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

[javisan]

I agree with both that based on rumors the gap between the Pro and non-Pro is narrower in terms of features. However, based on rumors, the price gap is also getting narrower, which could partly explain it. The non-pro is expected to start at $749 for 64gb. Once you add $50, you have the non-Pro 128gb at $799 and the 128gb Pro is expected to start at $999. If rumors are true, the price gap will now be $200 when it is now $300 with iPhone 11 series (at a 64gb capacity).

This is a smart pricing move by Apple as it is essentially making the non-Pro more expensive while making the Pro appear as a better value given that they charged $999 for 64gb last year, and now your getting twice the storage capacity (all else being equal). For the non-Pro, your getting noticeable upgrades from the iPhone 11 (starting with the OLED screen), but your also paying more for it.

I'm still hoping that the reason for the delay of the Pro version to November is that there is something new that has not leaked yet that takes more time to manufacture (smaller notch, Touch ID on power button, etc.). A big way Apple could differentiate the Pro from the non-Pro would be a smaller notch, it would look more modern (and keep it that way a couple of years). If I'm mistaken and we know everything about the Pro, I suspect the non-Pro will be more popular, even with a narrower price gap.

Before today's leak, I suspected that the gap in price between the Pro and non-Pro was going to decrease from $300 in the iPhone 11 series, to $200 in the iPhone 12 series. But if the non-Pro 12 starts at $799 for 64GB, I assume that the 128GB will cost $849, then it looks like the gap in price will between a 128GB Pro and non-Pro will be $150.

At this point I really don't expect much differentiation to justify the $150. Initially we thought the Pro's would have a slightly better screen, but based on today's leak the OLED screens appear to be exactly the same.

With only a $150 price difference, I will really pay attention to the differences between both with great detail before making a final decision. Features and specs will drive my decision, not the $150.

Things that would make me chose the Pro:

1. RAM --> I'm willing to pay the extra $150 if the Pro has more RAM, as that would help me keep it a year or two more (from my normal 2-3 year cycle) before upgrading again.
2. Better camera sensor --> Based on the leaks it looks like only the Pro Max will have a new and improved sensor, but if by any chance the 6.1 Pro has a better sensor than the non-Pro, I would buy it. Does not look to be the case though.

Things that would make me chose the non-Pro:

1. Bezel size and OLED screen --> If both versions have the exact same OLED screen and bezels, that would be a win for the non-Pro version and would be very hard to overlook.
2. Colors --> The fact that the non-Pro will have a black color vs the Pro which is changing from space gray to graphite, could convince me to chose the non-Pro. I do not like the new graphite color on the new Watch series 6. I much prefer the darker gray/black.

 

[K4VKS]

Before today's leak, I suspected that the gap in price between the Pro and non-Pro was going to decrease from $300 in the iPhone 11 series, to $200 in the iPhone 12 series. But if the non-Pro 12 starts at $799 for 64GB, I assume that the 128GB will cost $849, then it looks like the gap in price will between a 128GB Pro and non-Pro will be $150.

At this point I really don't expect much differentiation to justify the $150. Initially we thought the Pro's would have a slightly better screen, but based on today's leak the OLED screens appear to be exactly the same.

With only a $150 price difference, I will really pay attention to the differences between both with great detail before making a final decision. Features and specs will drive my decision, not the $150.

Things that would make me chose the Pro:

1. RAM --> I'm willing to pay the extra $150 if the Pro has more RAM, as that would help me keep it a year or two more before upgrading again.
2. Better camera sensor --> Based on the leaks it looks like only the Pro Max will have a new and improved sensor, but if by any chance the 6.1 Pro has a better sensor than the non-Pro, I would buy it. Does not look to be the case though.

Things that would make me chose the non-Pro:

1. Bezel size and OLED screen --> If both versions have the exact same same OLED screen and bezels, that would be a win for the non-Pro version and would be very hard to overlook.
2. Colors --> The fact that the non-Pro will have a black color vs the Pro which is changing from space gray to graphite, could convince me to chose the non-Pro. I do not like the new graphite color on the new Watch series 6. I much prefer the darker gray/black.

I agree 100% with your thought process. It'll be very interesting to see how this plays out.

 

[1rottenapple]

I'm bummed with the announced and predicted price increase for the 6.1 non pro-model. I wanted to buy my dad one but damn 849! Is that for the 64? So much for entry. I was hoping 749 plus $50 for the 128gb model, but its not surprising they increased the price. I'm probably buy him the iPhone 11 6.1 model.

 

[javisan]

I'm bummed with the announced and predicted price increase for the 6.1 non pro-model. I wanted to buy my dad one but damn 849! Is that for the 64? So much for entry. I was hoping 749 plus $50 for the 128gb model, but its not surprising they increased the price. I'm probably buy him the iPhone 11 6.1 model.

The leaked price is $799 for the 64GB model. I am assuming that it will be an extra $50 for the 128GB version.

 

[Christopher Kim]

I agree, the announcement has changed the math a bit, as I was leaning towards getting 6.1” 12 non-pro instead of the 6.1 pro. Now that the difference between the 128gb will be just $150, that definitely feels better value in the 12 pro... Will wait to final announcement to decide of course, but now leaning back towards 6.1“ 12 Pro.

