iPhone 12 Pro vs. 15 Pro: New Features to Expect if You've Waited to Upgrade

[ian87w]

Word of the wise, never jump in on Apple’s first redesign. Always wait for the second or third refresh to get the real best version with all the manufacturing snafus and design oversights fixed.

I would wait for the 16 or even the 17. Wait and see about the USB-C implementation. The added Taptic Engine will definitely reduce battery size. Rather wait for the actual battery endurance. The 12 series is not known for good battery life, which Apple fixed on the 13.

 

[B4U]

I still don't see how eSIM only is a "feature". It is more a downgrade. Especially the space was not used at all.

 

[HVDynamo]

And here I am typing on an iPhone 11ProMax, 64gb doing just fine.

In my mind, I want a “new” phone, but then I read comparisons specs and think “do I really need that stuff?” And as I get older (or wiser or crass), I realize what I have the device I bought for a grand better last me more than a few years, just like my Mac or any other computer.

That might be just me though.

Same. I do like tech and whatnot, but phones are now pretty mature tech at this point. I have a 12 Pro, and while some of the new features would be nice to have; they aren't 'Drop another $1000+ nice' when my 12 Pro still works perfectly. I'm probably good for at least another 2 years with this phone. At least. I'll get the battery replaced somewhere along the way, but the health is still at 89% and lasts plenty long for how I use it.

 

[HVDynamo]

I have a 12 pro, came from 8 plus (love that device, still miss it in some ways…).

So reason I didn’t go with 12 Max was because I read the specs and said that pro has even bigger screen than 8 plus so I was like, “great, makes sense because no more home button, sign me up beam me up, just hook it to the veins”… little did I know it had a slimmer screen SMH should’ve went to the store to hold one and try it. Huge mistake. I hate typing on this device and wish I had gotten pro max. On top of this, the other major reason I thought pro would be fine was battery. I mean, from 8-12 is what 3 generations of iPhone? I thought insane battery would extend to regular sized devices not just max’s. Really looking forward to that Max battery life 😞

Basically, I think it should’ve gone like this. Say XS max or whatever max was first… the next year’s pro device should have even just slightly better battery than previous year’s max and new max of course even better! But noooooooo this 12 pro had to have only slightly better battery than my 3 year old 8 plus. So sad…

I’d downgrade to 11 pro max if I didnT have to pay off this 12 pro first. Any suggestions??…

That's just not how physics work. The phone is physically smaller so the battery has to be physically smaller. Yes there are efficiency improvements, but to expect Max level battery in the non-max phone just a year later is a bit extreme. Maybe over a number of years and compounded efficiency improvements it can, but it won't be a big jump like that unless they just decide to make the smaller phone thicker to up the size of the battery.

 

[Matrix1776]

We upgraded one phone from the 12 Max Pro to the 14. The trade-in value almost made it free, so why not. However, the features or speed or battery has yet to be seen. Modern phones work just great. They’re to the point of the 15 probably lasting 5+ years. The only reason to start is for USB-C, which I’ll upgrade and then probably not bother for many, many years.

 

[Flight Plan]

I have an Xs max and the iPhone 15 is a huge upgrade.

I agree, although I may wait one or two more cycles.

Thats a lot but can I take a fake photo of the moon?

Who are you mooning, and why would you fake such a thing? Own it like a man, own it like you mean it, even if it lands you in CSAR jail!

Using a 12 PM and I’m gonna wait for 16 PM or most likely 17 PM🙂

If you do that and you also don’t buy a new car every 2 years either, you’re actually setting yourself up for better financial success over your life.

Oh yeah, but don’t have any other debt either, and don’t be leasing cars, either. If you have debt and lease cars, you might as well just lay your money out on the kitchen table and light it on fire.

I might wait until 16 Pro, especially if under screen Touch ID and camera come to it. iPhones last a lot longer these days.

Good points, and I’m thinking the same thing.

Agreed! I do want Apple not to release dull iPhone colors this year. It is time!

I’m secure enough in my manhood that I can wear a pink shirt or a pink tie, but I think I might have to draw the line at a pink iPhone, hehe!

The choice of 12 pro seems arbitrary. If you’re doing an article like this you might as well include the other pro iPhones in the comparison.

Why bother?

The intentional, who are too busy trying to keep the .gov’s filthy hands off our stash to be wasting valuable time upgrading all our crap every year!

