Apple iPhone 12 test: a nice evolution of the iPhone 11

Despite the low light, the iPhone 12 Pro has a realistic scene

IPhone 12 Pro test: much more than a gifted photo

The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro mark the start of a new generation of iPhone. The management of 5G, a renewed design inspired by the iPhone 5 and the significant improvement in the photo part is an important evolution compared to the iPhone X generation. This generational rupture logic is not new, Apple had done the same in 2010 with the iPhone 4 and in 2014 with the release of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

However, there is a difference this year with the iPhone 12. This is the first time that Apple has declined its iPhone on four separate models: the iPhone 12 Mini, the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max. If you want a small format and the most accessible price, it is the iPhone 12 Mini. If on the contrary, you want the largest iPhone ever produced with the latest innovations in terms of cameras, this is the pro Max that you will need. Between the two remain on 12 and 12 pro. They have the same footprint, the same design, the same OLED screen (like the entire iPhone 12 range this year), the same extremely fast A14 Bionic chip, 5G, the same camera for selfies and two objectives, a large- angle and an ultra-angle.

An iPhone 12 with 128 GB of storage, the version we recommend at least, is billed 959 euros while the iPhone 12 Basic pro with the same capacity costs 200 euros more (1.159 euros). The differences between these two excellent machines are significant and can legitimize this additional cost. Because the pro benefits from a more premium chassis (aluminum vs steel), an additional photo sensor (X2 optical telephoto lens) and a 3D lidar scanner.

Many consumers may turn to the iPhone 12 due to the psychological bar of less than 1.000 euros and remarkable qualities of the machine. Conversely, the iPhone 12 PRO will especially appeal to the presence of a telezoom and the promises offered by the Lidar. In one case as in the other, these are two smartphones with incredible remarkable qualities with one of the best camera that you can find on the market.

Know that during our two iPhone test, it is around 12 pro we turned most frequently. And not only for the presence of a telephoto lens or a Lidar but especially for the qualitative feelings that it offers. We preferred his textured matt back, his stainless steel strapping and the feeling of solidity and quality that he provides when we have it in hand.

IPHIP 5 Borderless printing

The idea that Apple has premium differs from the brilliant side and gets the eye that we see on some high -end Android smartphone. No iridescent colors that change depending on light or curved screen on the edges. Instead, we find the sobriety of a polished stainless steel strapping with straight edges on the iPhone 12 Pro (and matt aluminum on the 12). A bit like on the iPhone 5, 5s and SE, but without the chamfered edges. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro have a committing look, without frills and delivering real perceived quality.

This seduction effect continues with the OLED Super XDR screen with superb resolution and contrast. It is protected by a ceramic nanocrystal glass. According to Apple, it offers four times higher protection when it is dropped. An assertion that we will not fail to check during our crash test.

The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are both classified IP68 for their resistance to water and dust. They can withstand an immersion at a depth of 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Excellent for photo and video

As usual Apple has changed cameras of the iPhone 12 with hardware and software level. The iPhone 11 were already the market references on this point, the iPhone 12 are doing this year even better.

The iPhone 12 Pro finely restores the texture of the clouds and the reflections on the left side of the bell tower

The quantity of details that the iPhone 12 Pro was able to capture on this photo is impressive

The iPhone 12 was able to capture the texture of light bricks and the shine of the brand

This scene illustrates the dynamic range of the iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro have exactly the same photo configuration, with the exception of telephoto and Lidar. But they don’t just depend on hardware to take good photos and videos. The new A14 Bionic chip and automatic learning software processing play a crucial role. For example, the ultra-wide-angle objective is identical to that of the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro but the software processing applies to the iPhone 12 comes to correct the distortion of the lens.

Selfie made with the Ultra-Grand-Grand-Angle Rear camera of the iPhone 12

Apple has added software to reduce distortion to ultra-large-angle

The ultra-large-angle camera of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro is now compatible with night mode

The main high angle camera of the two phones has a faster autofocus that also lets in more light. The new goal, combined with the HDR 3 smart, produces superb photos, with loyal colors and a good dynamic range. Night mode is now available on ultra-angle and selfie cameras. The 12 pro telephoto objective always offers an X2 optical zoom, on this point a certain number of competing smartphones offer much more powerful and efficient zooms.

