PhonAndroid iPhone 12, Mini and Pro: price, release date and technical data sheet

The iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro were unveiled in October 2020. Last year, Apple emphasized 5G, MagSafe wireless charging and photography. Release date, price, technical sheet… here is everything we know about the latest Phone.

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In 2019, the iPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max had the effect of a disappointment at first glance: Apple did not know how to make us dream with new technologies ahead of the market, as at the time of the iPhone X. The iPhone generation 11 was that of a technological catch-up on Android competition which has clearly strengthened. A year later, the iPhone 12 generation transforms the test.

📆 What is the iPhone 12 release date?

The iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are all now available in stores. Which doesn't mean it's easy to get your hands on. The shortage of components affects Apple as much as the rest of the manufacturers of electronic devices.

The iPhone 12 Pro is particularly affected, the Cupertino company struggling to obtain parts dedicated to energy management and the use of LiDAR. According to Strategy Analytics, component prices have increased by 15-30% in the last six months. It is currently impossible to predict when the situation will return to normal. At the same time, demand for the iPhone 12 remains very strong.

💸 What are the prices of the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 is available in several versions. The classic version, simply called iPhone 12, is sold at a price of 909 euros. The miniature version of the phone, called iPhone 12 Mini, is sold from 809 euros. The 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro is sold from 1159 euros while the 6.7-inch Max version costs 1259 euros minimum.

Apple is following the price list applied in 2019 and continues to diversify its offer. Under the leadership of Tim Cook, the brand seeks to appeal to a wide range of consumers. A strategy that has paid off so far. Here is the full fee schedule:

According to the first figures, the least successful model would be the iPhone 12 Mini, while the model just above, the iPhone 12 6.1″ would achieve a third of sales. Faced with the catastrophic sales of the iPhone 12 Mini, Apple would have reduced the production of this model.

✏️ What is the design of the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 has a 6.1″ screen in an even more compact body than the 6.1″ iPhone 11 and its screen LCD. Like all iPhones this year and past, there's a notch for Face ID facial recognition.

The screen glass, called Ceramic Shield, should protect it better. The chassis is made of aluminum – it forms a flat strip that we haven't seen on a smartphone from the brand since the iPhone 5S. This metal strip of the iPhone 12 would also be damaged quite easily according to the first feedback.

The rear is almost indistinguishable from that of the equivalent iPhone 11s. But we quickly see the difference, when we hold the two models side by side: the iPhone 12 is 11% thinner, 15% smaller and 16% lighter than the iPhone 11.

But if you like the compact size, there's something even smaller: the iPhone 12 mini. Its design uses the same formula, but in an even more compact 5.4″ format. Both smartphones are available in black, white, blue, red and light green.

In the second most premium half of the range we have the iPhone 12 Pro (6.1″) and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Two smartphones larger than the iPhone 11 Pro (5.8″) and iPhone 11 Pro Max (6.5″) launched in 2019. The 6.7″ diagonal screen of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, in particular, constitute the new record to beat at Apple.

We find a design similar to the two models mentioned above with the screen still covered with Ceramic Shield glass. But the frame is this time in glossy tempered steel slightly tinted according to the color chosen.

We notice the same type of differentiation between the first and second part of the range as what we saw on generation 11: the back of the cheapest iPhone 12 is shiny while the glass around their module photo is frosted. For the Pro models it's the opposite: the glass surrounding the photo module is shiny while the rest has a frosted finish.

The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max are available in four colors: grey, white/steel, gold and “new blue”, a new color for the Pro range. You can compare the size of the new iPhones with that of the old ones in this infographic.

⚙️ What is the iPhone 12 spec sheet?

The new iPhones are built around the new A14 Bionic processor, which banks on its power as well as its 5G compatibility. 5G networks make it possible to explode speeds while reducing latency. In the case of the iPhone 12, Apple allows for the first time to download large updates directly via the 5G connection without going through WiFi.

Engraved in 5 nm, A14 Bionic has 11.8 billion transistors. Apple indicates that it is 50% more powerful than that of the iPhone 11 and that it is also designed for gaming. To support its words by example, the Cupertino company has unveiled a gameplay video of the famous Moba League of Legends on its iPhone 12, as beautiful as on PC and without slowdowns.

