iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro: What are the differences?
You're facing a tough choice. The iPhone 12 or the 12 Pro ? The price difference is significant, and at first glance, they look quite similar. With your protective iPhone case, you won't notice the design difference anyway. Yet, there's more under the hood than you think. While the iPhone 12 is perfectly adequate for your everyday photos and apps, the 12 Pro turns out to have a hidden talent. With its LiDAR scanner and ProRAW function, it's a secret weapon for night photography and image editing. And while you're considering your next wireless AirPods purchase, you might discover that the real difference isn't in what you see, but in what you do with it.
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The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro look virtually identical at first glance. They have the same dimensions and a similar design with flat sides and a glass back. However, there are a few key differences worth considering before making a decision.
Design and materials
While the dimensions are identical, the iPhone 12 Pro weighs slightly more at 187 grams than the regular iPhone 12's 162 grams. This is because the Pro has a stainless steel frame, while the 12 uses aluminum. This gives the more expensive model a slightly more luxurious look. There are also differences in color. The iPhone 12 is available in bright, fresh hues like blue, green, red, white, and black. The Pro models have more subdued, chic colors including graphite, silver, gold, and ocean blue.
Cameras compared
The biggest difference between the two devices lies in the camera options. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera setup with a wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lens. This allows you to take excellent photos for everyday use. The iPhone 12 Pro adds a third telephoto lens, allowing you to zoom up to 4x without loss of quality. That's twice the digital zoom on the standard 12.
The Pro version also features a LiDAR scanner. This uses lasers to measure depth, allowing you to take sharp portrait photos with beautiful background blur, even in the dark. Furthermore, the 12 Pro supports Apple ProRAW. This is a file format with minimal image editing, ideal for advanced users who want to do their own post-processing.
Both iPhones can record video in Dolby Vision HDR, but the Pro does so at 60 fps compared to 30 fps on the 12, resulting in smoother footage.
Other differences
The iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly brighter screen than the standard model. This is handy on sunny days. The more expensive model also has 6GB of RAM, two more than its sibling. You'll especially notice this when booting up and switching between apps.
The devices also differ slightly in terms of storage options. The iPhone 12 is available with 64, 128, or 256 GB. For the 12 Pro, you have the choice of 128, 256, or 512 GB. The latter option is really for heavy users.
Conclusion: choose what suits you
Whether the iPhone 12 or 12 Pro is the best choice depends primarily on your needs and budget. The regular 12 is an excellent all-rounder that's perfectly suitable for most people. The design is a matter of taste. If you're a serious amateur photographer and want to really get the most out of your camera options and performance, then the 12 Pro's premium is worth considering. For everyone else, the regular iPhone 12 is more than sufficient and a smart buy.
Which iPhone is right for you?
Whether you choose the versatile iPhone 12 or the advanced 12 Pro , both devices offer top quality for years of enjoyment. It all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Are you an avid photographer who enjoys shooting in the dark or does a lot of image editing? Then the 12 Pro, with its LiDAR and ProRAW, is a smart investment. However, for most users, the standard iPhone 12 offers more than enough features at a more attractive price. With a nice case and the right accessories, you can turn either device into your ideal smartphone.
