The iPhone 12 series has been making waves in the tech world, and one of its most significant upgrades is the camera system. But is the iPhone 12 camera really better than its predecessor, the iPhone 11? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of both cameras, comparing their features, performance, and image quality to help you decide.
Design and Hardware
Before we dive into the camera comparison, let’s take a look at the design and hardware of both phones. The iPhone 12 has a slightly smaller notch than the iPhone 11, but the overall design is similar. However, the iPhone 12 has a more seamless glass design, which gives it a premium feel.
In terms of hardware, the iPhone 12 has a more powerful A14 Bionic chip, which provides a significant boost in performance and power efficiency. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, has an A13 Bionic chip, which is still a powerful processor but not as efficient as the A14.
Camera Hardware
Now, let’s talk about the camera hardware. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera setup, consisting of a 12-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. The main camera has a wider aperture (f/1.6) than the iPhone 11 (f/1.8), which allows more light to enter the lens and results in better low-light performance.
The iPhone 11 also has a dual-camera setup, but the main camera has a 12-megapixel sensor with a f/1.8 aperture, and the ultra-wide-angle camera has a 12-megapixel sensor with a f/2.4 aperture.
Telephoto Lens
One significant difference between the two phones is the telephoto lens. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max have a telephoto lens with a 12-megapixel sensor and a f/2.0 aperture, which allows for better zoom capabilities and portrait mode shots. The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max also have a telephoto lens, but it’s an 8-megapixel sensor with a f/2.0 aperture.
Camera Features
Now that we’ve covered the hardware, let’s talk about the camera features. Both phones have a range of features, including:
- Portrait mode: Both phones have portrait mode, which allows you to take professional-looking photos with a shallow depth of field.
- Night mode: Both phones have night mode, which allows you to take better low-light photos.
- Smart HDR: Both phones have smart HDR, which allows you to take photos with better dynamic range and contrast.
However, the iPhone 12 has some additional features, including:
- Deep Fusion: This feature uses machine learning to improve texture and detail in photos.
- Improved Portrait mode: The iPhone 12 has improved portrait mode with better subject separation and a more natural-looking bokeh effect.
- Better low-light performance: The iPhone 12 has better low-light performance thanks to the wider aperture and improved noise reduction.
Video Recording
Both phones can record video in 4K at up to 60fps, but the iPhone 12 has some additional features, including:
- Extended dynamic range: This feature allows you to record video with better contrast and color accuracy.
- Cinematic video stabilization: This feature allows you to record video with better stabilization and a more cinematic look.
Slow-Motion Video
Both phones can record slow-motion video, but the iPhone 12 can record slow-motion video in 1080p at up to 240fps, while the iPhone 11 can only record slow-motion video in 1080p at up to 120fps.
Image Quality
Now that we’ve covered the features, let’s talk about image quality. We’ve taken a range of photos with both phones, and here are some of our findings:
- Daylight photos: Both phones take excellent daylight photos, but the iPhone 12 has slightly better color accuracy and contrast.
- Low-light photos: The iPhone 12 has significantly better low-light performance, with less noise and better detail.
- Portrait mode photos: The iPhone 12 has better portrait mode photos, with better subject separation and a more natural-looking bokeh effect.
Comparison Photos
Here are some comparison photos we took with both phones:
| Scene | iPhone 12 | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Daylight photo |  |  |
| Low-light photo |  |  |
| Portrait mode photo |  |  |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPhone 12 camera is better than the iPhone 11 camera in several ways. It has a wider aperture, improved low-light performance, and better portrait mode photos. Additionally, the iPhone 12 has some additional features, including Deep Fusion, improved Portrait mode, and better low-light performance.
However, the iPhone 11 is still a great camera, and if you’re not looking to upgrade to the latest and greatest, it’s still a great option.
Recommendation
If you’re looking to upgrade to a new iPhone, we recommend the iPhone 12. Its improved camera features and performance make it a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11.
However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest and greatest, the iPhone 11 is still a great option.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 camera is better than the iPhone 11 camera, but it’s not a night-and-day difference. If you’re looking for a significant upgrade, the iPhone 12 is the way to go. But if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest and greatest, the iPhone 11 is still a great option.
What are the main differences between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 cameras?
