IPhone 12 pro opinion

I will mention in passing the Application library which brings together applications on the same theme. Very practical, it sometimes lacks relevance in its classification but remains generally well put together.

IPhone 12 pro test (2023): Apple is combined with almost perfect

Launched a little later than usual, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro have been available since October 2020. Here is the test of the iPhone 12 Pro in the smallest detail.

Posted on January 2, 2023 at 3 h 58 min

We will have expected them a little longer than usual. Health crisis obliges, Apple changed its calendar and presented its new iPhone in early October, a month later that normal.

At the end of 2020, Apple launched its four iterations by waves. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro were first available on October 23, 2020, then the mini and the 12 pro max arrived in early November November. This offbeat launch has left us time to test the new Apple smartphones. And as we have seen on the following generations, this way of launching the iPhone has not necessarily become the norm.

So I was able to use the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro for several weeks. And to do nothing like the others, I give you My full opinion following this test of the iPhone 12 Pro. And yes, we are like that on the Citron press. For those who want to discover this video test, you can see it on our YouTube channel, or in the video below.

Our iPhone 12 Pro test in video

Price and release date of the iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 Pro has been available since October 23, 2020 at a price of 1,159 euros in 128 GB version. Apple does not apply any increase compared to the previous model despite the integration of 5G. As always, you should not have an illusion: the discounts will be very rare. In my iPhone 12 test, I will therefore assess the product compared to the output price.

The iPhone 12 Pro is available in two other versions: 256 GB at 1,279 euros and 512 GB at 1,509 euros. Four colors are offered: silver, gold, graphite and peaceful blue. It was this last color of the iPhone 12 Pro that I had in test. Note that for two generations of iPhone have been released. The iPhone 12 are the only ones of this generations which remain directly marketed by Apple (from € 809).

However, we still find the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro in third -party resellers – in 2023, their price is much more interesting than what Apple offered when they were released in 2021. Especially since their technical sheet remains, you will see it, really in it, which still allows this smartphones to continue to compare itself to the most recent industry sizes.

iPhone 12 pro 128 GB at the best price basic price: € 1,159

Technical sheet of the iPhone 12 range

iPhone 12 mini	iPhone 12	iPhone 12 pro	iPhone 12 Pro Max
Dimensions	131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm	146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm	146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm	160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm
Weight	133 g	162 g	187 g	226 g
Tightness	IP68	IP68	IP68	IP68
Screen	OLED 5.4 ” Super Retina XDR (2340 x 1080 pixels) Hdr True Tone Haptic touch Contrast 2,000,000: 1 Max 1200 nits brightness DCI-P3 cover	OLED 6.1 ” Super Retina XDR (2340 x 1170 pixels) Hdr True Tone Haptic touch Contrast 2,000,000: 1 Max 1200 nits brightness DCI-P3 cover	OLED 6.1 ” Super Retina XDR (2340 x 1170 pixels) Hdr True Tone Haptic touch Contrast 2,000,000: 1 Max 1200 nits brightness DCI-P3 cover	OLED 6.7 ” Super Retina XDR (2340 x 1170 pixels) Hdr True Tone Haptic touch Contrast 2,000,000: 1 Max 1200 nits brightness DCI-P3 cover
Audio	No 3.5 mm jack Two stereo speakers Dolby Atmos	No 3.5 mm jack Two stereo speakers Dolby Atmos	No 3.5 mm jack Two stereo speakers Dolby Atmos	No 3.5 mm jack Two stereo speakers Dolby Atmos
Chip	A14 Bionic Apple GPU	A14 Bionic Apple GPU	A14 Bionic Apple GPU	A14 Bionic Apple GPU
Storage	64, 128 or 256 GB	64, 128 or 256 GB	128, 256 or 512 GB	128, 256 or 512 GB
Ram	Nc	Nc	Nc	Nc
Battery	Nc	Nc	Nc	Nc
Recharge	Fast load 18 W Magsafe up to 15 W Qi up to 7.5 W	Fast load 18 W Magsafe up to 15 W Qi up to 7.5 W	Fast load 18 W Magsafe up to 15 W Qi up to 7.5 W	Fast load 18 W Magsafe up to 15 W Qi up to 7.5 W
Biometry	Easy recognition Face ID	Easy recognition Face ID	Easy recognition Face ID	Easy recognition Face ID
Camera	– Grand English 26 mm (f/1.6); 12 MP sensor (photosite of 1.4 μm); Dual Pixel; Pdaf; Sensor-Shift Ois – Ultra large-angle 13 mm (f/2.4 mm); 120 ° field of vision; 12 Mpx sensor

2x, digital 5x optical zoom
Night mode
Smart HDR 3
Deep Fusion

2x, digital 5x optical zoom
Night mode
Smart HDR 3
Deep Fusion

Apple Proraw
Night mode
Smart HDR 3
Deep Fusion
Portraits in night mode with Lidar

Apple Proraw
Night mode
Smart HDR 3
Deep Fusion
Portraits in night mode with Lidar

From 809 €

From 909 €

IPhone 12 pro design

A new look for a new life. For the 2020 generation, Apple changes the aesthetic codes of the entire iPhone 12 range – to adopt design fundamentals that remain on the latest iPhone 14 released in 2022. Exit the rounded lines, The iPhone 12 Pro is distinguished by its flat format. The regulars of the Pommé smartphone will recognize the features of the iPhone 4 (or the iPhone 5, it is your choice) characterized by straight and flat slices facilitating the plug by one hand.

This format is reminiscent of that of the last iPad (pro and air 4), which gives a certain homogeneity to the Apple products of the latest generation.

