Apple debuted its new iteration of iPhones in late 2020. Although it was later than normal, the company kept the anomalies by including a fourth model. If you’re considering grabbing an iPhone 12 model and you’re not sure which, we’ll help you settle down on an option.
The iPhone 12 lineup sports refreshed design, but the notch lives on. Another nice addition to the iPhone 12 is 5G support which was long overdue.
All models run Apple’s A14 Bionic chipset, an upgrade from the A13 in the iPhone 11.
See also: iPhone Vs. Android: Who Does it Better?
iPhone 12 Models
iPhone 12 series includes four different models. The four include iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. All of these have their differences and similarities. The series provides further options by including a variety of memory configurations on top.
Of course, the iPhone 12 Pro Max leads the series in terms of both features and price.
iPhone 12 Series Storage Options
iPhone 12 series has a variety of storage options at your disposal. The least memory configuration available includes 64GB of onboard storage.
The highest is 512GB. Remember, the iPhone 12 doesn’t include a microSD card slot, so you’ll be stuck with whatever memory your device ships with.
| iPhone Model | Storage |
| iPhone 12 mini | 64 / 128 / 256GB |
| iPhone 12 | 64 / 128 / 256GB |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 128 / 256 / 512GB |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 128 / 256 / 512GB |
iPhone 12 Display
iPhone 12 series come in different sizes. iPhone 12 mini, the smallest of the bunch, has a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with 2,340 x 1,080 resolution.
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max have similar 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED displays with 2,532 x 1,170 resolution. The only difference is the typical brightness – 625 nits max brightness for iPhone 12 and 800 nits for iPhone 12 Pro. However, both displays top out at 1200nits.
The largest iPhone yet is the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with 2,778 x 1,284 resolution, 800 nits max brightness (typical) but can top up to 1200 nits.
All iPhone 12 models have a Ceramic Shield on top of the display.
iPhone 12 Battery
Like the display, the iPhone 12 mini has the smallest battery, which greatly affects screen time. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro have identical 2,815mAh batteries. If you want even more battery life, the iPhone 12 Pro Max should be your go-to choice with its 3,687mAh battery.
iPhone 12 Wireless Charging
All models in the iPhone 12 have wireless charging. Both the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, and Pro models can charge wirelessly up to 20W. But this is only possible with Mag Safe, Apple’s proprietary wireless charging system.
With fast charging support, expect to take your iPhone battery from flat to 50 percent in about half an hour. But MagSafe is sold separately. If you have a Qi-charger lying around, you can use it, but charging speeds won’t go beyond 7.5W.
See also:
How to wirelessly charge your iPhone
How to Manage Screen Time on Android and iPhone
What is Apple’s new MagSafe and How it Works
What Is Wireless Charging, How Does It Work?
iPhone 12 Camera
One of the primary improvements that Apple brought with the Phone 12 series is a camera upgrade. But you might have to buy either of the Pro models to experience this improvement. Apple tucked in a new LIDAR sensor to the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, improving performance in low-light conditions over the last-gen siblings.
Additionally, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Max feature support for 4k 60fps Dolby vision HDR video capture, and there’s Night Mode in portrait mode, which was not possible with the previous iPhone 11.
Another improvement is the size of the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s primary sensor – it’s 47% bigger. Camera buffs know what that means – improved general performance, at least theoretically. In real life, many iPhone 12 reviewers didn’t see that much of a difference.