In addition, the battery capacities of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are known through certification documents – they are 2815 mAh and 2227 mAh respectively. We also know the battery capacity of the iPhone 12 Pro Max which is 3969 mAh. That of the standard iPhone 12 Pro remains an unknown as of this writing.

This teardown video gives an in-depth look at the components of the iPhone 12 – and the compromises Apple made to make the phone thinner, even if that meant integrating a smaller battery. This other teardown compares the interior of the iPhone 12 with that of the iPhone 12 Pro. Finally iFixit also unveiled a detailed disassembly of the iPhone 12 Pro Max which allows you to realize the enormity of its photo sensor.

Several memory capacities are available, 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB depending on the model. Storage options for the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini start at 64GB. While those for the Pro models start at 128GB. Apple hasn't raised the prices over the iPhone 11 Pro, though. Finally, a last point on the repairs, or rather the repairability index of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro.

We thus learn that the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro obtain the score of 6/10 and are therefore, according to this index, rather simple to repair.

📸 What are the photo sensors of the iPhone 12?

Regarding the camera, Apple offers two 12 megapixel sensors (one wide-angle and one ultra-wide-angle) on its iPhone 12 Technically, this may seem a bit tight, but the Cupertino company claims to have worked a lot on computational photography. Thus, the photos promise to be perfectly balanced with good brightness. More so, the night mode has also been improved on this new model.

Thanks to its ultra-wide-angle sensor associated with a particularly large die, the iPhone 12 promises to capture up to 27% more light. The camera automatically detects shooting conditions and automatically triggers night mode. Apple assures that, whatever the conditions in which the shots are taken, the night mode allows obtaining unparalleled respect for colors and a level of detail even with very low lighting.

The iPhone has every chance of becoming the new champion of nighttime snaps, a title that has until now been held by Huawei's P30 and P40, as well as Google's Pixel 4 and 5. The iPhone 12 also has a function called Smart HDR 3, which offers a good way to balance the colors of a shot and thus avoid overly saturated hues. This mode also makes it possible to better bring out the details of a scene, while it is based on an automatic learning method to recognize situations, as well as faces.

Smart HDR 3 then adjusts the color balance, the sharpness of the subjects and adjusts the white balance, in order to improve the shots that would lack pep. Video is no exception. Apple claims to offer the most beautiful videos on the market with the iPhone 12. During the conference, the manufacturer unveiled its impressive new night mode for videos, which will allow you to take perfect sequences even with inadequate light.

The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with three 12-megapixel sensors (normal, ultra wide and telephoto) and will provide even more detail in the shots taken. Likewise, Dolby Vision is integrated into videos, a first on smartphones. The Lidar sensor is also part of it. This high-precision sensor is very useful for pinpointing you very precisely and for augmented reality.

For example, it allows you to see in augmented reality which shops are nearby using the APN. We also learned that the sensor makes it possible to measure the height of people in augmented reality ultra-precisely.

Also read: iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max – LiDAR, Dolby Vision, OIS… Apple wants to seduce filmmakers

All of these photo and video features are starting to be independently tested. Thus, DxOMark, for example, gives a score of 130 to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which places it 4th in the ranking, after the Mate 40 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra and P40 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro gets a score of 128 that is ultimately very close. The classic iPhone 12 gets a score of 122. We expect a very similar score on the mini, the photo technical sheet being identical.

🔋What is the autonomy of the iPhone 12?

The brand's official website gives us a first idea of ​​the autonomy of the iPhone 12. The first thing to note is that Apple has not chosen a 120 Hz screen, which consumes more energy, and therefore offers 60 Hz OLED panels. The iPhone 12s also switch to LTE mode as soon as 5G is not necessary, to preserve the maximum battery. In addition, they all embed the new A14 chip engraved in 5 nm which also has a positive impact on this part.

The capacities of the official batteries are unfortunately not given. But Apple says the iPhone 12 can last up to 17 hours of video playback, up to 11 hours of streaming, and up to 65 hours of audio playback. The same data is delivered for the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max.

