The iPhone 12 Models Comparison: iPhone 12 vs Pro vs Pro Max vs Mini

iPhone 12 Models Comparison

Are you facing a hard time deciding between the iPhone models in terms of performance or quality? This article has highlighted some of the fundamental differences for easy understanding. You can find our stand on the best device under one conclusion. Find out!

When you think of iPhone's latest iOS and you have the old version, upgrading comes to your mind. Then if you want to access updated and use the latest versions of the iPhone, look no other than the iPhone 12 series. Apple has offered its customers  4 different models that fall under one generation for the first time.

Our article will help you understand the differences, contrast them, and decide on which is perfect for your use case. If you are curious about this knowledge, then enjoy reading to the end.

The apple company launched the iPhone 12 generation involving the iphone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 mini in late 2020. The success of the old version of iPhone 12 and lineups since 2019. However, you still access iPhone 11 with the other updated new modes on the market. Therefore, if you want to know the difference between the iphone12 generation models, you should start by looking at their similarities first.


What is the Same on iPhone 12 Models

Apple company launched the iPhone 12 generation

iPhone 12 comes with multiple models. This is one of the series with 4 consecutive models from apple company. Most users have a hard time deciding which is best for their use. Thus, in this section, we will guide you on the differences. However, we ought to start by highly the similarities.

If you are targeting to elevate the photography game and are unsure, here are the standard features these models share:-

  • They all have a squarer design.
  • Both possess the same front-facing camera.
  • Comes with the iOS 14 software
  • They have an OLED punchy display panel having true heptic touch and true tone.
  • They are 5G internet compatible for faster browsing.
  • Both run on the A14 chip with the next-generation neural engine
  • They are all IP68 rated water and dust resistant.

There are still many other similarities if you look at them intensely. Such include a flat edge design with minimal variations between the models based on the camera lenses and finishes on its rear.

Considering the pro model, you will discover that it is more premium in appearance while the standard consists of the perfect finish. With all the above in mind, let us now go into details about their differences for a clearer view.


What are the Differences Between iPhone 12 Models?

Differences Between iPhone 12 Models

As stated previously, iPhone 12 is the first series to produce 4 different models on the market. Before looking at the apparent differences, we have to make a general comparison in this section and have tips on how they relate. A quick breakdown is here.

iPhone 12 is simply the base model where we derive the comparison as the reference point. Then came the iPhone 12 min, the smallest among the 4 models of iPhone 12. at the same time, iPhone 12 pro is one of the fastest iPhone 12 models and is considered the better-performing among the first three. But when it comes to iPhone 12 pro max is the best, most powerful, and biggest of the 4 iPhone 12 models today.

The 4 models were released in two stages. First, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 pro, which are 6.1 inches, were released in early 2020. then came iPhone 12 mini which is 5.4 inches,  and iPhone 12 pro max sized at 6.7 inches, launched on 13th November 2020. Here is a general comparison of the four models.

ModelsiPhone 12 miniiPhone 12iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro Max

Image Stabilization

OpticalOpticalDual opticalSensor-shift optical
Apple ProRAWNoNoYesYes
Display5.4 inches6.1 inches6.1 inches6.7 inches

iPhone 12 vs. 12 Pro vs. Pro Max vs. Mini

YouTube video

This section will go deeper into eath details and give you the differences and similarities. With this knowledge, you will know which model to go for based on your requirements. Thus, here is the analysis of the features if you are looking for the best model to help elevate the photography niche.


Prices and Storage

ModelsiPhone 12 miniiPhone 12iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting Price$599$699$999$1099
Storage
  • 64GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB
  • 64GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB
  • 512GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB
  • 512GB

Storage and pricing on iPhone 12 models go hand in hand. However, you must understand that the storage does not impact the quality of the photo. But with the low storage, you will not be able to snap photos. We covered this in our previous article on what to do when you have insufficient storage space on your iPhone. Refer to it. Thus, capacity is vital when you find it complex, offloading images and clearing storage on your iPhone 12 model. iPhone 12 pro max has a gorgeous storage capacity. Still, also it comes at a  reasonable cost.

iPhone 12  and iPhone 12 mini have the smallest storage capacity. Generally, each model differs. For instance, iPhone 12 comes with 64, 128, and 256GB storage spaces. More details on the table above.