The iPhone 12 Pro is based on a shiny stainless steel frame (which marks a little fingerprints) sandwiched between two glass slices. At the rear, Apple keeps the mat treatment inaugurated on the iPhone 11 Pro with a color Peaceful blue (test model) which replaces the green of the year 2019.

For the sake of elegance, the mention “CE” relating to compliance with European standards is deported to the right edge of the smartphone and it is almost invisible. The photo module on the back is always housed in the upper left corner, in a shiny square. In addition to the 3 photo sensors, we distinguish the flash and the Lidar exclusive to the pro versions.

In the front, Apple retains its fairly imposing notch which denotes with what all the competitors offer. The American prefers to keep his ultra-secure facial recognition system to the detriment of design. Hopefully it will have found a solution to camouflage Face ID (or Touch ID) under the screen on the next generation of iPhone, as some rumors already announce it in 2021.

In the meantime, the apple brand has taken particular care to the screen protective glass. Like his brothers, The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with Ceramic Shield, An ultra-resistant glass (made in corning) based on ceramic micro-participation. The first crash tests (which I did not do myself with my loan model) confirm its solidity to foolproof.

For the rest, Apple retains the same arrangement of the physical keys: speakers and lightning (still him) on the lower border, volume buttons and silent on the right edge, power button opposite.

Definitely in good shape, the designers of the firm have improved the size / screen ratio (screen to body ratio). Also, The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch slab Against 5.8 inches for the 11 pro. Despite everything, the dimensions remain almost inchanged (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm) and its 187 g classified it among the featherweight. Despite its size, this is a positive point of my iPhone 12 pro test.

In my opinion and following my test, The format of the iPhone 12 Pro is the best compromise between display comfort and handling, The Max version joining the behemoths like the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra or the OnePlus 8 Pro.

By mixing nostalgia and modernity, Apple therefore makes this new iPhone 12 Pro One of the most elegant smartphones on the market. As usual, finishes are exemplary. A little gem of technology in short.

Screen and audio

This year, Apple said goodbye to LCD technology and adorns its whole new range of OLED slabs. The iPhone 12 Pro inherits a 6.1 -inch screen so, the same as that of the iPhone 12, but it displays 5 x more pixels.

Technology Super Retina XDR and HDR compatible, The iPhone 12 Pro displays content with a Full HD definition (2340 x 1170 pixels). Apple promises a contrast rate of 2,000,000: 1, a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits (800 nits in use) and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 spectrum. True Tone (function adapting the display to the environment) is always there.

The iPhone 11 Pro screen was already placed among the major references on the market. His successor honors this reputation, my test of the iPhone 12 Pro has verified this point. In the interests of homogeneity, Apple does not offer the possibility of customizing the display outside the activation of True Tone Or Night Shift. Nothing dramatic since the calibration is perfect.

All that is missing is a higher refresh rate, Apple confining this year (still) to a 60 Hz slab. Certainly, the regulars of the iPhone will only see fire. Admittedly, iOS 14 and optimized applications benefit from an incomparable fluidity compared to Android. But on social networks, the web and for reading text, the difference between 90 Hz and 60 Hz is felt.

Always a benchmark for audio

We do not change a winning team, and my test of the iPhone 12 Pro validates it. He inherits the talents of his predecessor and shines by His excellent audio quality. Equipped with two speakers (including one on the front also dedicated to telephone conversations), The iPhone 12 Pro offers excellent stereophonic sound, still improved compared to the previous model. More balanced, it enjoys very good spatialization and certification Dolby Atmos which offers a quality multimedia experience.

In the absence of 3.5 mm jack (from iPhone 7) and adapter (from iPhone 11 Pro), you will have to have your own equipment, or go to the cashier. Obviously, the wireless experience remains the most effective, also the iPhone 12 Pro is compatible Bluetooth 5.0. You can therefore connect (randomly) your pro airpods in a jiffy.

Iphone 12 Pro performance and interface

Like every year, Apple teams its new iPhones with a brand new chip. In 2020, So it’s the A14 Bionic – engraved in 5 nm and associated with 6 GB of RAM – also integrated into the iPad Air, which is responsible for running the most demanding applications on the App Store. In a few figures, the A14 Bionic adds 14% more transistors compared to the previous A13 Bionic. The CPU and the GPU are also 50% faster and the Neural Engine (artificial intelligence) is still improved to learn from your uses.

I will not make a long speech, but The A14 Bionic makes the iPhone 12 Pro a small rocket. Combined with a software optimization of which Apple has the secret, it allows you to chain tasks without presenting any signs of fatigue. Of course, the most demanding resources games run smoothly with the highest graphic configuration.

Above all, Apple’s exemplary software monitoring ensures an incomparable lifespan at the iPhone 12 Pro. Expensive to buy, he can follow technical developments for 4 to 5 years. A feat that no other manufacturer can boast of accomplishing. Also, the iPhone 12 Pro (like the whole range) is undoubtedly The most sustainable smartphone on the market.

iOS 14 iOS 16: Apple adopts widgets

The iPhone 12 Pro initially joined iOS 14.1 Launched on September 16, 2020. In addition to the usual performance and autonomy optimizations, this version of iOS marks a real turning point in Apple’s philosophy. This reversal of situation has a name (you know): the Widgets.

As on Android, users can now display various contextual information directly on the home screen and access certain functions faster. Widgets can integrate in the middle of application icons in different formats pre-defined by Apple.

The iPhone gains in personalization, also the saying “There is nothing that looks more like an iPhone than another iPhone” loses all its flavor. Some will appreciate this opening, others will shout in scandal invoking the late Steve Jobs “Who would never have accepted such heresy” (yeah yeah).