On the other hand, those who buy everything on installment anyway usually have no idea how much the finance charges are going to be for all the crap they buy every year.

We should all slow down a beat or two. At least then maybe you’ll take the time to say high to your FBI guy every morning. He’s sitting right there in your kitchen, drinking your coffee; what do you mean you haven’t seen him?

And here I am typing on an iPhone 11ProMax, 64gb doing just fine.

In my mind, I want a “new” phone, but then I read comparisons specs and think “do I really need that stuff?” And as I get older (or wiser or crass), I realize what I have the device I bought for a grand better last me more than a few years, just like my Mac or any other computer.

That might be just me though.

No no, contentment is a thing. Find that and you may be closer to finding real happiness than all those around you.

Is it just me, or Apple simply can not provide compelling enough features within a 3-year timeline.

Even the 2017 iPhone X is still capable enough compared to the unreleased 2023 15 Pro Ultra Xtra Xtreme Max Plus

Yes, it’s just you. But that’s okay, toot your horn loud and proud!

What a pointless article, both content and timing-wise.

I have a 12 Pro and the only thing I'll be looking at during this 3rd year of ownership is a new battery when mine finally dips below 85%. I'll look at upgrading in a year or two (16) when the cumulative amount of incremental features like those listed here make it actually worth it.

It’s never pointless to compare what was with what will be.

The iPhone 12 Pro is still a really good phone whichever way one looks at it and it’s still a lot of phone for what I need it for. The biggest things to come with the 15 Pro for me have to be the USB-C port and not needing to replace an ageing battery.

I get the USB-C port reason, but an aging battery costs what, a hundred dollars? How is it more convenient to buy a $1200 device than it is to make an appointment with a Genius, drive to a store, and look at all the new stuff while they replace your battery? How many days do you have to work to pay for a new iPhone?

Now if you just WANT a new phone, that’s fine. Just say so. But don’t kid a kidder here and make it sound like replacing a battery is inconvenient. I call BS on that.

* BS = Broccoli Steak…I like broccoli, but it should NEVER be called a steak. That’s about as BS as that other BS!

I don’t ordinarily update for 4-5 years.

As a iPhone 12 mini owner, I may be tempted to if there’s a discounted iPhone 13 mini.

Maybe iPhone 13 Pro, but certainly not going to pay the rumoured even more expensive iPhone 15.

4-5 years is not a bad cycle, especially if you just don’t need to do it sooner.

Sometimes I get bit by certain apps not running on my older phone, and so I decide to upgrade usually at a 3-4 year interval instead.

 

[ksec]

Not mentioned in the Top Rated comments, it should hopefully be much lighter. I am hopping the titanium frame could reduce up to 30g of the phone.

 

[svish]

Many new features if one is upgrading from 12 Pro/Pro Max. Hoping to see dark red on this year’s Pro model.

 

[Muceda]

This article feels a bit early to me. It's March. Are you just trying to grab that sweet SEO goodness early?

Interesting TLA!

 

[bingeciren]

if iPhone X is working you don't need to upgrade, that is good thing, you save money.
i think Phones have evolved to MBP stage, you upgrade if your older device stops working, phones & laptops can do everything that most people want already.

Correct assesment for most cases. However, phones have evolved more in the direction of becoming cameras. The biggest difference between my X and 14P is the camera. The speed of the processor is not that significant from my perspective. A couple of second delay to launch an App is not the main reason for upgrading a phone. I can easily live with my X as long as I don't use the camera.

My wife on the other hand upgrades more frequently than I do simply because she uses her phone more like a camera. Sure, an iPhone will not be as good as a professional camera but the best camera is the one you have it with you all the time.

As for me, I used to carry a Sony Camcorder while travelling to shoot videos. With the 14P, I no longer use the Sony.

 

[Stanly.ok]

Using a 12 PM and I’m gonna wait for 16 PM or most likely 17 PM🙂

You mean 5 AM? 😜

 

[AlexisV]

I have a X and still waiting for something to make me want to upgrade!

 

[Marty80]

Using a 12 PM and I’m gonna wait for 16 PM or most likely 17 PM🙂

I also own a 12 PM and could not agree more with your logic. I’am holding out for either the rumoured 16 ultra for the design overhaul and larger display.

