IPhone 12 pro vs iPhone 11 Pro: which is the best smartphone

For brightness yes 1200 HDR Nits but otherwise 625 normal nits.

iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11 Pro

I currently have an iPhone 11 pro and I am thinking of changing it for an iPhone 12 (the normal model, not the pro).

I would like to have your opinions.

The points that make me consider a replacement: larger screen of the iPhone 12 and significantly lower weight (more than 20 grams in less memory, casually it plays). The A14 chip too, obviously.

Where I hesitate, on the other hand, is that the iPhone 11 pro is supposed to be more efficient in photo (3 sensors), and to a brighter screen: 800 nits for the iPhone 11 pro against 625 nits for the iPhone 12 (important in external use, which is my case).

That’s if I could have your opinions, interact with you, it would help me see more clearly !

Deleted member 1129907

Guest

What is your use of the iPhone ?

ibabar

Expert member

Igen club
August 28, 2002 1 306 532

It seemed to me to have read that the iPhone 12 climbed 1200 nits !?

More sensors does not necessarily mean better photos ! You will lose the focal length of 56mm but not the portrait mode which is always artificially implemented (anyway even with the telephoto it is false bokeh), and besides the XR was already doing a lot on the Exercise with a single objective, but you will also gain computing power with the A14 (better AI) and above all a much brighter ultra-large-angle.

For the size, I think it especially deserves to be compared side by side: it seems that the 12 and 12 pro have the same form-factor as the 11 pro/ xs/ x (while the 11/ XR were much more Patauds, especially because of their LCD screen) while having a larger chouia screen. And on this point I do not think that this chouia of 0.3 “(5.8 “Towards 6.1 “) or really noticeable in daily use (the weight already being more).

benkal

Confirmed

For brightness yes 1200 HDR Nits but otherwise 625 normal nits.

For my use, I surf a lot with my phone, BCP for websites, e-mails, Netflix etc. I also play a lot. In the end my phone is my everything and I use it a lot.

On the photo part, I take little photo so I tell myself that the iPhone 12 will be more than enough.

For the weight, yes actually for me it plays a lot since I use my iPhone intensively. Besides, the 11 pro max put me back strongly a year ago because of this. But I still have a question: the iPhone 12 is therefore very light but with an aluminum chassis, like the iPad Pro in the end, which are not frankly recognized for their solidity . So I question myself a little, I must admit, on the solidity of this iPhone 12. But only the tests will inform us about it .

White.Spirit

Active member

April 19, 2006 320 70

Good morning,
Reasonably, it is clearly absurd to go from an iPhone 11 pro to a 12.
The thorny question would be for example for someone with an old iPhone, to choose between an iPhone 12 and an 11 pro (according to promotional offers).
But if you want an iPhone 12 so much, you have the right of course, but it is an irrational choice that only you can justify.

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benkal

Confirmed

Let’s say that it would be a small personal whim (beyond the reasons mentioned above), since I have vouchers of a substantial amount so I could offer myself liphone 12 at a reduced price without me ruin, especially by selling the 11 pro behind

Deleted member 1099458

Guest

Without hesitation, I keep the pro

benkal

Confirmed

My faith seen like that I may be keeping my 11 pro .

The 12 Pacific blue pro is beautiful but it is starting to do expensive .

Gwen

iModo

Moderator
Igen club
October 25, 2001 15 696 2 803 51 Caen and from time to time Limoges www.shito.com

Having personally took an 11 for the triple photo sensor, going back to a double sensor would be a regression I think. Unless the photo is really secondary.

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Benamou59

Confirmed

February 8, 2015 47 33 43

Same question for me but not the same expectations !
I have an 11 pro and I will change for a 12 mini.
I have always liked small smartphones but high -end.
It was at the time of marketing that I turned to the Sony Z1 Compact.
Superb mobile but Android is really a ordeal for me, always stuff with bizarre logics.
In short, I still come back to Apple for the 6th and I will do a test with the Z5 Compact later but Android will make me return to Apple again.
And at Apple? The first is !? Yes for Form Factor but not for the high end.
Today, finally Apple releases a huh -end and compact smartphone!
I would of course have preferred a pro mini but we cannot have everything!
I have an iPad Pro 12.9 inch at home as well as a MacBook.
My smartphone doesn’t use me to play or watch videos.
On the other hand, I do all my photos with my iPhone but I do not use telephoto lens and very rarely of the wide angle.
Suddenly, I don’t think I lose in quality on my photos, what do you think?

