iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: what are the design differences?

As with the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max, Apple is keeping the notch on the front of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 to house Face ID.

The main design difference between the two models is in the edges. Apple has opted for more angular corners on the iPhone 12, compared to the rounded edges on the iPhone 11. The back of the iPhone 12 is made of glass ("Ceramic Shield"), as is the case with the iPhone 11. The iPhone 11 is covered with aluminium, just like the iPhone 12. The Pro versions feature premium stainless steel construction.

So in terms of design, the choice will depend on whether you prefer angular or rounded edges.

iPhone 11 vs 12: which one has the better screen?

The screen is the first big difference between the two models, as the iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch OLED display. Last year, OLED was only available on the premium iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max models, but this time it's available on all iPhone 12 models. The LCD screen of the iPhone 11 is still good, but it is noticeably less sharp and vivid. The iPhone 12's OLED display has better resolution, better contrast, and better brightness compared to the iPhone 11's LCD display.

MagSafe is reserved for iPhone 12

MagSafe allows you to attach accessories to the iPhone 12's back. We're talking cases, card holders, and wireless charging too. If you're interested in this magnetic tech, you're better off with the iPhone 12. 

The iPhone 12 is more powerful: A13 Bionic vs A14 Bionic

According to the specs, the six-core A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12 is 40% more powerful than the quad-core A13 Bionic in the iPhone 11. Regular daily use may not get that big a boost, but it's definitely an advantage for games and other demanding applications.

As for internal storage, Apple is sticking with 64 GB as the starting capacity for both models. If that's not enough for you, there are also 128GB and 256GB versions.

Battery capacity and battery life 

You can expect 11 hours of video playback on the iPhone 12, compared to 10 hours on the iPhone 11. However, using 5G tends to reduce the battery life of the iPhone 12 considerably. You'll likely last all day in both cases.

iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: the camera

The differences between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 cameras are almost non-existent on paper. But the different software processing gives the iPhone 12 better image quality when zoomed in x2.

Both models have the same cameras otherwise. A 12MP standard wide lens, and a second 12MP ultra-wide with an f/2.4 aperture. 

As for video, both phones can shoot in 4K at up to 60 fps. A slight advantage for the iPhone 12 is that night mode is available on all iPhone 12 sensors, including the front camera.

How big are the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12?

The iPhone 11 is 7.57 cm wide, 15.09 cm long, 0.83 cm thick and weighs 194 grams. Its screen is 6.06 inches.

The iPhone 12 is 6.42 cm wide, 13.15 cm long, 0.74 cm thick and weighs 133 grams. Its screen size is 5.4 inches.

Verdict: which model to choose?

The main new features of the iPhone 12 are 5G compatibility, an OLED screen, the A14 Bionic chip and a few processing advantages in terms of photography. The advantage of the iPhone 11 is its price, as it is on average €150 cheaper if you buy it refurbished. The angular design could also play a role in your choice.