I will mention in passing the Application library which brings together applications on the same theme. Very practical, it sometimes lacks relevance in its classification but remains generally well put together.

Generally, iOS 14 perfectly illustrates the convergence between iOS and Android Which is not to displease me. This version of iOS is therefore undoubtedly the most complete, the most intuitive and the most ergonomic I have been given to test. It skillfully combines simplicity, personalization and multiple features. But this is only my opinion, after my test of the iPhone 12 Pro.

In these first days of 2023 all iPhone 12s remain compatible with the latest major version of the available operating system. Namely iOS 16, with which the latest iPhone 14s are directly sold. Apple supports its smartphones for major updates for 6 years which is a record in industry.

By purchasing an iPhone 12 pro in 2023, you will therefore be entitled for at least three years of major software updates. Which makes this model still a good choice this year especially if you find it at an interesting price.

Autonomy and recharge

I will not dwell on the autonomy part of the iPhone 12 Pro insofar as it is a continuation of the iPhone 11 Pro. Yet the 2815 mAh battery is slightly less bulky than that of the model of last year which, in addition, did not embark on 5G connectivity.

Apple explains that it has optimized the software, and it works ! In versatile use, The iPhone 12 Pro easily holds a day and a half days. After the 2019 revolution with the iPhone 11 Pro, the American brand seems to master the recipe for its magic potion.

His charger choices are more questionable. In my opinion, they are rather close to the pudding recipe at Arsenic (the real ones know). By pretending to be an ecological approach, the American firm has chosen to no longer Provide charger with its new smartphones (including the iPhone 11 pro leaving the factory), the apple believing that potential iPhone buyers have at least one. A commendable action on paper which confronts a funny reality ..

On the one hand, the cable accompanying the iPhone 12 Pro is USB-C to Lightning type. If your drawers are overflowing with USB-C sectors, you are lucky. This is not my case or that (probably) of a large part of the potential buyers since Apple only includes this cable from the iPhone 11 Pro. The company explains that he comes in additional load solution (connect the iPhone to a Mac for example). Let’s admit.

Apple still forget a small detail: Up to the iPhone 11 Pro (delivered with an 18 W block) its chargers provided a maximum of 5 watts, Which earned him a stole of green wood. Gold The iPhone 12 PRO supports the 20 WATTS fast load. If I jumped the iPhone 11 Pro generation, the purchase of a more powerful sector block is therefore almost compulsory if I want to take advantage of the fast charge (Press-Citron also advises you on those from Aukey). Assessment: there will still be one more charger in nature, but settled by the user.

Magsafe: good but no “magnet”

And as things are well done, Apple introduces Magsafe, its new wireless charging technology inherited from the old MacBook. Magsafe promises a wireless recharge of 15 W (against 7.5 W Qi) without any perdition thanks to a circular magnetic system (which can accommodate its share of accessories thereafter).

This system of “magnets”, attractive on paper, is ultimately not very imprisoned on a daily basis. My iPhone 12 Pro test proved it. Very powerful, it forces to enter the smartphone and the cable to dissociate them. We do not put the iPhone on his Magsafe charger, we fix it. It is a small constraint that distorts the essence of the original technology.

At the start, Magsafe made it possible to recharge the Macs with a magnetic socket, thus avoiding dropping the computer by taking its feet in the cable. This is no longer the case with the iPhone version of this Magsafe: if you get your feet in the cable, you will hear the stressful noise from your brand new iPhone 12 pro on the ground even before you can pest. You will be warned.

And the charging time, in all of this ? By playing Apple’s game, that is to say using an old 5 W iPhone charger, A full load lasts… 4 hours ! So here is a nice invitation to move towards third -party chargers.

As proof, with a quick MacBook Pro charger of 60 W (capped at 20 W so…), The Apple smartphone earns around 50% in 20 minutes and recharges completely in just over an hour.

With the Magsafe charger, the iPhone 12 Pro goes from 1 to 50% in about 65 minutes and reaches 100% in around 2:30. Not folichon so.

If these performances may seem average with regard to the capacity of the battery, the result is there. The iPhone 12 pro earns a day of use in 30 minutes of load and up to two days in just over an hour. Of course, these scores involve the use of a charger of at least 20 W in wired and if possible, in USB-C. The Magsafe charger (sold 45 euros) is also provided without the load block. Ecology, we tell you !

IPhone 12 pro camera

This year, the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max do not have the same photographic equipment. Nevertheless, the iPhone 12 Pro differs from the standard model by the integration of a telephoto and the famous Lidar scanner inaugurated with the iPad Pro 2020. Here is the photographic configuration of the iPhone 12 Pro:

• Big angle 26 mm (f/1.6); 12 MP sensor (photosite of 1.4 μm); Dual Pixel; Pdaf; Sensor-Shift Ois
• Ultra Grand Angle 13 mm (f/2.4 mm); 120 ° field of vision; 12 Mpx sensor
• Telephoto 52 mm (f/2); 12 Mpx sensor (1/3.4 ″; photosite of 1 μm); Pdaf, ois, 2x / 4x optical zoom
• Scanner lidar

The whole is sprinkled with software optimizations with Deep Fusion (Better Exhibition Management) and Smart HDR 3 which improves the shots in low light.

Without surprise, The iPhone 12 Pro is excellent in good light conditions. The “Apple paw” characterized by a natural rendering is well present, to the delight of photographers (amateurs or not).

The telephoto lens also improves. The photos captured with the 2x zoom are good with a better bitter and a rendering similar to the Grand-Angle lens. The 10x zoom is correct but does not miracle either.