In gaming, the iPhone 12 Pro offers half the battery life of the iPhone 11 Pro. The iPhone 12 Mini is a little less good in this segment with 15 hours of battery life in video playback, 10 hours in streaming and 50 hours in music listening. Here's how iPhone 12 battery life compares to previous generations:

All the iPhones in the range have fast charging at 20 Watts. By plugging in your smartphone, you can recharge it by 50% in 30 minutes, according to the manufacturer. An interesting argument today where this technology is much put forward by all manufacturers.

For the moment, we have to trust Apple in this segment, but these figures are encouraging. The Cupertino brand has always been good in the field of autonomy and it would be a big surprise if the iPhone 12 did not follow the same path.

🧲 What is the MagSafe wireless charger?

Apple has introduced a new way to charge your smartphone with the MagSafe system. This wireless technology allows you to better power your iPhone's battery through various magnetic accessories, such as a shell.

It also allows you to place the charging coil optimally to increase the charging speed. It is possible to recharge several terminals at the same time with this system, including an Apple Watch in particular.

Alignment is an issue with other wireless chargers that limits their power and efficiency. The iPhone 12 MagSafe charger would nevertheless have the disadvantage of damaging certain materials such as leather. In addition, the coil that Apple has integrated into the iPhone 12 would be compatible with reverse charging, even if the functionality is currently disabled.

Official accessories developed by Apple are available for pre-order on the Apple Store for €45. MagSafe is now sold like other Apple products without a charger included. Apple offers to use any power adapter over 20W but a MagSafe test shows that only the official Apple 20W power adapter can reach the maximum speed of 15W with MagSafe and the iPhone 12.

Also recommended on the MagSafe Duo, the 20W adapter is actually not enough. In addition, only the iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max can reach 15W in all cases. With the iPhone 12 Mini, the MagSafe charger will remain limited to 12W.

Besides the charger, there are many magnetic accessories that can be combined with each other. On the brand's store, you can see in particular an external MagSafe battery, silicone cases magnetized by MagSafe, transparent cases and a case to slip your bank cards. The card holder is equipped with protection against magnetic fields which makes it perfectly safe for bank cards, promises Apple. No risk of the cards demagnetizing in contact with the MagSafe. Apple assures that its technology makes it possible to firmly hold the accessories on the back of the iPhone.

Third-party accessories also offer compatible accessories. Belkin has launched a two-in-1 charger that can charge an iPhone 12, an Apple Watch and a pair of AirPods. Belkin also offers a support to hold an iPhone 12 on the air vent of a car for the sum of 40€.

However, once is not customary for Apple, the MagSafe charger contains few proprietary technologies. It is basically a Qi charger and so it can charge other smartphones including Android. And it can even go further: the MagSafe charger also attaches and charges… the Galaxy Z Fold 2. The foldable smartphone containing a good number of magnets to make opening and closing more precise, assured and pleasant.

💪🏼 Are the iPhone 12s more resistant?

Apple has promised that these new iPhones will be more resistant than the old ones, having greater tolerance to shocks and drops thanks to its technology called Ceramic Shield. Apple claims that its new iPhones are 4 times more resistant to drops and damage of all kinds than the iPhone 11. A performance of the Ceramic Shield which is beginning to be confirmed in the first drop tests.

They are also IP68 certified and therefore waterproof. Apple learned the lesson of the iPhone 4 with their glass back and therefore worked on this segment, the iPhone 12 also using this material.

📱What screen sizes for the iPhone 12?

OLED was expected for the screen part of these new iPhones, and Apple has taken the plunge. The brand did not really spread out on the subject, preferring to focus its communication on the different screen sizes depending on the model. The iPhone Mini therefore has a 5.4-inch Retina screen while the iPhone 12 offers a size of 6.1 inches.

The iPhone 12 Pro goes further with a huge screen of 6.1 or 6.7 inches. Here, no curved screens or punches, since we find a flat slab as well as the eternal notch. It should be noted that Apple remains on a 60 Hz refresh rate and will not (yet) follow the fashion for 120 Hz screens on high-end terminals.