Despite the low light, the iPhone 12 Pro has a realistic scene

Regarding the video, the contribution of the Lidar is undeniable on the iPhone 12 Pro, the development is impressive of speed and was able to follow us even when we spun at night.

The fastest smartphones currently

The decisive contribution of the A14 Bionic chip does not only relate to the photo part. It also contributes to the performance of the iPhone 12. In use, the phone is fast, but it is difficult to detect a real difference from the A13 chip. On the benchmarks anyway, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are simply the best among all the smartphone we have tested.

Image: Patrick Holland/Cnet

Read the full test

• Writing note

Apple iPhone 12 test: a nice evolution of the iPhone 11

So here is the iPhone 12. With its OLED screen, its 5G compatibility and its protruding edges, it is not content to be an update of the iPhone 11. So much so that he competes with the iPhone 12 Pro. Just that.

Presentation

With its latest iPhone batch, Apple multiplies models, but homogenized its range. The proof being that the OLED and 5G are present on the entire 12th generation. Being, he pulls up his iPhone 12 – the standard model – compared to his predecessor (iPhone 11), and brings it closer to model 12 pro. So much so that the two mobiles also share the same dimensions. At the checkout, this unification of the range is paid, since the iPhone 12 is launched at € 909, a hundred euros more than the 2019 model.

As a reminder, the differences between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro are as follows.

iPhone 12	iPhone 12 pro
Weight	164 g	189 g
Frame	Aluminum	Frosted steel
Ram	4GB	6 GB
Roma	64, 128 or 256 GB	128, 256 or 512 GB
Telephoto module	No	Yes
Lidar sensor	No	Yes
Dolby Vision	30 I/S	60 I/S
Starting price	909 €	1159 €

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Ergonomics and design

The 12th generation of iPhone revives the past. Apple thus offers finishes that recall those of old iPhone (from 4 to 5 SE) and more recently crossed on iPad Pro and the new iPad Air. Frank are therefore the slices of this iPhone 12. With this new generation, the Standard iPhone 12 also enjoys a new silhouette. If the iPhone 11 was broader and high (150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm) than its 11 pro (144 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm), this iPhone 12 joins the round of size of the iPhone 12 pro and strictly shares the same dimensions (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm). The only aesthetic difference between the two is in the presence of a third photo module and a Lidar sensor on version 12 pro. More discreet, the finish is also distinguished between the two mobiles. The 12 has a Gorilla Glass glass back while the 12 pro has a frosted glass back. Always on the back, it is good to note that the company now only displays its logo. The CE and that of the barred trash can were moved to the right edge. A clever way to present an almost immaculate rear.

On the back, the addition of Magsafe technology is invisible. No brand or report. Compatible accessories easily like each other. The Magsafe charger offers a 15 W wireless load, while certain shells also offer compatibility in order to load its mobile despite its armor. Note that the classic wireless charge also passes through these shells.

In hand, the mobile offers a convincing experience. Apple’s formula is still so relevant. Very light, with only 164 g on the scale, the mobile is manipulated without problem. The buttons are ideally positioned and allow fluid use. Light modification for the most attentive, the right edge only welcomes the Power button. The slot to place a SIM card has been moved to the opposite and is just under the volume controls and the switch switch.

Like previous models, the iPhone only offers a nano-sim port. To enjoy a second telephone number, you must go through the ESIM available from certain operators. No more microSD port; It will be necessary to do with the 64, 128 or 256 GB of internal memory. Finally, the iPhone 12 is IP68 certified; He will therefore survive a maximum 30 -minute immersion in a swimming pool.

Audio

Apple no longer offers a mini-jack 3.5 mm socket from the iPhone 7. The manufacturer then waited for the iPhone 11 to abandon the lighting to mini-jack adapter. He remains straight in his boots with this new model and does not offer any of the two on the iPhone 12. True to our principles, we deprive the mobile of a fifth star in “ergonomics and design”.

