The Apple iPhone 12 Pro release date of October 13, 2020, marked the second time Apple has dropped an iPhone with the elite “Pro” label.
Anything Apple labels “Pro” comes with high expectations and a serious price tag to match. So how does it stack up? Should we all be upgrading at the first opportunity or waiting to see what iPhone 13 has to offer?
Here’s our guide to all things iPhone 12 Pro.
Basic Features
With the Pro version, you’re not getting bigger, but you are getting better.
It’s the same size as the iPhone 12, there’s just more packed in. The screen is identical, with both featuring a 6.1-inch screen with a super retina XDR display with HDR and True Tone. There is a Pro Max, which kicks up the screen size to 6.7 inches.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is ready for 5G, giving you super-fast internet wherever you are. If you do a lot of gaming or video conferencing on the go — and are happy to pay the carrier’s premium — this could be a great feature for you.
The key differences though are in the processor, memory, and camera.
Processing Power
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro comes equipped with the A14 Bionic processor — the same as the iPhone 12. The difference is the RAM. It offers 6GB rather than 4GB, which translates into a faster, slicker user experience.
The A14 Bionic is probably the fastest mobile chip on the market, so if you’re looking for an experience right out of the top drawer, then look no further. Not only does the technology pack more transistors onto a smaller chip, but it also uses less power.
The additional RAM allows it to stretch its legs and give you a sharper, faster user experience, with a 30% increase in graphics performance. Perfect if you use your iPhone for gaming.
The iPhone 12 Pro also takes entry storage points to a new level. The smallest capacity is 128GB and it just keeps doubling until you max out at 512GB.
Camera Never Lies
Like the iPhone 12, it gives you a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. That includes built-in portrait mode, night mode and allows for 4K video recording up to 60fps. It also has powerful slo-mo video recording capabilities. But it’s on the back where you’ll literally see the difference.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro comes with a triple 12MP camera system, featuring ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. It has all the same modes as mentioned above, but has one more trick up its sleeve.
Enter LiDAR Scanner. It’s been designed for night mode portraits, low light, providing faster autofocus, and an improved AR experience. Standing for Light Detection and Ranging, LiDAR is like a small-scale radar.
Why would you want that on your phone camera, though?
It comes into its own in virtual object placement and AR gaming. Ever “tried on” a pair of glasses or clothing online or used Snapchat filters? LiDAR can take these experiences, and many more, to the next level.
Subtle Styling
The premium feel of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is highlighted in the color choices on offer.
Whereas the iPhone 12 comes in more eye-catching shades, the iPhone 12 pro colors reflect its high-end credentials. It comes in graphite, silver, gold, and pacific blue. Classy and understated, this tells you its target audience has an eye for the finer things in life.
This is complemented by the textured matte glass back, giving it a contemporary feel in the hand. If like most of us your phone takes a tumble now and then, you’ll appreciate the Ceramic Shield front.
It’s not unbreakable, but it does add an extra level of security for the accident-prone among us.
Battery Power
The battery power is impressive — 17 hours of video playback or 11 hours of streaming. While that’s good, it’s actually the same as the iPhone 12. From a Pro model, we expected more.
If you go for the Max, you can take it up to 20 hours. At that level, you can truly use it all day and never need to charge it.
What’s Not Included
One thing that’s weirdly missing from the box is a charging block.
You do get an iPhone 12 Pro charger with it. You get a USB-C charging cable. There’s just nothing to plug it into.
Apple is selling this as a way to meet its environmental goals, which we applaud. But when you get it out of the box and want to fire it up, it’s a definite inconvenience. And if you don’t have a spare USB-C charging block, you’re going to have to buy one.
How Much Does It Cost?
If you buy direct from Apple, the most basic 128GB model will set you back a cool $999. If you go for the Pro Max, the starting price is $1099.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro price jumps to $1099 for the 256GB version and the 512GB top-of-the-line model will set you back $1299.
If you’ve got an old iPhone to trade in, you can get a discount on the cost of the new phone. The biggest discount available is for trading in an iPhone 11 Pro Max. You can get a $525 discount.
Is It Worth It?
It’s got the fastest processor out there and the best camera. It’s also got the most cutting-edge technology for keen photographers and gamers. But is it worth at least $999 to get your hands on it?
The jury’s out on that one. We feel that for most users, the iPhone 12 will offer everything you need. If you’re looking for something premium, luxurious, and high-end then it’s the way to go.
If not, the iPhone 12 packs almost the same punch — and you can save some serious dough.
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Apple iPhone 12 Pro?
If you’re looking for the best example of a premium smartphone currently on the market, there is only one choice — the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. If you need a little extra battery power, kick it up to the max and you can stream to your heart’s content.
If you’re happy to hold on, then wait and see what the iPhone 13 has to offer.
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