franch77

Confirmed

August 13, 2009 11 6 53

I currently have an 11 pro max and ask me if it may be interesting to switch to 12 pro max … there is if can difference

SEBY59TH

Confirmed

August 21, 2015 27 14 37

For the A14 chip: it is not an argument, it has never been. Each year Apple boasts the power of its new chip, which is true in absolute terms, but each year happens two things:

1: The new version of iOS requires the maximum number of resources on the part of the processor (must recognize that it turns well) in fact that there is ultimately no reserve of power for new functions or new uses in the ‘future

2: And above all, Apple does not want your chip to keep an iPhone 2.3 years or more ! This has been objectively proven with the history of software clamping to preserve the batteries but it is also true each year by the absence of support for new features by a previous generation iPhone. You only have to take up the present -presenting Slides of the iPhone 11 PRO, his chip gave the impression of being able to do everything for years but for obvious commercial reasons Apple does not allow it.

A concrete example: in photo all the new iPhone will be better than the iPhone 11 pro mainly for software reasons, the new HDR 3 generation (even if there are some hardware improvements but it plays very little in the end), hey Apple simply refuses that iPhones of previous generations have access to this software processing which determines the final rendering of a photo, despite the so -called demesurated power of each generation of its chips.

It was the case each year with a whole bunch of functions not supported by the previous generation fleas.

Not to mention more or less obvious planned obsolescence depending on the year by default of voluntary optimization of future versions of iOS.

To summarize, the A14 chip allows you to have access to all the features of iOS 14 and to run it optimally for only a year. Next year I predict you an “a15 neutronic” with the power ever seen allowing black black performance. And hop, finishes the A14.

This principle applies always applies to each generation of iPhone and that will always encourage a power user to change iPhone even if he knows he gets pigered.

iPhone 12 pro vs iPhone 11 Pro: which is the best smartphone ?

If you already have an iPhone 11 pro-or you can take one used it-, you have to prefer the iPhone 12 pro freshly announced ? This is the question to which we answer in this comparison.

Access recently, Apple revealed four new smartphones, among which is the iPhone 12 Pro. The latter follows in complete followed by the iPhone 11 Pro by providing in particular new features in the photo and video and a 5 g compatibility.

However, if you have an iPhone 11 Pro or you have the opportunity to buy one of it in good condition-Apple no longer markets this model-, you really need to change for the iPhone 12 Pro ? Here is a comparison of the two smartphones to answer this question.

Technical sheets of iPhone 11 pro and iPhone 12 Pro

Model	Apple iPhone 11 Pro	Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Dimensions	7.14 cm x 14.4 cm x 8.1 mm	7.15 cm x 14.67 cm x 7.4 mm
Screen size	5.8 inches	6.1 inches
Definition	2436 x 1125 pixels	2532 x 1170 pixels
Pixel density	458 ppi	460 ppi
Technology	Oled	Oled
Sock	Apple A13 Bionic	Apple A14 Bionic
Graphic chip	Apple GPU	Apple GPU
Internal storage	128 GB, 64 GB, 256 GB	128 GB, 256 GB, 0 GB
Camera (Dorsal)	Sensor 1: 12 Mp 2: 12 MP sensor 3: 12 MP sensor	Sensor 1: 12 Mp 2: 12 MP sensor 3: 12 MP sensor
Front photo sensor	12 Mp	12 Mp
Definition Video Recording	N/C	4K
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6 (AX)	Wi-Fi 6 (AX)
Bluetooth	5.0	5.0
5g	No	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes
Fingerprint	No	No
Connector type	N/C	Lightning
Battery capacity	3046 mAh	N/C
Weight	188 g	187 g
Colors	Black, silver, gold, green	Black, silver, gold, blue
Price	383 €	529 €
Product sheet See the test	Product sheet See the test

Change of design

Surprisingly, the iPhone 12 PRO offers a design that is getting closer to the iPhone 4. The front and rear faces are connected by a stainless steel frame which does not go unnoticed. Thus, compared to an iPhone 11 pro with rounded edges and the more refined look, the 2020 model prefers a slightly more industrial aesthetic that can confuse.

iPhone 12 pro // Source: Arnaud Gelineau, Frandroid

Do not necessarily see a defect. If it takes a time of adaptation to get used to the somewhat sharp edges of the iPhone 12 Pro, the latter seems to be specially designed to grab your hand. You have very little chance of dropping it by megardly by tightening it too hard, while this risk is more important on its predecessor.

