iPhone 12 Vs iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

£138.00

£649.00 new

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iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

£201.00

£979.00 new

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Ratings

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, both released in October 2020, represent Apple's flagship smartphone offerings from that year. While they share the same core A14 Bionic chip and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the iPhone 12 Pro distinguishes itself with an enhanced camera system, additional RAM, and a more premium build. Both devices run on Apple's iOS ecosystem, providing a consistent user experience.

Scores

Durability

Considering their release in late 2020, both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are approaching the later stages of major iOS software updates by 2026, though security updates typically continue for longer. Their practical lifespan for daily use remains strong, but performance for very demanding new applications may show signs of age.

  • Software Longevity: Both models are likely to receive major iOS updates for another year or two, with security patches extending beyond that, ensuring continued functionality and protection.
  • Build Durability: Both feature Ceramic Shield front covers for improved drop performance. The iPhone 12 Pro's stainless steel frame offers a slightly more robust feel compared to the iPhone 12's aerospace-grade aluminum.
  • Repairability: Both devices share similar repairability characteristics, with common components being serviceable by trained technicians, contributing to their overall practical lifespan.

Year of Release

2020

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are powered by the same current-generation processor, delivering robust performance for everyday tasks and most applications. However, the Pro model offers an advantage in multitasking and handling more intensive workloads due to its increased memory.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: Both phones handle daily applications, web browsing, and general navigation with smooth and quick responses.
  • Multitasking Capability: The iPhone 12 Pro, with its additional memory, provides a noticeable edge when switching between numerous demanding applications or keeping more apps active in the background without needing to reload them.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 12 Pro starts with a higher base storage capacity, offering more room for apps, photos, and videos from the outset compared to the standard iPhone 12.

Memory

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro is largely identical, as they feature the same high-quality screen technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology: Both models utilize a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
  • Clarity and Brightness: The resolution and pixel density are identical, providing sharp text and detailed images. Both screens offer similar peak brightness levels, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions, including outdoors.
  • Smoothness: Both devices feature a standard refresh rate, providing a consistent and fluid visual experience for general use, though not the higher refresh rates found in newer models.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

While both phones offer capable camera systems, the iPhone 12 Pro provides a more versatile and advanced photography experience, particularly for users who prioritize optical zoom and enhanced low-light performance.

  • Versatility: The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system (Wide and Ultra-Wide lenses), suitable for most everyday photography. The iPhone 12 Pro adds a Telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom for distant subjects and improved portrait photography.
  • Low-Light Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro benefits from a larger sensor on its Wide camera and the inclusion of a LiDAR scanner, which assists with faster autofocus in challenging low-light conditions and enables Night mode portraits.
  • Video Capabilities: Both models support recording in 4K Dolby Vision HDR, but the iPhone 12 Pro extends this capability to a higher frame rate, offering more flexibility for video creators.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several practical differences exist in the build and additional features that might influence a user's choice between these two models.

  • Build Materials and Feel: The iPhone 12 features an aluminum frame and a glossy glass back, offering a lighter feel. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, providing a more premium, substantial feel and slightly more weight.
  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless performance for data and accessories.
  • Additional Sensors: The iPhone 12 Pro includes a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences and improves depth sensing for photography, a feature not present on the standard iPhone 12.

Weight

164 g

187 g

Width

7.15 cm

7.15 cm

Height

14.67 cm

14.67 cm

Depth

0.74 cm

0.74 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

Users often praise both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro for their reliable iOS experience, capable performance, and durable designs. Common feedback for both models, especially by 2026, includes observations about their 60Hz displays feeling less fluid compared to newer phones, and the Lightning port being less universal than USB-C.

Users prioritizing a solid, everyday iPhone experience with a capable camera and a lighter form factor may find the iPhone 12 well-suited to their needs. It delivers the core Apple ecosystem experience without the premium additions. Conversely, users who are passionate about photography, frequently use optical zoom, or engage with augmented reality applications will likely find the iPhone 12 Pro's advanced camera system and LiDAR scanner to be a significant advantage. Its additional RAM also benefits those who frequently multitask with demanding applications.

For those looking to make an informed and sustainable choice, both models are readily available as quality-assured refurbished options. Opting for a refurbished iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro allows consumers to access these capable devices while contributing to a more eco-friendly approach to technology consumption.