The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are among Apple’s 2020 lineup of smartphones, including squared-off designs, OLED screens, 5G connectivity, the A14 CPU, better cameras, and MagSafe. When the iPhone 13 range debuts in September 2021, the iPhone 12 and 12 small will still be offered as less expensive alternatives.
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, which were introduced in October 2020 and are now more than a year old and have been replaced by the iPhone 13, are still affordable and provide decent performance. Apple typically introduces new iPhone models in September, and while though the iPhone 12 and 12 mini debuted in 2020 one month later than usual, Apple resumed its regular release schedule with the iPhone 13’s September 2021 release.
Many prospective buyers are probably debating whether it’s still worthwhile to buy an iPhone 12 or 12 mini in order to save a few bucks now that the iPhone 13 range is out there.
If price is a major factor for you, the iPhone 12 and 12 mini represent excellent middle-of-the-road devices in Apple’s lineup. However, if you want the newest and greatest mainstream phone or cutting-edge photo capabilities, you’ll need to spring for at least the iPhone 13 or possibly the iPhone 13 Pro.
The iPhone 12 ($699 beginning price) and iPhone 12 small ($599 starting price) are $100 less expensive than their iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini predecessors, which is a respectable discount. Additionally, even if the iPhone 13 models come with a few new capabilities, the general appearance hasn’t changed much, and many consumers only see the iPhone 13 as a slight improvement, which can make the iPhone 12 a more enticing choice for certain people.
Apple does have other versions that are even more affordable than the iPhone 12 and 12 mini if you want to save even more money. The $499 iPhone 11 from 2019 is still available from Apple and has the same 6.1-inch display size as the iPhone 12. However, there are certain compromises, including the LCD display rather than the OLED, the absence of 5G capability, and the usage of more aged components with somewhat inferior performance.
The $399 iPhone SE, Apple’s entry-level offering, is built on somewhat older technology, including a 4.7-inch LCD screen with thicker top and bottom borders and a Touch ID Home button, but it still provides a fair value for those consumers who are most concerned with pricing.
Overview of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, which come with impressive features at a competitive price, were unveiled by Apple on October 13, 2020. The iPhone 12 and 12 mini continue to be the best options for anybody who doesn’t need advanced camera functions, despite having previously been available alongside the more costly and now discontinued iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The 5.4-inch iPhone 12 was a brand-new size and the smallest iPhone Apple has released since the 2016 iPhone SE, while the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 was a replacement for the iPhone 11 from 2019. The only differences between the two phones are their screens and batteries. The iPhone 12 mini is the best option for individuals who desire an iPhone that can be used with one hand due to its compact size.
With the exception of the Face ID notch and narrow bezels around the edge, the Super Retina XDR OLED screens on the iPhone 12 and 12 mini have an edge-to-edge design.
The resolution of the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 small is 2430 x 1080 at 476 pixels per inch, while the resolution of the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 is 2532 x 1170 at 460 pixels per inch. Wide Color for vibrant, true-to-life colours, Haptic Touch for feedback, and True Tone to adapt the display’s colour temperature to the surrounding illumination for a more natural viewing experience are all features of the displays, which also support HDR and have a peak brightness of 1200 nits.
In 2020, Apple completely redesigned the iPhone 12 series, adopting flat edges that differed from the rounded corners of earlier versions and were modelled like the iPad Pro. A Ceramic Shield cover, which takes the place of the previous models’ regular cover glass, protects the front of the iPhone. According to Apple, the Ceramic Shield has 4 times greater drop performance and is embedded with nano-ceramic crystals. For the iPhone 13, Apple primarily carried over the iPhone 12 design and Ceramic Shield, giving the two models a remarkably identical appearance.
The iPhone 12’s back is constructed of glass, similar to previous recent models, and its two sides are sandwiched between an aerospace-grade aluminium casing that is available in six colours: blue, green, black, white, (PRODUCT)RED, and purple, with a seventh colour to be released in April 2021. The IP68 water and dust resistance of the iPhone 12 models allows them to withstand immersion in 6 metres of water for up to 30 minutes.
