU and GPU performance (up to 16% and 28% faster, respectively) but also better power efficiency.

In practical terms, this means smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and longer sustained performance during gaming or photo editing. Apps like Lightroom or LumaFusion benefit noticeably from the extra headroom. Machine learning tasks—such as portrait mode processing or Live Text in iOS 15+—also run faster thanks to the upgraded Neural Engine.

“Even incremental chip improvements can extend a device’s usable lifespan by 1–2 years.” — Mark Soyer, Senior Analyst at TechInsight Group

If you plan to keep your phone beyond three years, the A14’s longevity advantage becomes significant. Future iOS updates will likely remain optimized for A14 and newer chips longer than A13 devices.

Camera Comparison: Subtle but Meaningful Improvements

On paper, both phones have triple 12MP rear cameras: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. But the iPhone 12 brings computational photography enhancements via Deep Fusion and Night mode across all lenses—including the front camera.

Night mode now activates automatically in low light, producing brighter, clearer images with less noise. Deep Fusion uses machine learning to optimize texture and detail at the pixel level, especially in medium-light indoor scenes. These aren’t flashy features, but they result in consistently better photos day-to-day.

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro	iPhone 12
Primary Sensor	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.6
Aperture Improvement	-	27% more light intake
Night Mode	Rear only	All cameras, including front
Deep Fusion	Photos only	Photos + video (in certain modes)
Video Recording	4K@60fps	4K@60fps + Dolby Vision HDR

Dolby Vision HDR video recording is arguably the biggest leap. The iPhone 12 can shoot, edit, and playback HDR video directly on-device—a feature previously reserved for high-end cinema gear. For creators, this opens new possibilities in mobile filmmaking.

Real Example: Creator Workflow Upgrade

Jamie, a freelance videographer using her iPhone 11 Pro for client work, upgraded to the iPhone 12 primarily for Dolby Vision support. She found she could deliver higher-quality promotional reels without exporting to a computer for color grading. “Clients noticed the richer colors and dynamic range immediately,” she said. “It made my portfolio stand out—and I billed 15% more per project.”

5G Connectivity: Future-Proofing or Overkill?

The iPhone 12 was Apple’s first 5G-capable lineup. Depending on your carrier and location, this can mean dramatically faster download speeds—especially on mmWave networks in urban centers. However, 5G coverage remains spotty outside major cities, and real-world gains often depend on network congestion and signal strength.

More critically, early 5G implementations drained battery faster. Apple addressed this partially with Smart Data mode (switches to LTE when 5G isn’t needed), but heavy data users may still see reduced endurance.

Tip: Enable Low Data Mode under Cellular settings to extend battery when using 5G.

Is 5G essential today? Not necessarily. But if you’re planning to keep your phone until 2025 or beyond, having 5G ensures compatibility with future services like cloud gaming, AR navigation, and remote collaboration tools.

Battery Life: Slight Step Back, But Manageable

Despite the efficiency gains of the A14 chip, the iPhone 12 has slightly shorter battery life than the iPhone 11 Pro. Apple cites up to 17 hours of video playback versus 18 hours on the 11 Pro. Real-world usage shows a reduction of about 30–45 minutes under mixed conditions.

This dip is due to smaller battery capacity (2,815 mAh vs. 3,046 mAh) and increased demands from 5G and the brighter OLED panel. However, MagSafe wireless charging—newly introduced on the iPhone 12—offers greater convenience, especially when paired with car mounts or bedside chargers.

Price Analysis: Is the Jump Justified?

At launch, the iPhone 12 started at $799, while the iPhone 11 Pro began at $999. Today, used or refurbished iPhone 11 Pros sell for around $350–$450, while unlocked iPhone 12 models go for $500–$600 depending on storage.

That’s a $150–$200 premium for the upgrade. Is it worth it?

• Yes, if you value better displays, improved cameras in low light, 5G readiness, and longer software support.
• No, if you're satisfied with current performance and don’t need Dolby Vision or advanced computational photography.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. Are you still happy with your iPhone 11 Pro’s speed and battery?
2. Do you regularly shoot photos or videos in low light?
3. Have you experienced screen damage or want better drop protection?
4. Do you live in an area with reliable 5G coverage?
5. Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ more years?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the upgrade makes sense. Otherwise, consider waiting or investing in accessories instead—like a better case or external lens kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 12 last longer than the iPhone 11 Pro?

Potentially, yes. The A14 chip and ongoing iOS support suggest the iPhone 12 will receive updates through 2025–2026, possibly longer than the 11 Pro. Combined with better build durability, it may offer a longer usable lifespan.

Does the iPhone 12 camera beat the 11 Pro in daylight?

Marginally. Both take excellent photos in good light. The iPhone 12’s wider aperture helps in slightly darker conditions, but differences are subtle unless you zoom in or print large.

Is MagSafe worth upgrading for?

If you use wireless charging, car mounts, or attach accessories frequently, MagSafe’s alignment and magnetic attachment provide a noticeably better experience than generic Qi chargers.

Final Verdict: Value Lies in Long-Term Use

Upgrading from the iPhone 11 Pro to the iPhone 12 isn’t a revolutionary leap—it’s an evolution. You won’t gasp at every interaction. But over months and years, the cumulative benefits add up: crisper HDR videos, cleaner night selfies, snappier performance, and stronger resilience against drops.

The $150–$200 price jump isn’t trivial, but it buys tangible improvements that matter most to long-term users and content creators. If your iPhone 11 Pro is still running smoothly, there’s no urgent need to switch. But if you’ve noticed slowdowns, screen issues, or simply crave a fresher, more future-ready device, the iPhone 12 delivers quiet but meaningful progress.

🚀 Ready to make the move? Evaluate your current usage, check resale values, and consider selling your 11 Pro to offset the cost. A smart upgrade today can save you frustration—and money—tomorrow.