Should you get an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12? What exactly is the difference between the two? How does the iPhone 11 compare with the newer iPhone 12? Would it be worth the upgrade?

We know it’s hard to decide which iPhone is right for you. So, this article will compare the differences between Apple’s new iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 11 in terms of price, screen size and design, camera features, battery, and more.

Value for Its Price

The base iPhone 12 model features an A14 bionic processor, 5G, dual rear cameras, as well as a MagSafe feature allowing it to magnetically connect to different mobile accessories. The current price of the iPhone 12 is $799.

The iPhone 11 offers great value for its price. Currently, it dropped to a $599 price tag. With features like an A13 processor and a formidable camera setup, the iPhone 11 sure offers a lot to be desired.

Screen Size and Design

The iPhone 12 and the iPhone 11 base models both have similar 6.1-inch screens. Their variants have different sizes, though.

The iPhone 12 Mini has a 5.4-inch screen, while the iPhone 12 Pro has the same size as the iPhone 12. The iPhone Pro Max, on the other hand, has the biggest one, with a 6.5-inch screen size. Going back to the base models, despite having the same screen sizes, the iPhone 12 weighs lighter than the iPhone 11 by one ounce.

When it comes to design, both phones have an IP68 rating for water resistance. There are no headphone jacks on both phones as well.

These phone models are also capable of wireless charging. One advantage of the iPhone 12 is that it has an OLED display while the iPhone 11 only has an LCD. The magnetic backing of the iPhone 12 is an upgrade from the iPhone 11 as it works well with the new MagSafe feature. The edges of the iPhone 12 are also flat as there are no raised buttons compared to its predecessor.

There are five color options for the iPhone 12: minty green, deep blue, back, white, and red. The iPhone 11 has six color options: Product Red, green, yellow, purple, white, and black.

Screen Refresh Rate

The iPhone 12 and the iPhone 11 both have a refresh rate of 60 frames per second. This is one category that they are equal. Some brands offer a higher refresh rate, but Apple somehow stuck with what the iPhone 11 can also provide. A higher refresh rate provides a faster feel when scrolling through different websites and apps.

Camera Features

Apple usually upgrades the camera features for every new iPhone model. The iPhone 12 has better camera options compared to the iPhone 11. They may have the same 12MP primary, wide-angle front cameras but the newer one has an A14 Bionic chipset that contributes to better image processing.

Photos

Daytime photography outputs are almost the same with both models. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are capable daylight shooters. They showcase true-to-life colors mixed with a balanced exposure. However, both of them also lack a wide dynamic range. When it comes to selfies, both in daylight and low light instances, the newer iPhone provides better photos. If you compare iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12 selfies, the latter offers sharper and brighter pictures. An added night mode feature on the iPhone 12’s front camera makes it better than the older iPhone 11.

Videos

The iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12 video output comparison all comes down to exposure. Both models are reliable in video recording, but the exposure is better with the newer model. This is due to the added Dolby Vision HDR. Both phones have dynamic range and excellent stability, but the iPhone 12 edges its predecessor for overall video quality.

The iPhone 12 offers better output when you look at the overall camera specifications. During darker instances, the iPhone 12 could deliver much better photos due to its Night mode upgrades. High-quality selfies can be taken at any time of the day with the iPhone 12. When you compare the iPhone 12 with other brands, it sure stands out as one of the premier point-and-shoot devices in today’s market.

5G Features

This is another factor where the iPhone 11 has no chance against the iPhone 12. All iPhone 12 models offer 5G connectivity. This just translates to higher speed performance. Android phones are also offering 5G, and that is why Apple needed to apply this upgrade. Having 5G on your phone means you can tap into a high-speed wireless network while outside or on the go. It’s clear here that the iPhone 11 can’t top the newer model in this regard.

Battery Life

According to different tests conducted on both the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 11, the newer iPhone offers a longer battery life. One test showcased video playback while in Airplane mode. The iPhone 12 lasted for more than 17 hours, while the iPhone 11 only lasted around 14 hours.

Processing Speed

The iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12 processing speed comparison can be summed up with three words---A14 Bionic processor. The older model only has an A13 Bionic processor. The newer one offers a faster speed that affects the browsing experience and image processing. The newer processor also future-proofs the iPhone as it can take on future iOS versions.

Clear iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12 Comparisons

The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are both incredible models that showcase a multitude of features that can run toe to toe with other brand models. Apple has been a pioneer in the smartphone industry, and it has proven time and again that the company can offer high-quality and top-rated phones year in and year out. The factors mentioned above clearly distinguish the advantages of the iPhone 12 over the iPhone 11, but the $200 difference may be a crucial part of anyone’s decision as well. If you have the budget and want a future-proof phone with 5G connectivity, then the iPhone 12 is the smarter choice among the two.

Want to know which iPhones are waterproof? Read ”What iPhones Are Waterproof?” to learn more.