Price and specifications of Apple iPhone 12 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 12 introduces a new design language for Apple, harking back to the iconic flat edges reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5. The device measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighs in at 164 grams, making it one of the more lightweight smartphones in its category. The use of Corning-made glass on the front and back, combined with an aluminum frame, ensures not only an attractive design but also substantial durability. The flat-edged design improves the grip and also enhances the structural integrity of the device. What's more, the iPhone 12 comes in a range of colors including Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, and Purple, ensuring that there’s a flavor for everyone.

Display Technology

The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display is a standout feature of the iPhone 12. With a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels and a density of approximately 460 pixels per inch, the display is incredibly sharp. The HDR10 and Dolby Vision support elevate video content with more vibrant colors and higher contrast ratios. The display incorporates Ceramic Shield glass which Apple claims offers four times better drop performance. This makes the iPhone 12 more resilient to accidental drops, a common concern for smartphone users.

Performance

Under the hood, the iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip, built on a 5nm process. This chip features a hexa-core CPU with 2x3.1 GHz Firestorm & 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm cores, paired with a 4-core GPU. This makes the iPhone 12 among the fastest smartphones available, capable of handling demanding gaming and productivity tasks with ease. The iPhone 12 comes configured with 4GB of RAM and three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Unfortunately, there is no option for expandable storage via microSD, consistent with Apple's previous design choices.

Camera System

Photography has always been a strong suit for iPhones, and the iPhone 12 is no exception. It sports a dual-camera system at the rear, which includes a 12 MP wide sensor with an f/1.6 aperture and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. The wide lens benefits from Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which makes a significant difference in low-light conditions and when using Night Mode. The front-facing camera is also a 12 MP unit, featuring an f/2.2 aperture. It includes capabilities like SL 3D, used for face recognition and improved biometric security. Both the main and the front cameras support 4K video recording at multiple frame rates, and with the inclusion of Dolby Vision HDR, video quality is exceptional.

5G Connectivity

The iPhone 12 marks Apple's transition into the world of 5G. This next-generation cellular connectivity promises faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded areas like stadiums and city centers. The device supports a comprehensive range of 5G bands, ensuring broad compatibility with global carriers.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 12 is equipped with a 2815 mAh battery which offers satisfactory endurance. The device is capable of wired charging via PD2.0, achieving up to 50% charge in 30 minutes as advertised. Furthermore, it supports 15W MagSafe wireless charging and Qi2 wireless charging (with iOS 17.4 update), giving users the flexibility in their charging options. However, Apple has made the decision to not include charging bricks in the box, citing environmental reasons. This has been a point of contention with consumers, although MagSafe accessories like chargers and cases enhance the overall user experience.

Software Features

The iPhone 12 originally launched with iOS 14.1 but is upgradeable to iOS 17.5.1 and planned for iOS 18. The operating system is packed with features that optimize battery life, improve app functionality, and enhance security. Apple’s commitment to providing updates ensures a long lifespan for the device when it comes to receiving new features and security patches. Notable software features include App Clips, an improved Siri, and enhanced privacy settings that give users more control over their data. The device also benefits from Apple's ecosystem, offering seamless integration with other Apple products like Macs, iPads, and Apple Watch.

Other Features

Audio experience on the iPhone 12 is enhanced with stereo speakers that produce clear and rich sound, though there's no 3.5mm headphone jack, consistent with earlier models. For audio connectivity, users rely on Bluetooth 5.0 which supports quality audio file transmission. As for security, Face ID remains the primary method for biometric authentication, utilizing an advanced SL 3D sensor setup. Other sensors on the device include the accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer, all of which enable a wide range of features and apps.

Price and Availability

Released in October 2020, the iPhone 12 remains available through various retailers and carriers. The pricing for the device starts at $223.96 in the US, varying across regions and configurations. While it may not be the most cost-effective option in the market, the iPhone 12 offers excellent value through its blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities.

Conclusion

The iPhone 12 is a testament to Apple’s focus on innovation and user-centric design. Its resilient build, high-quality display, powerful processing capabilities, comprehensive 5G support, and photography advancements make it a compelling choice for a broad range of users. While some may find the lack of expandable storage and included chargers a downside, these issues are outweighed by the device’s overall excellence.