Apple iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 in 2022: Which should you buy?

The iPhone 11 is the 13th generation and the iPhone 12 is the 14th generation in the Apple iPhone lineup. Apple released the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max in September 2019. The iPhone 12 lineup saw a split release, with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro arriving in October 2020 and the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max arriving a few weeks later, in November 2020.

With smartphones, it is often assumed that the newer the model, the better the phone. Technically, that is a true statement. But when comparing year-over-year upgrades such as the iPhone 11 family and the iPhone 12 family, there are quite a few similarities. Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max. 

iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12

If you look down the spec lists comparing the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 12 you are going to find lots of similarities. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find some differences. For example, both models feature a 6.1” display with True Tone, but the iPhone 12 display is HDR and a higher resolution, at 2532 x 1170, as compared to 1792 x 828 on the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 also features a Super Retina XDR based on OLED technology, rather than the LCD-based Liquid Retina display on the iPhone 11. As a result, the iPhone 12 offers better contrast and viewing angles, sharper text, and better overall image quality.

iPhone 11iPhone 12Display6.1″ Liquid Retina HD6.1″ Super Retina XDRFront Camera12MP TrueDepth12MP TrueDepthRear CameraDual 12MP ultra-wide and wideDual 12MP ultra-wide and wideProcessorA13 Bionic chip (with 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 8-core Neural Engine) A14 Bionic chip (with 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)RAM4GB4GBStorage64GB, 128GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB4G / 5GYes / NoYes / YesBattery3,110 mAh (Rated for up to 17 hours for video playback)2,815 mAh (Rated for up to 17 hours for video playback)Wireless ChargingQi wirelessMagSafe and Qi wirelessFast ChargingUp to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapterUp to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapterSize5.94″ (H) x 2.98″ (W) x 0.33″ (D)5.78″ (H) x 2.82″ (W) x 0.29″ (D)Weight6.84 ounces5.78 ouncesWater ResistanceIP68 (maximum 2 meters up to 30 minutes)IP68 (maximum 6 meters up to 30 minutes)SIMDual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)ColorsPurple, Yellow, Green, Black, White, PRODUCT(RED)Blue, Green, White, Black, and PRODUCT(RED)

The iPhone 12 is a little smaller and lighter as compared to the iPhone 11, and it also features the newer squared-off design. The iPhone 12 has a Ceramic Shield front, which adds extra protection against display scratches and cracks, and offers up to 256GB of storage space, just in case you’re the type that prefers to keep as much as possible stored locally on your phone.

One noticeable feature difference between these two models is the processor. The iPhone 11 has an Apple A13 Bionic chip, and the iPhone 12 has an A14 Bionic chip. Naturally, the A14 is newer, and as a result, it offers better performance. But having said that, the Apple A13 Bionic chip is more than capable of handling your usage needs with ease.

iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: Camera

Another key, but slightly hidden difference is the front and rear camera. These models each have a 12MP TrueDepth camera on the front, and each supports key features such as Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting. However, the iPhone 12 front camera has a Night mode, Deep Fusion, and can record HDR video with Dolby Vision at up to 4K at 30 frames per second. 

The rear cameras on these two models each offer a Dual 12MP setup with wide and ultra-wide, but the rear camera setup on the iPhone 12 adds some key video features not found on the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 rear camera can record HDR video with Dolby Vision at up to 4K at 30 frames per second, and also has Night mode Time-lapse.

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iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro comparison is slightly different as compared to the iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 comparison in that you’ll find a few differences. For example, the display on the iPhone 12 Pro is a bit larger at 6.1”. But otherwise, the display specs are similar. Both are Super Retina XDR displays based on OLED technology, and both support HDR, True Tone, and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The iPhone 12 Pro is also slightly taller than the iPhone 11 Pro. 

iPhone 11 ProiPhone 12 ProDisplay5.8″ Super Retina XDR6.1″ Super Retina XDRFront Camera12MP TrueDepth12MP TrueDepthRear CameraTriple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephotoPro 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephotoProcessorA13 Bionic chip (with 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 8-core Neural Engine)A14 Bionic chip (with 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)RAM4GB6GBStorage64GB, 256GB, 512GB64GB, 256GB, 512GB4G / 5GYes / NoYes / YesBattery3,046 mAh (Rated for up to 18 hours for video playback)2,815 mAh (Rated for up to 17 hours for video playback)Wireless ChargingQi wirelessMagSafe and Qi wirelessFast ChargingUp to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 18W adapterUp to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapterSize5.67″ (H) x 2.81″ (W) x 0.32″ (D)5.78″ (H) x 2.82″ (W) x 0.29″ (D)Weight6.63 ounces6.66 ouncesWater ResistanceIP68 (maximum 4 meters up to 30 minutes)IP68 (maximum 6 meters up to 30 minutes)SIMDual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)ColorsMidnight Green, Silver, Space Gray, and GoldPacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, and Silver

The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro both offer the same storage options, though the 12 Pro has 6GB of RAM, support for MagSafe charging, and the newer Apple A14 Bionic chip. One interesting difference between the two models is the battery rating, which is slightly less on the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 11 Pro has a 3,046 mAh battery and is rated at up to 18 hours for video playback, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro has a 2,815 mAh battery and is rated at up to 17 hours for video playback.

