If you are planning to upgrade your iPhone then choosing the right model can be overwhelming with Apple’s ever-growing lineup. The iPhone 12 has been a reliable choice for years, while the iPhone 15 Pro can bring cutting-edge features to the table. If you are stuck between the two, understanding what each one offers at a glance helps narrow down which suits you better.
To help you decide which iPhone fits your needs better between iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro, explore the key differences in their specs, design, cameras, battery life, software, pricing, and more. A side-by-side comparison can make your choice a little easier.
From the build material to the processing power, these two phones cater to very different user preferences. Whether you are looking for reliable performance or top-tier specs, a quick glance at the core features can help you understand the difference between iPhone 12 vs 15 Pro.
Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 15 Pro |
Display |
Super Retina XDR, 6.1-inch. |
Super Retina XDR, 6.7-inch. |
Design |
Aluminium with glass. |
Titanium with glass. |
Main Camera |
12MP Main + 12MP ultra-wide. |
48MP with sensor-shift OIS + 12MP ultra-wide. |
Processor |
A14 Bionic chip. |
A17 Pro chip. |
Battery Life (Video playback) |
Up to 17 hours. |
Up to 23 hours. |
Operating System (Launched with) |
iOS 14, supports upgrades. |
iOS 17, supports upgrades. |
The iPhone 15 Pro pulls ahead with a powerful A17 Pro chip, better battery life, and a camera setup built for professional photography. However, the iPhone 12 still delivers a solid performance and a great display at a more affordable price. If you are deciding between value and the latest tech, these specs offer a useful starting point.
The iPhone 12 features Apple’s familiar flat-edge aluminium frame and the classic notch, keeping things simple and lightweight. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro brings a refined design with a strong yet lighter titanium frame, slimmer bezels, and the Dynamic Island that replaces the traditional notch. Here’s how the iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro stack up in terms of design and build:
Design Aspect |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 15 Pro |
Frame Material |
Aerospace-grade aluminium. |
Aerospace-grade titanium. |
Notch |
Traditional notch. |
Dynamic Island. |
Colours |
Blue, Purple, Green, White, etc. |
Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium. |
Water Resistance (IEC standard 60529) |
IP68, up to 6 m for 30 minutes. |
IP68, up to 6m for 30 minutes. |
Weight |
Lighter, 162 grams. |
187 grams. |
If you prefer something light and sleek, the iPhone 12 offers a well-balanced feel. But if you're after a more modern, durable build with updated design elements, the iPhone 15 Pro is a more suitable option. The choice depends on what matters more to you, comfort or cutting-edge.
When it comes to capturing memories, the camera setup can make a big difference. In the iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro comparison, the latter brings several upgrades suited for photography enthusiasts. From higher megapixels to a dedicated telephoto lens, the iPhone 15 Pro offers more advanced tools. Whether you are comparing the iPhone 15 Pro vs 12 for content creation or casual photography, the differences are worth noting:
Camera Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 15 Pro |
Main Camera |
12MP, ƒ/1.6 aperture. |
48MP, ƒ/1.78 aperture. |
Ultra-Wide Camera |
12MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture. |
12MP Ultra-Wide, ƒ/2.2 aperture. |
Telephoto Camera |
Not available. |
12MP Telephoto, ƒ/2.8 aperture. |
True Tone flash |
True Tone flash with Slow Sync. |
Adaptive True Tone flash. |
Photonic Engine and Photographic Styles |
Not available. |
Available. |
Portrait Mode |
Standard Depth Control. |
Advanced Focus and Depth Control. |
Zoom Range (Optical) |
.5x, 1x zoom. |
0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x zoom range. |
Zoom Range (Digital) |
Up to 5x zoom. |
Up to 15x. |
The iPhone 15 Pro has the edge with its triple-camera system, extended zoom range, and extra features like the Photonic Engine. But the iPhone 12 is still a dependable choice for casual, everyday photography. Your pick depends on how important advanced photography tools are to you.
Performance and battery life are deciding factors when comparing iPhone models. In the iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro debate, the newer model offers faster speeds, better efficiency, and longer playback time. Here’s how their performance specs stack up:
Specification |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 15 Pro |
Chipset |
A14 Bionic Chip. |
A17 Pro Chip. |
Capacity (Mid-range) |
128GB. |
256GB. |
Video Playback |
Up to 17 hours. |
Up to 23 hours. |
Video (Streamed) |
Up to 11 hours. |
Up to 20 hours. |
Audio Playback |
Up to 65 hours. |
Up to 75 hours. |
Fast Charging |
Up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter. |
Up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter. |
Wireless Charging |
MagSafe, Qi charging. |
MagSafe, Qi charging. |
Charging Port |
USB-C. |
USB-C. |
The iPhone 15 Pro proves its worth in performance, storage, and battery life, especially for heavier users. But the iPhone 12 still meets your everyday needs if you don’t require top-tier specs. Depending on your usage habits, either one might be a smart pick.