Cameras

Differences of Cameras

ModelsiPhone 12 miniiPhone 12iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro Max
Image StabilizationOpticalOpticaldual opticalSensor-shift
Apple ProRAWNoNoYesYes
Night Mode PortraitsYesYesYesYes
Ultra-Wide2.4 to 1.62.4 to 1.62.4 to 1.6 & telephoto 2.02.4 to 1.6 & telephoto 2.2

iPhone 12 models, at first glance, all look the same. It is hard to notice the differences. However, the iPhone 12 and mini only come with broad and ultra-wide lenses. In contrast, iPhone 12 pro and pro max have advanced and come with the third telephoto lens indicated on the table. Another critical improvement on the camera of iPhone 12 pro and Pro Max is the night mode portrait and the apple ProRAW features.

Night mode is essential, especially for the benefit of long exposure snaps to the portrait photo, making it easy to achieve a shallow depth of field. Apple ProRAW lets users capture snaps in the AW format, where you can still compress when you do not have enough storage size.

Therefore, iPhone 12 pro max is perfect for stabilizing videos and photos to the sensor-shift optical image stabilization, while the iPhone pro has a dual optical image stabilization feature. The above table gives you a summary overview for a better understanding.


Size

Differences of Size

ModelsiPhone 12 miniiPhone 12iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro Max
Size5.4 inches6.1 inches6.1 inches6.7 inches
Weight4.76-ounce5.78 ounces6.66 ounces8.03 ounces.
Diouncesons131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm

The best small phone among the 4 iPhone 12 modes is the iPhone 12 mini, which comes with a compact design. The company claims that this sit eh smallest among the models and the thinnest worldwide. And this, coupled with the 4.76-ounce, backs the size up. However, the sale is prolonged, and the company has reported reduced production.

While the iPhone 12 has 6.1 inches and weighs 5.78-ounce which is perfect and makes it not lighter but also smaller than the previous series. The reason is that the company trimmed the edges of the display. iPhone 12 pro also has the same size as iPhone 12 and comes with the exact dimensions. The only difference comes because of the added features, and it weighs 6.66 ounces.

Then lastly, we have the beast, the iPhone 12 pro max sized with 6.7 inches screen, and is considered the most significant model in this lineup. Thus is effectively utilized with two hands. The weight stands at 8.03 ounces.

They vary in dimensions, and pro max remains the heaviest and most prominent of the models. And generally, they all have a similar thickness.


Design and Colors

ModelsiPhone 12 miniiPhone 12iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro Max
ColorBlack, Blue, White, Green, Purple, and Product(Red)Black, Blue, White, Green, Purple, and Product(Red)Pacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, and SilverPacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, and Silver
Designthe glass back and an aluminum bandthe glass about and an aluminum bandstainless steelstainless steel

iPhone 12 models differ in color options, but they all seem to be the same, with very slight differences in design. Both iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini have six color options which involve Black, Blue, White, Green, Purple, and Product(Red) color options on the market. In contrast, iPhone 12 pro and pro max come with four color options. That is Pacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, and Silver.

In terms of the design, all the four models come with the sleeker flat designs accompanied by the new ceramic shield displays that are four times drop-resistant s opposed to the previous iPhone 11. They are all water-resistant with an IP68  rating. When submerged in water at 6 meters depth can survive for 30 minutes.

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini also come with a glass back and an aluminum band. And in contrast, iPhone 12 pro and pro max come with premium stainless steel.


Displays

Differences of Displays

ModelsiPhone 12 miniiPhone 12iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro Max
Brightness625 nits625 nits800 nits800 nits
Resolution2340 x 1080 pixels2532 x 1170 pixels2532 x 1170 pixels2778 x 1284-pixel

Well, the display of the iPhone 12 model comes with an OLED display and a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits. Based on this general knowledge, as iPhone 12 model users, you will never have any issues seeing them outdoor. However, there is a very slight difference in the typical brightness. Thus, iPhone 12  and iPhone 12 mini have a brightness of 625 nits. The iPhone 12 pro and iPhone 12 pro max have brightness displays going up to 800 nits.

And in terms of the resolutions, the iPhone 12 mini has a display resolution sized 2340×1080 px. But iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 pro with the 6.1 inches comes with a pack of 2532 x1170 px. Lastly, the most significant 4 iPhone 12 pro max model, the beast, has a resolution display of 2778×1284 px.

Generally, the iPhone 12 series is the first iPhone lineup with the super retina XDR OLED display. Considering the previous generation, this feature was only present on the pro models. Though there is a slight difference in the display, their brightness can be identical.


Performance

Differences of Performance

ModelsiPhone 12 miniiPhone 12iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro Max
A14  Bionic ProcessorYesYesYesYes
RAM4GB4GB6GB6GB
LiDAR sensorNoNoYesYes

Apple company has designed the iPhone 12 models and equipped them with the A14 Bionic processor. This is the first-ever 5nm chip found in a phone. And the company claims that the chip has one of the most efficient and fastest GPU and CPU, which guarantees users 50% speedier than the competitors' android gadgets. considering the iPhone 12 as a benchmark model, everything on it justifies the claim as true

Agin, the A14  Bionic processor, is advantageous to suer as they have a 16-core neural engine that promises to deliver 80% increased phone performance. Even though the company does not clarify the RAM designed in the models, there is a leak from the external sources that claim that iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini have 4GB RAM. At the same time, elsewhere, iPhone 12 pro and iPhone 12 pro max come with 6GB RAM.

The 4 iPhone 12 models guarantee excellent performance instead of augmented reality usage. However, iPhone 12 pro and iPhone 12 pro max have LiDAR sensors which facilitate their performance edge. Thus, iPhone 12 pros can even measure the distance of light and calculate the depth of a scene in pixels.


Video

YouTube video
ModelsiPhone 12 miniiPhone 12iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro Max
HDR Video DolbyYesYesYesYes
Optical ZoomNoNo2x optical zoom2.25x optical zoom
Digital Zoom 3x digital zoom3x digital zoom6x digital zoom7x digital zoom
Frames Per Second30 fps30 fps60 fps60 fps

All iPhone 12 models can record a video in the HDR using Dolby vision support. Also, one can edit any footage using the phone through the photo app. But, keep in mind that iPhone 12 & iPhone 12 mini only shoots up to 30 fps in HDR mode while iPhone 12 pro and pro max double it to 60 fps.

Differences of Video

Again iPhone 12 pro and pro max support optical zoom while shooting 2x and 2.25x video. Also, note that all the above models offer users a time-lapse recording in night mode for best results.


Battery life and charging

Differences of Battery life and charging

ModelsiPhone 12 miniiPhone 12iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro Max
Battery Life15 hours17 hours17 hours20 hours
ChargerMagSafe chargerMagSafe chargerMagSafe chargerMagSafe charger

iPhone 12 models tried to improve the battery charging and life. All the model charges using apple's new megaSafe charger that guarantees faster and secure wireless charging. The chargers are compatible with the cases. And fast charging helps users charge a phone up to 50% within 30 minutes. And battery life is so incredible. However, this varies from one model to another.


Which is the Best for Photography?

YouTube video

Therefore, the above feature analysis shows that iPhone 12 pro max remains the best in the lineup for professional photography. This is not because it consists of sensor-shift optical image stabilization and 3 lenses. Still, it also comes with advanced features, including a wide screen, a long-lasting battery, and ample storage.

The only thing ruling out the iPhone pro is its size. Otherwise, it is massive when you buy a camera or simply a phone for daily use. The other options are effective for other purposes,  such as iPhone 12 mini is good for simplicity and is accessible but still powerful.


Conclusion

iPhone 12 is the first phone series to have 4 models. Each model is unique and based on the features though many similarities exist. They have advanced features that increase the user experience and snap perfect photos. The above article highlighted the parts, checked the similarities, and stated the differences. When it comes to photography, iPhone 12 pro max never disappoints in the lineup.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *