First impression iPhone 12 (Pro): the bar is (even) higher
A week ago, the presale of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro started, today the first orders are being delivered. We have been playing with these two new iPhones for a number of days and are very enthusiastic. Apple has once again succeeded in making an iPhone for everyone and one for real professionals. What’s good about the iPhones? Where is there still work to be done for Apple? High time for our first impression of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro!
By the way: do you think these two phones are not completely successful in terms of size? The small iPhone 12 mini and the gigantic iPhone 12 Pro Max will be released in November.
What’s striking about the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro
In the run-up to the keynote, there were many rumors that the iPhones would get a new design this year. Get rid of the rounded corners, and instead of flat sides as we already know from the iPad Pro and the latest iPad Air. And what is striking when we hold the iPhones in our hands? They are reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. With its aluminum frame, the iPhone 12 is a bit more like the 5, the Pro is more reminiscent of the 4 with its stainless steel frame.
It is also striking that the “normal” 12 has become just a bit more manageable due to the new design. In fact, it only concerns a few millimeters, but you really feel it every time you pick it up. The iPhone 12 Pro is also thinner than its predecessor, but now has a larger 6.1-inch screen. People who want the smallest but most modern iPhone are better off waiting for the 12 mini.
Finally, the iPhones support the new MagSafe technology. This makes new magnetic accessories possible (cases and card holders, for example), but also ensures that wireless charging works more reliably. You click the MagSafe charger magnetically onto the back of the iPhone.
What’s good about the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro
The new design is a great reason to switch to the iPhone 12. But it has more to offer. For example, Apple now uses an OLED screen for the first time on the cheaper model. That screen has two major advantages. Firstly, it is more energy efficient, secondly, it has a much better contrast than LCD displays. Pixels that should show black are simply switched off – and that naturally leads to the best black values. And the support of 5G is also very well arranged on the iPhone 12, thanks to the battery-protective “Smart Data Mode” that intelligently switches between 4G and 5G.
The iPhone 12 Pro can do everything the 12 can, but adds a few exciting extra features. These are especially important for photographers. As with the “regular” 12, the standard wide-angle camera has been improved with a lower aperture. As a result, the camera captures more light and makes better pictures in poor light conditions. The new LiDAR sensor is useful for this. This measures the distance to objects with the help of lasers. Ever had the problem that your iPhone couldn’t autofocus with poor light? With LiDAR this always happens very quickly. Finally, the 12 Pro no longer just plays HDR videos, it also shoots them. Do you spend a lot of time recording movies? Then you have to go for the 12 Pro.
What could be better?
Where Apple could pay more attention to is the price. Last year, the iPhone had become slightly cheaper, but this year we have to deal with a disguised price increase with the iPhone 12. But that is nagging at a high level, because after our first impression we already know for sure that the iPhone 12 is worth every penny. In addition, the price of the iPhone 12 Pro remained the same.
iPhone 12 (Pro) first impression: our conclusion so far
With the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, Apple shows again how to make the best smartphone in the world a little better. Everything you do with an iPhone, you do even better with the 12. In addition, there are a lot of new techniques built in, which will make the two iPhones very future-proof.
We recommend the iPhone 12 to everyone – it really is the iPhone for everyone. You choose the 12 Pro especially if you are busy with photography and film. Do you want a smaller phone or an even bigger one? Then wait for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Where and when can you buy them?
The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro went on presale last Friday, today, October 23, they are actually in stores. These are the prices of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro:
- iPhone 12 (64 GB): € 909
- iPhone 12 (128 GB): € 959
- iPhone 12 (256 GB): € 1079
- iPhone 12 Pro (128 GB): € 1159
- iPhone 12 Pro (256 GB): € 1279
- iPhone 12 Pro (512 GB): € 1509
You buy the iPhones at Apple or at stores.