For quicker downloads and uploads, higher-quality video streaming, enhanced gaming, and higher-definition 1080p FaceTime conversations, 5G connection was initially supported by the iPhone 12 models. The fastest 5G technology, mmWave, is only supported with iPhone 12 devices purchased in the United States, despite 5G coverage being available everywhere else.
Other nations’ sales of the iPhone 12 are restricted to Sub-6GHz 5G connection, which is slower but more prevalent. Even in densely populated locations, 5G speeds in the US can reach 4Gbps.
When 5G isn’t available, Gigabit LTE is enabled, and a Smart Data Mode switches back to an LTE connection while 5G speeds aren’t required to conserve battery life when utilising 5G.
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini incorporate an U1 Ultra Wideband chip enabling spatial awareness and engagement with other devices that support the U1 capability, such as the HomePod mini. They also support WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
The iPhone 12 models use an A14 chip, which was the first in the smartphone market to be manufactured using a 5-nanometer technology for increased performance and efficiency. Despite the fact that the A15 processor found in the most recent iPhone 13 models has pushed things even farther, Apple claimed at launch that the 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU in the A14 were 50% quicker than the fastest competitive smartphone CPUs. The 16-core Neural Engine included in the A14 chip promises an 80 percent improvement in machine learning task performance over the A13 processor.
The iPhone 12 and 12 mini no longer have a comparable set of Pro models, since they were discontinued in September 2021 with the introduction of the iPhone 13 series, in contrast to the iPhone 13 family, which provides both ordinary and Pro variants. In most ways, the standard iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models are comparable to the Pro ones, but the camera is a key point of distinction. The iPhone 12 and 12 mini feature a less complicated dual-lens camera configuration, while the Pro versions have a triple-lens camera setup with a LiDAR scanner and other bells and whistles.
However, compared to the iPhone 11, there are still noticeable camera enhancements in the new iPhone 12 models. Along with a 2x optical zoom and a 5x digital zoom, there is a Wide camera with a /1.6 aperture that allows in 27 percent more light for greater performance in low-light situations and a /2.4 Ultra Wide camera.
The A14 processor provides computational photography features including enhanced Night mode with higher contrast and Deep Fusion for better photographs with more texture and less noise. For shots to seem more realistic, there is a Smart HDR 3 function that modifies the white balance, contrast, texture, and saturation.
Cinematic-quality films may be recorded, edited, and shared directly on the iPhone thanks to the iPhone 12 models’ ability to shoot 30fps HDR video with Dolby Vision. As much as 60 frames per second may be captured in 4K footage. In addition to Dolby Vision selfie videos made with the TrueDepth camera, there is enhanced cinematic video stabilisation and a Night mode Time-Lapse capability.
Speaking about the TrueDepth camera, it gives a 12-megapixel selfie camera and keeps the Face ID facial recognition biometric identification functionality in the iPhone functional. The selfie camera can take pictures in Night mode, Portrait mode, Smart HDR 3, Deep Fusion, and Night mode.
The iPhone 12 delivers up to 17 hours of video playback, 11 hours of streaming video playback, or 65 hours of audio playing depending on the battery type. Up to 15 hours of video, 10 hours of streaming video, or 50 hours of music may be enjoyed on the iPhone 12 mini. Due to efficiency enhancements and somewhat bigger batteries, the iPhone 13 range delivers even greater battery life, although the iPhone 12 battery life is still good.
Both of the iPhone 12 models have fast charging, which uses a 20W power adaptor to give a 50% charge in 30 minutes.
Apple unveiled MagSafe accessories to go along with the iPhone 12 models, which are equipped with a ring of magnets on the rear. MagSafe accessories include a charger, iPhone covers, sleeves, and wallets. MagSafe offers 15W wireless charging, which is a significant improvement above the 7.5W charging offered by conventional Qi-based wireless chargers. The Lightning connector, which has not changed, may also be used to charge iPhone 12 devices.
