Camera test: iPhone 12 vs. 12 Pro vs. 11 Pro

Final thoughts

If you already have an iPhone 11 Pro - the camera should not be a deciding factor for upgrading to the iPhone 12 Pro. The improvements are marginal. The ultrawide camera has received a boost - both in daylight and low light - but Apple somehow messed up the zoom camera image quality. Meanwhile, the quality of the main camera is identical between the two phones and the wider aperture does not translate into real-world gains.

If you are coming from an older device, getting the iPhone 12 is an excellent option as it will save you some cash compared to the 12 Pro. So would the 12 mini, but this option is only for those who are after the new design and hardware in the smallest and lightest possible form factor as it comes with a few drawbacks of its own.

If you already have your eye on the iPhone 12, an interesting option to consider is getting the iPhone 11 Pro instead. It costs the same and it does have its merits. The choice between the two will come down to personal preference. The iPhone 11 Pro has a complete set of cameras, a brighter screen, and a quick charger that comes in the box at no extra cost. And since it is the outgoing model, perhaps you are more likely to score a holiday sale than with the newer iPhone 12.

The iPhone 12, on the other hand, arrives with the new chipset, an improved screen glass, an ever so slightly larger display, and this year's design with a matte frame that's arguably more practical than the 12 Pro's. It's also noticeably lighter than both the 11 Pro and 12 Pro.

Of course, getting the latest iPhone is not always about the new or improved features. Sometimes it's just about 'getting the new iPhone.' And then - it really doesn't matter what Apple did or did not get right. In this case, rest assured, you really can't go wrong with any of the new iPhones. Apple has made it easy for the users this year offering plenty of options with a commendable feature parity - just choose your preferred size and budget, and you will quickly single out the one that's just right for you.