iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 11 Pro, released in September 2019, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, offer different timelines for software support and physical resilience. The iPhone 12 Pro, being a year newer, is expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately one year longer than the iPhone 11 Pro, extending its software longevity.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 11 Pro is anticipated to receive major iOS updates until around 2025 or 2026, while the iPhone 12 Pro is likely to continue receiving updates until 2026 or 2027, offering a longer period of access to new features and security patches.
• Physical Resilience: Both models feature a stainless steel frame and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 11 Pro can withstand submersion up to 4 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 12 Pro improves upon this, rated for up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 12 Pro also introduced a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple stated offers improved drop performance compared to the iPhone 11 Pro's glass.
• Expected Lifespan: Users generally report that both devices maintain good performance and usability for several years, with the primary limiting factor often being battery degradation or the eventual cessation of software updates.

Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro deliver responsive performance for daily tasks, though the newer model offers a generational leap in processing capabilities.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro features a newer generation processor, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of demanding applications and graphics-intensive games compared to the iPhone 11 Pro. Users engaging in heavy video editing or advanced gaming may notice the difference in sustained performance.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 12 Pro comes with 6GB of RAM, an increase from the iPhone 11 Pro's 4GB, which can lead to better retention of apps in memory and a smoother experience when switching between multiple applications. Storage options for the iPhone 11 Pro started at 64GB, while the iPhone 12 Pro begins at 128GB.
• Battery Behavior: User experiences suggest the iPhone 11 Pro generally offers slightly longer battery life for typical usage, particularly for video playback, despite the iPhone 12 Pro's more efficient processor. This difference can be attributed to the iPhone 11 Pro having a larger battery capacity.

Both devices feature Apple's Super Retina XDR OLED display technology, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors, but there are subtle differences in size and protection.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro utilize Super Retina XDR OLED displays, providing excellent contrast and color accuracy. The resolution is sharp on both, with the iPhone 11 Pro at 2436 x 1125 pixels (458 ppi) and the iPhone 12 Pro at 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi), meaning pixel density is nearly identical.
• Size and Brightness: The iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch display, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers a slightly larger 6.1-inch screen within a similar physical footprint due to reduced bezels. Both screens achieve a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.
• Durability and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 Pro introduced the Ceramic Shield front cover, which is designed to offer improved drop resistance compared to the glass on the iPhone 11 Pro. Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro feature a versatile triple 12-megapixel camera system, but the newer model brings notable enhancements, especially in low-light performance and video capabilities.

• Still Photography: The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Night Mode, significantly improving low-light photos. The iPhone 12 Pro builds on this with a wider aperture on its main lens (f/1.6 vs f/1.8), allowing more light capture, and extends Night Mode to the ultra-wide camera. The iPhone 12 Pro also benefits from Smart HDR 3 and a LiDAR scanner, which aids in faster autofocus in low light and improved portrait mode.
• Video Recording: Both phones record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with good stabilization. The iPhone 12 Pro further enhances video with the ability to record in Dolby Vision HDR, offering a wider dynamic range and more vibrant colors for compatible displays.
• Audio and Selfies: Both devices provide clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and deliver a good media consumption experience through their stereo speakers. The front-facing 12-megapixel camera on both models supports Night Mode on the iPhone 12 Pro, enhancing selfie quality in dim conditions.

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro, impacting daily usability and future-proofing.

• Connectivity: A key distinction is the iPhone 12 Pro's support for 5G cellular networks, offering potentially faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage, which the iPhone 11 Pro lacks, being limited to 4G LTE. Both support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
• Design and Handling: The iPhone 11 Pro features a design with rounded stainless steel edges, while the iPhone 12 Pro adopts a flat-edged stainless steel design, reminiscent of older iPhone models. The iPhone 12 Pro is slightly taller and thinner than the 11 Pro, but also marginally heavier. The iPhone 12 Pro also introduced MagSafe technology, allowing for magnetic attachment of accessories and faster wireless charging with compatible MagSafe chargers.
• Additional Sensors: The iPhone 12 Pro includes a LiDAR scanner on its rear camera module, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves autofocus in low-light conditions. Both devices rely on Face ID for secure authentication.