Apple iPhone 12 smartphone
Apple

Apple iPhone 12

October 23, 2020 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Apple iPhone 12, released in October 2020, introduced a flat-edged design, 5G connectivity, and a vibrant Super Retina XDR OLED display. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, it offered significant performance improvements and an enhanced dual-camera system, making it a compelling upgrade for many users.
Display6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Ceramic Shield for durability.
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm), a powerful and efficient processor.
Main CameraDual 12MP system (Wide f/1.6, Ultrawide f/2.4) with Night Mode and OIS.
Battery2815 mAh Li-Ion, supporting 20W fast charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging.
Starting from $172

💰 Apple iPhone 12 Price

The Apple iPhone 12 lowest price is $172, based on current retailer listings.

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper Retina XDR OLED, HDR
Size6.1 inches (6.06 inches diagonally for actual viewable area)
Resolution2532 x 1170 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
ProtectionCeramic Shield glass
Brightness625 nits typical, 1200 nits peak (HDR)
FeaturesTrue Tone, Wide color (P3), Haptic Touch

Platform

OSiOS 14.1 (upgradable to later versions)
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)
CPUHexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm)
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)

Memory

RAM4GB
Internal Storage64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Card SlotNo

Main Camera

Dual12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide)
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama), Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR with Dolby Vision (up to 30fps), stereo sound rec.

Selfie Camera

Single12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)
FeaturesHDR, Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2815 mAh, non-removable
ChargingFast charging 20W (50% in 30 min), USB Power Delivery 2.0
Wireless Charging15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless charging

Body

Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm (5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 inches)
Weight164 g (5.78 oz)
BuildGlass front (Ceramic Shield), glass back, aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM and eSIM
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68 rated (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE
GPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
NFCYes
USBLightning, USB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedOctober 13, 2020
ReleasedOctober 23, 2020

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent performance with the A14 Bionic chip
  • Stunning Super Retina XDR OLED display
  • 5G connectivity
  • Improved dual-camera system with great low-light performance
  • Durable Ceramic Shield front cover
  • MagSafe ecosystem for accessories
  • Compact and comfortable design

Cons

  • No charger or headphones included in the box
  • Battery life is decent but not class-leading, especially compared to some Android rivals or its predecessor, the iPhone 11
  • No high refresh rate display
  • Still uses Lightning port instead of USB-C
  • No Touch ID, only Face ID (can be inconvenient with masks)
★ Our Verdict

The iPhone 12 was a significant upgrade with its OLED display, 5G, and powerful A14 chip, offering a premium experience, though its battery life and lack of a high refresh rate display were minor drawbacks compared to some competitors.

The Apple iPhone 12 remains a capable smartphone even several years after its release, especially if you can find it at a reduced price. Its A14 Bionic chip still delivers smooth performance for most apps and games, and the Super Retina XDR OLED display offers excellent visuals. While it lacks the latest camera advancements or high refresh rate screens of newer models, its dual-camera system still captures impressive photos and videos. Consider it if 5G connectivity is important to you and you appreciate Apple's ecosystem, but be aware that battery life might not be as robust as more recent iPhones. Look for refurbished models or carrier deals to get the best value, and factor in the cost of a separate charger if you don't already own one.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • iPhone 12 handset
  • USB-C to Lightning Cable
  • Documentation (no power adapter or EarPods)

Apple typically offers a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects, with optional AppleCare+ extending coverage and adding accidental damage protection for an additional cost.

❓ Questions & Answers

What are the main differences between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11?

The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, 5G connectivity, the A14 Bionic chip, and a more durable Ceramic Shield front cover, while the iPhone 11 has an LCD display, 4G, and the A13 Bionic chip.

Does the iPhone 12 come with a charger and headphones?

No, the iPhone 12, like other recent iPhone models, does not include a power adapter or EarPods in the box; it only comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable.

Is the iPhone 12 waterproof?

The iPhone 12 is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes.

What kind of display does the iPhone 12 have?

The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and HDR support, protected by Ceramic Shield glass.

What is MagSafe on the iPhone 12?

MagSafe is a magnetic system on the back of the iPhone 12 that allows for easy attachment of accessories like wireless chargers, cases, and wallets, and supports faster 15W wireless charging.

How long does the iPhone 12 battery last?

The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, offering up to 17 hours of video playback or 65 hours of audio playback, though actual usage varies.