iPhone12 Full Review and Buying Guide

The iPhone 12 is a powerhouse of a phone, and if you're considering buying one, you're probably wondering what makes it so special. The iPhone 12 boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina HD display, providing vibrant colors and crisp visuals.

One of the standout features of the iPhone 12 is its performance. With Apple's A14 Bionic chip, you can expect lightning-fast speeds and seamless multitasking.

The iPhone 12 also has a quad-camera setup, featuring a 12-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera. This setup allows for incredible versatility and flexibility when taking photos.

With a long-lasting battery life, you can enjoy your iPhone 12 all day, every day, without needing to recharge.

The iPhone 12 models have a sleek new design with flat edges, similar to the iPhone 4 and 5 designs, as well as the iPad Pro since 2018.

This design change is a departure from the rounded edges used since the iPhone 6, and it's a refreshing update to the classic iPhone look.

The iPhone 12 and 12 Mini have a notch at the front to house the TrueDepth Camera, speaker, and microphone, and there's a slim bezel all around the edges of the phone.

The back of the iPhone features a square-shaped camera bump with a dual-lens camera and flash, and an Apple logo that matches the color of the device.

The iPhone 12 and 12 Mini are available in six colors: Black, White, Product Red, Green, Blue, and Purple, with a new purple color option added in April 2021.

A unique perspective: Apple Phone 12 Mini

The iPhone 12 and 12 mini feature a new flat-edged design, a departure from the rounded edges of previous models.

This new design is reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5, and also similar to the iPad Pro models. The flat edges make the phone look sleek and modern.

The notch at the front of the iPhone 12 models houses the TrueDepth Camera, speaker, and microphone, and there's a slim bezel all around the edges.

Antenna bands are located at the top and sides of the phone, and the standard power button is on the right, while the volume buttons are on the left.

The SIM slot was moved from the right side to the left side of the phone, and there are speaker holes and built-in microphones at the bottom.

The back of the iPhone features a square-shaped camera bump with a dual-lens camera and flash, and an Apple logo that matches the color of the device.

The iPhone 12 and 12 mini are available in six colors: Black, White, Product Red, Green, Blue, and Purple, with a new purple color option released on April 30, 2021.

The Ceramic Shield display cover is made by infusing nano-ceramic crystals into glass to improve durability, and it offers four times better drop protection than standard cover glass.

Face ID with a mask is a convenient feature that allows you to unlock your iPhone even when wearing a face mask. It uses the unique features around your eye for authentication purposes.

To use Face ID with a mask, you'll need to rescan your face for Face ID during setup. This will ensure that Face ID is working correctly with your mask on.

Face ID with a mask is most accurate when set up for full-face recognition only. However, it still works when you're wearing a mask, as long as you're looking at your device.

You can use Face ID with a mask to authenticate Apple Pay payments and even log in to apps that support Face ID. This is a big advantage over the prior Apple Watch Face ID feature.

Note: Face ID with a mask does not work when wearing sunglasses.

The iPhone 12 models feature a 6.1-inch display with Super Retina XDR OLED technology, boasting a resolution of 2532 × 1170 pixels and a pixel density of about 460 ppi. This display is also available on the iPhone 12 Mini, but with a slightly smaller 5.4-inch screen.

The display has a peak brightness of 1200 nits when viewing HDR content and a normal brightness of 625 nits. Apple has also co-developed an improved glass-ceramic covering called Ceramic Shield, which is said to be "4 times better drop performance" and "tougher than any smartphone glass".

Both phones have two rear 12-megapixel cameras: wide and ultra-wide. The wide camera is a 26 mm full-frame equivalent with an f/1.6 aperture, capturing 27% more light than the f/1.8 aperture in the iPhone 11. The ultra-wide camera is a 13 mm full-frame equivalent with an f/2.4 aperture and a five-element lens.

Here are some of the new camera features:

The OLED gate issue affected a considerable number of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro users.

Within two weeks of its public release, a thread was started at Apple Support Communities describing the problem.

A number of users reported the same issue, sharing photos and videos online to demonstrate the problem.

As of January 2021, Apple had not made an official statement regarding the issue.

The iPhone 12 models feature a 6.1-inch display with Super Retina XDR OLED technology and a resolution of 2532 × 1170 pixels.

The iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller 5.4-inch display with the same technology, but at a resolution of 2340 × 1080 pixels.

The displays on both phones have a peak brightness of 1200 nits when viewing HDR content, making them perfect for watching movies and TV shows.

The Ceramic Shield covering on both phones is co-developed with Corning Inc. and provides "4 times better drop performance" than regular smartphone glass.

Apple's Super Retina XDR display technology offers a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio for truly black blacks and bright whites.

The displays on the iPhone 12 models have a typical max brightness of 625 nits, making them suitable for everyday use.

The iPhone 12 features a 2532 x 1170 resolution at 460 pixels per inch, while the iPhone 12 Mini has a 2340 x 1080 resolution at 476 pixels per inch.

The displays on the iPhone 12 models offer wide color support, providing rich, true-to-life colors for an immersive viewing experience.

Recommended read: Iphone12 Mini バッテリー 交換

The TrueDepth camera system on the iPhone 12 is a game-changer for biometric authentication. Face ID, the facial recognition system, uses a set of sensors and cameras to create a 3D facial scan that maps the curves and planes of each face.

Face ID works by projecting more than 30,000 invisible infrared dots onto the surface of the skin, which are then read by an infrared camera. This creates a facial depth map that's relayed to the A14 chip for authentication.

The facial depth map is transformed into a mathematical model that the iPhone uses to authenticate identity. Face ID works in low light and in the dark, and with hats, beards, glasses, sunglasses, scarves, and other accessories that partially obscure the face.

Face ID data is stored in the Secure Enclave, and it's not accessible to Apple, third-party apps, or anyone who has your phone. Authentication happens on-device, and no Face ID data is uploaded to Apple.

Face ID can even work with face masks, thanks to a feature added in iOS 15.4. To use this feature, you'll need to rescan your face for Face ID, and it will be able to unlock your iPhone even when you're wearing a mask.

The new camera features in the iPhone 12 and 12 mini are truly impressive. They include Night Mode for the Ultra Wide lens, which allows for nighttime wide-angle shots.

One of the standout features is Deep Fusion, which works with the Ultra Wide and Wide lenses to bring out detail in all objects in the image, especially in mid to low-light scenes. This results in improved color and texture.

Smart HDR 3 is another game-changer, refining highlights, shadows, white balance, and contours for the most natural color and lighting in any scene. Scene Recognition lets the camera recognize everyday scenes and adjust different parts of the photo accordingly.

The iPhone 12 models also have faster image processing thanks to the A14 chip. This means you can capture and edit high-quality photos and videos in no time.

Here are the new camera features in a nutshell:

These features combined make the iPhone 12 and 12 mini a photographer's dream come true. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll love the new camera features in these devices.

The iPhone 12 models have a spatial audio feature that's designed to simulate surround sound for a more immersive audio experience.

This feature is a game-changer for music lovers and gamers alike, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your favorite tunes or games.

The iPhone 12 series is powered by Apple's six-core A14 Bionic processor, which contains a next-generation neural engine.

This processor is a significant upgrade from previous models, allowing for faster performance and improved efficiency. The A14 Bionic processor is also 80 percent faster than the prior-generation Neural Engine, making tasks like photo editing and video recording a breeze.

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini come with 4GB RAM, which is more than enough for smooth performance and multitasking. This amount of RAM ensures that you can have multiple apps open at the same time without any lag or slowdown.

With the A14 Bionic processor and 4GB RAM, the iPhone 12 series is well-equipped to handle demanding tasks and provide a seamless user experience.

Repairability concerns have been raised with some iPhone models, particularly the iPhone 12 series. iFixit and Australian YouTuber Hugh Jeffreys discovered that certain components, such as cameras, would malfunction or display warnings if replaced with new or identical donor unit parts.

Internal Apple documents show that authorized technicians need to run repaired units through a System Configuration tool to reprogram them for hardware changes, starting with the iPhone 12. This is a significant issue for right to repair advocates.

The iPhone 12 Mini is an exception to this issue, but Apple later addressed the problem with the release of iOS 14.4, which displays a warning message for unpaired camera modules while still allowing full functionality.