Glass on the screen of the iPhone 12 Pro is to be four times more solid than that of the iPhone 11 Pro thanks to a coating ” Ceramic Shield »». Apple clearly wants to ensure that the falls no longer worry you. However, beware, micro -grooves occur quite easily.

The slice of the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Arnaud Gelineau, Frandroid

On the back, the glass is mat on both devices for a more pleasant touch. Square photo modules are very similar with three non -aligned lenses, but on the iPhone 12 Pro the Lidar sensor which is added to the table takes a considerable place. There is no fingerprint reader on both sides, secure unlocking is done via Face ID, the Apple facial recognition system. On the new generation as on the iPhone 11 Pro, this results in a notch – the famous – imposing on the smartphone forehead.

The calls are of good quality with the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Arnaud Gelineau, Frandroid

Then you already know the song: no jack for a long time already and a lightning port that continues to annoy, because we would prefer USB-C.

OLED and 60 HZ

The iPhone 12 Pro is slightly larger than the iPhone 11 Pro – 146.7 against 144 mm – and this is explained in particular by its 6.1 inch larger screen for 5.8 inch on the other model. In both cases, we are dealing with an OLED display for a perfect contrast. The definition varies little from 2436 x 1125 (iPhone 11 pro) to 2532 x 1170 pixels (iPhone 12 pro) for an almost unchanged resolution.

The iPhone 12 Pro holds in the hand // Source: Frandroid / Arnaud Gelineau

Thus, apart from the size of the screen, difficult to designate a winner. The two slabs offer very good display quality, with a strong maximum brightness and colors that stand out well, in a pleasant way. In addition, in one case as in the other, the user will not have the possibility of adjusting the calibration himself and will have to trust the True Tone option for that. Count on a conventional 60 Hz refresh rate in one case as in the other.

A beautiful draw, or almost.

iOS 14 obviously

In terms of software, you are entitled to iOS 14 on both devices. This is the latest version of Apple’s house operating system. We therefore find the striking particularities of this software experience: rapid deployment of updates and over several years, excellent coherence in terms of design, good notch management (fortunately !), plethora of features for accessibility ..

In return, iOS 14 still does not offer application drawer and it is always impossible to create files yourself to classify apps. Certain camera options are also found in general settings and not directly on the interface of the application in question. If you come from Android, you will have to do it.

iOS 14 provides the possibility of creating widgets – as on Android -, and changing the default browser, just like the default mail client. In addition, Apple still highlights its concern for the confidentiality of its users data.

While waiting for the proraw

On the two smartphones, we take advantage of three photo sensors on the back of 12 megapixels each time with a classic large angle, an ultra-large-angle and an X2 telephoto lens. The iPhone 12 Pro takes advantage of a Lidar sensor that was already found on the iPad Pro, but not on the iPhone 11 Pro, which allows it to better understand the depth of.

However, the gain in quality is not immediately felt. In its time, the iPhone 11 Pro was attractive with well detailed images, a beautiful colorimetric coherence between the three shots.

The overall observation does not change a lot on the iPhone 12 Pro which is always a lot based on Apple algorithms (Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, etc.) to refine the rendering of shots.

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Frozen in full movement // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Photo taken at the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Frandroid

Compared to the iPhone 11 Pro, we feel that the portrait mode of the iPhone 12 Pro has gained precision for a fairer cutting between the net subject and the blurred background. However, this is not the panacea and on certain details the bokeh effect remains laborious.

The 2020 model is especially excellent on moving targets and therefore comes to competition at Google Pixel 5 on this exercise.

Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro does not represent a major advance in terms of photo quality compared to the iPhone 11 Pro. Witness the night photos always subject to a few generosity in terms of exposure according to the situations. It remains very good in itself, but not free from reproaches.

Finally, what will be very interesting to analyze is the proraw mode which promises to greatly facilitate photo retouching on the Pro range of 2020. This mode allows you to recover a compression without preserving the sensor information as well as that of Apple algorithms. What provide the user with a wide range of tools that will serve him to transform his photo as he sees fit. As we write this paper, this novelty has not yet been deployed.

