iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12: Buyer’s Guide

If you’re trying to decide between excellent refurbished pre-owned phone models, you might be comparing an iPhone 11 and iPhone 12. How do you choose between these two iPhones? This guide will help you look at all the features and functionality of both phones.

Either one can be a great purchase when you’re looking for a high-performance iPhone at a budget-friendly price. The iPhone 12, released on October 13, 2020, represents a meaningful shift in design and performance over the iPhone 11. We’ll break down the key differences for prospective buyers.

Performance
The iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 11 runs the A13 Bionic. In benchmark tests, the iPhone 12 is approximately 20% faster than the iPhone 11, making it the stronger performer of the two.

Display
The iPhone 12 has a noticeably sharper display at 1,170 x 2,532 pixels (460 ppi), compared to the iPhone 11’s 828 x 1,792 pixels (326 ppi). However, the iPhone 11 edges out the iPhone 12 in brightness, reaching 652 nits versus the iPhone 12’s 570 nits. Color coverage is close: the iPhone 12 covers 114.5% of sRGB compared to 113% for the iPhone 11.

Battery Life
Despite the iPhone 11 having a larger battery (3,110 mAh vs. 2,815 mAh), Apple quotes identical battery life for both phones: 17 hours of video playback and 65 hours of music playback.

A Note on Support
It’s worth knowing that Apple discontinued the iPhone 11 on September 12, 2023. While both phones remain capable devices for everyday use, buyers should factor in long-term software support when making their decision.

In addition, Gazelle is a company that values excellent customer service and wants to help you get the best price on a pre-owned iPhone or other device. We’re also conscientious about the environment and strive to give used devices a second chance at life.

With Gazelle, you can trade in and get a certified refurbished iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 (or something newer) and save money. Be assured that our phones all go through a thorough 30-point inspection before they get to you, as we refurbish them back to factory conditions.

Features and Specifications

When it comes to the high-design engineering that Apple puts into the iPhone, the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 share some similarities but differ in key areas. Both feature a 12 MP dual camera system with wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle functionality, along with various memory storage choices. However, the iPhone 12 brings notable upgrades including a faster processor, sharper display, and 5G connectivity. Those are some of the things to think about when comparing an iPhone 11 vs 12.

For more, compare these specifications:

iPhone 11

• Operating System: Originally launched with iOS 13 (upgradeable to iOS 16)
• Processor: A13 Bionic chip
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Storage: 64GB base
• Camera Resolution: Dual 12 MP Wide and Ultra Wide, Wide-angle: ƒ/1.8 aperture, Ultra-wide: ƒ/2.4 aperture
• Telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture, 2x optical zoom out; digital zoom up to 5x
• Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 3,110 mAh – up to 17 hours video playback
• Display Size: 6.1″
• Display Resolution: 828 x 1,792 pixels at 326 ppi
• Brightness: 625 nits
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC with reader mode
• Height: 5.94″
• Width: 2.98″
• Depth: 0.33″
• Weight: 6.84 oz.

iPhone 12

• Operating System: Originally launched with iOS 14.1 (upgradeable to iOS 16)
• Processor: Apple A14 Bionic (5nm) – approximately 20% faster than the A13
• Memory: 4GB RAM
• Storage: 64GB base
• Rear Camera: 12MP Wide
• Rear Camera: 12MP Ultrawide
• Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth
• Battery: Li-Ion non-removable, 2,815 mAh – up to 17 hours video playback; supports fast charging up to 20W
• Display Size: 6.1″
• Display Resolution: 1,170 x 2,532 pixels at 460 ppi
• Brightness: 625 nits
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, USB 2.0
• Height: 5.78″
• Width: 2.81″
• Depth: 0.29″
• Weight: 164g (5.78 oz.)

The Big iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 Difference: Connectivity

Here’s one of the biggest headlines on choosing between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12. It’s 5G, the new connectivity model that supplements radio waves with certain other kinds of high frequency waves.

By now, 5G has been widely rolled out across the country and has become the standard for modern smartphones. It replaced the previous 4G network connectivity system and is generally considered more capable for high-use broadband activities like gaming, as well as general reliability and performance.

The key thing to know is that the iPhone 12 is 5G compatible, but the iPhone 11 is not. So if 5G connectivity is important to you, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner here.

The iPhone 12 also includes a smart mode that intelligently toggles between 5G and 4G LTE to help preserve battery life – a useful feature given that the iPhone 12 actually has a slightly smaller battery (2,815 mAh) than the iPhone 11 (3,110 mAh). Despite the size difference, Apple quotes identical real-world battery life for both phones at 17 hours of video playback and 65 hours of audio playback. If you’re curious how these stack up more broadly, check out our guide on which phones have the best battery life.

