iPhone 12 Review: A Bargain or a Rip-off
Apple is always coming up with something new before we can even get over something they released prior to it. Back again with a new iPhone, Apple has introduced iPhone 12, released on 23rd October 2020, sporting unbelievable features.
In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive review on the new iPhone 12 and see how it’s different from its precedent release, the iPhone 11. You’ll also know about the expected release of iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max. In a nutshell, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about it! So let’s dive into it.
Image credits: Apple
iPhone 12 Release Date and Price:
The 6.1-inch iPhone became available for pre-order on October 16th 2020 and was officially released on 26th of October 2020. You’re able to now buy the iPhone directly from Apple’s store. This latest comes at a starting price of $799 which is a $100 more than the previous iPhone 11 range. Remember, you’re only getting a 64GB version at this starting price, which is kind of a bummer.
iPhone 12 features and specifications:
The charging adapter and EarPods have been precluded from the box as Apple highlights the environmental benefits. It could reduce shipping sizes and the need for a new charger with the yearly new iPhone.
“As part of our efforts to reach our environmental goals, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini do not include a power adapter or EarPods. Please use your current Apple power adapter and headphones or purchase these accessories separately.”
Design
The new iPhone is quite similar in size and shape to 2019’s iPhone 11. The edges of the new iPhone seem to be sharper rather than the curved sides of the iPhone 11.
If you have been an Apple user for a few years, you will be hit with a feeling of nostalgia as soon as you hold it in your hand. Apple has incorporated the characteristic 90-degree angled edges that were seen on the old iPhone 4 or 5. It’s a brave decision by Apple as they seem to have travelled back for the design, but it may be possible that the new design improves 5G signal strength, which would obviously be a plus.
Durability
The new iPhone is featuring a Ceramic Shield on the front to further protect it from shattering. This feature will make it four times less likely to break and fall as Apple claims. Who wouldn’t want better durability, right?
iPhone 12 uses the same backglass as that of iPhone 11. It is claimed that the back of the new iPhone is less likely to break in a drop.
Around the web, people have shared their own drop tests of the iPhone 12. The results show exactly what you would expect; the back glass is the first to break when you drop it. The front of the phone seems to be more durable. However, this does not mean that the iPhone 12 does not need a case and a screen protector. The stronger body of iPhone 12 may last longer under rough use but it still will get scratches and wear.
Image credits: Apple
The IP68 rating has been increased with the iPhone 12. Allowing it to be submerged down to six meters of water for 30 minutes. This means that day-to-day water damage is less likely to happen.
Display
The Super Retina XDR Display from the previous year’s iPhone 11 Pro has been brought to the cheaper iPhone. The OLED upgrade comes with a 2532 x 1170 pixel resolution. Allowing rendering a sharp and clear display that is viewable at all angles. The thinner bezels make this phone a little shorter and narrower than 2019’s version while preserving the 6.1-inch display. The new iPhone comes with a 120Hz faster screen refresh rate that adds to it a new level of polish.
MagSafe
MagSafe uses the same magnetic, snap-on technology that Apple has used earlier on MacBooks to connect the power adapter. The magnets are organised in a circle under the rear case of the iPhone.
The new iPhone12 charger enables 15W fast wireless charging – that’s almost twice as powerful as on the iPhone 11. MagSafe assures that the charger clicks precisely and firmly into place. Then it confirms through the chip whether the charger is safe or not.
The new iPhone can identify the colour of the case placed on it through that chip. The screen then glows with the same colour. Moreover, the iPhone can also be charged through the case. The case doesn’t need to be taken off every time to charge your phone, reducing the chance of dropping it.
“Magnets align themselves perfectly every time for faster wireless charging”
Camera
Camera of this phone doesn’t seem to have changed a lot in terms of its sensors. It still has the same wide camera and an ultra-wide snapper. The sensors themselves, however, have been upgraded which greatly improve low-light photography compared to the iPhone 11. The 12MP sensor is now coupled with an f/1.6 aperture.
Image credits: Apple
The Night Mode is also equipped to run with the wide and the ultrawide sensors. As opposed to the iPhone 11 which did not enable the Night Mode in the ultrawide sensor. This is a huge improvement, you can now take shots in darkness which seem like they were taken in broad daylight. However, the 15-second long exposure is prone to blurry details if the iPhone is not held almost completely still.
Image credits: Apple
The front-facing camera has also been upgraded with a 12MP sensor and f/2.2 aperture. You can also use Night Mode on the front-facing camera too. Apart from that, iPhone12 can record video in Dolby Vision and process it before displaying it in HDR quality.
Battery life
Now you don’t have to run to the charger so many times during the day!. Everyone knows how the prior iPhones have gotten a bad reputation in terms of their battery life. It’s great to see Apple improving their design. The new iPhone 12 has a 2,815 mAh battery, which is identical to the iPhone 12 Pro, allowing for 17 hours of video playback.
Image credits: Apple
iPhone 12 mini
The iPhone 12 mini is claimed to be the world’s first fastest 5G phone. A compact version of the new iPhone 12. It will be available to pre-order on November 6th 2020 and will be officially released on 13th November 2020. All of the iPhone 12 mini-features are the same as that of the iPhone 12 except the size difference.
Image credits: Apple
iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro max:
iPhone 12 Pro has already been released with the iPhone 12. iPhone 12 Pro Max on the other hand, will be to be available to pre-order on November 6th 2020. The release date is scheduled on 15th November 2020. iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro max are relatively pricier than iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini. Although they might be a bit more expensive than the other two, they come with a few superior features.
With the addition of a stainless steel body, they have three camera set-ups installed rather than just two. You’ll get good-looking snaps from the iPhone 12, but it’s the iPhone 12 Pro (and especially the iPhone 12 Pro Max) that have Apple’s best cameras right now.
Final thoughts: Should you buy it or not?
Our final verdict is that, buy this new iPhone 12 if you’re looking to upgrade to a larger screen. It will also be great for you if you like watching movies. The mini version is cheaper but to get the whole movie experience, iPhone 12 is the one. So, go for it if you just want something new and exciting.
Although it comes with some great features, don’t consider buying it if you want to take photos and make movies. It’s better to wait for the release of the iPhone Pro Max because the camera of that phone is extraordinary and way better than that of the iPhone 12.
But overall, with the new 5G technology rolling out and the Magsafe installed in this range of iPhones, it’s a great buy.
Read more: Apple Presents iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Smaller Than Expected in New Purple.