 

[1rottenapple]

The leaked price is $799 for the 64GB model. I am assuming that it will be an extra $50 for the 128GB version.

damn still a lot for the 6.1 model, guess I was spoiled with the XR and 11 prices.

 

[javisan]

799 for the 5.4? or 6.1?

6.1.

The 5.4 will be $699 for 64gb per the leak.

 

[1rottenapple]

I agree, the announcement has changed the math a bit, as I was leaning towards getting 6.1” 12 non-pro instead of the 6.1 pro. Now that the difference between the 128gb will be just $150, that definitely feels better value in the 12 pro... Will wait to final announcement to decide of course, but now leaning back towards 6.1“ 12 Pro.

Damn apple has the psychology of upselling perfected 😩
[automerge]1602300645[/automerge]

6.1.

The 5.4 will be $699 for 64gb per the leak.

Got that thanks I had to reread the leak.

 

[TechLord]

I would get the pro over the 12 mainly due to the 6gb ram over the 4. 4gb in a 2020 flagship is lazy and the measly amount of ram in iPhones is defo detrimental to the overall user experience when compared to android flagships IMO. I would also like a telephoto camera.

 

[Sandman23]

If I was in the market for one of the 6'1 phones I would 100% get the iPhone 12 instead of the pro.

 

[DreamPod]

For me, I’m getting the cheapest model with a Lidar, because I’m really big on AR and the Lidar makes a huge difference. I actually wish the cheaper phones also had Lidar just so more people could experience it.

I would get the pro over the 12 mainly due to the 6gb ram over the 4. 4gb in a 2020 flagship is lazy and the measly amount of ram in iPhones is defo detrimental to the overall user experience when compared to android flagships IMO. I would also like a telephoto camera.

You can’t directly compare Android RAM to iPhone RAM because Android OS uses quite a bit more RAM than iOS. iPhone just plain doesn’t need the memory. I can’t think of the last time I had a memory-related issue in an iOS device.

 

[TechLord]

For me, I’m getting the cheapest model with a Lidar, because I’m really big on AR and the Lidar makes a huge difference. I actually wish the cheaper phones also had Lidar just so more people could experience it.

You can’t directly compare Android RAM to iPhone RAM because Android OS uses quite a bit more RAM than iOS. iPhone just plain doesn’t need the memory. I can’t think of the last time I had a memory-related issue in an iOS device.

Apps are always reloading on my 11, even with iPhone RAM going further, iPhones could use more ram IMO. It's not exactly difficult nor expensive for Apple to add more ram, it's just laziness. The fact that Apple doesn't even advertise ram on its technical specifications page is very telling. I would not personally spend 800+ on another 4GB iPhone.

This is just my personal opinion anyway, the thread title is "your thoughts" after all; I personally value ram a lot, especially after testing phones with significantly higher amounts of ram which can IMO handle multiple apps better than my 11 with a measly 4gb. The 6gb ram in the pro series is a huge selling point for me.

 

[TechLord]

With the above in mind. I wouldn't upgrade to either phone unless they match my 11 in battery life. Will have to see how the a14 works its magic.

 

[Pilot Jones]

If you're thinking of keeping the phone long term, go with the higher spec'd device. The extra RAM, camera hardware and other internals will show its age slower.

However, if you're a frequent upgrader and/or aren't happy with the amount of updates Apple have made to the iPhone this year and will probably jump onto the next gen's 120Hz, smaller notch, etc. then go with the regular one and save yourself the trouble of buying a more expensive phone for a shorter duration of time. Also, having identical screens means the core user interface & experience will be exactly the same so if it's not long term usage, it will basically feel like the same phone, except cheaper.

 

[Lwii2boo]

Before today's leak, I suspected that the gap in price between the Pro and non-Pro was going to decrease from $300 in the iPhone 11 series, to $200 in the iPhone 12 series. But if the non-Pro 12 starts at $799 for 64GB, I assume that the 128GB will cost $849, then it looks like the gap in price will between a 128GB Pro and non-Pro will be $150.

At this point I really don't expect much differentiation to justify the $150. Initially we thought the Pro's would have a slightly better screen, but based on today's leak the OLED screens appear to be exactly the same.

With only a $150 price difference, I will really pay attention to the differences between both with great detail before making a final decision. Features and specs will drive my decision, not the $150.

Things that would make me chose the Pro:

1. RAM --> I'm willing to pay the extra $150 if the Pro has more RAM, as that would help me keep it a year or two more (from my normal 2-3 year cycle) before upgrading again.
2. Better camera sensor --> Based on the leaks it looks like only the Pro Max will have a new and improved sensor, but if by any chance the 6.1 Pro has a better sensor than the non-Pro, I would buy it. Does not look to be the case though.

Things that would make me chose the non-Pro:

1. Bezel size and OLED screen --> If both versions have the exact same OLED screen and bezels, that would be a win for the non-Pro version and would be very hard to overlook.
2. Colors --> The fact that the non-Pro will have a black color vs the Pro which is changing from space gray to graphite, could convince me to chose the non-Pro. I do not like the new graphite color on the new Watch series 6. I much prefer the darker gray/black.