| iPhone 12 Model | Camera | Features |
| iPhone 12 mini | Rear: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6, OIS) 12MP ultra-wide((ƒ/2.4, 120° field of view) Selfie: TrueDepth 12MP (ƒ/2.2) | 2x optical zoom 3x digital zoom 4K video at 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 30fps 1080p HD video at 30fps / 60fps 720p HD video at 30fps Night mode |
| iPhone 12 | Rear: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6, OIS) 12MP ultra-wide((ƒ/2.4, 120° field of view) Selfie: TrueDepth 12MP (ƒ/2.2) | 2x optical zoom 3x digital zoom 4K video at 24fps/ 30fps/ 60fps HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 30fps 1080p HD video at 30fps/ 60fps 720p HD video at 30fps Night mode |
| iPhone 12 Pro | Rear: 12MP wide (f/1.6, dual OIS, Night Mode) 12MP ultrawide(ƒ/2.4, 120° field of view, Night mode) 12MP telephoto(ƒ/2.0, dual OIS) Front: TrueDepth 12MP (ƒ/2.2) | HDR video with Dolby Vision (up to 60fps) 4K video at 24fps/ 30fps/ 60fps 1080p HD video at 30fps / 60fps 720p HD video at 30fps |
| iPhone 12 Pro | Rear: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6, dual OIS, sensor-shift OIS, Night Mode) 12MP ultra-wide (ƒ/2.4, 120° field of view, Night Mode) 12MP telephoto(ƒ/2.0, dual OIS) Front: TrueDepth 12MP (ƒ/2.2) | HDR video with Dolby Vision (up to 30fps) 4K video at 24fps/ 30fps/ 60fps 1080p HD video at 30fps/ 60fps 720p HD video at 30fps |
iPhone 12 Price
iPhone 12 series starts at $699. That gets you the smallest iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone 12 Pro starts at $999, but you’ll have to pay at least $1099 for the Pro Max.
| iPhone 12 Model | Price |
| iPhone 12 mini | $699 (64GB) |
| iPhone 12 | $799 (64GB) |
| iPhone 12 Pro | $999 (128GB) |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | $1099 (128GB) |
FAQs
How much memory does iPhone 12 have?
The iPhone 12 lineup has variable memory options. The iPhone 12 mini and vanilla iPhone 12 have 64, 128, and 256GB options. iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max have 128GB minimum, and there’s also 256GB and a bigger 512GB variant.
Is 64 GB ROM enough for iPhone 12?
Depends. Basically, if you only stream movies and TV Shows, 64GB should be enough. But again, if you love taking pictures, at the same time, you might want to increase the storage a bit to 128GB or maybe buy some more from iCloud.
For those who love storing lots of music and movies locally, the 128GB option should be enough. But to be future-proofed, get the 256GB model. 512GB is more than what an average user needs – only pick this if you love hoarding and storing files on your iPhone.
Does iPhone 12 have an SD card slot?
No. The iPhone 12 lineup has no SD card slot. Therefore, it’s important to select a storage option that meets your needs. Otherwise you’ll be in trouble.
Does iPhone 12 have 2 SIM card slots?
Kind of. While the iPhone 12 series comes with a single physical SIM slot, you can add a second one as long as it’s an eSIM. As it stands, e-SIM support is very limited around the world. So if your region doesn’t have eSIM support, you can only have one SIM in your iPhone.
Does the Apple iPhone 12 support 5G?
Yes. All devices in the iPhone 12 lineup have 5G support. In the US, the deal is even better with all having support for both mmWave and Sub-6 5G.
What color iPhone 12 should I get?
Color is highly subjective. The iPhone 12 mini and 12 ship in black, white, red, green, and blue. The Pro models are available in silver, gold, Graphite, and Pacific Blue paint jobs.
iPhone 12 Pro vs 12 Pro Max: Which One to Buy?
Depends. If you want better camera performance and a bigger display, go for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. But if a 6.7-inch display is too big, and you want a better camera than that available in the standard iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, buy the iPhone 12 Pro.
See also: iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12: Which One Should You Buy?
Which iPhone should I buy?
Straight off the bat, prices vary, and if you just want to grab a cheapest new iPhone, grab the iPhone 12 mini. The major difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 is the display size.
Those upgrading from an iPhone 11 Pro should pick the iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max.
Is iPhone 12 waterproof?
Yes. However, don’t try testing the limits of your iPhone 12’s waterproof features. From past experience, Apple doesn’t cover water damage.
Is iPhone 12 worth the upgrade?
Yes. But this is true if you’re coming from an older iPhone X and prior, it may be worth it to upgrade. It might only be worth upgrading for those of you with the iPhone 11 series if you either want 5G support, a bigger – and better – display, a better camera, and Mag Safe.
But give it a second thought. Can the patchy 5G make you spend another whopping $1099? If you check out the iPhone 12 lineup on Amazon.
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