Apple iPhone 12 Pro Review: Flagship Power with Pro-Level Cameras and Premium Design

1. Introduction

Unveiled in October 2020, the iPhone 12 Pro blends top-tier performance and premium design to deliver an Apple flagship experience that remains highly relevant even in 2025. Anchored by the A14 Bionic chip, a triple 12MP camera system, and the first-ever MagSafe compatibility on iPhone, the 12 Pro set milestones in Apple’s lineup: 5G connectivity, LiDAR for AR, and a robust stainless-steel frame. It targets users who demand more from their smartphone photography, display, and all-around speed—without stepping up to Pro Max’s size. To explore current Apple resources, visit the official iPhone 12 Pro specs page.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Key Features Table

3. Design & Build Quality

The iPhone 12 Pro stands out with a flat-edged stainless steel frame, textured matte glass back, and hard-wearing “Ceramic Shield” front—claimed by Apple to be four times stronger than its predecessor. At 189g and only 7.4mm thick, it balances comfort with a premium in-hand feel. Color options like Pacific Blue and Gold make it distinct, while the IP68 rating guards against accidental spills and submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. Notably, Apple omitted EarPods and power adapters, citing environmental reasons; only a USB-C to Lightning cable is included. The attention to detail and robust construction mark it as a true flagship.

4. Display

A 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel delivers crisp, vibrant visuals with 2532 x 1170 resolution and a sharp 460ppi density. With HDR10 support and 1200 nits peak brightness, video, gaming, and photos look true to life even in bright sunlight. The 2,000,000:1 contrast brings out deep blacks, while True Tone and wide color (P3) keep the screen both accurate and immersive. Although a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate remains absent, touch responsiveness, color, and brightness make it easily top-tier for its generation.

5. Performance

Equipped with Apple’s A14 Bionic chip (first built on a 5nm process), the 12 Pro handles multitasking, gaming, and creative apps without breaking a sweat. The 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, paired with 6GB of RAM, support real-time video editing, AR, and advanced photo processing with Deep Fusion and Apple ProRAW. In benchmarks and daily use, the phone remains swift and responsive, keeping up smoothly with iOS 18 and the latest apps. Storage options up to 512GB future-proof the device for users who shoot a lot of 4K video or store media locally.

6. Cameras

The triple rear camera system—12MP main (f/1.6, OIS), 12MP telephoto (2x optical zoom, OIS), and 12MP ultrawide—enables flexible photography. A LiDAR scanner supercharges AR capabilities and low-light portraits, while Deep Fusion and Night Mode enhance detail and clarity in challenging scenes. The 12MP front camera offers wide-angle selfies and Night Mode, with both rear and front shooters supporting 4K Dolby Vision HDR video. MagSafe and a host of third-party tools also make the 12 Pro a favorite among mobile photographers and content creators.

7. Battery Life

With a 2,815mAh battery, the 12 Pro supports a full day of regular usage—calls, navigation, streaming, and camera use. Apple’s efficient chip and “Smart Data” 5G management help conserve energy. The device offers 20W fast wired charging (Lightning), 15W MagSafe wireless charging, and standard Qi wireless charging, keeping recharge times reasonable. While not a marathon runner like the 12 Pro Max, its runtime matches up with most flagship rivals from its debut year.

8. Connectivity & Other Features

5G support keeps the 12 Pro rapid for mobile data, with download speeds up to 4Gbps on mmWave (US Only) or robust sub-6GHz globally. It also delivers Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for payments. The MagSafe system opens the doors to magnetically attached wallets, cases, chargers, and car mounts. Face ID, powered by the TrueDepth front camera, offers reliable and secure biometric unlocking—even in low light. The phone’s sensor suite includes LiDAR, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, and more.

9. User Experience

Shipped with iOS 14, the iPhone 12 Pro is now fully supported through iOS 18, ensuring ongoing app compatibility, performance tweaks, and security patches well into the future. The interface is intuitive, privacy features are robust, and Apple’s ecosystem of apps, AirPods, and Mac integration is seamless. Regular updates keep performance fluid and introduce new features, keeping the device fresh for users even in 2025.

10. Pros and Cons

11. Comparison

Compared to the standard iPhone 12, the 12 Pro offers more RAM (6GB vs 4GB), LiDAR for AR/photography, and a telephoto camera, plus the option of 512GB storage. The chassis is premium stainless steel compared to the 12’s aluminum. Stepping up vs. the 12 Pro Max adds size, battery, and a slightly superior telephoto, but the 12 Pro stays more pocketable. Modern Androids may surpass it with higher refresh rates and periscope zoom, yet the iPhone 12 Pro’s camera consistency, iOS support, and ecosystem edge out many rivals.

12. Pricing, Variants & Availability

At launch, the iPhone 12 Pro (128GB) was priced around ₹119,900 in India, with 256GB and 512GB available at higher price points. Color options included Silver, Graphite, Gold, and Pacific Blue. With Apple discontinuing new sales, refurbished and secondary market units are widely available, offering strong value for those seeking a premium but affordable iPhone.

13. Verdict / Conclusion

The iPhone 12 Pro still stands as a “modern classic”—robust, feature-loaded, and resilient long after its release. Its impressive camera system with ProRAW and LiDAR, 5G and MagSafe, as well as premium materials, make it ideal for users who demand more than basics in their daily phone. While newer devices offer more speed or battery, the 12 Pro’s balance of power, size, and photography features make it an outstanding buy in 2025—as a main or backup iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does the camera on the iPhone 12 Pro compare to other iPhones?
The 12 Pro improves over the standard iPhone 12 by including a telephoto lens for optical zoom and a LiDAR sensor for improved AR and night portraits. Its triple-camera system and ProRAW capabilities rank it above the iPhone 12 and most contemporaneous Android flagships, but below newer iPhone Pros with larger sensors and enhanced zoom.

Q2: Is the iPhone 12 Pro still good in 2025 for daily use?
Yes! With the A14 Bionic chip, 6GB RAM, and ongoing iOS 18 support, the iPhone 12 Pro remains responsive and fully compatible with modern apps and services. MagSafe and 5G keep it relevant for daily conveniences.

Q3: Does the iPhone 12 Pro support dual SIM?
Yes, it supports one physical nano SIM and an eSIM, allowing dual numbers or plans—ideal for travel or maintaining separate work/personal lines.

Q4: What’s the battery life like compared to newer iPhones?
The iPhone 12 Pro offers a full day's use for most people, but newer models generally have larger batteries and more efficient chips. The 12 Pro's longevity is still respectable with careful management, and rapid MagSafe charging helps minimize downtime.

Q5: What are the main reasons to choose the 12 Pro over the standard iPhone 12?
Key upgrades include triple cameras (telephoto and LiDAR), more RAM, ProRAW image support, a premium stainless steel frame, greater storage options, and slightly better display brightness, making it a better fit for photography lovers and power users.