The best improvement comes from the ultra-angle sensor. We observe less distortion, a better dive and above all a colorimetry identical to that of the Grand Angle. In summary, whether we shoot short or long distance, the photos captured at the iPhone 12 Pro all have the same rendering.

But then what is the scanner for Lidar ? Excellent question, thank you for asking it. The LIDAR allows the iPhone 12 PRO to better assess the depth of field and to establish a 3D plan of the environment in which the photos are captured. This improves the quality of portraits and shots in a low light environment.

Thus, the portraits shot at the iPhone 12 Pro are distinguished by a more precise cutting and especially a progressive bokeh who has no equal on the market. And this also applies to portraits captured in low light. I let you appreciate the photos of example below, as part of my test of the iPhone 12 Pro.

It is therefore in low light that Apple has best advanced this year. So much so that the iPhone 12 Pro can compete with Google Pixel. In addition to the portraits, the iPhone 12 pro manages the different light sources much better provided you keep the activated automatic night mode (3 to 4 seconds of maximum break time).

If the engineers still seem to experience some difficulties in hunting the flair (halo or small light points), the photos in low light shine by their excellent dive and their colorimetry. These good impressions are also worth for the telephoto sensor and the ultra grand angle which also adopts-and for the first time-the night mode. These very good results can be explained by a greater opening of objectives but above all an improved digital treatment compared to the iPhone 11 Pro.

Pique in his pride by competitors like Huawei, Google and Samsung, Apple finds its superb from the iPhone 11 Pro on the field of photography. Also, The iPhone 12 Pro becomes a reference in the matter Even if Huawei (Mate 40 Pro) and Google (Pixel 5) keep a very small step ahead. While waiting for the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which will be better off.

At the front, Apple keeps the camera Truedepth resting on a 12 Mpx sensor. If the equipment does not change, the software optimizations bring it the night mode, a better general rendering and the possibility of filming in 4K up to 60 IM/s. Facetime, He adopts the Full HD definition. Improvements that will therefore delight lovers of stories, vlogs or other Tiktok videos.

Until now – and despite the many efforts of the competition – the iPhone was the best smartphone to film. Good news, The iPhone 12 Pro is still honoring this reputation. Now capable of Film in 4K HDR 10-BIT Dolby Vision up to 60 IM/S, It is always differentiated by stabilization with small onions.

If some videographers had already adopted the iPhone 11 pro as auxiliary camera, this iPhone 12 Pro takes a new course. The Steven Spielberg in grass will appreciate again model.

iPhone 12 pro 128 GB at the best price basic price: € 1,159

My opinion after my test of the iPhone 12 Pro

I will not go by four paths: the iPhone 12 Pro has everything of the “almost perfect” smartphone. Its brand new design in fact undoubtedly one of the most pleasant smartphones to use on a daily basis. The screen, performance, autonomy, all the ingredients of a reference smartphone are present. Apple improves photographic quality as a bonus, especially in low light.

Remember that 1,159 euros when it was released, the iPhone 12 Pro was caught between 12 pro max, even better equipped for photography and iPhone 12 (then sold 959 euros in 128 GB version) very similar in many levels. However in 2023, these are no longer the latest smartphones available at Apple. This means that the model is available at much more attractive prices from third -party sellers.

If, like me, you are looking for an iPhone relatively compact at the top of photography and video, then the iPhone 12 Pro is ideal for you. Otherwise, the iPhone 12 Pro is (roughly summarizing) an iPhone 12 mat capable of taking better night and long distance photos. For the rest, it’s the same at the same. However, between an iPhone 12 pro and a more recent iPhone, the photo difference is not that huge. Which still makes this iteration relevant in 2023.

Apple iPhone 12 pro test: Better in photos than the iPhone 11 Pro, but less enduring

After the iPhone 12, it is the turn of the iPhone 12 PRO to pass on the grill of our home test. If the standard model has succeeded in this test with a high note, is it as much of this professional version, sold 250 euros more expensive ? An important concept, because the price is always the main brake of an iPhone. Is it worth his heavy nougat ? Do the assets of the iPhone 12 Pro are worth the price difference ? Answer in this full test.

iPhone 12 pro 128GB at the best price

Prohibitive. Ostentatious. Farm. Late. Not enduring enough. Prohibitive (we repeat ourselves, it’s true). Here are often the main arguments of iPhone detractors. And we cannot prove them wrong. Apple smartphones are crying ceilings in terms of price. The system does not offer all the freedoms of an Android smartphone or a computer (even under macOS). And iPhone is now rarely the first to opt for new technology (let’s remember 4G for example). This is all the more true in photos where the Cupertino firm has lost its superb.

Only, despite this negative observation, the iPhone benefits from an unconditional fans base. The smartphone even manages to convince certain users of Android (but the opposite is also true), thus growing the ranks of iOS. The iPhone 12 is no exception to this rule, as we have seen during its full test at the end of which it obtains 4.5 out of 5 stars. Which is excellent for a smartphone that is far from perfect, despite its price of 909 euros in 64 GB version. What about its professional version, sold 250 euros more expensive ? Answer in this full test.

