Do I need the iPhone 12?
Apple has announced the iPhone 12! A stunning smartphone with a sharper camera, a faster chip, and 5G. The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models even come with a LiDAR scanner, which brings augmented reality to life like never before. However, those specifications come with a hefty price tag: 809 to 1,609 euros. Is the iPhone 12 worth it?
5G: Superfast internet, but (not yet) in the Netherlands
Of course, the major telecom providers are already offering 5G in the Netherlands, but is it really as fast as they claim? The fastest frequency that 5G needs to deliver its promised speed won’t be auctioned in the Netherlands until 2022. At the moment, only a 5G frequency is available that is just slightly faster than 4G. The difference between 4G and 5G is minimal at this point, and the 4G network is fast enough for the average user. The superfast 5G frequency being auctioned in 2022 will not be supported on the iPhone 12 models sold in the Netherlands. Something about being sold a bill of goods…
Camera: Still 12 megapixels
The revamped camera on the iPhone 12 was announced with great fanfare. All iPhone 12 models have night mode (just like the iPhone 11), allowing for better photos in low-light conditions. The 12-megapixel wide-angle lens was already available on the iPhone 6s Plus, and while the LiDAR scanner is a nice addition, it’s not a “must-have.” For true professional photographers, the iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max would be a great upgrade. For the everyday photographer, an iPhone 8 Plus is still more than sufficient when it comes to camera quality.
A14 chip: The fastest ever in a smartphone!
Bold claims: The fastest chip ever in a smartphone. But if we’re being honest, how many people actually use their iPhone’s processor to its full potential? If you don’t frequently use augmented reality or graphics-heavy apps, you won’t notice the difference in everyday use. If you mainly use your iPhone for calling, emailing, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and checking your Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook feeds, you won’t feel those improvements. An iPhone 7, iPhone 8, or iPhone XR would be more than adequate for those tasks.
Conclusion
The iPhone 12 is a beautiful device. The combination of the design of the iPhone 5 with the screen of the iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone 11 is truly stunning. But is the price tag worth the investment? With an iPhone that doesn’t have 5G, the A14 chip, or the improved camera, you can still get by for years. The biggest difference between the devices ultimately comes down to the price. For example, with an iPhone 8, you can still do all your daily tasks, take decent photos, charge wirelessly, and pay with Apple Pay. A refurbished iPhone 8 from RefurbishedDirect is over 500 euros cheaper than the cheapest version of the new devices: the iPhone 12 mini. And we’ll even throw in a complete charger ;)