Or I will beat my iPhone upgrade cycle and wait for the 17. If the rumours hold up that the Face ID camera is going under the display.

 

[JesseMario2009]

Currently on iPhone 12 Pro Max, not gonna upgrade until I stop receiving major updates
I don’t care if battery health is below 80%, I will just get it serviced If it drops below 80% (My iPhone 12 Pro Max is currently at 84% battery health)

 

[Matsamoto]

I also own a 12 PM and could not agree more with your logic. I’am holding out for either the rumoured 16 ultra for the design overhaul and larger display.

Or I will beat my iPhone upgrade cycle and wait for the 17. If the rumours hold up that the Face ID camera is going under the display.

Agreed🙂
Before my 12PM I was using the Xs Max so I want a new design change.
The 14 PM was not a design change imo.

This is actually the first time in my life that I’m not upgrading after two years.

And Face ID under the screen would be nice😊

 

[I7guy]

Correct assesment for most cases. However, phones have evolved more in the direction of becoming cameras. The biggest difference between my X and 14P is the camera. The speed of the processor is not that significant from my perspective.

From my perspective the speed bump between the Xs max and i14PM is the speed of the processor and fast 5g. It transforms the experience of being on the internet. The camera upgrades area worthy also.

A couple of second delay to launch an App is not the main reason for upgrading a phone. I can easily live with my X as long as I don't use the camera.

Not mine either, but that speed bump makes a big difference in the experience.

My wife on the other hand upgrades more frequently than I do simply because she uses her phone more like a camera. Sure, an iPhone will not be as good as a professional camera but the best camera is the one you have it with you all the time.

My spouse upgrades because her phone is her business tool. But I agree the best camera is the one you have with you.

As for me, I used to carry a Sony Camcorder while travelling to shoot videos. With the 14P, I no longer use the Sony.

Yep, smartphone camera have killed the lower end camera market market.

 

[Frankl2]

What a pointless article, both content and timing-wise.

I have a 12 Pro and the only thing I'll be looking at during this 3rd year of ownership is a new battery when mine finally dips below 85%. I'll look at upgrading in a year or two (16) when the cumulative amount of incremental features like those listed here make it actually worth it.

Right - this past week, I had to replace the battery in my iPhone 12 Pro. That led to installing a new screen saver and buying a new case. Feels like a new phone and it gives me the courage to get through the day without a Dynamic Island.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

9to5Mac has posted a nice article about iPhone in Titanium.

iPhone 15 Pro rumored to ditch stainless steel for titanium: What we know - 9to5Mac

Among other changes, this year’s iPhone 15 Pro models are rumored to feature a new chassis made out of titanium...

9to5mac.com

 

[anthogag]

Comparing 12 Pro to 15 Pro….12 probably sucks 🍋

 

[hagar]

I have an 11 pro and nothing in this list makes me want to upgrade.

 

[Marty80]

Currently on iPhone 12 Pro Max, not gonna upgrade until I stop receiving major updates
I don’t care if battery health is below 80%, I will just get it serviced If it drops below 80% (My iPhone 12 Pro Max is currently at 84% battery health)

My iPhone 12 Pro Max battery health is at 92%. Do you leave it charging for long periods. That may be degrading your batteries health.

 

[Wanted797]

The choice of 12 pro seems arbitrary. If you’re doing an article like this you might as well include the other pro iPhones in the comparison.

The 12 will be 3 years old this year… right around when most people consider upgrading.

 

[TallManNY]

I like these comparisons because they are vastly more likely to be my actual upgrade path these days. And in this case my daily is an iPhone 12 mini. Passing up on 14 was an easy call. Instead I treated myself to a battery upgrade for my mini. 12 mini should be going strong in September and doing everything I need it to do. But the upgrade could easily be worth it to me then as well. I hope MacRumors does a detailed comparison against older models like mine when the 15 comes out.

 

[DownUnderDan]

I was surprised by how many of those "improvements" I personally couldn't care less about. Its an improved phone for sure, but still just another fairly minor interation of something people have. I wouldn't be jumping to get an iPhone 15 based on that comparison.

 

[Clamjuice65]

Using a 12 PM and I’m gonna wait for 16 PM or most likely 17 PM🙂

oh no you won’t wait . Apple wants you to upgrade every year . So you’ll be upgrading this fall ok