Over the course of two events this fall, Apple launched new products across its portable range. This included the new iPhone 12 and 12 Mini both of which offer Apple specifications at a mid-market price point.
The full list of devices announced:
Apple iPhone 12 & 12 Mini
Where other manufacturers are producing their standard model and then a ‘plus’ size version, Apple has gone in the opposite direction. The new iPhone 12 is now accompanied by a smaller, 12 Mini.
Leaving the Pro models to dominate the very high-end smartphone market, and allowing Apple to offer a more affordable iPhone to the market.
And, with 4 different models to choose from, the cheapest starting at just $699/£699, there is a new iPhone for everyone.
What’s more, the iPhone 12 & Mini are packing the same powerful new A14 Bionic chip as the Pro’s and both come with 5G connectivity as standard.
Apple iPhone 12 Overview
What will become Apple’s most popular smartphone from 2020, the iPhone 12 is priced, powered and spec’d at just the right point. The Mini, whilst cheaper, and with near-identical features with the exception of the display size, will tempt some over to the Apple ecosystem.
The 5 new colours set the standard 12’s apart from the Pro’s which come in a more premium finish and the new iPhone again has a slightly toned down main camera.
But what will make the 12 so appealing is that there really isn’t that much of a bigger specification gap between the standard and Pro models, except the price!!
Size isn’t Everything
The Mini, along with the Watch SE, are the only new ‘new’ devices from this Fall event and is Apple’s smallest smartphone. But, not the smallest display.
With a 5.4″ screen the Mini is bigger than the SE but thanks to the near bezel-less border the phone itself is smaller.
With a 6.1″ display the iPhone 12 matches the smaller of the Pro models in size and display.
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Both devices have the new Super Retina XDR displays with a 2 million-to-1 contrast ratio which, Apple claims, will deliver a much more immersive experience.
Even the internal storage is relatively small compared to other flagship smartphones, with just 64/128/256GB options available, and still no SD slot to expand on that.
But who needs storage when you can have 5G!
5G as Standard
The new iPhone 12 range has 5G added to the specifications sheet on all models as standard. Leaving just the SE 2nd Gen model as the only new Apple smartphone without the new super-fast connection.
Both iPhone 12 and 12 Mini boast the best 5G experience on a smartphone and an enhanced version will be sold to the US market to support Millimetre-wave. This higher frequency of 5G can hit speeds of up to 4Gbps!
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5G is currently being deployed globally, with cell providers expected to have coverage by the end of 2021. With such high download speeds, the future of mobile computing and smartphones will change the way we work and consume media when travelling.
Main Cam Still Very Good
Apple needed to set the standard and Pro iPhone 12’s apart. With the exception of the more premium colour options on the Pro, there really is little else to split the models when you compare them.
That is until you get to the main camera. At the back, you will find the same dual-lens 2x Optical Zoom configuration that was on the previous iPhone 11. However, the 12 models can record HDR video up to 30fps.
There’s a £/$200 price difference between the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. With this being the single biggest difference, I’d save myself the cash and spend it on some MagSafe accessories.
The Similarities Continues
The 12 range both have the new MagSafe wireless charging and the huge market of 3rd party accessories that will no doubt open up. They also share the same front cam spec’s, display technology and are capable of recording the same video.
It’s clear to see many consumers are going to be stuck between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.
The Mini and Pro Max are for specific markets. If you are in either you will have already made your mind up that either device is for you.
But for the middle two, that $200 price difference for a slightly better camera, might be a hard sell!
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini take design to a new level in a new form factor that’s as beautiful as it is durable, and makes it easier than ever for customers to find the perfect iPhone to fit their lifestyle.”
Apple
Apple iPhone 12 Specifications
| 12 Mini | iPhone 12 | 12 Pro | 12 Pro Max | |
| Dimensions (mm) | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 |
| Weight (g) | 135 | 164 | 189 | 228 |
| Colours | Blue Green (Product) Red White Black | Blue Green (Product) Red White Black | Pacific Blue Gold Graphite Silver | Pacific Blue Gold Graphite Silver |
| Storage (gb) | 64 128 256 | 64 128 256 | 128 256 512 | 128 256 512 |
| Display | 5.4″ | 6.1″ | 6.1″ | 6.7″ |
| Main Cam | Ultra Wide Wide | Ultra Wide Wide | Ultra Wide Wide Telephoto | Ultra Wide Wide Telephoto |
| Optical Zoom | 2x | 2x | 4x | 5x |
| Video | 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps | 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps | 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps | 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps |
| Front Cam | 12MP TrueDepth Retina Flash | 12MP TrueDepth Retina Flash | 12MP TrueDepth Retina Flash | 12MP TrueDepth Retina Flash |
| Waterproof | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery (mAh) | 2,227 | 2,815 | 2,815 | 3,687 |
| MagSafe Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Prices (from) | £699 $699 | £799 $799 | £999 $999 | £1,099 $1,099 |
