iPhone 12 Is the "regular" 12 worth upgrading to from an 11 Pro?

[dmk1974]

I have an iPhone 11 Pro 64gb which is very good for my needs. Not as massive as the Max versions and I like that I can text one handed.

The 12 is appealing since it has a larger screen (6.1" vs the 5.8" of my 11 Pro) with about the same form factor (within 1 mm in width and just a hair taller too). I know I'd be losing the 3rd camera lens. But is the 12 still worth upgrading to? Or should I fork over the additional $170 (I'm on T-Mobile) to get the 12 Pro? Or hold with the 11 Pro another year and save the money? Thanks!

 

[kevink2]

Can't answer that. Like telephoto? 5G compatibility.

In my case, if I had bought the 11 Pro last year instead of the 11, due to the higher cost "invested", and the better camera, I would have skipped the 12 this year. Give 5G a better chance to expand and Apple a chance to incorporate an improved 5G modem. Instead, I'm gifting my 11, and buying the 12 Pro.

Last year the battery was failing on the X, the Apple store claimed the screw was stripped so couldn't replace the battery, so I had a phone whose battery may give out at any time. And where the Apple trade in value would just go down. Otherwise, I generally don't trade in phones or try to sell them.

 

[barondebxl]

I’d say hold on to the 11 pro man, not worth the upgrade. Just Wait next year for the pro motion feature on the iPhone 13. I know there’s hype right now cause the 12 line up is new but it absolutely isn’t worth the upgrade from an 11 pro.

I’m upgrading cause I’m coming from an 8 plus and I’m tired of the size especially with the case on. But yeah you’re good bro

 

[dmk1974]

Can't answer that. Like telephoto? 5G compatibility.

Correct, I'd be losing the 3rd lens with optical zoom.

Agreed, 5G is the big upgrade and unknown impact I suppose for everyday use. Per the specs, battery is a touch worse on the 12, but should still be plenty.

 

[Eio7]

Personally, I wouldn't upgrade. Until you absolutely need a little bit better wide angle sensor and don't use the telephoto at all, 11 Pro should still serve you well.

The only model I would consider upgrading to is the 12 Pro Max - even better wide angle, new telephoto, but only if you can accept the size.

 

[dmk1974]

Max is just too big for me. I did like the 6.1" screen on the XR when I had that, but the sharper OLED is great. And with the 12 being able to get that slightly larger size in the same housing size basically is a bonus. We'll see.

 

[happy orchard]

I have an iPhone 11 Pro 64gb which is very good for my needs. Not as massive as the Max versions and I like that I can text one handed.

The 12 is appealing since it has a larger screen (6.1" vs the 5.8" of my 11 Pro) with about the same form factor (within 1 mm in width and just a hair taller too). I know I'd be losing the 3rd camera lens. But is the 12 still worth upgrading to? Or should I fork over the additional $170 (I'm on T-Mobile) to get the 12 Pro? Or hold with the 11 Pro another year and save the money? Thanks!

There seems to be a $150 T-Mobile deal that appeared after pre-order began. I know no more than that. Just read it on another thread. Thought I'd write since you literally mentioned 'forking over $170'.

 

[nordique]

No, I do not think it’s worth it.

if you’re going pro to pro you can justify but 11 Pro to regular 12 is not

others have answered this already but you’re downgrading the display peak brightness and battery life in addition to triple lens to double and minor design perks like matte glass and steel sides for an otherwise similar experience. The downgrade in battery is a sticking point too. 5G simply isn’t big enough to warrant such a difference in price.

I think next year will have more meaningful upgrades for 11 Pro owners. This year it’s really 12 pro/Max or hold on to the excellent phone that is the 11 Pro

 

[nordique]

I have an iPhone 11 Pro 64gb which is very good for my needs. Not as massive as the Max versions and I like that I can text one handed.

The 12 is appealing since it has a larger screen (6.1" vs the 5.8" of my 11 Pro) with about the same form factor (within 1 mm in width and just a hair taller too). I know I'd be losing the 3rd camera lens. But is the 12 still worth upgrading to? Or should I fork over the additional $170 (I'm on T-Mobile) to get the 12 Pro? Or hold with the 11 Pro another year and save the money? Thanks!

I guess if the 11 Pro is very good for your needs, why entertain the 12?

the only way I could see a justification is if you can get the 12 for the same price as you’d sell your 11 Pro, thus a net neutral transaction

if you’re even spending 50$ more to swap the two, is anything functionally worth it?

the 12 is more for people who own older iPhones. Next year apple will have a 12S or 13 or whatever with 120hz display and in screen Touch ID and you’ll be kicking yourself for doing such a lateral move (11 Pro to 12)

 

[dmk1974]

There seems to be a $150 T-Mobile deal that appeared after pre-order began. I know no more than that. Just read it on another thread. Thought I'd write since you literally mentioned 'forking over $170'.

The $170 is the difference on T-Mobile to go from the 64gb iPhone 12 ($829.99) to the 128gb iPhone 12 Pro ($999.99).

I think I agree with you and others. If I'm going to make a change, pony up and go to the 12 Pro instead of the 12.

So now it comes down to, is it worth upgrading from the 11 Pro to 12 Pro? I have a family plan with a couple spare free lines, so I'd likely either trade in an XR or SE 2020 for the 12 Pro and then just sell the 11 Pro on Swappa or Craigslist.

 

[profets]

I've felt that for the past several years, the year on year upgrade really isn't essential. Definitely notice it more when its 2-3 years in between upgrades.

Having said that, I'm a sucker for a design refresh / redesign. And I myself am probably going to go for the 12 (coming from an 11 Pro).

 

[Taco1933]

I think it’s rarely worthwhile to upgrade annually. This year is no exception. But if you just enjoy having the newest tech available, who am I to tell you how to spend your money?

 

[dmk1974]

One question: My daughter pre-ordered the "regular" 12 (coming from an XR). I notice in the spec that the 12 Pro has a higher max brigthness compared to the regular 12. Why is that? Aren't the screens the same size and spec? Or does it just mean one has to slide the brightness slider 10-20% higher (we normally run at 30-40% unless outdoors in sunlight)?

 

[TorontoSS]

I personally have no real reason to upgrade to an 11 pro except for one glaring one. My hand actually hurts! because of this, i may actually change my phone to either the 12 or 12 mini. i'm just unsure which one!