As we enter 2024, the question of whether to choose the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 becomes more pertinent, especially as both models have seen significant price drops. According to UpTrade’s price tracking data, both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 have dropped below $250, with the price gap between a certified refurbished iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 being less than $50. While both models offer excellent value for money, I would recommend the iPhone 12 for several reasons. Let's dive into a comparison of these two models to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of iPhone 11
The iPhone 11, released in September 2019, was a highly popular model due to its combination of performance, camera quality, and affordability. It features the A13 Bionic chip, which was state-of-the-art at the time, and a dual-camera system that includes a 12MP wide and ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 11 offers a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, which, while not OLED, still provides vibrant colors and sharp images. The device is also equipped with Face ID, a solid battery life, and IP68 water and dust resistance.
Overview of iPhone 12
The iPhone 12, released a year later in October 2020, brought several upgrades over the iPhone 11. It introduced 5G connectivity, a new design with flat edges reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5, and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which offers superior brightness, contrast, and color accuracy compared to the iPhone 11's LCD display. The iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, making it faster and more efficient than the iPhone 11. Additionally, the iPhone 12 features Ceramic Shield front cover, which offers four times better drop performance compared to previous models.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification |
iPhone 11 |
iPhone 12 |
| Release Date |
September 2019 |
October 2020 |
| Display |
6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD (LCD), 1792 x 828 |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170 |
| Processor |
A13 Bionic chip |
A14 Bionic chip |
| RAM |
4GB |
4GB |
| Storage Options |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear Cameras |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
| Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth camera |
12MP TrueDepth camera |
| Battery Capacity |
3110 mAh |
2815 mAh |
| Operating System |
iOS 13 (upgradable to the latest iOS version) |
iOS 14 (upgradable to the latest iOS version) |
| Dimensions |
150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight |
194 grams |
164 grams |
| Water/Dust Resistance |
IP68 (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes) |
IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) |
| Colors |
Multiple |
Multiple |
Performance and Hardware
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 deliver solid performance, but the iPhone 12 takes the lead with its A14 Bionic chip, which is faster and more power-efficient than the A13 in the iPhone 11. The A14 Bionic chip enables better handling of demanding tasks, such as gaming and multitasking, and it future-proofs the device for longer-term software support.
The iPhone 12 also benefits from 5G connectivity, which offers faster download and upload speeds, providing an edge in areas with 5G coverage. While the iPhone 11 is no slouch in terms of performance, the iPhone 12’s newer hardware makes it a better choice for those looking to keep their phone for several more years.
Display Quality
One of the most noticeable differences between the two models is the display. The iPhone 12’s Super Retina XDR OLED display is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina HD LCD. The OLED display offers deeper blacks, higher brightness, and better color accuracy, making it superior for media consumption, gaming, and overall viewing experience. If display quality is a priority for you, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner.
Camera Capabilities
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 have similar camera systems, featuring dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses. However, the iPhone 12 includes improvements in computational photography, such as Night Mode on both rear cameras and Deep Fusion technology, which enhances image quality in low light and detail-rich environments. The iPhone 12 also supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording, making it a better choice for content creators or anyone who enjoys capturing high-quality videos.
Battery Life
While the iPhone 11 has a slightly larger battery capacity at 3110 mAh compared to the iPhone 12’s 2815 mAh, the difference in battery life is minimal due to the efficiency of the A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12. Both models can easily last through a full day of moderate use, but the iPhone 11 might offer a slight edge in battery endurance. However, the iPhone 12 supports MagSafe and faster wireless charging, adding more convenience for users who prioritize quick charging.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12’s design is more modern, with flat edges and a thinner, lighter build compared to the iPhone 11’s rounded edges and slightly bulkier form. The iPhone 12 also features Ceramic Shield technology, which provides better drop resistance, making it more durable than the iPhone 11. Additionally, the iPhone 12’s IP68 rating allows it to withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, compared to the iPhone 11’s 2 meters.
Price and Value
As of 2024, both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 have dropped below the $250 mark, making them highly affordable options. The price gap between a certified refurbished iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 is less than $50, making the iPhone 12 the better choice for most buyers. For a small additional cost, you get a more modern design, better performance, and superior display quality.
Conclusion
While both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are excellent choices in 2024, the iPhone 12 stands out as the better option. It offers a more advanced processor, superior display, and additional features such as 5G connectivity and improved durability. Given that the price difference between the two models is minimal, the iPhone 12 provides better value for your money and is likely to remain relevant for longer. If you’re deciding between the two, the iPhone 12 is the smart choice in 2024.
How UpTrade Can Help
When it comes to purchasing a certified refurbished iPhone, UpTrade makes the process simple and secure. UpTrade allows you to easily compare prices across multiple certified sellers, ensuring that you get the best deal available. All sellers on UpTrade are carefully vetted, and only those meeting strict quality standards are allowed to list their products. This guarantees that the devices are thoroughly inspected, tested, and refurbished to like-new condition. With UpTrade, you can shop with confidence, knowing that you’re getting a high-quality iPhone at the best possible price.