EarPods and the power adaptor were removed by Apple from the iPhone 12 packaging, and now you must buy them separately. Apple has discontinued the USB-A version of the Lightning cord, and all iPhone models now come standard with a USB-C to Lightning adapter.
Price and Availability of the iPhone 12
On Friday, October 23, 2020, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 made its public debut. The iPhone 12 is now priced beginning at $699 for 64GB of storage, with 128 and 256GB versions available for an additional cost, after a price reduction after the iPhone 13’s release in September 2021. On Friday, November 13, 2020, the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini went on sale. The iPhone 12 mini now has a starting price of $599 for 64GB of storage; 128GB and 256GB of storage are also choices.
Only Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint customers in the United States may purchase the iPhone 12 models at the beginning prices of $599 and $699, respectively. The iPhone 12 small begins at $629 and the iPhone 12 starts at $729 for SIM-free versions.
The online Apple Store, Apple retail stores, and independent merchants like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all sell the iPhones.
For the April 30, 2021 release of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, Apple announced a new purple colour in April 2021.
iPhone 12 Reviews
6.1 Inch iPhone 12
Reviewers praised the iPhone 12’s OLED display, which is a significant advance over the LCD display seen in the iPhone 11 and its redesigned design that is comparable to the iPad Pro.
With a better resolution and colours that “pop more dramatically,” Engadget dubbed the display’s improvement in quality a “enormous” one.
According to TechCrunch, the iPhone 12’s squared-off sides make it simpler to grab and lift from a flat surface while also making it more pleasant to hold. Although several reviewers, including The Verge, praised the vibrant colours, they also noted that the glossy back glass is prone to fingerprints and microabrasions.
According to Engadget, images shot with the iPhone 11 Pro don’t actually appear that much different from those taken with the camera upgrade, which most reviewers judged to be incremental compared to the iPhone 11. According to TechCrunch, there are “marks of improvement,” with the greatest difference being the Wide camera’s f/1.6 aperture, which allows more light in.
Additionally, perspective correction was said to make the Ultra Wide camera clearer and crisper, eliminate any line distortion, and increase Portrait Mode’s ability to discern minute details.
When compared to using a Qi-based charger, most reviewers found the MagSafe integration to be quicker and less annoying. The connection is also strong enough to allow you to use the iPhone while it is charging.
Reviewers weren’t very satisfied with 5G connection since it is still patchy in many areas of the United States and other nations. The fastest mmWave networks are only present on a few blocks in a select few large cities, according to TechCrunch. Wired said that 5G isn’t widely accessible enough for most people to “enjoy the advantage of higher wireless speeds.”
Design
Design Apple switched from the rounded edges that had been utilised since the iPhone 6 to a new flat-edged design with the iPhone 12 and 12 mini in 2020. The flat edges of the iPhone 12 models are reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5 as well as the iPad Pro versions in appearance.
An aluminium frame with a matte finish that is somewhat different in look from the stainless steel band used for the Pro versions holds the all-glass front and glass rear panel together.
The TrueDepth camera, speaker, and microphone are located in a notch at the front of the iPhone 12 models, and there is a thin bezel all the way around the device’s corners.
Along with the normal power button on the right and volume controls on the left, the phone has antenna bands on the top and sides. A 5G mmWave antenna is located below the power button, although this feature is only available on American versions that support mmWave. This antenna is absent from iPhones sold in other nations. The side of iPhones bought in European nations has regulatory information carved into it.
There are speaker holes and built-in microphones at the bottom of the iPhone 12 models, and the SIM slot that was on the right side of the phone in earlier generations has been shifted to the left side. Additionally, a Lightning port is available for charging devices.
There is a square-shaped camera bump with a dual-lens camera and flash on the rear of the iPhone. An Apple logo that matches the colour of the device appears underneath that.
There are no changes between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 mini other than size (and battery life). The feature set, functioning, and design of the phones are all the same.
Sizes
The 6.1-inch iPhone 12 is identical to the 6.1-inch iPhone 11 in size, while the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 small has the same screen size. The sizes of the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini are identical.
The 6.1-inch iPhone 12 is 11% thinner, 15% smaller, and 16% lighter than the iPhone 11, however the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini has no comparison to the prior generation since it was the smallest and lightest iPhone Apple has released since the 2016 iPhone SE.
The dimensions of the iPhone 12 are 5.78 inches (146.7mm) high, 2.82 inches (71.5mm) broad, and 0.29 inches thick (7.4mm).
The iPhone 12 mini has not been selling well and has not been as well-liked by customers as other iPhone 12 size alternatives, despite demand for a smaller phone. Although the tiny size was still available in the iPhone 13 series, there are reports that Apple would discontinue it for the iPhone 14 lineup in 2022.
Color Schemes
The colours white, black, blue, green, (PRODUCT)RED, and purple are available for the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini. The other colours were brand-new, although the black and white hues are comparable to those of the iPhone 11.
In April 2021, Apple added a new purple colour choice to the previous ones already offered for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini. Apple previously provided a lavender-colored iPhone 11, but the purple hue of the iPhone 12 is a little bit deeper.
Following the release of the iPhone 13, all six iPhone 12 colours are still readily available.
Water Repellency
The IP68 water resistance certification of the iPhone 12 and 12 mini allows them to endure exposure to water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to six metres (19.7 ft).
Despite having a comparable water resistance certification (IP68), the iPhone 12 models are better suited to longer submersion than the iPhone 11, which Apple said could survive water up to four metres deep for 30 minutes. The water resistance of the iPhone 13 models is the same as that of the iPhone 12 models.
The iPhone 12 can withstand dirt, dust, and other particles thanks to the IP68 number’s 6 dust resistance and 8 water resistance designations. The maximum dust resistance grade available is IP6x.
The iPhone 12 models can endure rain, splashes, and accidental spills, but it is best to avoid purposeful water exposure since regular device use may cause water and dust resistance to deteriorate over time.
Liquid damage is not covered by Apple’s iPhone warranty, and although AppleCare+ does, there is a deductible that must be met before the damage can be repaired.
Display
All iPhone 12 models come with a Super Retina XDR display, which Apple launched for the first time in 2020 throughout the whole iPhone family.
For darker blacks and brighter whites, there is a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, and HDR pictures, videos, TV programmes, and movies may have a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits. The maximum brightness of the iPhone 12 models is typically 625 nits.
The larger iPhone 12 has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 pixels per inch, while the iPhone 12 mini has a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels at 476 pixels per inch.
A True Tone function adjusts the display’s white balance to match the ambient lighting around you for an easier-on-the-eyes viewing experience, and broad colour support means that the displays provide rich, true to life colours.
The display has an oleophobic layer that resists fingerprints and keeps it clean, and Haptic Touch support offers haptic feedback while using the display for operations like long presses. Compared to the iPhone 11, the Taptic Engine that drives Haptic Touch was a little bit smaller.
Ceramic Armor
The iPhone 12 and 12 mini are shielded by “Ceramic Shield” material, which provides four times greater drop protection than regular cover glass. In order to increase durability, nano-ceramic crystals are infused into glass to create the Ceramic Shield display cover.
In order to maximise clarity while keeping robustness, ceramic crystals were modified for the display, which was developed in collaboration with Corning. Apple claims that Ceramic Shield is more durable than any smartphone glass, and that its dual-ion exchange manufacturing process provides defence against scuffs and normal wear and tear.
Early testing have shown that Apple’s predictions are likely true and that the Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 12 is more resilient to force tests and drops than the glass on the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro outperformed the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro in drop testing, demonstrating more durability than earlier iPhone models, although they are still susceptible to breaking.
A Mohs hardness test revealed that the iPhone 12’s display scratched at a level 6 with deeper scratches formed at level 7, despite the Ceramic Shield being more resistant to breaking when dropped. The improved scratch resistance of the new iPhones has not been mentioned by Apple.
Bionic Chip A14
The first A-series processor constructed using a smaller 5-nanometer manufacturing technique, the A14 Bionic chip utilised in the whole iPhone 12 family, improves speed and efficiency. For longer battery life and higher performance, the A14 has 11.8 billion, or 40%, more transistors than the A13.
Apple claims that the A14 Bionic processor, which has a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, is 50% quicker than any other top smartphone chip on the market in 2020.
The A14 processor in the iPhone 12 is more than 20% quicker than the A13 chip in the iPhone 11, according to early Geekbench test findings.
Brain Engine
The machine learning accelerators are up to 70% quicker, and there is a 16-core Neural Engine that is 80% faster than the previous-generation Neural Engine. Applying Deep Fusion enhancements to photographs is a job that can be completed 11 trillion times per second thanks to the Neural Engine.
A new image signal processor enabling Dolby Vision recording compatibility, Smart HDR 3 for more realistic colour changes in images, and sophisticated temporal noise reduction that reduces noise in films are other advancements.
RAM
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini have 4GB of RAM.
Face ID and TrueDepth Camera
The iPhone 12 and 12 mini feature Face ID, a face recognition technique that was initially announced in 2017, for biometric identification. The TrueDepth camera system in the display notch houses the Face ID components.
iOS uses Face ID for a variety of activities, including unlocking the iPhone, granting access to passcode-protected third-party applications, verifying in-app purchases, and validating Apple Pay transactions.
A system of sensors and cameras enables Face ID. An infrared camera reads the 3D facial scan made by a Dot Projector, which throws more than 30,000 invisible infrared dots onto the skin’s surface to record the contours of each face.
The A14 chip receives the face depth map, which is subsequently converted into a mathematical model that the iPhone utilises for identification verification. Face ID works with hats, beards, glasses, sunglasses, scarves, and other accoutrements that partly occlude the face in low light and the dark.
Face ID information is kept in the Secure Enclave, where it is inaccessible to Apple, outside applications, and anybody else who has access to your phone. On-device authentication takes place; no Face ID data is sent to Apple during this process.
Facial Recognition with a Mask
Users may activate the “Unlock with Apple Watch” function while using a face mask for convenience. When wearing a mask, iPhone owners may unlock their device by using an unlocked, authorised Apple Watch thanks to the feature called “Unlock with Apple Watch.” It cannot be used to unlock applications that need a Face ID scan, authenticate Apple Pay or App Store transactions, or access Apple Pay accounts.
Apple made it possible for Face ID to operate with face masks in iOS 15.4 without requiring an Apple Watch for verification. According to Apple, the feature has the ability to “recognise the distinctive characteristics surrounding the eye” for verification. You will need to rescan your face for Face ID if you want to utilise this functionality during setup. After that, even if you’re wearing a mask, Face ID will still be able to unlock your iPhone.
Camera Features
The 12-megapixel f/2.2 camera in the TrueDepth camera system not only powers face recognition but also functions as a front-facing selfie and FaceTime camera with many of the same capabilities as the rear-facing camera.
The front-facing TrueDepth camera on the iPhone 12 models received additional photography capabilities thanks to the A14 processor. For the first time, night mode functioned with the front-facing camera, allowing for evening selfies.
Additionally supported are Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording. Deep Fusion enhances colour and texture in medium- to low-light scenarios by selecting the best pixels from many exposures to create a fantastic final picture.
For more natural lighting, Smart HDR 3 enhances the highlights, shadows, white balance, and contouring in each picture, while Dolby Vision HDR compatibility enables the recording and editing of Dolby Vision video.
Both 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and 1080p “slofie” video recording at 120 frames per second are supported. Support for Memoji and Animoji, time-lapse video, time-lapse in night mode, QuickTake video, and lens correction to account for image distortion are further capabilities of the front-facing camera.
Dual-Lens Rear Camera
There’s a dual-lens camera available in the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, with camera technology being the key distinguishing element between the basic versions and equivalent Pro variants.
The 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera has a 120-degree field of view, an f/2.4 aperture, and a 13mm focal length, making it perfect for taking creative, unusual, and wide-angle landscape photos. In order to rectify any distortion brought on by the extremely wide angle, Apple has introduced a lens correction tool.
A conventional 12-megapixel Wide camera with a 26mm focal length and an f/1.6 aperture, which allows in 27% more light than the f/1.8 aperture of the iPhone 11 camera, is included alongside the Ultra Wide camera. The 7-element lens is an improvement over the one seen in the iPhone 11 camera.
The iPhone 12 models feature 5x digital zoom and 2x optical zoom out (with the Ultra Wide lens), but no optical zoom in, as they lack the telephoto lens present in Pro versions.
To reduce camera shaking while taking a picture, optical image stabilisation is enabled. Other camera functions from earlier models are also supported, including panoramic, burst mode, and portrait lighting with depth control.
New camera capabilities
A quicker and more potent Image Signal Processor on the A14 processor, included in the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, allows additional camera capability for 2020.
- Night Mode for Ultra Wide – Night mode in the new iPhone 12 models works with both the Wide and Ultra Wide lenses so you can get nighttime wide-angle shots.
- Deep Fusion – Deep Fusion works with the Ultra Wide and Wide lenses to bring improvements to color and texture in mid to low-light scenes. With Deep Fusion, multiple exposures are analyzed on a pixel level to bring out detail in all objects in the image.
- Smart HDR 3 – Refines highlights, shadows, white balance, and contours for the most natural color and lighting in any scene. Smart HDR comes into play when there are differences in lighting, such as when photographing a scene with a lot of sky.
- HDR 3 Scene Recognition – Scene Recognition lets the camera recognize everyday scenes and adjust different parts of the photo accordingly for more true-to-life images. The iPhone can distinguish buildings and sky, snowy mountains and clouds, food on a plate, and more, optimizing the scene to make it look as close to real life as possible.
- Faster processing – The iPhone 12 models have faster image processing thanks to the A14 chip.
Video recording
The iPhone 12 with the A14 chip included additional video capabilities as well, namely Dolby Vision recording at up to 30 frames per second. Frame-by-frame grading for Dolby Vision is done as you record, and you can edit the video immediately on your iPhone using iMovie or Photos.
Both 1080p and 720p recording as well as standard 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second are supported. When a tripod is available, there is new Night mode time-lapse video functionality that allows for Slo-mo footage in 1080p at 120 or 240 frames per second.
Standard time-lapse, increased dynamic range, continuous autofocus, QuickTake video support for recording movies even when the camera is not in video mode, and optical image stabilisation are additional video capabilities.
Battery Life
The iPhone 12 small has a 2,227mAh battery, whereas the iPhone 12 has a 2,815mAh battery, according to battery life certifications and teardowns.
Up to 17 hours of movie playing, 11 hours of streaming video playback, and 65 hours of audio playback are all possible with the iPhone 12 battery.
The battery life of the iPhone 12 mini is reduced due to its smaller size. It has a maximum playing time of 15 hours for regular video, 10 hours for streaming video, and 50 hours for audio.
Using a Lightning to USB-C connector and a 20W power adapter, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini feature rapid charging and can charge to 50% in 30 minutes.
Connectivity 5G
The first iPhones to enable 5G networks were Apple’s iPhone 12 models, which function with both the mmWave and Sub-6GHz 5G standards.
When discussing 5G connection, mmWave 5G networks are most often mentioned since they provide the fastest 5G speeds. The usage of mmWave is restricted to big cities and metropolitan regions, along with events like concerts, airports, and other locations where people gather, owing to the fact that it has a small range and that the connection may be broken by buildings, trees, and other obstructions.
Urban, suburban, and rural locations all throughout the United States and other nations have significantly greater access to sub-6GHz 5G. When utilising a 5G network, you’ll often be using Sub-6GHz 5G. Although it’s not the ultra-fast 5G you may be anticipating, it is typically quicker than LTE and will continue to grow faster as 5G technology develops. Both mmWave and Sub-6GHz 5G networks are available from all U.S. providers, albeit availability varies.
In the US, the iPhone 12 and 12 mini support both mmWave and Sub-6GHz networks, although mmWave connection is not offered elsewhere. The mmWave antenna is located on the side of the iPhone 12 models sold outside of the US, hence those versions cannot connect to mmWave networks.
The iPhone 12 models employ Qualcomm’s X55 modem, but Apple developed specialised antennas and radio parts to improve communication. Additionally, Apple says that software optimization allows applications to take use of 5G without requiring more power or affecting battery life.
5G Advantages
Faster upload and download rates made possible by 5G speed up everything from downloading TV episodes and movies to loading webpages.
Additionally, it improves FaceTime call quality and expands bandwidth for streaming services so you can watch in a better resolution. FaceTime calls function in 1080p over WiFi or 5G. 5G releases bandwidth and lessens congestion for quicker use rates in locations where LTE speeds are poor due to the sheer quantity of people.
The 5G Battery
According to battery testing, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro’s battery drains far more quickly while linked to 5G networks than it does when connected to LTE networks.
The iPhone 12 lasted for eight hours and 25 minutes in a test using the identical settings, while the iPhone 12 Pro lasted nine hours and six minutes while linked to 5G.
The iPhone 12 lasted 10 hours and 23 minutes when connected to LTE, while the iPhone 12 Pro lasted 11 hours and 24 minutes.
5G Bands
iPhone 12 models in the United States support up to 20 5G bands.
- Sub-6GHz: 5G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n38, n40, n41, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79)
- mmWave: 5G NR mmWave (Bands n260, n261)
LTE Bands
Along with 5G, the iPhone 12 models also support Gigabit LTE, so you can still connect to LTE networks when 5G networks aren’t available. The following bands are supported:
- FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71)
- TD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)
Save Data Mode
When 5G speeds are not required to maintain battery life, the Data Saver Mode function switches the iPhone’s connection to LTE.
For instance, the iPhone utilises LTE while updating in the background since very high connections are not required, but the iPhone 12 models switch to 5G when downloading a show because speed is an important factor. There is an option to switch off the automated Data Saver Mode and utilise 5G whenever it is available.
Support for Dual SIM
With dual SIM capability, two phone numbers may be used simultaneously thanks to the combination of an eSIM and a real nano-SIM slot. Many nations throughout the globe have eSIM capabilities, and Apple’s website has a list of carriers that accept eSIM.
At launch, the iPhone 12 models’ Dual SIM mode did not support 5G connection and could only operate at LTE speeds; however, this was fixed by an iOS upgrade. Through the iOS 14.5 software update, which was made available in the spring of 2021, Apple enabled Dual SIM 5G capability.
Personal Hotspot 5GHz
Devices may tether over faster 5GHz WiFi when utilising Personal Hotspot on iPhone 12 models as opposed to the 2.4GHz limit on earlier iPhones. Devices capable of connecting to 5GHz networks may see performance gains thanks to the 5GHz option, which is activated by default.
Bluetooth, WiFi, and U1 Chip
The same Apple-designed U1 processor that was initially unveiled in the iPhone 11 series is included in the iPhone 12 variants. The iPhone 12 models can accurately find other U1-enabled Apple devices thanks to Ultra Wideband technology that the U1 processor makes possible.
Because Ultra Wideband is intended to provide better indoor positioning and location monitoring, Apple has compared it to “GPS at the size of the living room.”
The iPhone 12 and 12 mini can accurately find adjacent AirTags thanks to the U1 processor. Additionally, it’s utilised to interface with the HomePod mini, which also includes an U1 chip, and for directional AirDrop.
The iPhone 12 models feature Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 6, the newest and fastest WiFi protocols, respectively.
Other Qualities
Speaker
For a more realistic audio experience, the iPhone 12 models contain a spatial audio capability that simulates surround sound. Additionally supported is Dolby Atmos audio.
Sensors
The barometer, three-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor are all features of the iPhone 12 models.
NFC and GPS
The iPhone 12 and 12 mini offer support for the following location services: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou (new in 2020).
The iPhone models support NFC with reader mode and include a background tag function that enables NFC tag scanning without opening an app first.
