Welcome to the 5G era.
Or, at least, Apple has finally joined everyone else in launching its first flagship 5G iPhone.
Most of you out there wont be able to access these high speeds consistently, if at all.
Say goodbye to the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, as well as the iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max.
Like the Highlander, there can be only one Pro.
When does an upgrade make sense for owners of older iPhones?
Where does this leave us?
This years analysis of the new iPhones is both easier and harder.
The latter, because Apple droppedfournew iPhones into the mix.
The former, because each category of iPhonesnormal and Proare basically identical, save for their sizes.
Ill also start with a layup.
Well get into all of the features in a bit, but thats the simple answer.
How big are the beastly iPhone 12 Pros?
TheiPhone 12 Proclocks in with a 6.1-inch display, whereas the gigantic iPhone 12 Pro Max rocks a 6.7-incher.
Heres the kicker, though.
And if you want to see how that feels in real-world use,print a cutout.
As for theiPhone 12 Pro Max, its a chonko.
You get around 0.2 more inches of screen space than the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Theres no difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes with a 5x optical zoom range to the iPhone 12 Pros 4x.
What about the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Mini?
Heres where it gets interesting.
What youre missing out on, however, is an extra camerathe telephoto camera.
That impacts your overall optical zoom range (2x, instead of 4x).
In other words, youre missing out on some, well, pro features.
Are they worth $120?
Most people will never use ProRAW.
A 2x telephoto camera isntthatbig of a deal.
Is that worth the cash?
Maybe, maybe not.
(Id say not.)
Similarly, youll be fine if you cant shoot Dolby Vision at 60fps.
How often are youreallyplanning to do that, anyway?
As for theiPhone 12 Mini, this ones easy.
And, of course, the iPhone 12 Mini is a physically smaller rig.
iPhone SEs form factor.
The simple answer is: It depends.
So, lets approach this methodically.
If you own an iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, or iPhone 11
Nah.
I wouldnt upgrade unless you really,reallywant 5G connectivity.
Otherwise, 5G isnt much of a selling point.)
For regular iPhone 11 owners, aniPhone 12is a logical jump.
The slight improvements to photography and HDR video recording dont really seem worth it, though.
And MagSafe is neat and all, but is it really worth all the hassle of upgrading?
For non-enthusiastsas in, regular peoplenot really.
Is that worth the upgrade?
If youre coming from a regular iPhone 11, possibly, but only if youre a huge camera buff.
The same is true if youre consider a Pro-to-Pro upgrade.
Sure, why not.
You dont need the new Ferrari when your Tesla works just fine.
If you own an iPhone SE (second generation)
Oh, your tiny little phone.
And youre now thinking of upgrading to Apples heaviest hitters?Hmm.
Most importantly, youll be able to have a phone thats physicallysmallerthan your second-generation iPhone SE.
If you need something more reasonably sized, theiPhone 12is the next best option.
If you own an iPhone XS or XS Max
Hello, two-year-old iPhone.
Were I you, Id be getting a little concerned about my devices battery at this point.
Specs-wise, most of Apples iPhone 12s are an upgrade over what you already have.
I wouldnt go for theiPhone 12 Mini, however, since thatll be a downgrade in screen size.
So, were back to the standard question: Are Apples Pro features worth it?
TheiPhone 12is a no-brainer upgrade for the iPhone XS.
you might probably hold out at least one more year.
If youve been enjoying a display that large, your only real upgrade path is theiPhone 12 Pro Max.
I still wouldnt goiPhone 12 Mini, since youre getting a smaller phoneandsmaller screen.
Its the cheapest iPhone 12, though, so theres that.
(The iPhone XR was the budget iPhone of 2018, after all.)
I think theiPhone 12is the perfect fit for those who dont want Pro-level features.
If you own an iPhone X
Hi.
Your iPhone gets unnaturally hot sometimes and freezes up.
You get anxious trying to use CarPlay on a warm day.
You long for the touch of a new equipment.
Also, since youre me, would you mind taking the trash out?
Im a bit busy today.
TheiPhone 12is a ballin iPhone.
Most people looking to upgrade should go for it, unless you prefer an iPhone SE-like tinyphone.
If so, theiPhone 12 Miniis a better, cheaper fit.
You lose nothing of value, save for screen size and physical dimensions.
The flagshipiPhone 12 ProandiPhone 12 Pro Maxare the enthusiast devices.
If you know thats you, you dont need me to convince you which iPhone to get.
Theyre virtually identical for features, save for their sizes.
Save some cash, or use that savings for a fancy-new MagSafe case.
If you have a 2018-era iPhone thats treating you well, you canprobablyget by with waiting one more year.
