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Apple iPhone 12- here are all the models

Four new mobile phones and the HomePod mini speaker

Text:
Daniel Haaf

Published:
14 October 2020

At last, Apple has launched the iPhone 12 series with four new mobile phones. The smallest model is the iPhone 12 mini, followed by the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Pro and finally, the flagship model the iPhone 12 Pro Max. 

During the same event, Apple also presented a new speaker for the smart home, the HomePod Mini. A smaller, and cheaper version of the big HomePod from 2018.

iPhone 12 models- these are the cheapest models

Displays

With the iPhone 12 series Apple has left LCD technology behind and is focusing fully on OLED in their mobile phones. Apple is calling the display technology ‘Super retina XDR’ and it reaches a brightness of 1200 nits when HDR is activated. The only difference between the four iPhone 12 models’ displays is screen size and resolution. 

LIDAR sensor

One big upgrade is that the flagship models, the Pro and the Pro Max use the same LIDAR sensor as the latest iPad Pro models. The LIDAR sensor is used for example for advanced AR effects, and helps the camera to focus in bad light conditions.

5G and wifi 6

Another big change is that the iPhone 12 series has support for 5G. This means that the markets that have a well-developed 5G networks can offer higher speed and shorter delays when browsing the web or playing games over the internet. With the iPhone 12 series Apple is continuing to use wifi 6. Whether the 2021 models will support wifi 6e remains to be seen.

Performance

All four iPhone 12 models use the new Apple A14 Bionic processor. According to Apple, the new processor has a new six-core design with 11,8 billion transistors. It’s said to be 40 per cent faster than the A13 Bionic and up to 50 per cent more powerful than the leading alternative for Android phones. 

MagSafe

Apple is re-introducing the MagSafe system for wireless charging. With built-in magnets it’s easier to place the mobile phone in the right spot on the wireless charger. The magnets can be used with chargers, cases and other accessories. The MagSafe system supports quick charging with up to 15 watts. 

Ceramic Shield

All the iPhone 12 models in the series come with the "ceramic shield" from Corning. The ceramic shield is a coating that reduces the risk of scratches and damage if you, for example, drop the phone or hit it against something hard. According to Apple, the new coating is four times better at protecting the phone against damage compared to last year’s models, and is more durable than other glass protectors for smartphones.

Power adapter and headphones are not included

When you un-pack your new phone from Apple be aware that you have to get both the power adapter and headphones yourself. The reason for this, according to Apple, is that they want to reduce the environmental impact by using smaller boxes for their phones. You might also already have an old power adapter from before that can be used.

Photo: Apple

iPhone 12 Mini

The smallest phone out of Apple’s new series is the iPhone 12 Mini. It’s got a comparatively small 5,4-inch screen, and is basically a copy of the slightly larger, sibling model, the iPhone 12. The only thing that differs is the physical size.

According to Apple, this is the smallest, thinnest, and lightest 5G phone in the world. The edges around the phone have been kept to a minimum with the new, iPad Pro inspired design. This model has three cameras, one main camera, one wide-angle rear camera, and one front selfie camera.  

Despite the iPhone 12 Mini being the smallest model, it’s still got the same technology as its larger sibling models. Hence, you don’t have to compromise with the performance just because you want a smaller phone. 

The iPhone 12 Mini costs from approximately NZ$1,349.

Here you can monitor price and availability of the iPhone 12 Mini

Specifications 

  • Screen size: 5,4-inch Super Retina XDR
  • Screen resolution: 2 340 x 1 080 pixels
  • Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
  • Storage: 64, 128 and 256 GB
  • Cameras: Wide-angle, ultrawide-angle, selfie camera
  • Video recording: Up to 4K/60fps
  • Size: 131,5 x 64,2 x 7,4 mm
  • Weight: 133 grams
Photo: Apple

iPhone 12

The mid-range model is the iPhone 12 with a 6,1-inch OLED-screen. It’s got the same properties and functions as the iPhone 12 Mini, but with a slightly larger screen and higher resolution. 

This means that the model has the same design, the same A14 Bionic-processor, two rear cameras, 5G support and the scratch resistant screen coating. The model also has the MagSafe system that uses magnets for easier placement of Apple’s new, wireless charger. 

The iPhone 12 costs from approximately NZ$1,499.

Here you can monitor price and availability of the iPhone 12

Specifications

  • Screen size: 6,1-inch Super Retina XDR
  • Screen resolution: 2 532 x 1 170 pixels 
  • Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
  • Storage: 64, 128 and 256 GB
  • Cameras: Wide-angle, ultrawide-angle, selfie camera
  • Video recording: Up to 4K/60fps
  • Size: 146,7 x 71,5 x 7,4 mm
  • Weigh: 162 grams
Photo: Apple

iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max 

For those who want that little bit extra, Apple launches the iPhone 12 Pro and the Pro Max.

What distinguishes the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max from the cheaper sibling models are the three rear cameras, the LIDAR-sensor and better video features.

The three cameras are the 12-megapixels wide-angle camera, telephoto lens and ultrawide-angle camera. The wide-angle camera has up to 27 per cent better low-light properties compared to last year’s models, and the telephoto lens manages up to 4x optical zoom.

It’s got an extra telephoto lens that is a tad longer than the Pro-model to improve the bokeh effect, for example, in portrait photography. 

The iPhone 12 Pro costs from roughly NZ$1,899 and the iPhone 12 Pro Max from roughly NZ$2,099.

Here you can monitor price and availability of the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max

iPhone 12 Pro

  • Screen size: 6,1-inch Super Retina XDR
  • Screen resolution: 2 532 x 1 170 pixels
  • Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
  • Storage: 128, 256 and 512 GB
  • Cameras: Wide-angle, ultrawide-angle, selfie camera
  • Video recording: Up to 4K/60fps
  • Size 146,7 x 71,5 x 7,4 mm
  • Weight: 187 grams

iPhone 12 Pro Max

  • Screen size: 6,7-inch Super Retina XDR
  • Screen resolution: 2 778 x 1 284 pixels
  • Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
  • Storage: 128, 256 and 512 GB
  • Cameras: Wide-angle, ultrawide-angle, selfie camera
  • Video recording: Up to 4K/60fps
  • Size: 160,8 x 78,1 x 7,4 mm
  • Weight: 226 grams

Apple launches a new smart speaker, the HomePod Mini

Photo: Apple

The Apple HomePod Mini is a smaller version of the smart speaker, the HomePod, from 2018. The HomePod Mini is both smaller and has a new, rounder design with a small screen on the top. At the top there is also the volume control. 

The model uses the Apple S5 circuit for both audio processing and the handling of smart features. According to Apple, the S5 circuit allows the HomePod Mini to adjust how your music sounds 180 times per second, for optimal quality. 

If you want a more immersive experience and better sound quality, you can pair two HomePod Minis for synchronised playback with stereo sound.

The HomePod Mini also has the same Apple U1 circuit that, for example, the iPhone 11 and 12 have. In addition to playing music, podcasts or radio, the HomePod series can now also be used as internal phones if you’ve got several devices in your home. This function also works with your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. 

Here you can monitor price and availability of the HomePod Mini

This article is written but PriceSpy’s editorial team. No one else has influenced the content. There are no paid links or other types of advertising collaborations. Daniel Haaf can be reached on [email protected]