Room for Storage
Storage on the iPhone 12 and 12 mini starts off at 64GB, with upgrades to 128GB and 256GB being offered.
MagSafe
The magnetic ring that is included into the iPhone 12 models is designed to function with a MagSafe charger and other magnetic accessories.
The highest wireless charging speed offered by Qi-based chargers is 7.5W, but the MagSafe charger clips directly into the back of the iPhone 12 and can provide up to 15W (12W for the iPhone 12 mini) of power. Although the charger may be used with previous iPhone models, it is mainly intended for use with the newest iPhone models.
Cases, snap-on wallets, and other magnetic accessories work with the magnetic ring, and third-party manufacturers may also create accessories for the iPhone 12 series. Check out our MagSafe page for more information about MagSafe.
Magsafe Charging
According to MagSafe Charging Testing, a wired 20W USB-C charger charges more than twice as quickly as a MagSafe charger. A dead iPhone may be charged to 50% with the 20W charger in 28 minutes as opposed to an hour with MagSafe for the same amount of power.
The 2019 Pro Max and Pro outperformed the 2020 iPhones in battery tests comparing the iPhone 12 and 12 small versions with the iPhone 11 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone 11. Following are the rankings:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 8 hours and 29 minutes
- iPhone 11 Pro: 7 hours and 36 minutes
- iPhone 12: 6 hours and 41 minutes
- iPhone 12 Pro: 6 hours and 35 minutes
- iPhone 11: 5 hours and 8 minutes
- iPhone XR: 4 hours and 31 minutes
- iPhone SE (2020): 3 hours and 59 minutes
Apple cautions that MagSafe Chargers may leave a circular impression on leather covers, and silicone cases have also been known to have this problem. Additionally, according to Apple, nothing should be inserted between the iPhone and the MagSafe charger save for a keychain.
The iPhone 12 models’ MagSafe feature, like that of other iPhones, may interfere with medical equipment like pacemakers and defibrillators. Apple advises keeping all MagSafe accessories and iPhone 12 models a safe distance away from surgically implanted medical equipment.
When using wireless charging, a safe distance is more than 12 inches (30 cm) apart or more than 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Despite having more magnets than previous iPhone models, Apple claims that the iPhone 12 models “are not projected to pose a larger risk of magnetic interference to medical equipment” and the U.S. FDA has said that the risk of MagSafe interference with pacemakers is minimal.
MagSafe Power Supply
The MagSafe Battery Pack, which costs $99 and is compatible with the whole roster of iPhone 13 models as well as the iPhone 12 small, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, was introduced by Apple in July 2021. The MagSafe Battery Pack, which is only available in white, magnetically connects to the back of one of the iPhone models, keeping it aligned to your iPhone thanks to the magnets.
The accessory’s 11.13Wh battery may provide the iPhone a half charge. The iPhone 12 has a battery capacity of 10.78Wh, although Qi charging is inefficient and causes power loss. The MagSafe Battery Pack can charge an iPhone at a rate of 5W while it is in use, and it can charge at a rate of up to 15W while it is plugged in.
The iPhone and MagSafe Battery Pack may both be charged simultaneously. According to Apple, the MagSafe Battery Pack can get up to 15W of wireless charging through a Lightning connection, and the MagSafe Battery Pack and the iPhone can both receive even quicker charging from a 20W charger. For charging the MagSafe Battery Pack, Apple suggests using a USB-C power adapter and USB-C to Lightning cable with a power rating of 20W or greater.
If the iPhone is connected to a power source, the MagSafe Battery Pack may also be charged via the iPhone. If the iPhone has to connect to another device while charging, such as connecting CarPlay or transferring images to a Mac, Apple advises customers to charge in this manner.
See our guide specifically regarding Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack for more information.
Not a power adapter
Apple removed the included power adapter and earbuds from the iPhone 12 and 12 mini in order to reduce its environmental effect. The iPhones come with only a regular USB-C to Lightning connector and are packaged in a smaller, thinner packaging.