The iPhone 15 Pro unlocks more advanced features owing to its newer hardware. It supports Dynamic Island, ProMotion, Always-On Display, and emergency tools like Crash Detection and SOS via Satellite. The iPhone 12 does not offer these latest enhancements. Here’s how the iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro compare in terms of their software and features:
Key Aspect |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 15 Pro |
Dynamic Island |
Not available. |
Available. |
Face ID / Touch ID |
Face ID. |
Face ID. |
Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite |
Not available (supports standard Emergency SOS). |
Available (Satellite SOS in supported regions). |
iOS Version (Launch) |
iOS 14, upgradable. |
iOS 17, upgradable. |
Software Longevity |
Could receive updates, though for fewer years. |
Longer support expected due to newer A17 Pro Chip. |
Exclusive Features |
Standard iOS features without enhancements. |
Dynamic Island, ProMotion, Always-On Display, Satellite SOS, etc. |
The iPhone 15 Pro appeals to users looking for the latest iOS features and longer software support due to its upgraded chipset. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 still provides a smooth and reliable iOS experience, suitable for everyday use. Depending on your priorities, both models deliver solid performance with ongoing updates over time.
Price is a significant factor in your iPhone choice. The iPhone 15 Pro is priced around ₹1,30,000, reflecting its premium design, advanced features, and high-end performance. Meanwhile, the price for iPhone 12 may be found between ₹30,000 and ₹50,000, making it a more affordable option for those seeking solid performance without the latest upgrades.
If budget is a priority and you want reliable everyday use, the iPhone 12 could be the practical pick. However, if you prefer cutting-edge features, a premium build, and longer software support, the iPhone 15 Pro might be worth the higher investment.
Choosing between the iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 12 depends on what matters most to you. The iPhone 15 Pro is ideal if you want a modern, premium device with a titanium build, a brighter and smoother display, and the powerful A17 Pro chip. It also appeals to users who value advanced photography features, longer battery life, and exclusive tools like Dynamic Island and Emergency SOS via Satellite.
On the other hand, the iPhone 12 can still be a strong contender if you prefer a reliable, well-rounded iPhone at a more affordable price. It offers smooth performance, a compact aluminium design, and support for the latest iOS versions, making it suitable for everyday use without a large investment.
Ultimately, whether you prioritise cutting-edge features and future-proofing or you value proven performance, both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 12 can meet your needs well. Your choice depends on your budget and how you plan to use your iPhone.
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The major difference in the iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro comparison lies in the design, performance, and camera capabilities. The iPhone 15 Pro features a titanium frame, the powerful A17 Pro chip, and a more advanced triple-camera system. In contrast, the iPhone 12 has an aluminium build, the A14 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera setup.
In the iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 12 debate, the iPhone 15 Pro generally requires a higher price due to its premium materials, latest chipset, enhanced cameras, and additional features like Dynamic Island and Emergency SOS via Satellite. The iPhone 12 is more budget-friendly while still offering dependable performance. This makes the iPhone 15 Pro worth more for those seeking the latest technology.
The iPhone 15 Pro offers noticeably better battery life compared to the iPhone 12. For example, video playback lasts up to 23 hours on the iPhone 15 Pro versus 17 hours on the iPhone 12. This difference matters if longer battery endurance is a priority for you.
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, and theiPhone 15 Pro features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. The iPhone 15 Pro has a brighter, smoother display with features like ProMotion and Always-On Display that are not present on the iPhone 12. This provides a more refined viewing experience in the iPhone 12 vs 15 Pro.
Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro introduces new features such as Dynamic Island, ProMotion, Always-On Display, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS via Satellite. These features set the iPhone 15 Pro apart in the iPhone 12 vs 15 Pro comparison, offering additional usability and safety options not available on the iPhone 12.
Whether the iPhone 15 Pro is worth the upgrade from the iPhone 12 depends on your priorities. If you value a modern titanium design, stronger performance with the A17 Pro chip, enhanced camera capabilities, longer battery life, and exclusive features like Dynamic Island, then the upgrade might be beneficial. However, if your focus is on reliable performance at a lower price, the iPhone 12 continues to meet your needs well.