iPhone comparison 2021: specs, prices, offers and more!

The iPhone 12 is the vanilla model from the current iPhone series and as usual, it offers all of the same features as the Pro models in terms of processor, connectivity, and display. It is only the camera system that comes up short compared to the Pro models. The iPhone 12 lacks the telephoto lens that is found in the two more expensive models.

In addition to the iPhone 12, Apple also offers the iPhone XR (which was released way back in 2018!). It also has a 6.1-inch display and is, at least from the front, very similar to the iPhone 12 at first glance. When one takes a look at the hardware specifications, however, the two-year age gap becomes instantly noticeable: Instead of OLED, there is a LCD screen, you get only 4G connectivity, a single camera, and the A12 SoC that powers the device. 

Do take note that all of these are also noticeable in the price: The iPhone XR is (as of August 2021) approximately $300 cheaper than the iPhone 12.

Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 and iPhone XR

Apple iPhone 12 (review) Available on Apple from $799:	Apple iPhone XR (review) Available on Apple from $499:
Get the iPhone 12 at AT&T	Get the iPhone XR at AT&T
Technical data: 6.1-inch OLED display 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) 64/128/256 GB storage Apple A14 SoC with 5G Dual camera system	Specs: 6.1-inch LCD display 1792 x 828 pixels (326 ppi) 64/128GB storage Apple A12 SoC with 4G Single camera system
All about the Apple iPhone 12	All about the Apple iPhone XR

In addition to the basic version, there are once again two Pro models in the iPhone 12 generation. The main strength of the two Pro models would be the camera system. Both of them have a triple camera with superior sensors and additional software features, including ProRAW support and night portrait mode. The LiDAR scanner has also been reserved just for the Pro models. Furthermore, both Pro models are also available with larger storage capacities including 512GB.

Between the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the main difference would be the display size. While the iPhone 12 Pro packs the same 6.1-inch display as the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Pro Max goes for a stately 6.7 inches. For the voyeuristic wildlife photographers folk out there, the Max version still offers a slightly better telephoto camera.

Comparison: iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 12 Pro (review) Available on Apple from $999:	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (review) Available on Apple from $1,099:
Get the iPhone 12 Pro at AT&T	Get the iPhone 12 Pro Max at AT&T
Technical data: 6.1-inch OLED display 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) 128/256/512 GB storage Apple A14 SoC with 5G Triple camera system	Specs: 6.7-inch OLED display 2778 x 1284 pixels (458 ppi) 128/256/512GB storage Apple A14 SoC with 5G Triple camera system
All about the Apple iPhone 12 Pro	All about the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

The second-generation iPhone SE was the first iPhone for 2020 and it had an uncharacteristic launch date for iPhones. Basically, Apple unveiled the mid-range iPhone in the spring on April 24, 2020. The last time there was an iPhone released in spring was way back in 2016, which marked the arrival of the first iPhone SE.

With a recommended retail price of $399 for the most basic model, the iPhone SE (2020) is the cheapest iPhone ever. Technically, it is based on the previous year’s generation; mated to an LCD display and Apple’s A13 SoC. This means there is no 5G support on the iPhone SE (2020).

In October 2020, Apple has finally gave the iPhone 12 series a mini model. Armed with its 5.4-inch display, the iPhone 12 mini lies exactly between the iPhone 12 (6.1-inches) and the current iPhone SE (4.7-inches) in terms of viewing area.

When it comes to technology, however, the mini model is definitely in line with the rest of the iPhone 12 models. Underneath the hood, you will find the same A14 SoC with 5G support, a dual camera behind that is similar to the iPhone 12, and an OLED display that is on par with the other new iPhones. The “mini” suffix therefore only refers to the format, without any compromises in terms of features.

Comparison: iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE (2020)

Apple iPhone 12 mini (review) Available on Apple from $699:	Apple iPhone SE (2020) (review) Available on Apple from $399:
Get the iPhone 12 mini at AT&T	Get the iPhone SE (2020) at AT&T
Technical data: 5.4 inch, OLED display 2340 x 1080 pixels (476 ppi) 64/128/256 GB storage Apple A14 SoC with 5G Dual camera system	Specs: 4.7-inch LCD screen 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) 64/128/256GB storage Apple A13 SoC with 4G Single camera system
All about the Apple iPhone 12 mini	All about the Apple iPhone SE (2020)

So what’s next in store for the consumers? Expected to arrive in September 2021, Apple looks set to unveil the iPhone 13 at what will likely be another virtual event. The upcoming iPhone lineup is rumored to consist of the vanilla model, the iPhone 13 mini, and two high-end versions – the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

We don’t expect to see any major changes to the design. With Apple probably looking into improving the camera sensors, we might see the inclusion of new sensors compared to the iPhone 12 generation. And who knows? Apple fans can possibly even look forward to the addition of periscope telephoto lens. You can find out all of the latest rumors surrounding the iPhone 13 in the following article:

It was no surprise when Apple pulled iOS 15 out of the hat at the beginning of June during WWDC. At first glance, the changes seem to be cosmetic at best. For instance, the Safari browser receives a facelift, notifications look different and can be better managed using the help of the Focus feature, with mindfulness being under the spotlight still. 

However, there are leaps and bounds when it comes to innovation in security and privacy issues. Paying iCloud customers can jump right into the “iCloud+” subscription at no extra charge and receive all kinds of additional services, including location and hiding your IP address. And Siri no longer sends voice recordings around the globe, instead of processing these requests locally on the handset itself. Read what else you can look forward to in iOS 15 in the article below:

With which iPhone generation first saw the introduction of Touch ID? When did Apple retire the 3.5mm audio jack? And when did Antenna-gate happen? Join us on a journey through iPhone’s past in a walk down iPhone history:

*Prediction – Apple probably won’t unveil the iPhone 13 series until September 2021.

Did we leave anything out? Do you have any suggestions or feedback for us? We look forward to your comments!