Other iPhone 12 6.1" vs 12 Pro 6.1" - your thoughts ?

[Lwii2boo]

Hi everyone

I was firstly waiting the 6.1 Pro model. I definitely want to upgrade my iPhone to a new 6.1" OLED one.
But the rumors are a bit deceptive on the Pro models IMO. I mean if bezels, dimensions, notch, refresh rate is the exact same with the regular 12 6.1" I don't find the Pro model very attractive given the premium.

I mean yes you got a 3rd camera, 2 more Gb of RAM, LiDAR, stainless stell and maybe mm-wave 5G but that's it ?
Usually the gap was bigger because of huge gap in screen departement : better screen/body ratio, resolution and LCD vs OLED. If this year no 120 Hz, exact same front face screen look (a smaller notch on pro or 120 Hz would be insta buy for me) on pro while non pro getting OLED with thinner bezel exactly like previous pro models, I have hard time to see what is worth ~$300 premium on the pro model.

For the XS and 11 Pro, the premium was IMO more understandable because of the gap in the screen department which is to me the biggest selling point (but very subjective, others could value more camera, battery, size etc.).

Did I miss something exclusive on the pro model ? Am I the only one who are still not totally convinced for this year's pro models ?

Thanks!

 

[bobmans]

I'm on the same boat as you, slightly more tempted to go for the non-pro model at the moment but I'm going to wait until the Keynote to make my decision.

From what I've read the differences are: 10bit display instead of 8bit, 2gb more RAM, better battery life, optical zoom camera, lidar sensor, mmwave and stainless steel.

The non-pro is rumoured to start at $799 for the 6.1" model (64GB start) and the pro is rumoured to start at $999 for the 6.1" model (128GB start) so there's a $200 difference in starting price. I need a 128GB model so that's $849 for the non-pro model which comes down to a $150 difference (only if the rumours are true).

I don't care at all about the RAM, optical zoom camera, lidar sensor and mmwave and am not sure if the 10bit display, better battery life and stainless steel are worth that $150 price difference for me.

The only thing that would push me to the pro model is if there's some surprises during the keynote.
For example: we know the dimensions of the phone are identical (rumoured) but this doesn't necessarily mean that the screen sizes are 100% identical. It's possible for the non-pro to have a 6.07" display with thicker bezels and the pro a 6.13" display with thinner bezels. Those both would be advertised as 6.1" because apple rounds to the nearest .1".

 

[Lwii2boo]

I'm on the same boat as you, slightly more tempted to go for the non-pro model at the moment but I'm going to wait until the Keynote to make my decision.

From what I've read the differences are: 10bit display instead of 8bit, 2gb more RAM, better battery life, optical zoom camera, lidar sensor, mmwave and stainless steel.

The non-pro is rumoured to start at $799 for the 6.1" model (64GB start) and the pro is rumoured to start at $999 for the 6.1" model (128GB start) so there's a $200 difference in starting price. I need a 128GB model so that's $849 for the non-pro model which comes down to a $150 difference (only if the rumours are true).

I don't care at all about the RAM, optical zoom camera, lidar sensor and mmwave and am not sure if the 10bit display, better battery life and stainless steel are worth that $150 price difference for me.

The only thing that would push me to the pro model is if there's some surprises during the keynote.
For example: we know the dimensions of the phone are identical (rumoured) but this doesn't necessarily mean that the screen sizes are 100% identical. It's possible for the non-pro to have a 6.07" display with thicker bezels and the pro a 6.13" display with thinner bezels. Those both would be advertised as 6.1" because apple rounds to the nearest .1".

100% agree, I have seen the exact same list of expected differences (just forgot to mention the possible 10 bits / higher max nits on pro display).

If the bezel are thinner like 6.07 vs 6.13 as you said on same form factor this can justify more the pro model purchase, at least the front face look is slightly different/improved.
The thing is I have seen almost no rumors talking about this.

 

[bobmans]

100% agree, I have seen the exact same list of expected differences (just forgot to mention the possible 10 bits / higher max nits on pro display).

If the bezel are thinner like 6.07 vs 6.13 as you said on same form factor this can justify more the pro model purchase, at least the front face look is slightly different/improved.
The thing is I have seen almost no rumors talking about this.

Yea, I haven't seen it either. It's just a thought that crossed my mind after Apple announced that the new iPad Air is compatible with the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard despite having a smaller screen

 

[cucafcp]

I hope that Apple suprises us and brings Promotion to the pro line.

 

[The Game 161]

I would say you would be a fool to buy the pro over the non pro 6.1

 

[Robbosan]

just like if you bought a Samsung fold lol

 

[javisan]

Ever since the iPad Air was announced I've been hoping that the Pro models include the touch ID button on the side, but I know that is highly unlikely.

I still wonder what is meant for vent on the side that is apparent on the chassis that was leaked last month (macrumors story on 9/11), which was also present in the schematics from earlier in the year.

 

[bobmans]

Ever since the iPad Air was announced I've been hoping that the Pro models include the touch ID button on the side, but I know that is highly unlikely.

I still wonder what is meant for vent on the side that is apparent on the chassis that was leaked last month (macrumors story on 9/11), which was also present in the schematics from earlier in the year.

Apparently it's some mmwave antenna

 

[javisan]

Apparently it's some mmwave antenna

I hope not as that is a spot very likely to be blocked by a hand, at least by a right handed person.

But you're likely right. It is more believable.

 

[coachingguy]

I bought the Xr when it came out, based on the same points your discussing... I really like the 6.1" screen, I think that's the sweet spot YMMV. However, I'm most definitely going with the 12 Pro this time. I've been terribly disappointed with the Xr camera... I take a lot of pictures and video's and having a good to great camera is very important to me.

