With the release of the new iPhone 15, you may be facing a dilemma: should you go for the latest model, or consider a previous version like the iPhone 12 Pro? In this comparison, we’ll take an in-depth look at these two iPhones to help you make an informed decision based on your budget and needs. Although the iPhone 12 Pro is three years older, it still has some remarkable features and advantages, making it a viable choice for many users.
Display Comparison
The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a 60Hz refresh rate and the classic notch design. In contrast, the iPhone 15 shares a similar display, including size, resolution, and technology. However, the iPhone 15 introduces the Dynamic Island, enhancing the interface functionality. The iPhone 15 outperforms the iPhone 12 Pro with up to 1,000 nits of brightness (up to 2,000 nits outdoors), while the iPhone 12 Pro offers up to 800 nits of brightness.
Processor Performance
The iPhone 12 Pro houses an A14 Bionic chip with 6 CPU cores, 4 GPU cores, and a 16-core Neural Engine. In comparison, the iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, featuring 6 CPU cores, 5 GPU cores, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Although there’s a three-generation gap between these models, the two-year difference in processors results in noticeable performance disparities, as detailed below.
Battery Life
Apple‘s emphasis on energy-efficient processors contributes to extended battery life. The iPhone 15 boasts up to 20 hours of battery life, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers a slightly shorter duration of 17 hours. These figures, based on video playback, can vary depending on individual usage patterns.
Camera Capabilities
Both iPhones have distinct camera setups. The iPhone 12 Pro incorporates three 12-megapixel cameras, including Wide Angle, Ultra Wide Angle, and Telephoto lenses with optical zoom capabilities. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 features two 48-megapixel lenses (Wide Angle and Ultra Wide Angle) and achieves 0.5x, 1x, and 2x optical zoom. While the iPhone 15 offers features like Action Mode and Cinema Mode for video recording, the iPhone 12 Pro lacks these enhancements. However, the iPhone 12 Pro supports Apple ProRAW format for photos, which is absent in the iPhone 15.
Other Considerations
Both models include essential features such as Face ID, 5G connectivity, MagSafe compatibility, and water resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 12 Pro features a Lightning connector at USB2 speed, while the iPhone 15 integrates the USB-C standard. However, data transfer speed remains the same for both devices.
Conclusion
Choosing between the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 15 depends on your priorities. The iPhone 15 offers a newer and more advanced platform, especially in terms of processor performance, display brightness, and camera features. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Pro remains a reliable choice with its exceptional camera capabilities, support for Apple ProRAW photos, and strong overall performance. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific needs, budget, and preferences.