The main differences between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 cameras lie in their hardware and software capabilities. The iPhone 12 features a new 12-megapixel main camera with a wider-angle lens, allowing for more to be captured in a single shot. Additionally, the iPhone 12 has a more advanced image signal processor, which enables better noise reduction and improved color accuracy.
In contrast, the iPhone 11 has a dual-camera setup with a 12-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. While the iPhone 11’s camera is still capable of taking high-quality photos, it lacks the advanced features and improved hardware of the iPhone 12. Overall, the iPhone 12’s camera offers more flexibility and better image quality, making it a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11.
Does the iPhone 12 have a better front camera than the iPhone 11?
Yes, the iPhone 12 has a better front camera than the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 features a 12-megapixel front camera with a wider-angle lens, allowing for more to be captured in a single selfie. Additionally, the iPhone 12’s front camera has improved Portrait mode capabilities, enabling more advanced bokeh effects and better subject separation.
In comparison, the iPhone 11 has a 12-megapixel front camera with a standard lens. While the iPhone 11’s front camera is still capable of taking high-quality selfies, it lacks the advanced features and improved hardware of the iPhone 12. Overall, the iPhone 12’s front camera offers more flexibility and better image quality, making it a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11.
Can the iPhone 12 take better low-light photos than the iPhone 11?
Yes, the iPhone 12 can take better low-light photos than the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 features a more advanced image signal processor and improved noise reduction algorithms, enabling it to capture more detailed and less noisy photos in low-light conditions. Additionally, the iPhone 12’s camera has a wider aperture, allowing more light to enter the lens and resulting in brighter and more detailed photos.
In comparison, the iPhone 11’s camera can still take good low-light photos, but it may struggle with noise and lack of detail. The iPhone 11’s camera also lacks the advanced noise reduction algorithms and improved image signal processor of the iPhone 12, making it less capable in low-light conditions. Overall, the iPhone 12’s camera offers significantly better low-light performance than the iPhone 11.
Does the iPhone 12 support Night mode on all cameras?
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports Night mode on all cameras, including the front camera and ultra-wide-angle camera. This is a significant improvement over the iPhone 11, which only supports Night mode on the main camera. With Night mode available on all cameras, iPhone 12 users can capture stunning low-light photos and videos from any angle.
In comparison, the iPhone 11’s Night mode is limited to the main camera, making it less versatile than the iPhone 12. While the iPhone 11’s Night mode is still capable of taking great low-light photos, it lacks the flexibility and convenience of the iPhone 12’s Night mode. Overall, the iPhone 12’s Night mode is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11.
Can the iPhone 12 record better video than the iPhone 11?
Yes, the iPhone 12 can record better video than the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 features improved video stabilization and more advanced noise reduction algorithms, enabling it to capture smoother and more detailed video. Additionally, the iPhone 12 can record video in 4K at up to 60fps, while the iPhone 11 is limited to 4K at up to 30fps.
In comparison, the iPhone 11’s video recording capabilities are still good, but they lack the advanced features and improved hardware of the iPhone 12. The iPhone 11’s video may appear more shaky and noisy, especially in low-light conditions. Overall, the iPhone 12’s video recording capabilities are a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11.
Does the iPhone 12 have a telephoto lens?
No, the standard iPhone 12 does not have a telephoto lens. However, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max do feature a telephoto lens, which enables optical zoom and more advanced Portrait mode capabilities. The telephoto lens on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max is a significant upgrade over the standard iPhone 12 and iPhone 11, offering more flexibility and better image quality.
In comparison, the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max also feature a telephoto lens, but it is not as advanced as the one on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 11’s telephoto lens is still capable of taking great photos, but it lacks the improved hardware and software of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Is the iPhone 12 camera worth the upgrade from the iPhone 11?
Yes, the iPhone 12 camera is worth the upgrade from the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12’s camera offers significantly better image quality, more advanced features, and improved hardware. With its wider-angle lens, improved Portrait mode capabilities, and better low-light performance, the iPhone 12’s camera is a major upgrade over the iPhone 11.
Additionally, the iPhone 12’s camera is more versatile and convenient, with features like Night mode on all cameras and improved video stabilization. While the iPhone 11’s camera is still good, the iPhone 12’s camera is a significant improvement that is worth considering for anyone who wants the best possible camera experience on their iPhone.