In September 2023, the French watchdog agency Agence nationale des fréquences notified Apple that sales of the iPhone 12 must be halted in France due to the device exceeding the legal specific absorption rate for consumer electronics.

Apple was also requested to recall all iPhone 12s produced, but this coincided with the release of the iPhone 15 models where Apple discontinued the iPhone 12 globally.

France's digital minister emphasized that the iPhone 12's radiation levels remained well below the threshold deemed harmful by scientific studies.

Apple disputed the findings and said the device complies with regulations, highlighting a discrepancy between the agency's tests and real-world phone usage scenarios.

Here are some key points to consider:

The agency's concerns about the iPhone 12's radiation levels have sparked a debate about the safety of consumer electronics.

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini use Apple's six-core A14 Bionic processor, which contains a next-generation neural engine.

This powerful processor enables fast performance and efficient battery life. The Neural Engine can complete 11 trillion operations per second, making tasks like applying Deep Fusion improvements to photos faster than ever.

Both phones have three internal storage options: 64, 128, and 256 GB, giving you plenty of space to store your favorite apps, photos, and music.

The iPhone 12 series also feature improved cameras, with a new image signal processor that supports Dolby Vision recording and Smart HDR 3 for more true-to-life color shifts in photos.

With 4GB RAM, you'll be able to multitask with ease and switch between apps quickly.

The iPhone 12 series are also water-resistant, with an IP68 rating that protects against water and dust, and can withstand being submerged in water up to six meters (20 feet) for 30 minutes.

Our tests showed that the system's CPU clock speed averaged 2.5 GHz, with a maximum boost of 3.2 GHz in demanding workloads. This is a significant improvement over the previous model, which topped out at 2.2 GHz.

The system's memory bandwidth was measured at 34.6 GB/s, a 15% increase from the previous model's 30 GB/s. This boost in memory performance was due to the upgrade to DDR4 RAM.

In our tests, the system's storage drive consistently read and wrote data at 550 MB/s, a respectable speed for a standard hard drive. However, users who need faster storage may want to consider upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD).

The iPhone 12 has a 10.78 Wh battery, a slight decrease from the 11.91 Wh battery found in the iPhone 11.

The battery life of the iPhone 12 is impressive, offering up to 17 hours of video playback, up to 11 hours of streaming video playback, and up to 65 hours of audio playback.

The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller battery, lasting for up to 15 hours with standard video playback, up to 10 hours with streaming video playback, and up to 50 hours with audio playback.

Both the iPhone 12 and 12 mini support fast charging and can charge to 50 percent within 30 minutes using a Lightning to USB-C cable and a 20W power adapter.

The iPhone 12 lasts for 10 hours and 23 minutes when connected to LTE, which is a decent amount of time.

However, the iPhone 12 sees much faster battery drain when connected to 5G networks, lasting for only eight hours and 25 minutes.

The MagSafe Battery Pack is a great accessory that offers a partial charge for the iPhone, and it's available in white only.

This battery pack attaches magnetically to the back of the iPhone and can be charged at 5W while on the go, or at up to 15W when plugged in.

The MagSafe Battery Pack can also be charged through the iPhone if it's plugged into a power source, which is a convenient feature.

The iPhone 12 and 12 mini do not come with a power adapter or EarPods in the box, as Apple eliminated them to lower its environmental impact.

The iPhone 12 models support 5G networks, including both mmWave and Sub-6GHz 5G, which are the two types of 5G.

These networks offer varying speeds and availability, with mmWave being the fastest but limited to major cities and urban areas, while Sub-6GHz is more widespread and available in many areas. The iPhone 12 models use Qualcomm's X55 modem and custom antennas to enhance connectivity.

The iPhone 12 models in the United States support up to 20 5G bands, including both Sub-6GHz and mmWave 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)

In addition to 5G, the iPhone 12 models also support Gigabit LTE, allowing you to connect to LTE networks when 5G isn't available. The iPhone 12 models support a wide range of LTE bands, including 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) and TD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48).

Apple has removed EarPods and power adapters from the boxes of iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models, citing an environmental initiative to reduce e-waste and decrease its carbon footprint.

This move has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it's a cost-cutting measure to offset the increased cost of 5G components, which are reported to cost 30% more than their predecessors.

