iPhone 12 Pro, it’s almost it
With superb cameras, a lighting fast chip that outclasses the competition, and a display that should be the most durable in a smartphone yet, the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max should be the phones of phones. However, it isn’t.
In classic Apple fashion, the California company unveiled the new iPhones in a stunning online event. It was the Cupertino companies third online event, after WWDC, and the unveiling of the new iPads and Apple Watches, and Apple clearly is the best company at online events like these. While the unveiling of the new phones (and of course, the HomePod mini) was well done and superbly produced, the new iPhones also are quite impressive.
However, while the new flagships, the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, seem to be fabulous devices, they also have some obvious shortcomings.
The extraordinary
What separates the Apple flagship phones from the competition are the cameras. As someone who films (usually with a Panasonic Lumix GH5) and takes plenty of photos, the new cameras are straight-up impressive.
Not that the megapixel count is too impressive or that it has more cameras than comparable smartphones. No, what makes it extraordinary is the combined power of the new A14 chip with the cameras.
The iPhone 12 Pro/12 Pro Max can take photos in a format that Apple calls ProRAW. It lets users capture photos in RAW-format, but they also benefit from Apple’s Deep Fusion feature and all the other image processing power of the A14 chip.
Also, the video capabilities are enormous. The iPhone 12 Pro/12 Pro Max record at a 10-bit rate, which equals more colors. Also, it is the first smartphone camera that can record in Dolby vision.
What is also extraordinary is Apple’s new chip, the A14. Like every year, Apple’s smartphone chips are somewhat in a league of their own, and the A14 is the next chip that will set new benchmarks for the other manufacturers.
The good
Apple’s design overhaul of the iPhone brings a refreshing look to the iPhone. It now looks similar to an iPad Pro and interestingly shares similarities in looks with the iPhone 4 and 5/5s. It gives the iPhone a modern look that fits the times.
The new magnets in the iPhones are also something unique. While they aren’t a headlining feature, they are an excellent addition to the phone. They add flexibility and versatility to the phone and are not something we’ve seen other phone manufacturers do. The cases and wallets that can be attached to the magnets are accessories that will find a significant customer base and are an overall good idea.
Another new feature of this year’s iPhones is the ceramic shield. The new technology should protect the display from shattering and increase the overall durability of the phone. Speaking of durability, Apple’s latest flagships are engineered towards durability. They have an IP 68 rating, and according to Apple, they can stay submerged to up to six meters for 30 minutes.
Another nice touch is the new box. It comes without EarPods and a charger and only includes the phone and a USB-C to lightning charging cable. While the move may feel like Apple is taking something away, the environmental effects of reducing the box contents are enormous. According to Apple, this reduces the yearly emissions of CO2 by 2 million tons a year.
The average and the bad
While Apple’s new flagships have a lot going for them, there are specific points where they are underwhelming. While most Android flagship phones feature screens with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, this year’s Pro Models cannot provide that. Rumors have it that Apple couldn’t implement the feature on time for the release and decided to exclude it, but they had been working on it furiously. While the difference between a 60 Hz and 120 Hz refresh isn’t a dealbreaker, the 120 Hz feel smoother, and they have become standard for flagships in 2020.
Overall the screens are quite average and not as stand out as some of the other features found on the new Pro models. While I am sure that the new iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max screen will look amazing, the specs aren’t as impressive.
Something that also has become standard in flagships this year is the implementation of 5G. While it is impressive that Apple also brings it to the iPhone 12, the introduction of compatibility with the new network technology is expected from flagships. It hence isn’t anything that makes the Pro models stand out.
My personal dealbreaker
Overall, the new Pro Models stand out in several elements and are especially appealing to consumers who look to take superb images and videos with their smartphone. Also, the Lidar scanner, which will be not much more than a gadget for most people, could be a game-changer, especially for people like architects.
However, in my opinion, the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max have one shortcoming that is a dealbreaker for me. They still use Apple’s lightning connector. While that certainly does not sound like a big deal for most people, it is hugely bothering me.
I am totally in the Apple ecosystem, but all my devices use a USB-C connector to charge, the only exception being the AirPods Pro. In my opinion, an iPhone with a USB-C connector would be a dream because I would only have to carry one cable with me to charge all my devices. It would also ease the data exchange between different devices and even across platforms.
That a device that is labeled a Pro device and has such extraordinary capabilities like recording in Dolby Vision is, in the end, hindered or at least limited by the connector (in my opinion), is a shame. All these fantastic features like ProRAW, the Lidar scanner, and the videos produce big files, and while out and about, a USB-C connector would be so much more useful.
The funny thing is that Apple even acknowledged that in the iPad Pro models because they feature a lone USB-C port instead of a lightning.
Overall, however, the new iPhones are good and feature some exceptional tech. Even though they didn’t make generational leaps, people looking for a new phone will certainly have to consider the Cupertino company’s latest smartphones.
Stay safe
Raffael