Coachingguy

 

[mnsportsgeek]

My thought is that if the 6.1" 12 is 64gb for $750 and they charge $850 for the 128gb 6.1" 12 then I might as well get the 128gb 6.1" 12 Pro for $999.

I'll be purchasing for my wife, and if the price difference for the same storage was $250 then I'd probably go 6.1" 12, but when paying for the storage bump i might as well just go to the pro.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Considering all the speculation on what the Pro phones will offer I'd say there will be more differences than what has been discussed on forums and tech sites. Whether the differences are worth the price is a personal choice. 6.1 12 Pro will replace my 3 year old X no matter what the differences are..

 

[JPack]

You haven't factored in the 128GB base storage. That's a $50 value.

• iPhone 12 (64GB) - $749
• iPhone 12 Pro (128GB) - $999

$799 vs. $999

• 10-bit OLED
• Telephoto
• ToF
• Stainless steel
• 6GB RAM
• Maybe difference in lens quality for main camera

 

[MrKennedy]

I haven't been keeping up with the leaks, but I have a hard time understanding why Apple would churn out two identically-sized phones and with such a large price gap between them.

Physically they're the same device, right? Stainless vs Aluminum and the third camera being the only difference?

 

[harrisonjr98]

I'm most definitely going with the 12 Pro this time. I've been terribly disappointed with the Xr camera...

The only difference as of the 11 series (which brought significant overall camera improvements, to boot!) is that the Pro models have the extra telephoto lens, but in my experience that sensor is so crap it's barely better than 2x on the main in 90% of situations.

 

[Nextup12]

I am genuinely concerned about the rumours suggesting the 12 Pro Max will sport significant benefits over the 12 Pro.
Obviously I will await the official announcement but to only provide certain benefits to the larger Pro model would be a huge oversight and may push users like myself back to Android. I don’t want to have to lug around a gigantic phone to enjoy features that should be available on a smaller “Pro” model.

 

[markp-a]

What’s another $250. Upgrades seem worth it.

 

[marcg868]

None pro for me. The 11 has been perfect for me as a first iPhone after 10 years of Android flagships. The only thing I miss about my S9 is the oled screen. So the 12 none pro with oled will be fine for me. Won’t be till June though. Hopefully it comes in a nice blue colour.
I was half tempted to go back to Samsung with the FE. But I just can’t go back to absolutely shocking battery drain. And side by side I still think my 11 takes superior pictures compared to my other Half’s S20, video just no contest 11 is superior.

 

[ksec]

We still dont know ( At least there are no rumours based on it ) whether iPhone 12 will get 4x4 Antenna.

I am guessing not simply due to the iPhone 12 Mini lineup. So iPhone 12 Pro would get you 4x4 Antenna, and this time around, with Qualcomm Modem. Quite significant if you ask me.

Edit: I am also betting the OLED in pro are better than OLED on 12.

 

[Ralfi]

If they're the same resolution, with the current rumoured differences, then the Non-Pro beats my current 'premium at the time' X in every area, so I don't see where the Pro could be worth it for me...

 

[Sam in SoCal]

We still dont know ( At least there are no rumours based on it ) whether iPhone 12 will get 4x4 Antenna.

I am guessing not simply due to the iPhone 12 Mini lineup. So iPhone 12 Pro would get you 4x4 Antenna, and this time around, with Qualcomm Modem. Quite significant if you ask me.

Edit: I am also betting the OLED in pro are better than OLED on 12.

Reports that a display manufacturer in china named BOE was going to be tapped to make the OLED displays for the lower display models but it fell through because they didn’t meet apples quality standard. So this year Samsung is making all the displays for all 4 phones with LG making a certain percentage of them on the lower phones. So honestly the displays should be the same quality although it’s possible through some rumors that the lower end phones will max out at 1080p and the pros will be a higher resolution. Secondly, as far as 4x4 antenna only on pros I don’t know. Theres lots of mixed predictions and variables which will make the Apple keynote this month exciting. We will finally know what has what and make our decisions

 

[ksec]

Reports that a display manufacturer in china named BOE was going to be tapped to make the OLED displays for the lower display models but it fell through because they didn’t meet apples quality standard. So this year Samsung is making all the displays for all 4 phones with LG making a certain percentage of them on the lower phones. So honestly the displays should be the same quality although it’s possible through some rumors that the lower end phones will max out at 1080p and the pros will be a higher resolution. Secondly, as far as 4x4 antenna only on pros I don’t know. Theres lots of mixed predictions and variables which will make the Apple keynote this month exciting. We will finally know what has what and make our decisions

It will be same PPI, ( or about the same ), but it might not have the high brightness and contrast. I.e iPhone 12 could be using the OLED used in iPhone X, and not the one used in iPhone 11 Pro, which Apple calls it XDR. But I would love to be wrong if iPhone 12 offer HDR

BOE rumours was something else. My prediction and guess is that it only has to do with China, and not iPhone sold outside. Using BOE OLED display will lower the import tax required by Apple within China. Also part of the government initiative ( *cough* ). iPhone 11 in China is already the cheapest worldwide ex-Tax. So it was part of a long term plan to further reduce BOM cost. I would be *extremely* disappointed if Apple decide to use BOE OLED outside of China.

 

[Ralfi]

I.e iPhone 12 could be using the OLED used in iPhone X, and not the one used in iPhone 11 Pro, which Apple calls it XDR. But I would love to be wrong if iPhone 12 offer HDR.

I thought the X had HDR?

 

[ksec]

I thought the X had HDR?

I stand corrected. I just double check turns out my memory were wrong.
The point is iPhone 11 Display is still slightly better than X. But nothing as substantial as I have imagined.