Technical sheet

iPhone 12 pro
Screen	6.1 ” Super Retina XDR OLED 2532 x 1170 pixels 460 ppi
Chipset	A14 (5nm)
BONE	iOS 14
Ram	6 GB
Storage	128/256/512 GB
microSD	No
Main sensor	Ultra Grand Angle (120 °) 12 MP, f/2.4 Wide angle 12 mp, f/1.6, ois Telephoto 12 MP, F/2.0, ois Lidar 3D scanner 2x optical zoom Digital zoom up to 10x
Selfie sensor	12 MP, f/2.2
Battery	2815 MAH Fast wired 20W recharge Quick quick recharge up to 15W with Magsafe
5g	Yes
Biometry	Face ID
Water resistance	IP68

Price and availability

Click here to buy the iPhone 12 Pro

Officially, the iPhone 12 Pro has been on sale from the October 23, 2020. Either the same day as the classic iPhone 12. However, depending on the storage options, the colors and the distributor (operator, specialized brand or Apple Store), you will not be able to get it when you read these lines. If you want to order your Apple Store iphone 12 pro online, no model will be delivered to you before November 17, two weeks after ordering. If the Apple Store remains open, you can buy some models this week by going there.

The price of the iPhone 12 Pro starts at 1159 euros. There is no price difference between the colors. The smartphone is available in three storage levels: 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB. The 128 GB version costs 1159 euros. The 256 GB version is offered to 1279 euros. And the 512 GB version is marketed at 1509 euros. The latter is clearly prohibitive. And, taking into account the size of the photo and video files that this smartphone produces (not to mention the growing size of the applications), we do not recommend limiting you to 128 GB. As often, we recommend the intermediate version.

The starting price of the iPhone 12 Pro is the same as that of the iPhone 11 Pro. So there is no inflation. In addition, the price of additional storage levels is in decline. The iPhone 11 Pro 256 GB cost 1329 euros in 2019 and the iPhone Pro 512 GB 1559 euros. Apple therefore makes a substantial effort here. Despite this, the iPhone 12 Pro is much more expensive than other flagships from 2020, such as the Huawei P40 Pro+, offered at 949 euros when it was launched.

Accessories

The iPhone 12 Pro, like the iPhone 12, inaugurates the new Apple strategy ” environmentally friendly “In terms of accessory provided in the box. A strategy initiated with the Apple Watch Series 6 and in September, which were not accompanied by a sector adapter, but only the magnetic cargo cable compatible with USB type.

With the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, Apple goes even further. No sector adapter Here no longer, but only a Lightning to USB Type-C cable (therefore compatible with a minority of adapters). This means that if you need an adapter, you will have to get a. And so buy a.

Apple does not sell small walls in its blinds like those you had in its boxes. You will have to turn to a Belkin wall charger in 45 euros for the 18 Watts model and 50 euros for the 30 watt model (18 watts on the USB type-C +12 watts on the USB type-A). Another indicative price: a Magsafe charger (magnetic wireless charger) costs 45 euros.

And, theoretically, no headphones delivered in the box. Fortunately, France forces manufacturers to deliver a hands -free kit with each phone, for a public health issue. The iPhone 12 Pro, like all iPhone 12, is delivered with a pair of wired earpods, with a lightning plug and a remote control. This allows you to save 19 euros. Thank you France ! Too bad the others ..

Design

The design of the iPhone 12 Pro is identical to that of the iPhone 12 (apart from the elements of his photographic module). Even if it keeps its waterproofing, this iPhone is very different from the iPhone 11 Pro, which was more inspired by the iPhone X and 11. While the slices were rounded there, they are straight here, like some iPad (especially the pro range). You can see the characteristic separations to isolate the antennas from each other (a lesson learned during Antennagate)). There are six. And they are quite discreet, as on the iPhone 11 Pro.

On these slices, you will also find the start -up button on the right; the SIM drawer, volume control and the touch of silent mode on the left; the main speaker, the main microphone and the Lightning port at the bottom. The upper and virgin edge. An additional remark: thanks to the straight slices, the regulatory markings are engraved on the right of the phone.

At the front, you will find a screen Oled large with the rounded angles, a notch Large for the Face ID system. At the rear, the iPhone 12 Pro is also flat, with the firm logo in the center. Only the photo module breaks the monotony. This block is slightly protected. And optics are also weakly raised. We will come back to the technical characteristics of the screen, Face ID and the photo module in the course of this test.

If below, find comparative photos Between the iPhone 12 Pro, the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 5. As you can see, the iPhone 12 Pro (like all iPhone 12) are inspired by iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. As for the first, you will find the mineral glass plates on both sides, rounded corners and metal for slices and chassis. Like the second, the metal slices of the iPhone 12 Pro also protect the borders of the mineral glass of the shell, while the glass of the iPhone 4 exceeded slices, making it more vulnerable in the event of a fall.

There are very few ergonomic differences between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro. This proximity is all the more true since the two models wear an almost identical screen. We have however noted three. The first is obviously the photo block. There are two additional elements at the back of the iPhone 12 Pro: a photo sensor and a Lidar sensor. The second difference is the metal material: aluminum is replaced by stainless steel. This was also the case for the iPhone 11 Pro, the iPhone XS and the iPhone X.

The third difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 is the back finish. That of the iPhone 12 is shiny, while that of the iPhone 12 Pro is mat (like the iPhone 11 Pro). To the touch, the iPhone 12 Pro is therefore less cold and less slippery. And, above all, the iPhone 12 Pro retains much less fingerprints. It also seems less sensitive to scratches and other hazards of everyday life.

Overall, the handling of the iPhone 12 Pro is pleasant. Despite a fairly wide screen size, 6.1 inches, The smartphone is most often used with one hand. With the exception of a few icons, the quick configuration shutter (moved from the bottom of the screen to the upper right corner, as on the iPad) and the notification pane, you will easily have access to all content on the screen. And to bring inaccessible content closer to your thumb, just use ” easy access »(Look for this term in the adjustment menu to find out a little more).