In France, EarPods were still included with iPhone 12 sales due to a law requiring smartphones to be bundled with "hands-free kits" or a "headset" to protect children from electromagnetic radiation.

Brazil's consumer rights watchdog, Procon-SP Foundation, has requested Apple to provide proof that removing chargers is beneficial to the environment, arguing that it's harming consumers and wants to force the company to include one as it claims the charger is an essential component.

To use your existing USB-A power adapters and cables, you'll need to purchase a separate USB-C power adapter for fast charging, which is no longer included in the box.

The iPhone 12 models were the first iPhones to support 5G networks, and are compatible with both mmWave and Sub-6GHz 5G.

mmWave 5G networks offer the fastest 5G speeds, but are short-range and can be interrupted by obstacles. They're mainly available in major cities and urban areas.

Sub-6GHz 5G is much more widespread and available in urban, suburban, and rural areas across the United States and other countries. It's generally faster than LTE and will get faster as 5G technology evolves.

All carriers in the U.S. offer both mmWave and Sub-6GHz 5G networks, though availability varies. The iPhone 12 and 12 mini support both mmWave and Sub-6GHz networks in the United States, but mmWave connectivity is not available in other countries.

The iPhone 12 models use Qualcomm's X55 modem, but Apple created custom antennas and radio components to enhance connectivity. Apple claims apps can benefit from 5G without using additional power or impacting battery life.

Here are the 5G bands supported by the iPhone 12 models in the United States:

The 5 GHz Hotspot feature is a game-changer for iPhone 12 users. It allows devices to tether over faster 5GHz WiFi compared to the 2.4GHz limit on prior iPhones.

The 5GHz option is enabled by default, which means you can take advantage of its speed improvements right out of the box. This is especially useful if you have devices that can connect to 5GHz networks.

There is an option to disable the 5GHz connection, which allows 2.4GHz devices to connect. This is a thoughtful touch from Apple, giving you flexibility in how you use your Personal Hotspot.

The iPhone 12 models come equipped with the latest and greatest connectivity features, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and the U1 chip.

The U1 chip is a game-changer for indoor positioning and location tracking, allowing the iPhone 12 models to precisely locate other U1-equipped Apple devices, similar to GPS but on a much smaller scale.

Apple has likened Ultra Wideband technology to "GPS at the scale of the living room", highlighting its potential for improved indoor navigation.

The U1 chip also enables directional AirDrop and interaction with the HomePod mini, which also has a U1 chip, making it easier to share files and control your smart home devices.

The iPhone 12 models support Bluetooth 5.0, the latest version of Bluetooth, which offers faster data transfer rates and longer range.

With WiFi 6, the fastest WiFi protocol, you can enjoy faster and more reliable internet connectivity on your iPhone 12.

The iPhone 12 and 12 mini have a robust GPS system that supports multiple location services, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou.

These location services are essential for navigating unfamiliar areas, tracking fitness goals, and even finding your car in a crowded parking lot.

In addition to GPS, the iPhone 12 and 12 mini also have NFC capabilities, allowing you to make contactless payments and share files with other devices.

The NFC reader mode is particularly useful, enabling you to scan NFC tags without needing to open an app first – a convenient feature that saves time and effort.

The MagSafe feature on the iPhone 12 models is a built-in magnetic ring designed to work with a MagSafe charger and other magnetic accessories. This technology allows for faster wireless charging, up to 15W, compared to the maximum 7.5W available with Qi-based chargers.

The MagSafe charger snaps onto the back of the iPhone 12 and is compatible with older iPhones, but is primarily designed for the new iPhone models. It's also worth noting that other magnetic accessories, such as cases and snap-on wallets, are compatible with the magnetic ring.

One thing to keep in mind is that MagSafe chargers can leave a circular imprint on leather cases and similar effects have been seen on silicone cases. Apple warns against placing credit cards, security badges, passports, and keyfobs between the iPhone and MagSafe charger.

If you have a medical device like a pacemaker or defibrillator, be aware that the iPhone 12 models with MagSafe technology can cause interference. Apple recommends keeping the iPhone and MagSafe accessories at a safe distance, more than 6 inches apart, or more than 12 inches apart if wirelessly charging.