On the video side, the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro are both excellent and allow 4K at 60 FPS recordings with not only beautiful images, but also good sound recording, which is rarer.

A slightly more powerful smartphone than the other

The iPhone 11 Pro is powered by an A13 Bionic. The iPhone 12 Pro is counting on an A14 Bionic. Inevitably, the second is more powerful than the first and it can be seen in the benchmarks below, but it is not the day and the night either.

We are dealing here with two very efficient chips that allow you to enjoy gourmet 3D video games without wafing – but no Fortnite banished from the App Store. The power gain from one year to the next is therefore important to report, but in everyday life, you will not really feel a difference between the 11 pro and the 12 pro.

Model	Apple iPhone 11 Pro	Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Antutu CPU	N/C	169547
Antutu GPU	N/C	200121
Antutu Mem	N/C	114589
Antutu UX	N/C	92939
3DMARK SLINGSHOT EXTREME	5258	5433
3DMARK SLINGSHOT EXTREME GRAPHICS	5783	6958
3dmark Slingshot Extreme Physics	3989	3074
3dmark Wild Life	N/C	6744
3dmark Wild Life Middle Framerate	N/C	40 fps
GFXBENCH AZTEC VULKAN / METAL HIGH (Onscreen / Offscreen)	48/28 fps	47/20 FPS
GFXBENCH Car Chase (Onscreen / Offscreen)	48/61 fps	52/71 fps
GFXBENCH Manhattan 3.0 (onscreen / offscreen)	60/156 FPS	N/C
Antutu 8	N/C	577191

See more benchmarks

The big advantage of the A14 is that it brings 5G compatibility as we will see below.

Solid autonomies

The gain in autonomy on the 2019 iPhone generation was particularly felt while it was a big defect of Apple products for many years. In 2020, the apple continues on this beautiful momentum, but without major evolution. So, whether you use the iPhone 11 Pro or the iPhone 12 Pro, you will enjoy a smartphone capable of keeping easily in an intensive use and a good day and a half with conventional use.

The notch of the iPhone 12 Pro // Source: Arnaud Gelineau, Frandroid

It now seems far away when an iPhone with a little more battery at 5 p.m. However, Apple can still make great efforts on the recharge time always of a cadaverous slowness. Capable of collecting a power of up to 20 W, the iPhone 12 Pro takes an hour and 40 minutes to regain its full energy. Do not expect the iPhone 11 Pro better. Compared to competition on the market, it’s really long.

In other words: no significant differences to report between the two devices on this plan.

Network and communication of iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro

Apple hammered this message during its presentation: the iPhone 12 Pro – and the other three smartphones of this generation – is compatible with the 5G network. Thing that does not benefit from the iPhone 11 pro. If this criterion is absolutely essential for you, then it will be better to turn to the 2020 model.

Otherwise, you will be very well off with the product released in 2019 – which you already have or that you will buy used – which already works with all 4G frequency bands.

Which one to choose between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro ?

The iPhone 12 Pro is an excellent smartphone offering 5G compatibility, a revised design and a quality photo quality. Objectively speaking, it is therefore necessarily better than the iPhone 11 pro – nothing abnormal since it is more recent.

However, it is not necessarily worth cracking for the 2020 model. If you already have an iPhone 11 Pro or you can get one in good condition on the second -hand market, you don’t necessarily need to turn to Apple’s last outing.

In fact, we will tell you to crack for the iPhone 12 Pro only if 5G is an essential criterion for you, that you absolutely want to take advantage of the Proraw mode, that small advances in terms of photo have particularly convinced you and that its design Inspire you. Other than that, the grass is not necessarily greener elsewhere.

And if you have none of the two smartphones we have been interested today and you want an Apple device, then the classic iPhone 12 or the iPhone 12 Mini will probably be more relevant.

To go further, you can consult our full reviews on the two devices of this versus:

Price and availability of iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 11 Pro is no longer officially offered by Apple. It was offered from 1159 euros for the 64 GB version.

Where to buy the
Apple iPhone 11 pro reconditioned at the best price ?
383 € discover the offer
409 € discover the offer
499 € discover the offer

The iPhone 12 PRO, it also sells from 1159 euros, but you will benefit from the declination of 128 GB for this price.

Where to buy the
Apple iPhone 12 pro reconditioned at the best price ?
529 € discover the offer
550 € discover the offer
615 € discover the offer
659 € discover the offer

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