iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro: which one to choose?

Similarities between the iPhone 12 and its Pro version

The two models have flat polished edges, which was brought back in the 12 series, and sport a glass back cover too. They both have a thickness of 7.4 mm too, and are available in a range of colours such as silver, gold, graphite and pacific blue.

On the front of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, you will find a Super Retina XDR display with a size of 6.1 "(6.7" in the iPhone 12 Pro Max). The 12 series has been upgraded to OLED instead of LCD technology. Both the 12 and the Pro have a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels. The IP68 certification allows these smartphones to last up to 30 minutes when immersed in water to a maximum depth of 6 metres. The battery life of 2775 mAh is surprisingly good, as the battery consumption is very efficient. The 12 series also supports fast charge and wireless charging too, from 7.5 W. However, you will have to buy the MagSafe separately.

How is the iPhone 12 different from the iPhone 12 Pro?

The iPhone 12 is made from aluminium whereas the Pro version is stainless steel. As a result, the weight between both iPhones varies due to the materials used and slight difference in size as well. The iPhone 12 weighs approximately 164 grams, and the Pro goes up to 189 grams instead; iPhone 12 Pro Max in comparison to both comes in at 226 grams. Regarding the display; iPhone 12 Pro offers a higher brightness, with an average of 800 nits, higher than 625 nits of 12.

You can get additional details on all the similarities and differences thanks to our mobile comparison guide. Check out, the iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro Max, or iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 12 Pro.

iOS software

IOS 14 was the initial software in the 12 series when released in 2020. However, both phones are still included in Apple’s latest updates (currently 15.6) and will be included for future updates for a few more years to come. The iOS software in both iPhone 12 models provide a new Home screen with Widgets, the AppGallery, a general review of privacy and permissions and the Translate App.

Apple A14 Bionic processor

The iPhone 12 series is supported with the A14 Bionic processor, and the real differences will be noticeable in the RAM and internal memory capabilities of each iPhone model. The iPhone 12 offers 4 GB of RAM and storage capacity at 64, 128 or 256 GB. The Pro version has a RAM of 6 GB and capacity of 128, 256 and 512 GB as well. 

A feature present in the iPhone 12 Pro, which is absent in the base model, is the LiDAR. This is a scanner that was created to delight users who often use their smartphone to take pictures. The LiDAR is able to determine the distance of an object from the target by measuring the time required for a laser pulse to be reflected from any surface. This feature requires a considerable amount of data to operate, thus Apple had to provide at least 2 GB of additional RAM on the Pro. Thanks to LiDAR you can scan environments and objects, but also people, which is extremely useful for next-level AR experiences!

Camera

The front-facing camera feature on both iPhones show no real differences when it comes to using FaceTime, as both possess HD cameras. The rear lenses, on the other hand, are different both in terms of functions and in results. The 12 possesses 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide camera lenses, whereas the Pro has 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto camera lenses instead. The main difference also comes from the impact of the LiDAR feature, which allows you to shoot portrait mode on the Pro version which cannot be done on the 12. Both iPhones have a night mode but again the LiDAR feature is more effective in low-light areas.

Conclusion: both are top models!

Has the above information helped clarify whether to buy the used iPhone 12 or to pay the price for the iPhone 12 Pro? To summarise, if you prefer to save a few hundred pounds, and photography is not a big influence in your decision, then the iPhone 12 is more than enough for you to be happy. However, if display, performance, technology and quality of photos and videos are essential to you, then the Pro version impresses in these aspects. It is more than what the average user would need, but if you’re looking for one of the best performing smartphones on the market then the 12 Pro is your ideal smartphone. To find the cheapest iphone to buy outright, be sure to check out Back Market's cheap iPhone deals. Find a cheap price for the iPhone 12 on Back Market!