It’s worth noting that both phones are now discontinued. Apple discontinued the iPhone 12 in September 2023, meaning neither device is sold new through Apple anymore. That said, both remain available through third-party and refurbished markets, and 5G compatibility remains a meaningful practical advantage for the iPhone 12 in terms of long-term usability on modern networks.

Display Options

There is a notable difference between these two phones in terms of display. Both screens measure 6.1 inches – but where the iPhone 11 uses a traditional LCD display, the iPhone 12 features an OLED display, which results in richer contrast, deeper blacks, and improved overall visual quality.

The two screens also differ significantly in resolution. The iPhone 11 has a resolution of 828 x 1,792 pixels at 326 ppi, while the iPhone 12 steps things up considerably with 1,170 x 2,532 pixels at 460 ppi – a meaningful jump in sharpness and clarity.

So what makes the iPhone 12’s OLED display different?

OLED technology uses an organic film where an electric current produces light directly, meaning the display doesn’t require a separate backlight like the iPhone 11’s LCD does. The result is that blacks appear truly black rather than dark grey, the display can achieve greater contrast ratios, and the phone itself can be built thinner. OLED also offers improved color accuracy and flexibility in panel design.

It’s worth noting that despite the iPhone 12’s superior resolution and OLED technology, the iPhone 11 actually measures slightly brighter in real-world testing at around 652 nits versus the iPhone 12’s 570 nits. The iPhone 12 does edge ahead in color gamut coverage, reaching approximately 114.5% of sRGB compared to the iPhone 11’s 113%.

Both phones are now discontinued, with Apple discontinuing the iPhone 12 back in September 2023.

iPhone 11 and iPhone 12: Apple’s Bionic Chip Line

Both of these phones, the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, have successive versions of Apple’s A-line of Bionic chips. Billed as system-on-a-chip (SoC), the A chip is wildly popular and famous for its unique design.

What’s important to understand is that the iPhone 11 has the A13 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 12 has the newer A14 Bionic chip.

So how does this translate to performance? In benchmark tests, the A14 in the iPhone 12 delivers roughly a 20% performance edge over the A13 in the iPhone 11 – a meaningful jump that you may notice in everyday tasks, gaming, and app load times.

It’s also worth noting that the two phones differ in more ways than just the chip. The iPhone 12 features a noticeably sharper display at 1,170 x 2,532 resolution (460 ppi), compared to the iPhone 11’s 828 x 1,792 (326 ppi). However, the iPhone 11 actually edges out the iPhone 12 in brightness, hitting 652 nits versus the iPhone 12’s 570 nits. Both phones offer nearly identical color coverage, with the iPhone 12 covering 114.5% of sRGB and the iPhone 11 covering 113%.

Battery capacity also tells an interesting story: the iPhone 11 packs a larger 3,110 mAh battery compared to the iPhone 12’s 2,815 mAh, yet Apple quotes the same real-world battery life for both – 17 hours of video playback and 65 hours of audio. So despite the smaller cell, the A14’s improved efficiency helps the iPhone 12 keep pace.

One thing to keep in mind is that Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 11 in September 2023, meaning both of these models are now discontinued. That makes shopping through a reputable refurbished marketplace an especially smart way to get either device at a great price.

iPhone 11 and iPhone 12: Battery Capacity

Despite the iPhone 12 having a slightly smaller battery at 2,815 mAh compared to the iPhone 11’s 3,110 mAh, Apple quotes identical battery life for both phones: 17 hours of video playback and 65 hours of music playback. This is a testament to the efficiency improvements made with the iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chip.

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 12’s 5G connectivity can draw more power depending on network conditions, which is why Apple built in a smart data mode that automatically switches between 5G and LTE to help preserve battery life when 5G speeds aren’t needed.

Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 use a nano SIM card, and both also support eSIM functionality, giving users flexible options for carrier connectivity.

Do keep in mind that as of September 12, 2023, Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 12. Both phones are now several generations old, meaning battery health may be a more pressing concern than raw capacity figures if you’re looking at used or refurbished models. If battery longevity is a priority, it’s worth checking the battery health of any pre-owned unit before purchasing. If you’re considering moving up to a newer model, our iPhone 12 Pro vs. 13 Pro comparison can help you decide whether the upgrade makes sense.

iPhone 11 and iPhone 12: Cameras

The cameras on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are fairly similar in terms of hardware. Both feature a 12 MP main camera with a secondary aperture, and both record video at up to 60 FPS. However, there are some notable differences worth calling out.