Screen

We said previously: the iPhone 12 Pro is with a screen with many characteristics of the iPhone 12 slab, while keeping the major asset of the iPhone 11 pro screen, C ‘that is to say its brightness. Indeed, the brightness of the iPhone 12 Pro screen is 800 Nits, against 625 nits for that of the iPhone 12.

For the rest, no distinction: size of 6.1 inches (compared to 5.8 inches for the iPhone 11 pro) with a ratio of 19.5/9th, notch for Face ID, OLED backlight, definition Super Retina XDR (1170 pixels in width, 2532 pixels in height) for a resolution of 460 pixels per inch. The screen is HDR Dolby Vision and DCI-P3 compatible (for lovers of natural colorimetry).

And in practice ? The iPhone 12 Pro has a very beautiful oled slab, with beautiful colors, deep contrasts and very wide viewing angles. The correctness of the colors displayed is worthy of that of the iPhone 11 Pro, which was already a model of the genre. If this does not suit you, note that, like many competitors, you can adjust color temperature according to your taste.

The brightness is very good and can go up 1,200 nits When you are outdoors and the sun is shining. Few are the moments when the screen is illegible. In the evening, the brightness drops enough not to dazzle. And this while keeping a good accuracy of colors. Here, Apple retains the improvements offered to the iPhone 11 Pro.

Like the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Pro retains a refresh rate at 60 Hz. This slightly reduces the impression of fluidity of the interface. When you are used to 90 Hz, even at 120 Hz, you notice it quickly. However, we believe that this is a very reasonable choice, mainly because autonomy, thorny subject for Apple, would have been lower. In addition, the iPhone is less and less practical to play in the face of Android competition.

The iPhone 12 Pro screen is protected by a mineral glass created by Apple with Corning. This is called CeraMICSHIELD. The touch of this new glass is very pleasant and partially compensates for the absence of an improved refresh rate.

Interface

Even if the previous iPhone (up to the iPhone 6S) are also compatible with iOS 14, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are The first Apple smartphones delivered with this version of the bone. The iPhone 12 PRO therefore uses the interface that we discovered when testing the iPhone 12 test. There is no big surprise.

Let us recall some of the new features of iOS 14, compared to iOS 13. First of all, new widgets, configurable and customizable, appear. They are accessible from the screen dedicated previously dedicated to Siri and the old widgets. They are more numerous and they are, for the most part, much more useful. Another novelty: the application collections, Accessible by browsing the interface opposite widgets. This function allows you to automatically bring together by theme the applications installed on the phone.

Among our favorite news, let us quote for example the replacement of default applications (well, you can choose Chrome to open a link received by email), the mode picture-in-a-top For video applications, the Off-line translator which makes it possible to translate on the fly of words and sentences even without internet connection (which has already existed on Android for several years) or ” Back tap », A function which transforms into shortcuts of two or three tapping on the back of the smartphone. That too is not new. But it’s useful once you get it.

Like iOS 13, iOS 14 sees access to Control Center In the upper right corner for iPhone with notch. This evolution is inspired by iPads where this access was also moved to the corner where the battery indicator is located. We think it’s a wobbly idea because the iPhone 12 Pro screen is great. So you have to use easy access To physically descend this icon to the thumb to open control center and access the proposed parameters.

Like last year, we clearly regret The abandonment of 3D Touch. This technology, which analyzed the force exerted against the screen, made it possible to offer a new level of interaction. Apple has Replaced 3D Touch by Haptic Touch. You no longer need to press hard, but simply a little longer to activate the interaction (and a small vibration emitted by the haptic engine). The goal is the same: to open contextual menus or shortcuts. But it’s less natural than 3D Touch’s “Peek and Poke”.

Click here to buy the iPhone 12 Pro

Performance

Let’s go to performances. Like the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Pro is very powerful. It is even a little more so, thanks to the integration of 2 GB of additional RAM. Either 6 GB of RAM : this is the first time that Apple has offered a smartphone with this volume of RAM. These 6 GBs accompany the chipset A14 Bionic, that we met in the iPhone 12, but also in the latest iPad Air, presented last September.

In fact, the iPhone 12 pro reaches almost 610,000 points on Antutu, well above the results of the iPhone 12. However, contrary to popular belief, the iPhone 12 Pro does not upset the iPhone 12 in terms of CPU or memory, but in terms of GPU. However, we believe that the addition of RAM has something to do with it. Note that the ROG Phone 3 is well above, with 643,000 points.

The difference on 3dmark is less impressive. On the Slingshot Extreme test, the iPhone 12 Pro gets 5309 points. It’s a good note. But then again, Android gaming smartphones are doing better: 7806 points On the same test for the ROG Phone 3. On Wild Life, the most recent 3DMARK test, the iPhone 12 Pro gets 6615 points. And on Wild Life Stress Test, a test that lasts 20 minutes, it oscillates between 5800 and 6,500 points, with very good system stability.

We have also included in this 3DMARK API Overload test battery. This is an interesting test, because it allows you to compare the performance of the iPhone with OpenGL, a standardized graphic engine that you find in all smartphones, and Metal, the 3D engine developed by Apple. The iPhone 12 Pro is four times more efficient with Metal that with OpenGL. The difference is striking.

It emanates from the iPhone 12 Pro a certain ease of performing complex tasks, using heavy graphics and many calculations. It must be said that this smartphone was precisely developed to capture, edit and mount films up to 4K to 60 frames per second, with Dolby Vision. It is obviously necessary a strong computing power to achieve this result.

