iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12
Shop iPhone
iPhone 11
Starting at
£163.65£489.00 new
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12?
iPhone 11 vs 12 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the iPhone 11 starts at £163.65, £6.35 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Mobile network
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
- The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
- The iPhone 12 has an OLED screen.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 specs
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 share a 6.1 inch screen size and similar camera resolutions, making both suitable for everyday use and photography. The iPhone 12 offers a sharper, higher resolution OLED screen which suits those who value more vivid and detailed displays. Its Apple A14 Bionic chipset supports smooth performance, matching the iPhone 11's 4 GB RAM but with a newer processor. The iPhone 12 is lighter and smaller in dimensions, making it easier to hold. It supports 5G networks, ideal if you want faster mobile internet. The iPhone 11 has a larger battery capacity, which can benefit users prioritising longer battery life.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates are key for device longevity. Battery size differs and can influence how long you stay unplugged.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 11 has a 3110 mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 has a smaller 2815 mAh battery. If you prioritise longer battery life and can handle a slightly heavier phone, the iPhone 11 may be better. The iPhone 12's battery suits those comfortable with a bit less capacity but who may appreciate other features.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 performance
Performance depends mainly on the processor and memory available. Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, but the chipsets differ in generation and fabrication process, which can influence speed and efficiency.
Chipset
The iPhone 11 features the Apple A13 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 12 has the newer Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm). The A14 Bionic chip suits users looking for a processor built on a 5 nm process, which can offer improved efficiency and performance in demanding apps.
Memory and Storage
Both devices come with 4 GB RAM and are available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. This combination supports everyday tasks and multitasking comfortably.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, photos and apps. Both phones have a 6.1 inch screen, but resolution and technology differ, which changes the viewing experience.
Resolution
The iPhone 11 has a screen resolution of 828 x 1792, while the iPhone 12 offers a higher resolution of 1170 x 2532. The higher resolution on the iPhone 12 gives sharper images and text, suited for users who want a crisper display.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 11 uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen that provides clear colours and brightness. The iPhone 12 has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, enhancing media viewing and overall screen quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution are important for photography and video calls. Both phones share the same megapixel counts in their cameras, making them comparable in capturing detail.
Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 have 12 megapixel main and front cameras. This means either device will capture photos and selfies with similar detail.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 size and design
Other features like network compatibility, size, and weight can influence daily use. These elements affect comfort, connectivity, and usability of the phones.
Network Support
The iPhone 11 supports 4G mobile networks, while the iPhone 12 supports 5G. If you want access to faster mobile internet where 5G is available, the iPhone 12 is the option to consider.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 11 measures 150.9 mm in height, 75.7 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 194 g. The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter at 146.7 mm height, 71.5 mm width, 7.4 mm depth and 164 g weight. This makes the iPhone 12 easier to hold and carry for extended periods.
Other Features
Both phones use the Lightning connector and offer the same SIM card options with physical SIM plus eSIM. Both are unlocked for any carrier. Neither supports SD card expansion.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £163.65, £6.35 less than the iPhone 12
- you want a bigger battery (3110 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want an OLED screen
- you want 5G
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 194 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 11 frequently mention being pleased with the phone's condition, often noting the battery health is at 100% or very good for a refurbished device. Many find the performance smooth for everyday use and appreciate the phone's appearance, sometimes describing it as looking like new or very good cosmetically. Some mention minor screen imperfections but say these do not affect usability. The overall satisfaction is high.
Those who selected the iPhone 12 highlight its condition and performance, describing the phone as looking brand new and running smoothly. The newer chipset is noted for handling apps and multitasking well. Customers appreciate the phone feeling like new with clean glass and frame and often mention included accessories like screen protectors and cases. The lighter weight and size come through in comments about how comfortable the phone feels.
The iPhone 11 suits those who want a solid, dependable phone with longer battery capacity and a slightly larger size. The iPhone 12 is well suited for users looking for a lighter, more compact device with a sharper screen and access to 5G networks. Both devices offer reliable camera performance and storage options to fit a range of needs.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 FAQs
iPhone 11 vs 12 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 11 is cheaper refurbished, from £163.65 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 11 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 12 adds an OLED screen, 5G and a lighter build (162 g vs 194 g). Refurbished, it costs £6.35 more (from £170 vs £163.65).
Both come in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