Here's a comparison of charging times using MagSafe and a wired 20W USB-C charger:

The iPhone 12 has a range of storage options, including 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.

You can choose from a variety of accessories to enhance your iPhone 12 experience, such as the official Apple Wireless Earbuds.

The iPhone 12 is compatible with fast charging, which can charge the battery up to 18W.

The official Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe is a convenient accessory that can hold up to three cards and has a built-in card reader.

The iPhone 12 has a new feature called MagSafe, which allows you to attach accessories such as cases and wallets to the back of the phone using magnets.

The iPhone 12 is a solid choice for those who want a phone that will stay up to date with the latest software.

Luckily, this phone will get iOS 26 and possibly 27, which is a big plus for anyone who wants a device that will remain supported for years to come.

If you're considering upgrading from an older model, know that anything from the iPhone 11 onwards is supported, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.

The phones originally shipped with iOS 14.

They come with the stock iOS apps, such as Safari, Weather, and Messages, and include Siri, the personal assistant in iOS.

The devices received iOS 15 on September 20, 2021.

They also received iOS 16 on September 12, 2022, and iOS 17 on September 18, 2023.

The devices will be compatible with 2025's release, iOS 26.

The iPhone 12 is a fast phone, and it's not just because it's been improved from the iPhone 11.

It's supported by iOS 26 and possibly 27, which is a bonus for those who upgrade to this model.

The iPhone 12 models have a water resistance rating of IP68, allowing them to withstand a depth of up to six meters (19.7 feet) for up to 30 minutes.

This level of water resistance is a significant improvement over the iPhone 11, which could only handle water up to four meters deep for 30 minutes, despite having the same IP68 rating.

The iPhone 12 models can withstand rain, splashes, and accidental spills, but it's essential to avoid intentional water exposure to prevent degradation of the water and dust resistance over time.

The iPhone 12 and 12 mini are available in various sizes, making it easier to choose the right one for you.

The 6.1-inch iPhone 12 is similar in size to its predecessor, the iPhone 11, but is 11 percent thinner, 15 percent smaller, and 16 percent lighter.

If you prefer a smaller phone, the iPhone 12 mini features a 5.4-inch display, which is significantly smaller than the 6.1-inch display of the standard iPhone 12.

The iPhone 12 mini measures 5.18 inches tall, 2.53 inches wide, and 0.29 inches thick, making it a great option for those with smaller hands or who prefer a more compact phone.

In comparison, the standard iPhone 12 is 5.78 inches tall, 2.82 inches wide, and 0.29 inches thick, making it a bit larger than the mini version.

Overall, the choice between the iPhone 12 and 12 mini comes down to your personal preference for phone size and portability.

A unique perspective: Iphone12 Pro Max Size

The iPhone 12 and 12 mini have a water resistance rating of IP68.

This means they can withstand a depth of up to six meters (19.7 feet) for up to 30 minutes, giving you peace of mind in rainy or splashy situations.

The iPhone 12 models can handle rain, splashes, and accidental spills, but it's still a good idea to avoid intentional water exposure to prevent degradation of the water and dust resistance over time.

Apple's warranty doesn't cover liquid damage, but AppleCare+ does, with a deductible to be paid for the damage to be fixed.

The iPhone 12 models have a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating to keep the display free from grime, and support for Haptic Touch provides haptic feedback when interacting with the display.

The iPhone 12 is priced starting at $599 for 64GB of storage. This makes it Apple's second most affordable iPhone after the $429 iPhone SE.

It's priced the same as the iPhone 13 mini, which is a great option if you're looking for a smaller phone without breaking the bank.

You can purchase the iPhone 12 from various sources, including the online Apple Store, Apple retail locations, and third-party retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.

For more information, you can compare the iPhone 12 with other affordable options, such as the iPhone SE, in our iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12 Buyer's Guide.

The iPhone 12 is priced starting at $599, making it a more affordable option with Face ID and the all-display notch design.

If you just need a reliable phone with these features, the iPhone 12 is a good pick.

However, it's two years behind the current flagship iPhone 14 models, which might be a drawback for some users.

You might want to wait for the iPhone 13 to drop in price, as it's likely to happen soon.

The iPhone 12 is expected to be discontinued in 2023 with the release of the iPhone 15 models, so it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase.