iPhone 12 256GB Review: Premium Performance with 5G and OLED Display

The iPhone 12 was released in October 2020 as part of Apple’s iPhone 12 series, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, a premium design, and impressive performance. Available in various storage configurations, including 256GB, the iPhone 12 is a solid choice for users who want a powerful iPhone with plenty of storage. Here’s a detailed review of the iPhone 12 256GB:

Design and Display

The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which is one of the standout features of this device. With a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, the OLED screen delivers sharp, vibrant colors, and deep blacks, providing an outstanding viewing experience for videos, photos, and general usage. The brightness can reach up to 1200 nits (HDR), making it easy to use in direct sunlight.

The design of the iPhone 12 takes a modern approach with flat edges, a throwback to the iPhone 4 and 5, offering a more boxy shape that feels comfortable and sturdy in the hand. It has a ceramic shield front cover that is tougher than any previous iPhone glass, providing increased durability. The back is made of matte glass and the frame is constructed from aluminum, giving it a premium feel. It also features IP68 water and dust resistance, so it can withstand immersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.

The iPhone 12 comes in a variety of colors, including Black, White, Red, Green, and Blue, allowing users to choose one that suits their style.

Performance

Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone 12 is incredibly fast and efficient. The A14 is built using a 5-nanometer process, making it not only more powerful but also more energy-efficient than previous generations. It has a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, ensuring smooth performance in everything from everyday tasks to resource-intensive applications like gaming and video editing.

The 256GB storage option provides ample space for storing a large number of apps, photos, videos, and music. With the A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone 12 performs excellently in multitasking, app launches, and gaming, handling everything without any noticeable lag. The 5G capability of the iPhone 12 is another highlight, providing faster download and upload speeds, which is a great addition for future-proofing your device as 5G networks expand.

Camera

The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system on the back, with a 12MP wide (f/1.6 aperture) and a 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.4 aperture) lens. The wide camera is great for low-light photography, and the Night Mode is available on both the wide and ultra-wide lenses, offering impressive performance even in challenging lighting conditions.

The Night Mode allows for brighter, clearer photos without the need for a flash, while Deep Fusion enhances details and reduces noise in medium to low-light conditions. The Smart HDR 3 technology automatically adjusts settings like exposure and white balance to improve image quality.

The 12MP front-facing camera supports Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, ensuring great selfies even in lower-light settings. The front camera also supports 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording, allowing you to capture high-quality videos with improved color accuracy and detail.

Battery Life

The iPhone 12 is equipped with a 2,815mAh battery, which provides a full day of usage with moderate to heavy use. While the battery capacity may seem smaller than some competitors, the power efficiency of the A14 Bionic chip helps the iPhone 12 last longer between charges.

The device supports MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic wireless charging system, allowing for easy attachment of accessories like wireless chargers and cases. The iPhone 12 also supports 15W fast charging with the MagSafe charger and 20W wired charging, though the charger is sold separately.

Software and Features

The iPhone 12 runs on iOS, which is known for its seamless experience, regular updates, and strong security. With 5G support, the iPhone 12 offers faster internet speeds, and Face ID ensures secure biometric authentication for unlocking the phone, Apple Pay, and other apps.

The iPhone 12 also includes Stereo speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. Spatial audio and Dolby Atmos provide a more immersive audio experience for movies and music, enhancing the overall media experience.

In addition, the iPhone 12 includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and U1 Ultra Wideband chip, providing excellent connectivity options and location-based capabilities.

Verdict

The iPhone 12 256GB strikes a perfect balance between premium performance and value. It offers 5G connectivity, a stunning OLED display, great camera performance, and impressive processing power in a sleek, durable design. The 256GB storage option is great for users who need ample space for their media and apps.

While it may not have the latest features like the iPhone 13 Pro’s 120Hz ProMotion display or telephoto lens, the iPhone 12 still provides a high-end experience at a relatively lower price compared to the newer models. If you’re looking for a premium iPhone that delivers excellent value, the iPhone 12 256GB is a fantastic choice.