The screens of the iPhone 12 are all HDR compatible and offer True Tone display, for great respect for colors. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro offer a definition of 2530 x 1170 pixels while the iPhone 12 mini has a screen with a definition of 2340 x 1080 pixels. DisplayMate tests are starting to drop. Apparently the screen of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is even better than that of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

⚡️No charger or headphones in the box?

Apple has insisted at length on the environmental aspect of its approach. In the middle of the iPhone presentation, the keynote gave the floor to Lisa Jackson, one of Apple's vice presidents in charge of environmental policy and social initiatives.

From the roof of the futuristic circular “groundscraper” designed by architect Norman Foster, amid solar panels, Lisa Jackson announces “Apple is carbon neutral in its global operations – our offices, stores and data. centers are powered by 100% renewable energy, and we are proud of what we have achieved – but by 2030 we aim to have a net 0 climate impact”.

The manager continues: “It also involves our supply chain and product life cycle. This means for each Apple product sold, the collection of raw materials, the manufacture of components, assembly, transport, use by the customer, recharging, up to the recycling and recovery of raw materials... all of this will be 100% carbon neutral. ”.

Lisa Jackson then talks about the iPhone 12 again – to better recall Apple's efforts to remove all the most toxic compounds such as BFR, PVX, Berylium, Mercury or Arsenic from its devices. Or to recycle raw materials such as solder tin. The rare earths in MagSafe magnets are 100% recycled – a good point considering the environmental impact of extracting these rare earths. The firm's subcontractors must also comply with certain practices, such as using renewable energies. Note that the abandonment of the loader saved more than 800 tons of metals last year.

Then we come to the sore topic: “In this effort we are looking for ways to reduce the amount of materials in our products. Consumers already have over 700 million pairs of Lightning headphones [so far included in the iPhone box] and many of our customers have switched to wireless headphones or earphones […] and there are also over 2 billions of Apple chargers in circulation, not to mention the billions of third-party adapters. That's why we removed these accessories from the iPhone 12” box.

If you are not equipped, the chargers are still sold on the official website. Apple explains that it is now possible to have up to 70% more iPhone 12 boxes on each pallet “enough to reduce carbon emissions in our global supply chain”. In all the economy would be 2 million cubic meters less carbon dioxide per year in the atmosphere. That is as much as some 450,000 vehicles could be taken out of circulation each year. Apple says it hopes "others will follow its lead" in order to have an even greater impact on the planet.

However, the boxes sold in France and in the rest of Europe are a little different. The regulations indeed impose the inclusion of wired headphones with all smartphones on the market. There are therefore many EarPods headphones in the box of the iPhone 12 in France. For the charger, on the other hand, it is time to mourn it, like the rest of the world. Apple has nevertheless lowered the price of its 20W charger and accessories a little. We also note that Apple has sometimes preferred to go illegal rather than offering the iPhone 12 with charger in countries that require it, such as Brazil.

Can we jailbreak the iPhone 12?

Jailbreaking, the equivalent of Android root, allows you to unlock the iOS operating system to modify the interface, or add features that are normally inaccessible. Jailbreaking had lost a bit of popularity in recent years, but unc0ver happens to have a jailbreak that works with iPhone 12 up to iOS 14.3.

What are the first problems and bugs encountered by users?

As with any new product, the first users of the iPhone 12 encounter more or less serious problems with their device. Fortunately, none of these technical issues seem serious enough to force Apple to organize a recall or product exchanges.

Most reported issues will likely be fixed with a simple software update. Thus we learned of the existence of a display bug: the iPhone 12 screen sometimes flashes green or gray if the brightness is set to minimum. And obviously some colors wear out faster than others. Another issue affects the 4G and 5G connectivity of the iPhone 12 which works erratically on some units.

The iPhone 12, for example, is very dangerous for people with heart problems, especially those with a pacemaker. Indeed, the Magsafe charger included in the smartphone can disable the device, which greatly worries cardiologists. At issue are the magnets that allow the technology to work, which create a magnetic field strong enough to turn off pacemakers. And they would not be the only ones to pose a risk, by the very admission of Apple, which has just published a list of its dangerous devices near medical equipment.

What do you think of this new generation of iPhone? We are waiting for your opinion in the comments.