The iPhone 12 holds a slight edge thanks to its additional software features and processing capabilities. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip (compared to the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic), the iPhone 12 benefits from faster image processing, which contributes to improved computational photography performance. Key camera features on the iPhone 12 include True Tone flash with slow sync, Portrait Lighting, and Apple’s Deep Fusion smart photo technology. Both phones support photo geo-tagging, auto image stabilization, and red-eye correction.

On the video side, both phones offer time-lapse with video stabilization, Night mode, and stereo recording. The iPhone 12 also introduced Dolby Vision HDR video recording, a notable upgrade over the iPhone 11. If you want to capture your screen while filming, check out our guide on how to screen record on an iPhone.

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 12 features a significantly sharper display at 460 ppi compared to the iPhone 11’s 326 ppi, which makes a real difference when reviewing photos and videos directly on the device. Once you’ve taken your shots, you may also want to know how to delete photos on your iPhone to free up storage.

Both phones have since been discontinued by Apple — the iPhone 12 was discontinued in September 2023 — so if you’re choosing between the two on the secondhand market, the iPhone 12 is generally the stronger pick for camera performance overall.

iPhone 12: OLED Display

The iPhone 12 brought a significant display upgrade over the iPhone 11, switching from LCD to OLED technology – and it’s worth understanding what that actually means.

OLED uses an organic film where an electronic current sends light directly through the screen, eliminating the need for a traditional backlight. The result is deeper, truer blacks, improved contrast ratios, and a thinner, lighter build overall. For image and video quality, it’s a meaningful step forward.

Compared to the iPhone 11’s LCD display at 828 x 1,792 (326 ppi), the iPhone 12 delivers a noticeably sharper 1,170 x 2,532 resolution at 460 ppi. Color coverage is also slightly better, with the iPhone 12 covering 114.5% of sRGB versus 113% on the iPhone 11. One trade-off worth noting: the iPhone 11 actually measured brighter in testing at 652 nits, compared to the iPhone 12’s 570 nits, so the older LCD held its own in raw brightness.

It’s also worth noting that Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 12 in September 2023, so while it remains a capable device, it’s no longer a current model. That said, its shift to OLED was a landmark moment in the iPhone 12 lineup and helped set the standard for all iPhone displays going forward.

iPhone 12: MagSafe

The iPhone 12 also pioneered MagSafe wireless charging and accessory connectivity design.

Introduced with the iPhone 12 lineup, MagSafe offered a more convenient way to wirelessly charge and magnetically attach accessories without any cables. At the time, it was a compelling differentiator over the iPhone 11, which lacked this feature entirely.

It’s worth noting that Apple did warn users that MagSafe could damage RFID strips on credit cards if placed too close, so careful use was advised.

While both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 have since been discontinued – Apple pulled the iPhone 12 from its lineup in September 2023 – MagSafe has gone on to become a staple feature across Apple’s iPhone range and accessory ecosystem, proving it was a forward-thinking addition at the time. If you’re still choosing between these two older devices on the secondhand market, MagSafe remains a meaningful advantage for the iPhone 12, provided you’re willing to invest in compatible accessories.

Apple’s Ceramic Shield

Apple’s Ceramic Shield is a nano-ceramic material developed in partnership with Corning that was first introduced with the iPhone 12. It uses nanoscale crystals embedded into the front glass, creating a robust hardening effect that makes the iPhone 12 significantly more resistant to drops and everyday damage compared to the iPhone 11.

Apple claimed at launch that it offered four times better drop performance than the iPhone 11 – a notable upgrade for anyone who’s ever experienced that gut-sinking moment of watching their phone hit the pavement. Durability features like this have become increasingly important to smartphone buyers looking for devices that can handle real-world use.

While the iPhone 12 has since been discontinued (September 2023), Ceramic Shield has continued to feature across Apple’s newer iPhone lineups, with each generation receiving incremental improvements to the material. It’s now a standard expectation across the iPhone range, which speaks to how well-received it was when first introduced on the iPhone 12. You can see how this technology evolved by reading our iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max review.

Size and Weight

The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 differ in both the weight of the device and its size.

TechRadar calls the iPhone 11 a “chunky bit of kit,” citing its weight at 194g against the iPhone 12 at 164g and showing that the iPhone 12 is several millimeters shorter and narrower than the 11.

That 30g difference is noticeable in everyday use, making the iPhone 12 feel meaningfully more pocket-friendly despite offering a larger, higher-resolution display.

Another area where the iPhone 12 pulls ahead is water resistance. Both phones carry an IP68 rating, but the iPhone 12 is rated for a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes under IEC standard 60529, compared to just 2 meters for the iPhone 11 over the same duration – a significant improvement for anyone prone to poolside or kitchen-sink accidents. If you want to learn more about the cost to repair a water damaged phone, it’s worth reading up before your next trip.

