After a bit of a delay, Apple has shown off this year’s iPhone 12 models. But are they worth the upgrade? New Atlas compares the specs and features of the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max against the iPhone SE, iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.
This year there are four iPhone 12 models – following last year’s naming conventions, there’s a base model, a Pro and a Pro Max version. But for the first time there’s now also a mini model as well, with the main difference being the physical size.
Even though Apple has now stopped directly selling the 11 Pro and Pro Max, we’ve included them in this comparison because they’re still easily bought from other vendors. And of course, it may help those who already own these models and are wondering if it’s worth the upgrade. The second generation iPhone SE is here too, because it’s still a viable option having only released earlier this year.
Generally, each of the iPhone 12 models is slightly bigger than its 11 counterpart. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are the exact same size in all dimensions, which is just a few millimeters bigger than the 11 Pro. Likewise, the 12 Pro Max is a few mm bigger than the 11 Pro Max.
The opposite is true for the 12 mini though – it’s a bit smaller than the SE, but that’s kind of the point. This is a phone for those who are sick of the ever-growing “phablets” weighing down their pockets.
And finally, the base model 11 is kind of left floating in the middle on its own. It’s a little bigger than the 12 and 12 Pro but a far cry short of both generation’s Pro Max models.
The iPhone 12 mini is the lightest of the bunch, at just 135 grams (4.8 oz), while the heaviest is the 12 Pro Max at 228 g (8 oz). That’s a difference of 93 g (3.2 oz) across the whole range, which is the equivalent of more than 18 nickels. Weight isn’t the most important factor to consider but when the difference is like lugging around a pocketful of change, it’s worth keeping in mind.
As a rule, Apple seems to give its lower end models brighter and more playful colors, while the premium iPhones get more muted metallic finishes. As such, black, white and red are common to the iPhones SE, 11, 12 and 12 mini. The latter two get green and blue options, while the 11 also comes in green, yellow and purple.
The Pro and Pro Max models, meanwhile, all come in gold and silver finishes, with the 11s also offering Space Gray and Midnight Green and the 12s getting Graphite and Pacific Blue.
All eight of these iPhones are made with glass front and back, ringed with a metal. On the iPhone SE, 11, 12 and 12 mini that’s aluminum, and on the Pro and Pro Max models that frame is stainless steel.
New to the iPhone 12 lineup is what Apple calls a “ceramic shield.” The display is made with a newly-developed glass ceramic, which is designed to make the screen up to four times more resistant to breaking. The iPhone 12 series is also equipped with magnets that attach to new accessories like wallets, cases and chargers.
The iPhone SE is packing the smallest screen, at a quaint 4.7 inches. Next in line is the 12 mini, which despite being a physically smaller device still squeezes in a 5.4-in screen. The 11 Pro is next, followed by a three-way tie between the 11, the 12 and 12 Pro, on 6.1 in.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max packs a respectable 6.5-in display, but the 12 Pro Max tops them all with a huge 6.7-incher.
The iPhone SE has the smallest screen-to-body ratio of the bunch – it’s modeled off the outdated iPhone 8 look, with chunky bezels and thick strips across the top and bottom.
The rest fare better thanks to a notch design in the top that houses the selfie camera. The iPhone 12 series manages to fit a decent amount more screen than any of the 11 phones.
Comparing the latest iPhones: iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 11 vs. iPhone SE [New Atlas]