The stereo sound of iPhone 12 remains very good. The spatialization is excellent, the sound rather clear, allowing to be comfortable in front of videos, films or series, but also during musical listening.

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Screen

On paper, the iPhone 12 slab is extremely close to that of the pro version. We therefore find a diagonal of 6.1 inch, a definition of 1170 x 2532 px for a resolution of 460 ppi and a ratio 19.5: 9. Only one difference to separate them: the maximum announced brightness of the slab, much higher on the side of the iPhone 12 Pro. And for good reason, the screens of the iPhone 12 and those of the iPhone 12 Pro would not come from the same factories. According to the South Korean media The Elec, The tiles of the iPhone 12 pro, 12 pro max and 12 mini are provided by Samsung Display, while those of the standard iPhone 12 come from LG Display.

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Lab – Apple iPhone 12 Pro: a screen that always attracts reflections as much

It’s done, the Apple iPhone 12 and 12 pro arrived in our laboratories. We hastened to pass their screens on.

So let’s talk about this famous maximum brightness. It caps up here at 635 cd/m², when the iPhone 12 pro goes up to 831 cd/m². Sufficient value to ensure good readability even in full sun. Unfortunately, he shares reflectance similar to that of the 12 pro, which is positioned in the average. A slight disappointment as Apple has proven to us that he was able to make reflections disappear on his tablets and computers. In contrast, the minimum brightness is simply excellent, since our probe is only 0.1 cd/m². Very comfortable in the darkness !

In terms of colorimetry, the slab is also excellent. Our measurements revealed a 6648 k color temperature, flirting with the 6,500 k of the video standard. The medium delta e is positioned at 1.4, testifying to chromatic drifts invisible to the naked eye. Oled obliges, the rate of contrast approaches him infinity. It is therefore a perfect screen to view video content. Finally, the touch delay is positioned at 50 ms, a good result.

Performance

The iPhone 12 is animated by the famous A14 Bionic chip engraved in 5 nm, accompanied by 4 GB of RAM. It is 2 GB less than on the iPhone 12 Pro, but as much as on the iPhone of previous generations. Optimized to small onions by Apple, the equipment of this iPhone 12 offers excellent performance, among the best available on the market. Whether in front of a gourmet resource game or an intensive multitasking, the mobile does not flinch and maintains a pleasant fluidity.

Unfortunately, as you may know, it is not possible for us to carry out our test battery on iOS. We cannot therefore quantify the performance of this iPhone 12 as precisely as we do for Android models.

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Photo

On its back, the iPhone 12 offers a photo island made up of two modules. We find a great angle accompanied by an ultra-angle. No telephoto module or Lidar sensor, reserved for pro and pro declination. The absence of a telephoto lens the versatility of this model and prevents it from grabbing the 4th star that the iPhone 12 Pro has managed to conquer. To assess the importance of this absence, we compared the 2X digital zoom of the main module of the iPhone 12 to the 2X optical zoom of the iPhone 12 Pro.

Big angle	Ultra Grand Angle
12 megapixels	12 megapixels
F/1.6	F/2.4
EQ. 26 mm	EQ. 13 mm

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LAB – The digital zoom of the iPhone 12 against the telephoto module of the iPhone 12 Pro

What is the 2x telephoto lens module of the iPhone 12 proofjective module and really deserves the € 200 which separates it from the iPhone 12, very close by its.

Grand-angle module: 12 Mpx, f/1.6, EQ. 26 mm

With its 12 MP sensor and its objective opening at F/1.6, the iPhone 12 offers a main module very close to that of the iPhone 11. Only the opening is modified, going from f/1.8 to f/1.6, for very close results. By day, the pictures are very good. Our photo scene is properly exposed, rather detailed and not too smoothed. The result is thus realistic.

At night, the module manages to provide a readable scene despite a very short exhibition time (1/15 s). However, the operation is not without consequences, since the dive and the colors take a hit.

