iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max: release date, price and specs
The 2020 Apple Special Event gave us a first look at the new flagship iPhones. But with new cameras, screens and processors, which is the one for you?
Apple’s Special Event 2020 saw the tech giant launch a brand-new range of iPhones, the smartphone’s 12th generation. The latest offering from Apple will be available in four different models with a range of specs, sizes and price points.
What's new?
The big news for the latest iteration of the most iconic smartphone is the introduction of 5G mobile data to speed up device connectivity. The 5G network has not yet been rolled out across the country but it is already available in a number of cities. You can see where here.
Speaking at the event Apple chief executive Tim Cook said: "5G will bring a new level of performance for downloads and uploads, higher quality video-streaming, more responsive gaming, real-time interactivity and so much more.”
There are also hopes that cracked screens could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a new “ceramic shield” that Apple claim offer "four times better drop performance". This should help protect a slimmed-down device that is 11% thinner and 16% lighter than previous models.
The iPhone 12 also boasts an A14 Bionic processor and a new OLED display that provides twice as many pixels as the iPhone 11. However for all the flashy innovations some may be surprised to hear that the new devices, which can cost well in excess of $1000, will not come with earphones or a full charger in the box.
If you’re thinking of upgrading your iPhone or eyeing one up as a Christmas present, here’s everything you need to know about Apple’s new line-up…
iPhone 12
The successor to the iPhone 11 starts at $799 and will be available to pre-order in the States from 16 October. It comes with a 6.1-inch OLED screen that should be a considerable improvement on last year’s display and Apple have shaved some space off the bezels to give a more slim-slimed feel.
The new generation of iPhone comes with a new dual-camera system that offers both a 12MP wide angle camera and an ultra-wide angle camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The four element lenses on each camera should provide a noticeable improvement when shooting in low light.
The iPhone 12 has also been given a sleek new body with flat edges and a neat, uniform construction. And with the option of black, white, red, green and blue models, there’s something for everyone.
iPhone 12 Mini
After spending so many years refusing to offer a smaller, cheaper smartphone alternative Apple have changed tact in recent generations and now offer all the iPhone wizardry on a slightly smaller scale. The iPhone 12 Mini comes with the same basic specs as the 12 but behind a 5.4-inch OLED display.
Apple say that the Mini is the smallest and thinnest 5G phone on the market and they have managed to include the same camera configuration and A14 chip as its biggest brother. At $699, it offers great value for anyone looking to save on price without sacrificing on quality. You will, however, have to wait until 6 November to pre-order it.
iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max
If either of the first two models don’t quite do it for you then Apple’s flagship iPhones, the 12 Pro and the 12 Pro Max, could be more up your street. For a start, both possess a triple rear camera that incudes wide, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. There is also greater computing power behind the cameras with new Pro-level controls and 4x optical zoom.
Aesthetically, both models are rocking the flat edges introduced for the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini but with a stainless steel band encircling the unit to add to the high-end feel. Colour-wise it’s a more muted selection of silver, graphite, gold and pacific blue.
The 12 Pro starts at $999 and will be available to pre-order from 16 October, while the 12 Pro Max breaks into four digits with a starting price of $1,099 and can be pre-ordered from 6 November. Those willing to wait the extra weeks and cough up another hundred dollars for the Pro Max will be rewarded with the largest display in iPhone history; a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a staggering 1,200 nits of brightness.
For more details on the day’s news from Apple’s Special Event 2020 just check out our live blog.