To test the technical capabilities of the iPhone 12 Pro, we installed some games on it. First Dead Trigger 2, one of our stallion games. The few parts played revealed a good fluidity, served by a ceramicshield glass which responds perfectly to the stresses. It seems definitely too easy. So we opted for another game: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. This adaptation of the gamecube hit (it does not rejuvenate us!) recently released on the Play Store and the App Store. He is much more greedy than Dead Trigger 2. But, as we expected, the iPhone 12 Pro has not been eyebrow.

However, we have two negative remarks about the performance of the iPhone 12 Pro. During the Wild Life Stress Test test, which lasts about twenty minutes and which pushes the chipset in its entrenchments, we noted a significant temperature increase At the level of the shell. And more precisely at the level of metal slices. They are the ones who take care of heat dissipation. Mineral glass, it tends to keep this heat. Fortunately, little use lasts so long. And few applications are also greedy.

Autonomy

The second negative remark about the performance of the iPhone 12 PRO concerns autonomy. As soon as you ask the phone battery a little too much, the loss of energy is considerable. If you take a look at the screenshots of the “performance” part of this test, you will notice that The iPhone 12 Pro lost 12 % battery during the 20 minutes Wild Life Stress Test. This corresponds to a third of battery in an hour of play. Or about three hours to empty the battery. We have relayed in our columns an article of Anglo-Saxon colleagues which seem to confirm this measure and the low autonomy at stake.

If the smartphone loses more than 10 % battery in 20 minutes, it is not only due to the energy gluttony of the platform. It is also because the battery of the iPhone 12 Pro is very small. The capacity of this battery is to 2815 MAH. Be as much as that of the iPhone 12. It is much less than the 3046 mAh the battery of the iPhone 11 Pro which was however smaller. And it’s much less than the 3110 Mah of the iPhone 11, which measured the same size, but which was also a little thicker. Slimming does not rhyme with endurance.

Here, Apple makes a very curious choice. Because despite the many software and hardware optimizations, it was already obvious that the iPhone 12 Pro would be theoretically less enduring. Especially since 5G is not even active in France yet (what will be when it is?)). Why not have corrected the shooting before the validation of final configuration ? Perhaps the designers hoped that the engineers will reach a miracle ? This is not the case. In reality, The iPhone 12 Pro holds a day. A day and a half a maximum of maximum if you do not play and if you have classic use (call, messaging, internet, social networks, audio streaming, some photos). And if you make video, remember to bring an external battery.

On the recharge side, the iPhone 12 Pro is compatible with the 20 Watts fast load and the Wireless load (Qi standard) 15 watts. It takes you half an hour to recharge the battery half, which is not very fast given the capacity. And you need an hour and quarter about recharging it completely. To adopt good gestures with regard to the battery, it is possible to program the night recharge in order to let the phone connect to a charger as little as possible to a charger.

We cannot conclude this part on the recharge without mentioning The absence of wall socket in the box. This strategy started with the Apple Watch and continues here with the iPhone 12 Pro. And we are clearly disappointed. First, because it is a pingre: why not deliver a complete charger (and compatible 20 watts) with a smartphone sold 1159 euros minimum ? It’s still shameful !

Then becauseApple has changed the connection between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12. Imagine that you bought an iPhone previously (any from one from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 11). So you have a USB type-type wall charger. Then imagine that you replace this iPhone with an iPhone 12. The cable delivered with is a Type-C USB cable. It is therefore not compatible with your charger. Very practical, isn’t it ? The Apple Watch Series 6 (or SE) is delivered with a USB magnetic pad type-A. It is still more logical compared to the owners of a previous iPhone.

You will therefore have to reuse your old cable and leave the new in its box. You will also need to use Your old 5 watts wall charger (which was still delivered with the iPhone 11) which puts an eternity to load a phone. That’s wonderful ! The Apple Watch Series 6 (or SE) is delivered with a USB magnetic pad type-A. It’s still more logical compared to iPhone owners.

Finally, for a device whose autonomy is not optimal, a quality charger would have counterbalanced this big weak point. However, the fastest chargers are optional, as we have seen previously in the “accessories” part of this test, at prices of around 50 euros. She is beautiful ecology and the fight against the environment.

Audio

We should be happy to have only the absent sector adapter in the box. Indeed, we could also have been Earpods’ dismissals if we were not French. Fortunately, France voted for a law forcing smartphones manufacturers to deliver a hands -free kit to prevent users from carrying their phone in the ear and being less exposed to the waves issued by the phone.

It is for this reason that the pretty box of iPhone 12, including the iPhone 12 Pro, is delivered with a cardboard overhaul To integrate the headphones. These are earpods all that is most commonplace (plastic shell, headboard orientation to the ear pavilion, no active or passive noise reduction, remote control with integrated microphone). They are compatible Lightning, as always. And like iPhone 11, No 3.5 mm jack adapter to Lightning Delivered in the box. There are no small savings, even in the very high end.

The iPhone 12 pro, as its classic declination, is provided with two speakers. The main one is housed in the lower edge, next to the Lightning port. A criticized location, as it is regularly obstructed by the fingers when the phone is kept horizontally. And the secondary is hidden in the telephone earphone. The sound produced by these two speakers is good: it is clear, detailed, with beautiful mediums and acute that do not lose quality. As often, this type of configuration is slightly unbalanced, the main speaker offering more power. But this imbalance is much less pronounced here, improving immersion and experience. This is not worth a good helmet for music, but for films, series, even games, these two elements are sufficient.

There call quality is pretty good, as much for you as your correspondent. Hands-free mode offers good hearing experience, thanks to these two speakers. And the telephone earphone offers a clear sound. Finally, note that, for the video shooting, the iPhone captures the sound in stereo with the main microphone, but also using a microphone placed in the photo module.

