iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12: what are the differences?

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Starting this week, the iPhone 12 is in stores, this year’s new entry-level iPhone. For many people, this is the time to buy a new iPhone. But… not necessarily the iPhone 12! Because the iPhone 11, last year’s entry-level model, is also a very interesting option, and significantly reduced in price. iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: what are the most striking differences?

Format

The iPhone 11 was available in one size only: 6.1 inches. With the iPhone 12 you can choose from two sizes. The “regular” iPhone 12 is again 6.1 inches, but there is also a 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini. This mini is otherwise almost identical to the regular iPhone 12.

The common iPhone 12 has, just like the iPhone 11, a screen diagonal of 6.1 inches. Still, the iPhone 12 is smaller in its entirety than the iPhone 11: the screen is the same size, but the edges around it are a lot narrower. That quickly saves a few millimeters in length and width. “11% thinner, 15% smaller and 16% lighter,” Apple sums it up on its website.

5G

The iPhone 12 (mini) is the first iPhone with 5G support. 5G is the successor to 4G: this super-fast mobile network is now being rolled out little by little. In many cases, you still need a special subscription. The new iPhone only switches to 5G when necessary, for example if you want to download a complete movie on the go. In less demanding conditions, it will revert to 4G, because that has less impact on the battery.

OLED display

The more luxurious versions of the iPhone were equipped with an OLED screen in recent years, the entry-level models got an LCD screen. The iPhone 11 therefore has an LCD screen. This year, all new iPhones have an OLED screen, including the iPhone 12 (mini). The blacks are deeper, the colors are more intense and the resolution is considerably higher: 460 ppi compared to 326 ppi last year.

Design and colors

For the first time since 2017, the iPhone has a different design. The iPhone 12 can be distinguished from the iPhone 11 by the sides of the device. They had been completed in recent years, but at the 12 they are flat and robust again. Actually like the iPad Air 2020 and iPad Pro 2020. And these are in turn inspired by the iPhone 5. It gives the iPhone 12 a more classic look. The entry-level model is always available at Apple in various fresh colors. With the iPhone 11: black, white, red, purple, yellow and green. With the iPhone 12: black, white, red, blue and green.

Protection against scratches and water

An accident is in a small corner and that is why Apple tries to make the iPhone a bit sturdier. The iPhone 12 therefore has a very hard Ceramic Shield on the front, which protects up to 4x better in falls than other smartphone glass.

As for water damage, both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are water resistant. Under optimal conditions, both iPhones will last for up to 30 minutes underwater (although not intended to be used for swimming). The iPhone 11 can reach a depth of 2 meters, the iPhone 12 up to 6 meters.

Photo and video

With the iPhone 11 you can already take remarkably beautiful photos, including the night mode is remarkably good: you can also take colorful photos in the dark. The iPhone 12 goes a step further. Night mode is now available on all cameras, including the selfie camera. Smart HDR 3 improves highlights, shadows and contours, among other things, thanks to artificial intelligence. Also new: Record HDR video in Dolby Vision – as if you were shooting your own cinema film.

Charging and battery

The iPhone 11 and 12 are both wirelessly chargeable. With the iPhone 12, you can use Apple’s first own wireless charger: the MagSafe charger. You click it magnetically to the iPhone 12 and then it is in exactly the right place. Wireless charging with MagSafe is twice as fast as with a regular wireless charger. The battery life of the iPhone 12 is slightly better than that of the iPhone 11. With the iPhone 12 mini, you sacrifice something in this respect. Either way: you will get through the day with ease.

Chip

Every new generation of iPhones gets a new processor. Last year, the iPhone 11 was equipped with an A13 Bionic chip, the same as that of the top models. This year we are counting again and the iPhone 12 models will get an A14 chip. It is just a bit faster and more efficient than the previous generation: it is currently the fastest chip in a smartphone.

price

Since the iPhone 12 was released, the iPhone 11 has been significantly reduced in price. This is the complete price list as used by Apple:

iPhone 11

  • 64 GB – € 689
  • 128 GB – € 739
  • 256 GB – € 859

iPhone 12 mini

  • 64 GB – € 809
  • 128 GB – € 859
  • 256 GB – € 979

iPhone 12

  • 64 GB – € 909
  • 128 GB – € 959
  • 256 GB – € 1079

The iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12 are both still for sale at Apple.

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