ON A BUDGET AND looking for an Apple smartphone? The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are two excellent options, and you can get fantastic bargains on previous models.
Fear not if you can’t decide between these two; we’ve compared them side by side to make it easier for you to make your choice. Read on to learn more.
Older models can save you a tonne of money if you have your heart set on an Apple product but are on a limited budget.
Which iPhone is best for you given that the iPhone 11 was released in 2019 and its successor, the iPhone 12, was released in 2020 with a new design but many of the same functions as its predecessor?
These two former flagships will be compared in this guide, including their designs, features, cameras, and prices. Find out which suits you by reading on.
Our tech editor Sean Keach examines both devices in-depth for his iPhone 11 review and iPhone 12 review, giving us his professional opinion.
Additionally, we have compiled all of the top iPhone discounts for the iPhone 11, 12, and other generations.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: at a glance
Similarities:
The 6.1-inch Retina display with True Tone and outstanding battery life with up to 17 hours of movie playback are two features that the iPhone 12 and its predecessor have in common.
A dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide camera lens with a two times optical zoom capability and Night mode are also features shared by the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 and its predecessor have a lot in common, including a 6.1-inch Retina display with True Tone and long-lasting batteries that can support up to 17 hours of video playback.
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 come equipped with a dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide camera lens with a two times optical zoom range and Night mode, making their camera setups almost identical.
The parallels don’t end there either; both have Face ID, and in terms of specs, they also have 4GB of memory and a minimum of 64GB of storage with a maximum of 256GB.
Differences:
While there are obvious similarities between the two handsets, the iPhone 12 has undergone some noticable improvements that set it apart from its forerunner.
The new A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 makes it more future-proof than the iPhone 11 and makes it the first 5G handset to be released by Apple.
Both devices support Qi wireless charging, but the iPhone 12 has brand-new MagSafe charging that works with the MagSafe Battery packs that Apple is now selling.
The iPhone 12 has also received some more subtle improvements, such as increased water resistance—up from two metres to six meters—and enhanced water resistance.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: Camera
The cameras of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are nearly identical, with the iPhone 12’s enhancements pushing it slightly ahead of its predecessor.
Both have the same dual 12-megapixel rear camera system layout, which includes an Ultra Wide and a Wide lens. However, the iPhone 12 has undergone minor modifications and now has a slightly bigger aperture of (f/1.6) on the Wide lens, improving its low-light sensitivity.
Both the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12 include front-facing cameras with a resolution of 12MP, however the iPhone 12’s front-facing camera advances by adding Deep Fusion and Night mode.
The iPhone 12 also offers Dolby Vision HDR video recording at up to 30 frames per second and can now record in Night mode and Time-lapse, both of which were unavailable on the iPhone 11.
The catch is that all of these upgrades will only be appreciated by avid photographers; for the typical user, the iPhone 11’s camera is more than adequate and will work for the majority of customers.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: Design
Given that they are only one generation apart, these two iPhones share a lot of the same design elements. However, Apple has “refined” some of these elements to give the iPhone 12 a more contemporary look.
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 feature Retina displays with 6.1-inch screens. The iPhone 11 keeps the rounded bezels that many have grown to adore, along with its selection of pastel colours, while the iPhone 12 returns to the squared-off design that dates back to the iPhone 4 and 5.
The iPhone 12 includes some upgrades that the iPhone 11 does not have, such as the new nano-crystalline Ceramic Shield screen, which was debuted in 2020 with the 12-series and is more durable and scratch-resistant.
While the new Cermanic Shield technology is a step ahead, you can achieve this with a screen protector on the iPhone 11, so think about whether or not it’s a dealbreaker for you when making your purchase.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: Features
The configurations of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are identical, and even if the latter has received some updates, the former still has the same functionality.
For instance, the iPhone 12 has improved from the iPhone 11, which is likewise certified waterproof for only two metres during the same period of time, to being resistant to a depth of six metres for up to 30 minutes.
As we have seen with the camera on the iPhone 12, there have been observable advancements, such as the addition of Night mode and the debut of Deep Fusion on the Front-facing camera.
One of the key differences between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 that truly distinguishes the older model from Apple’s more recent series is MagSafe.
Along with providing an additional charging option, it also works well with Apple’s new range of magnetic accessories, including the Apple wallet. However, as with all of these significant advancements in design, they are lovely if you have the money but are also possible with an iPhone 11 case.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: Battery life
Compared to the iPhone 12, which has a 2,815 mAh battery, the iPhone 11 actually has a larger 3,110 mAh battery. However, as was already said, both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 offer comparable battery life.
Apple provides rough estimates that are helpful in estimating how it will perform for you, claiming that both smartphones can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes and have a battery life of up to 17 hours.
Although Qi wireless charging is supported by both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, which is a good feature for people on the go, the new MagSafe charging option is only available on the iPhone 12.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: Price
Both the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12 debuted on the market at about £799. Prices for Apple’s previous models have naturally decreased as the company has released new flagship models.
The iPhone 11 is currently the more cheap option among the SIM-free phones, with the difference between them currently standing at £110.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: Which to choose
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 offer a premium design and some fantastic features.
Your decision between the two will ultimately depend on what features are most essential to you, but if your budget permits it, the iPhone 12 does offer upgrades.
This guide should have assisted you in selecting the gadget that best suits your needs and that you wish to stick with.
Choose the iPhone 11:
- You are on a tighter budget
- You prefer Apple’s rounded bezels
- You want the pastel colour options
Choose the iPhone 12 if:
- You want a 5G device
- You want MagSafe charging
- You prefer the new squared design
- You enjoy the new camera features