Photo

Finally, let’s finish the photo. By starting this test, we had great expectations from the iPhone 12 Pro on photography. First because competition has survived Apple in the field for several years. Then because Apple seems to have put the double bites in this iPhone 12 pro to offer superior, even almost professional results. Finally because, given its configuration, the iPhone 12 Pro is more for photographers than other consumer segments.

Let us recall a few moments the main constituent elements of the main photo module. We have Three 12 megapixel sensors. A first with a goal stabilized opening up F/1.6 and a dual pixel autofocus. A second with telephoto lens, stabilized here too, opening up F/2.0, And 2x optical zoom (up to 10x digital). And a third with great angle lens 120 ° who opens up F/2.4. So far, the only significant difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro is the much larger opening of the main sensor lens. For the rest, no change.

To these three sensors is added A Lidar sensor, sort of TOF camera that calculates the depths. It is a useful day sensor, for portraits and photos of moving subjects. But it is especially useful at night to improve autofocus and the development time. It’s a great addition. Especially sinceApple added a new night mode (catching up with the competition a little in advance on this subject) which made us very good impression. But we will come back.

Let’s move on to the results of our shots. First of all, we note a real improvement in light management with the main sensor. It’s true by day, with a nice balance in the photos (no too dark or too bright area). It is also true (and above all) at night with many details that we did not have before. This is the effect of three improvements: the Lidar sensor, the night mode and the greater opening of the lens.

There are a lot of dive in the photos taken with the main sensor, as well as contrast and beautiful colors, well reproduced. See as The colors of the leaves in the trees particularly stand out in the first photo above. It’s really a feast for the eyes. We experienced the qualities of the main sensor with a beautiful backlight and with different exhibition zones, enjoying a very sunny morning. And there again, no unpleasant surprises.

With the sensor with telephoto lens, the results are also very good day and a little less night. This is normal: the telephoto lens opens smaller. So there is less light. The shots made with this sensor offer beautiful colors, but a little less contrast. The colors sometimes seem a little washed out. The optical zoom is 2x. Which seems a little weak Faced with the competition that rises to 5x.

The digital zoom goes up to 10x, spreading two fingers on the screen. Here, the quality is not there: a lot of noise spoils the clichés. Our advice: Do not exceed the 5x zoom.

Finally, the Grand-Angle sensor is the least bright on the band. And it’s normal. But then again, the photos show beautiful qualities, with beautiful colors and beautiful contrasts. Be careful, as always to the deformations on the sides due to the optics.

Thanks to the Lidar, The portraits are really excellent. The subject is very well isolated and the rear bokeh effect is perfectly mastered. Note that the portrait mode is positioned by default on the sensor with telephoto lens. But you can return manually to the main sensor. In both cases, the results are top. At night, do not hesitate to activate it to make beautiful portraits. But be careful not to move.

A few words on night mode. It’s a Very nice improvement offered to iPhone And the iPhone 12 pro benefits largely, thanks to the optical stabilizers installed on two of the objectives. It is compatible with the three sensors (which is not always the case). And it offers beautiful shots with a variable exposure time (2 to 5 seconds). The mode is activated manually, which means that you can deactivate it if necessary (but for what to do?)). The night results are better for rather close and motionless subjects. Also pay attention to light sources that are not white: the iPhone does not always perceive this variation.

On the selfie side, the iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with the iPhone 11 Pro ID module, with 12 megapixel sensor and infrared camera for facial recognition. This sensor also benefits from portrait mode and night mode. Do not hesitate to use them (especially portrait mode) to improve your selfies. The quality of the shots produced by Face ID is not as exciting as with the main sensors. But that makes the job.

In video, the iPhone 12 Pro can go up 4K at 60 images per second and 240 images per second in 1080p. So there is no change compared to the iPhone 11 Pro. The quality of the shots is good, as for the photos. At night, the larger opening of the lens, the Lidar sensor and the night mode also offer improved results.

Conclusion

The iPhone 12 Pro is a Contrasted smartphone. It has excellent qualities that largely deserve the price requested by Apple, even if you certainly find it exuberant. Whether it is the construction of the phone. The fluidity offered to use. The richness and simplicity of its interface. The excellent quality of his photos, day and night. The performance of its platform. The first contact with the iPhone 12 Pro is incredible, Whether you come from the Android world or you are already an Apple client.

But he also has incomprehensible defects, with a bad faith. Optical zoom, with a too chick relationship, and digital zoom, invaded by noise. The smallness of the battery. Disappointing autonomy, even though 5G is not yet there. The absence of a wall charger in the box. And even if Apple would have provided one, it would not have even been compatible with the fast load. And we are not talking about the usual debate on its closed ecosystem. We love him as much as we hate him.

In this conclusion, we want to answer three important questions. First, have you buy an iPhone 12 pro ? If you are an amateur or expert photographer and you are looking for a smartphone that can replace your digital compact, it’s a good choice. But buy an external battery to overcome its main defect.

Then, if you have the choice between iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, which to choose ? The question is important, because the two phones have significantly the same technical sheet, but the professional version makes better photos and it costs 250 euros more expensive. If the photo is not your thing, we do not recommend the iPhone 12 Pro you. Instead, prefer the iPhone 12 with a minimum 128 GB storage space (or even 256 GB). Otherwise, see the previous question.

Finally, if you have an iPhone 11 pro or an iPhone XS, should you change your mobile this year ? In the first case, the answer is no. Certainly, you could gain in quality of photo, but you would also lose autonomy. And, in our opinion it is the most important second. As for the iPhone XS, the question is less obvious. Because the iPhone XS also sins in autonomy. Maybe even more than the iPhone 12 Pro. A replacement could be a good idea here.