2020 is the year of 5G for Apple, it is a prominent feature in the four new models. Yes, four models: This year Apple introduced two 12 models in addition to the two Pros. The newest addition to the family is the mini.
The iPhone 12 mini and vanilla 12 promise to be top sellers, offering the same 5G speeds as the pros and featuring OLED displays, no more LCDs for the most affordable phones. The notch and Face ID are still alive, even on the mini’s small 5.4 ”screen.
These two feature the same camera setup, wide plus ultrawide. If you want a telephoto camera, you have to be Pro.
But it’s not that simple, as the iPhone 12 Pro Max has the best main and telephoto cameras. The main camera has a larger 1 / 1.7 “sensor (with 1.7 µm pixels) and a brighter f / 1.6 aperture, resulting in an 87% improvement in low-light performance compared to the 11 Pro Max.
The telephoto lens achieves a focal length of 65mm, allowing for a 2.5x magnification. Apple also improved image processing, enabling night mode on the panoramic, ultrawide and selfie cameras, although the camera fails.
The iPhone 12 Pro is closer to the 11 Pro camera. The main camera updates to an aperture of f / 1.6, but maintains the same sensor size. Similarly, the camera remains at 52mm / 2x zoom. Still, both Pro models feature LiDAR, which speeds up autofocus and helps render bokeh in the dark.
While the competition chases the number of megapixels, Apple sticks with 12MP. That’s not to say that the 2020 models don’t come with updates; for example, they now record Dolby Vision HDR videos and feature the new ProRAW format for still images.
There’s more: the MagSafe system has been redesigned as a wireless charging system that connects with magnets. It’s faster than normal Qi charging (15W vs 7.5W) and the magnets can be used to hold accessories (like a minimalist card wallet). Apple introduced several MagSafe-compatible accessories and made its 12 line support 20W fast charging. Consider taking a look at such a charger, as Apple will no longer include chargers (or headsets) in the retail box.
Finally, the four models will be available in two waves, starting with the 6.1 ”models, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro Max and 12 mini are coming next month.
While the 12 series will come with iOS 14.1 out of the box, owners of older models will be able to enjoy it too – Apple just started seeding the 14.1 update. And not just for phones, iPadOS 14.1 and tvOS 14.1 are rolling out as well.
Apple also unveiled the HomePod Mini, a $ 99 smart speaker with new UWB abilities thanks to the S5 chip, which also enables computational audio.
