iPhone 12 vs iPhone X
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone X
Starting at
£121.10£449.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone X?
iPhone 12 vs X comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone X starts at £121.10, £48.90 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) on the iPhone X.
- The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2716 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone X specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone X differ in several key areas that help define which buyer they suit. The iPhone 12 offers a larger screen, higher resolution, and a newer chipset with more RAM, making it better for users who want smoother performance and more screen space for apps or media. The iPhone X has a slightly smaller and heavier design with fewer storage options but still offers a capable camera setup.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone X price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone X battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating system. These factors influence how long the phone stays current and how it handles daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, slightly larger than the iPhone X's 2716 mAh. This means the iPhone 12 can offer a bit more endurance between charges, which benefits users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent recharging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone X performance
Performance depends on chipset, memory, and storage options. These affect how quickly the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores your data.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 runs on the Apple A14 Bionic chip with 4 GB of RAM, an upgrade over the iPhone X's Apple A11 Bionic and 3 GB of RAM. This combination on the iPhone 12 supports smoother multitasking and faster app performance, ideal for users who run demanding apps or want quicker responsiveness.
Storage Choices
The iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, offering more flexibility for storing apps, photos, and media. The iPhone X is available in 64GB and 256GB, which suits users who want either a standard or large storage capacity but without the mid-tier option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone X screen
Screen quality matters for viewing comfort, media enjoyment, and detail clarity. Size, resolution, and screen type influence how the display performs.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 x 2532, offering a larger and sharper display than the iPhone X's 5.8 inch screen at 1125 x 2436 resolution. This suits users who want more room for videos, reading, or multitasking on screen.
Screen Technology
Both phones use OLED technology, but the iPhone 12 features Super Retina XDR OLED compared to the iPhone X's Super Retina OLED. This difference can provide the iPhone 12 with enhanced brightness and contrast, benefiting users who value vivid colours and clear visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone X camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front camera resolution. These specs affect photo quality and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel front camera, higher than the iPhone X's 7 megapixels. This means the iPhone 12 can capture more detailed selfies and sharper video calls, ideal for users who frequently use the front camera.
Main Camera Setup
Both phones have a double (2x) main camera setup with 12 megapixels each. This makes them well suited for photography enthusiasts who want dual-camera features such as wide and ultra-wide shots.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone X size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, SIM options, size, and weight. These affect connectivity, convenience, and how the phone feels to hold.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks, providing faster mobile data speeds where available. This suits users who want quicker downloads and streaming on the go. The iPhone X supports 4G, fitting those who are comfortable with standard mobile speeds.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 offers both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing for dual SIM use without needing two physical cards. The iPhone X uses a physical SIM only, which suits users who prefer a single SIM or simpler setup.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 is slightly taller at 146.7 mm and wider at 71.5 mm, with a depth of 7.4 mm and weighing 164 g. The iPhone X is smaller in height and width but thicker at 7.7 mm and heavier at 174 g. Users who prioritise a lighter and slimmer phone may prefer the iPhone 12, while those wanting a slightly smaller footprint might choose the iPhone X.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone X: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 2716 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone X if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £121.10, £48.90 less than the iPhone 12
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 often highlight how the phone looks like new and runs smoothly with the A14 Bionic chip. Many mention receiving a phone that feels close to brand new, with clean glass and no visible marks. The larger screen and fast performance suit everyday use, including social media, photo editing, and multitasking. Several customers appreciate the new battery option and the latest iOS updates, which help the phone feel current and reliable. The inclusion of accessories like screen protectors and cases adds to the overall positive experience.
Reviews for the iPhone X show customers value it as a solid and practical choice, especially as a lower priced option for daily use. Many say the phone looks and works like new, with good battery life and smooth operation. Some users note that it does not support the latest iOS update, which can affect app compatibility. The 5.8 inch screen and 4G network suit users who want a straightforward Apple phone without the newest features. Overall, customers are happy with the iPhone X for its balance of quality and price.
Both phones suit different needs well. The iPhone 12 fits those wanting more screen space, faster performance, and 5G, while the iPhone X appeals to buyers seeking a simpler iPhone experience with good design and camera capabilities.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone X FAQs
iPhone 12 vs X comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) on the iPhone X. The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone X is cheaper refurbished, from £121.10 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2716 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone X ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 12 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 2716 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch). Refurbished, it costs £48.90 more (from £170 vs £121.10).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone X in 64GB and 256GB.
