UPDATES (Please scroll down to the end of the post to read the details):
- UPDATE 1: Considering the same choice of capacity (128 GB) reduces the price gap.
- UPDATE 2: Taking into account the carrier discounts.
- UPDATE 3: Display brightness difference.
- UPDATE 4: RAM difference between iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Plus.
I watched the Apple event today (Oct. 13, 2020) and was comparing the different models. One question that popped into my mind was that if iPhone 12 Pro is really worth it compared to iPhone 12. To answer this question, let’s summarize the main points of the event.
These are the models introduced:
- iPhone 12 mini: 5.4 inch display → From $699 USD ($979 CAD)
- iPhone 12: 6.1 inch display → From $799 USD ($1129 CAD)
- iPhone 12 Pro: 6.1 inch display → From $999 USD ($1,399 CAD)
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 6.7 inch display → From $1,099 ($1,549 CAD)
They have unfortunately removed wired headphones and wired power adapters from the boxes!
Here are the main updates:
- All the different models now have 5G network capability.
- New design to accommodate 5G antennas.
- New process for the glass (called Ceramic Shield) that makes the glass tougher.
- All screens are OLED with 460 pixels per inch density. Contrast ratio of 2 million to 1 (luminance ratio of brightest to darkest part of screen).
- All models have Apple-made A14 chip with 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU and 16-core neural engine.
- There is a magnet in the back and a new wireless charging optimization system.
- Non-pro models have aluminum structure. Pro models have stainless steel structure.
- Non-pro models have 2 cameras, but pro models have 3 cameras and LiDAR.
- Unlike iPhone 11 Pro, which had a smaller display than iPhone 11, this year iPhone 12 has the same display size as in iPhone 12 Pro (6.1 inches).
Here is my personal take:
I think Apple was pushing hard to promote iPhone 12 Pro to a point where the information could be misleading. Probably not on purpose. Just as an example, iPhone Pro model’s IP68 rating (water & dust resistance) was highlighted, while it was not mentioned for the regular iPhone 12 model. This gave a perception that the regular 12 model does not have IP68 rating, which is not correct.
Even in another instance, HDR video recording was mentioned for the Pro model and again could give the viewer an impression that the regular model does not have this feature. Unlike this possible impression, iPhone 12 has HDR video recording with Dolby Vision just like iPhone 12 Pro, but with a lower frame per second of 30 compared to 60fps in the pro model.
Since writing this post, there have been some extra feedback and data that has been added, which have affected the final conclusion. Please read through the updates (at the end of the article) before making your final decision.
Given the extra Telephoto lens, LiDAR, stainless steel structure and the possibility of extra RAM, iPhone 12 Pro may be worth the extra $200 USD (or even $120 USD as explained in updates) compared to the regular iPhone 12, but it all depends on if you need or want these extra features.
As a personal opinion: In terms of capacity, I think it is better to have at least 128GB of storage. Not sure if more than that is necessary as photos and videos are usually backed up to a NAS or an online service.
UPDATE 1
Considering the same choice of capacity (128 GB) reduces the price gap. As regular iPhone 12 entry level is 64GB to have an “apple-to-apple” comparison, we should upgrade the regular iPhone 12 to 128GB to have a fair comparison.
Regular iPhone 12 with the upgraded capacity sells from $849 USD(with carrier discount). Given this new number the price gap between the regular iPhone 12 and the Pro one with the same capacity reduces to $150 USD. Thanks for the note from the redditors Sogeking30 and _Bisho_.
UPDATE 2
Let’s take into account the carrier discounts. For 128GB regular iPhone 12, there is a $30 discount if you go with specific carriers. With discount the price is $849 USD and without it is $879 USD. There is no carrier discount for iPhone 12 Pro.
If you like to purchase the iPhone without a carrier, the price difference $120 USD between iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. However, if you like to go with one of the specified carriers, the price difference is $150 USD.
UPDATE 3
Not sure if this is a software-based limitation or a hardware-based one, but the typical brightness of iPhone 12 is said to be 625 nits, while iPhone 12 Pro is 800 nits. This is based on the note from the redditor mxirr. However, in HDR mode (probably HDR video playback), the brightness of both is 1200 nits. The standard unit of luminance is nit. You can read more about nits here.
UPDATE 4
It has been reported by MacRumors that iPhone 12 Plus’s RAM is 6GB, while the regular iPhone 12’s RAM is 4GB. If it is the case, this is a good point for the Plus version to deserve the extra cost.
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Hope this post was helpful to you. Please leave a comment to let me know what you like me to write about in a future post. Thanks for your support as always.
Please note that this is my personal opinion and you should do you due diligence before a purchase decision.
