iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Review: Premium Features at a Price

iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Review: Premium Features at a Price

After spending nearly a month with Apple's iPhone 12 and testing it against the iPhone 12 Pro, here’s a comprehensive review of both models. The iPhone 12 provides exceptional value for most users, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers additional features at a considerable cost, especially in markets like Nepal and India.

Design and Build

Both phones feature a sleek, flat-edged design reminiscent of early iPhones, with the 12 Pro having a slightly more premium stainless-steel frame and matte finish. The iPhone 12’s ceramic screen protection survived a few accidental drops, though scratch resistance was lacking. The camera module tends to collect fingerprints and dust easily. For most users, the standard iPhone 12’s design is more than sufficient, especially when paired with a protective case.

Display

The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro both feature a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with outstanding sharpness, color accuracy, and a peak brightness of 625 nits (800 nits on the Pro). While lacking the 120Hz refresh rate found on some Android flagships, the display quality is excellent for everyday use and outdoor visibility.

Camera Capabilities

Photographically, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro share identical wide and ultra-wide lenses, producing sharp, well-exposed images across various lighting conditions. The iPhone 12 Pro adds a 2x telephoto lens for better zoomed photography and videos, plus a LiDAR scanner that aids in low-light portraits and AR applications. However, the LiDAR’s impact was modest in everyday use. Both models support Dolby Vision HDR recording, with the Pro allowing 60fps video capture thanks to its extra RAM.

Performance

Powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, both models deliver exceptional performance that will remain responsive for years. The iPhone 12’s 4GB RAM handles daily tasks smoothly, while the Pro’s 6GB RAM benefits video editing and demanding apps. iOS 14 remains one of the most polished and intuitive mobile operating systems available.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 2815mAh battery, both models provide decent battery life, averaging around 5-7 hours of screen-on time depending on usage. Gaming and heavy use reduce this slightly. Fast charging at 20W is available, but wireless charging via MagSafe remains slow at 15W. Notably, neither model includes a charger in the box, prompting controversy and regional variations in included accessories.

Regional Pricing Considerations

In the United States, the iPhone 12 Pro costs just $120 more than the standard iPhone 12 for the 128GB model. However, in Nepal and India, the price gap is dramatically wider, making the iPhone 12 a far more practical choice for most local buyers unless the Pro’s price drops soon.

Verdict

The iPhone 12 stands out as an excellent flagship with top-tier performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. The iPhone 12 Pro’s additional features are compelling but may not justify its steep regional premium. For users in Nepal and India, the standard iPhone 12 offers the best balance of features and value.