I think if there is both 6 GB RAM + big camera spec bump difference vs non-pro on main sensors (not just Lidar and telephoto) I could go for the Pro one.
If it is same screen, battery, bezels and overall slight difference between the two models, I would have an hard time to justify myself getting the pro and I would save that money to get 256 regular one that would be still probably cheaper than the 128 Pro one.

 

[javisan]

I think if there is both 6 GB RAM + big camera spec bump difference vs non-pro on main sensors (not just Lidar and telephoto) I could go for the Pro one.
If it is same screen, battery, bezels and overall slight difference between the two models, I would have an hard time to justify myself getting the pro and I would save that money to get 256 regular one that would be still probably cheaper than the 128 Pro one.

That would probably be my decision as well.

The unfortunate thing is that Apple does not disclose the RAM information, that may take a while to discover. I kind of remember that when the iPhone 11 series was released, there was conflicting information on the RAM. At first, it was said that the Pros had 6GB and the standard 11 had 4GB. Both the Pro and non-Pro ended having the same, 4GB. My gut tells me that once again it will be same: both the Pro and non-Pro having the same 6GB of RAM. Had there been a bigger price gap between the 12 Pro and non-Pro, I would have expected RAM differences.

 

[Lwii2boo]

That would probably be my decision as well.

The unfortunate thing is that Apple does not disclose the RAM information, that may take a while to discover. I kind of remember that when the iPhone 11 series was released, there was conflicting information on the RAM. At first, it was said that the Pros had 6GB and the standard 11 had 4GB. Both the Pro and non-Pro ended having the same, 4GB. My gut tells me that once again it will be same: both the Pro and non-Pro having the same 6GB of RAM. Had there been a bigger price gap between the 12 Pro and non-Pro, I would have expected RAM differences.

I hope you're right for the whole line-up having 6GB RAM. I still think 4/6 (non-pro / Pro) or 4/4 is possible. yes on the 11 we were expecting 6GB ram at the beginning.
It's a shame RAM details for iPhone is never mentionned in any single page on Apple's website.

 

[javisan]

I have decided to go with the 12 Pro 128gb.

With my Apple discount through my work and the fact Apple is charging $30 extra on the unlocked non-Pro model (I always buy full price unlocked), for me, the price difference between Pro and non-Pro at the 128gb capacity is only $118.

The non-Pro is priced too high. I would feel cheated if I bought it. For my use, I feel that paying the $118 extra for the Pro is more than worth it.

Had the non-Pro 128gb been $749, it would have been another decision.

 

[Christopher Kim]

Also decided to go with the 12 Pro 128gb instead of the 12. The addition of Telephoto lens / LIDAR, plus the fact that it looks like the 12/12-mini will also have nightmode portrait / front-cameras software-disabled, is worth the modest price difference. If the 12 Pro has 6gb vs 12/12-mini with 4gb, would just add to the rationale. But for my price vs "utility" curve, even without the ram difference, it's still worth it to go with the Pro.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

The keynote reaffirmed my choice to go with the 12. I think it offers everything I need and for a decent price. Apple have released some powerful iPhones this year.

 

[Zazoh]

They indicate Pro model is for Pro Photographers. I wondered what made a Pro phone for "Pros." Even as former photography enthusiast I spent $1000 on a lens alone. I wouldn't show up to a photo shoot with a iPhone only. But, much of this is great marketing. Similar to the MacBook Pros who are sold to folks who could get by with a Chromebook.

But, you live and learn. I didn't even see a compelling reason to go from Xr to 12. I may get the 11 if they still sell them so I get an Ultra-Wide lens. But 5g ... meh. I can't even reliably get LTE and 90% of time I'm on WiFi anyway.

 

[aakshey]

In India 12 is around 1080 USD. 12 Pro USD 1650. AC+ for 12 Pro is almost double that for 12. AC+ for 12 Pro is around USD 370.

 

[aakshey]

Btw 12 Pro screen is much better/brighter.

Typical Max Brightness (non HDR)

12 - 625 nits
12 Pro 800 nits

 

[Sam in SoCal]

They indicate Pro model is for Pro Photographers. I wondered what made a Pro phone for "Pros." Even as former photography enthusiast I spent $1000 on a lens alone. I wouldn't show up to a photo shoot with a iPhone only. But, much of this is great marketing. Similar to the MacBook Pros who are sold to folks who could get by with a Chromebook.

But, you live and learn. I didn't even see a compelling reason to go from Xr to 12. I may get the 11 if they still sell them so I get an Ultra-Wide lens. But 5g ... meh. I can't even reliably get LTE and 90% of time I'm on WiFi anyway.

Forget about 5G. The reason why you want to upgrade is to get those QUALCOMM modems. LOL

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Btw 12 Pro screen is much better/brighter.

Typical Max Brightness (non HDR)

12 - 625 nits
12 Pro 800 nits

That’s not a huge difference and they match each other on max brightness with HDR. I think it’s safe to say they both have excellent screens this year and we can bid goodbye to the silly criticisms we saw with the XR/11.