It is worth noting that Apple discontinued the iPhone 12 in September 2023, so neither of these devices is a current model. However, both can still be found on the secondhand and refurbished market, and the size and water resistance differences remain relevant considerations for anyone choosing between the two.

Battery, Image, and Sound

The iPhone 12 came with a new 20W fast charging capability, estimated to charge the phone halfway in under 30 minutes. It’s also compatible with MagSafe for wireless charging – a feature not available on the iPhone 11.

Despite the iPhone 12’s smaller 2,815 mAh battery compared to the iPhone 11’s 3,110 mAh, Apple quoted identical real-world battery life for both devices: 17 hours of video playback and 65 hours of audio playback. So in everyday use, the smaller battery didn’t translate to a noticeable disadvantage.

The iPhone 12 also delivered a sharper display at 1,170 x 2,532 (460 ppi) compared to the iPhone 11’s 828 x 1,792 (326 ppi) – a meaningful upgrade for anyone who watches a lot of video or cares about screen clarity. The iPhone 11 does edge out the iPhone 12 slightly in peak brightness (652 nits vs. 570 nits), so it can appear a bit more visible in direct sunlight.

With all of this, some reviewers pointed to the iPhone 12 as “the first iPhone in several years that really does feel like something new.” It’s worth noting that Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 12 in September 2023, so while it’s no longer sold new through Apple, it remains a capable device on the used and refurbished market.

One thing both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 share: neither includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. If you plan on using wired headphones or earbuds, you’ll need a Lightning-compatible pair or a separate adapter.

Bold New iPhone Design

In a nutshell, many of the best new features Apple has rolled out in the last few years are all in the iPhone 12, but not in the iPhone 11. This change is a real generational shift for the Apple smartphones. It’s worth thinking about which side of the divide you want to purchase on if you’re trying to compare the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 for a pre-owned smartphone buy.

One of the most noticeable upgrades is the display. The iPhone 12 features a significantly sharper screen at 1,170 x 2,532 pixels (460 ppi), compared to the iPhone 11’s 828 x 1,792 pixels (326 ppi). That’s a meaningful jump in clarity, especially if you watch a lot of video or browse image-heavy content.

Under the hood, the iPhone 12 runs the A14 Bionic chip, which delivers roughly 20% faster performance than the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic. In day-to-day use, both phones feel responsive, but the A14 gives the iPhone 12 more longevity as apps and software demands continue to grow.

Battery life is one area where the two phones are closer than you might expect. Despite the iPhone 12 having a smaller battery at 2,815 mAh versus the iPhone 11’s 3,110 mAh, Apple quotes identical real-world performance at 17 hours of video playback and 65 hours of audio for both devices. The iPhone 11 does edge out the iPhone 12 slightly in brightness, at 652 nits versus 570 nits.

Another important consideration is software support. As of April 2026, the iPhone 11 is approaching the end of its guaranteed support window, while the iPhone 12 still has more runway ahead – making it the safer long-term bet for a pre-owned purchase.

The Pro and Pro Max versions of the iPhone 12 also introduced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a sensor that uses laser pulses to map three-dimensional spaces. Originally developed for applications like autonomous driving, LiDAR in a smartphone improves autofocus speed, enhances low-light photography, and powers more immersive augmented reality experiences. If you’re tech-forward and want those capabilities in a pre-owned device, the iPhone 12 Pro models are worth considering.

It’s worth noting that Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 12 in September 2023, which means buying pre-owned is now the primary way to get your hands on one. That’s actually good news for budget-conscious shoppers – prices on certified pre-owned iPhone 12 models have dropped considerably, making it an excellent value for the performance and features you’re getting.

The Best Price with Gazelle

When you’re buying a refurbished preowned iPhone, why not go with the company that understands how to give you the best value for your money? All of our phones go through a 30-point inspection where we look at all of the features and functions to make sure that you get the quality you deserve. We believe in the best customer service, and in doing what we can for our buyers. We also give you the ability to sell your old phone.

Get a quick, easy, convenient process for upgrading your smartphone and enjoying a new experience with a new-to-you device. We have worked hard to pioneer a new model for those buying, selling and trading smartphones, tablets and other devices, in order to help with what we call the “circular economy.” Instead of everyone buying new from a factory, there’s a broader marketplace for these durable and long-lasting devices – and everybody wins!

Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 have been discontinued by Apple, making the refurbished market an excellent way to get either device at a great price. Whether you’re after the iPhone 11’s larger battery or the iPhone 12’s sharper Super Retina XDR display and 5G capability, Gazelle is a smart place to shop.

Take a look at all of the smartphone and device models available on our site, with various condition ratings, internal storage capacity levels, colors and styles. We are sure you will find something that’s right for you!

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