Night mode

To obtain much more usable results, it will be necessary to use the night mode, activated by default on the mobile. With a much longer break time (1/5 s) and the superposition of shots exposed differently, the result gains in readability, in brightness and in color.

Ultra Grand Angle Module: 12 MPX, F/2.4, EQ. 13 mm

By day, the ultra-angle module of the iPhone 12 also offers good results. Distortion and image processing are widely mastered, the dive and rather good, despite a visible grain. Only the periphery takes a hit, with the appearance of a blur in the most outdoor areas of the photo.

At night, this module also offers an extremely short break time (1/17 s) for significant sensitivity (ISO 2500). Unsurprisingly, we find a similar result, with an inconvenient scene and a loss of detail on the outskirts. An aggressive image processing invites itself and largely smoothes the image.

Night mode

As on the main module, the night mode, activated by default here too, corrects exposure problems as well as those related to image processing. We thus observe a much more readable, colorful snapshot, but always suffering from an unpleasant blur on the outskirts.

Front module, portrait and video mode

At the front, the notch, Apple signature, always houses its TrueDepth camera and its sensors necessary for Faceid. The frontal module (12 Mpx, F/2.2) offers good shots, realistic and detailed. The portrait mode remains relevant, with a cutting of more than correct subjects, whether at the front or back.

For the video, the iPhone 12 allows itself to film up to 4K at 24, 30 or 60 i/s and also offers a Dolby Vision mode offering HDR videos at 30 I/. Optical stabilization is present on the Grand-Angle module. Recording a video with the front module is possible up to 4K at 24, 30 or 60 i/s. HDR Dolby Vision mode is also present, but only in 30 I/S.

Autonomy

Like its big brother, the iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh accumulator. On our Netflix autonomy protocol, the mobile held 13 h 15 min. It’s a little more than the iPhone 11 (1:07 p.m.), but much less than the iPhone 12 Pro (15 h 04 min). A difference that we have trouble explaining ourselves, perhaps due to the difference in RAM. Anyway, the iPhone 12 remains very good and authorizes at least two days of autonomy. The most addicts to their smartphone will have to pass every night through the recharge box. And this is where things get stuck.

For this 12th generation, for an ecological concern, Apple has decided not to provide a load block with its iPhone 12 this year. The American manufacturer is satisfied with a USB-C to Lightning cable. A controversial choice that poses a problem. It is necessary to have either a load block with a USB-C output, or a USB-A cable to Lightning to recharge your iPhone 12. All the more frustrating since this new generation is compatible fast load 20 W. Without charging block provided, it is impossible for us to measure the real load. All we can tell you is that in the best possible conditions, with a 60 W load block, restrained at 20 W on iPhone, the mobile puts 1 h 15 min to resume all its strength. Using the famous 5 W loading block, 3 h 15 min are necessary to recharge the mobile. Whatever time indicated, it is not shiny, and far from the best performance on Android mobile (around half an hour).

Sustainability

Our sustainability score makes it possible to determine the lasting aspect of the smartphone as much for the consumer as for the environment. It is based on the repairability index, sustainability criteria (protection index, standard connectors, warranty duration and updates. ) and an assessment of CSR policies (corporate social responsibility). You will find all the details of the analysis in our article presenting the sustainability score.

The iPhone 12 Pro comes with iOS 14.1, the latest version of the Apple smartphones operating system. It is distinguished by the appearance of widgets. These are application blocks that can be placed on your screen, mixed with your applications. Like what has existed on Android for a long time now, they adopt 3 different sizes, displaying more or less information. Thus, you can display your photos, a specific musical controller (for Spotify, for example) or the latest important information relayed by a media.

An application library also appears. It allows you to store the apps you no longer want to see on your various reception screens, without permanently deleting them from your iPhone. iOS 14 also introduces the picture-in-hitting on the iPhone. Already present on the iPad for a few years already, it only appears on smartphones.

To find out more about all the new features of this new version, we invite you to orient yourself towards the dedicated article:

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