Overall though, while the iPhone 11 Pro should be able to meet most of your usage needs with ease, we can understand wanting to get an iPhone 12 Pro because of the newer squared-off design and support for 5G networks.

iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro: Camera

A key feature of the iPhone and a big reason for considering the Pro model over the regular iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 is the camera. The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro each offer a triple camera array on the back with a 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. But the iPhone 12 Pro brings additional features such as Dolby Vision HDR video recording at up to 4K at 60 frames per second on the front and rear cameras, and it also has a LiDAR Scanner on the back for night mode portraits and faster autofocus in low light settings. The iPhone 12 Pro also supports Apple ProRAW, which is a big perk if you’re looking to get the most out of your images.

Flipping over to the front-facing camera you’ll find both models have a 12MP TrueDepth with an f/2.2 aperture, but the iPhone 12 Pro adds key features such as Night mode and Deep Fusion, neither of which are supported on the iPhone 11 Pro front-facing camera.  

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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro Max

If you’re considering the Pro Max model just because you want the biggest display, as compared to the regular or Pro models – either the iPhone 11 Pro Max or the iPhone 12 Pro Max will meet your day-to-day usage needs with ease. The most noticeable differences between the 11 Pro Max and the 12 Pro Max are the exterior design and color options. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features the newer squared-off design, which could be the sole deciding factor for lots of people.

iPhone 11 Pro MaxiPhone 12 Pro MaxDisplay6.5″ Super Retina XDR6.7″ Super Retina XDRFront Camera12MP TrueDepth12MP TrueDepthRear CameraTriple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephotoPro 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephotoProcessorA13 Bionic chip (with 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 8-core Neural Engine)A14 Bionic chip (with 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)RAM4GB6GBStorage64GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB4G / 5GYes / NoYes / YesBattery3,969 mAh (Rated for up to 20 hours for video playback)3,687 mAh (Rated for up to 20 hours for video playback)Wireless ChargingQi wirelessMagSafe and Qi wirelessFast ChargingUp to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 18W adapterUp to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapterSize6.22″ (H) x 3.06″ (W) x 0.32″ (D)6.33″ (H) x 3.07″ (W) x 0.29″ (D)Weight7.97 ounces8.03 ouncesWater ResistanceIP68 (maximum 4 meters up to 30 minutes)IP68 (maximum 6 meters up to 30 minutes)SIMDual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)ColorsMidnight Green, Silver, Space Gray, GoldPacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, Silver

Otherwise, the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a slightly larger display, and it is slightly taller and slightly heavier than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Another nice perk of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the Ceramic Shield front, which adds some durability to the display to better protect against scratches. The iPhone 12 Pro Max also supports 5G cellular networks and MagSafe wireless charging. 

iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro Max: Camera

At first glance, the iPhone 11 Pro Max and 12 Pro Max appear to have identical camera specs. Both have a triple camera array on the back with a 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto, and both have a 12MP TrueDepth on the front. But as we mentioned earlier with the regular and Pro model comparisons, the iPhone 12 Pro Max camera adds a few key features as compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max. 

The iPhone 12 Pro Max rear-camera array includes a LiDAR Scanner for Night mode portraits and faster autofocus in low light settings, and it supports the Apple ProRAW format. The iPhone 12 Pro Max front camera includes support for Night mode and Deep Fusion, neither of which are supported on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max also offers support for HDR video recording with Dolby Vision at up to 4K at 30 frames per second on the front and rear cameras. 

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iPhone 12 mini

Here at Swappa, we often recommend getting the slightly older model because it is a great way to get many of the same features, while also spending less money. For example, you’ll save money buying a gently used iPhone 11 instead of an iPhone 12, while still getting most of the key features that you’ll need or want. But in the case of the iPhone 12 mini – there isn’t a model to compare, so if a smaller iPhone is what you want, the iPhone 12 mini is the winner. 

iPhone 12 miniDisplay5.4″ Super Retina XDRFront Camera12MP TrueDepthRear CameraDual 12MP wide and ultra-wideProcessorA14 Bionic chip (with 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)RAM4GBStorage64GB, 128GB, 256GB4G / 5GYes / YesBattery2,227 mAh (Rated for up to 15 hours for video playback)Wireless ChargingMagSafe and Qi WirelessFast ChargingUp to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapterSize5.18″ (H) x 2.53″ (W) x 0.29″ (D)Weight4.76 ouncesWater ResistanceIP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes)SIMDual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)ColorsPurple, Blue, Green, White, Black, PRODUCT(RED)

The specs of the iPhone 12 mini are similar to the iPhone 12, aside from the 12 mini being smaller in size. The battery life is also going to be a bit less with an estimated up to 15 hours for video playback time. In comparison, the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 offer up to 17 hours of video playback time. You can tap the widget below to start browsing the available iPhone 12 mini listings. 

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Swappa is the safest marketplace for used tech, so regardless of whether you choose a model from the iPhone 11 family or from the iPhone 12 family – you can buy with confidence. In addition to being safe, Swappa is easy to use and the is the marketplace where you are sure to get a great deal. And, for anyone that may still be undecided on which iPhone to choose, Swappa’s iPhone Buyer’s Guide is linked below.