Is iPhone 12 Better Than iPhone X? The Ultimate Comparison Guide

In 2017 Apple brought out the iPhone X which represents a major leap toward new phone design and technology. Its edgeless screen along with Face ID and no home button created a fundamental upgrade for mobile devices. In 2020 the iPhone 12 delivered major enhancements beyond its 2017 introduction with a faster processor better cameras and 5G network support to earn its spot as a top smartphone. The question arises: is iPhone 12 better than iPhone X? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison.

A Quick Overview of iPhone 12 vs. iPhone X

Performance: The A14 Bionic vs. A11 Bionic

The iPhone X’s A11 Bionic chip was a game-changer in 2017, but the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12 is vastly superior in power and efficiency.

Benchmarks and Real-World Performance:

• The iPhone X achieves Geekbench 5 scores of approximately 2,350 (single-core) and 9,800 (multi-core). In comparison, the iPhone 12 scores an impressive 4,000 (single-core) and 11,000 (multi-core).

• In gaming tests, the A14’s GPU handles graphically demanding titles like Genshin Impact effortlessly, delivering 40% better frame rates compared to the A11.

More transistors on a 5nm production line than the 10nm technology makes the A14 chip outperform the A11 chip performance and uses power better. With a Neural Engine that has 16 cores the A14 completes 11 trillion operations per second which outperforms the A11 dual-core engine for faster artificial intelligence performance in Siri and photo tasks.

If you want to see how Apple M4 Pro Outperforms M3 Max: Full Comparison click here.

Display: Super Retina vs. Super Retina XDR

Both models feature OLED technology, but the iPhone 12’s Super Retina XDR display outshines the iPhone X in brightness and dynamic range:

• iPhone X: 5.8-inch display with 625 nits peak brightness.

• iPhone 12: 6.1-inch display with 1,200 nits peak brightness for HDR content.

The Ceramic Shield in the iPhone 12 also makes its screen four times more drop-resistant, a significant upgrade for durability-conscious users.

For those looking for innovations in display technology, Apple’s upcoming models like the iPhone 17 Air with 120Hz screens might appeal to users wanting smoother refresh rates.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency and Speed

Battery life is a critical upgrade area for the iPhone 12:

• The iPhone X offers 12 hours of heavy usage, including web browsing and video playback.

• The iPhone 12 delivers 16–18 hours, thanks to its larger battery and A14 chip efficiency.

When it comes to charging technology the iPhone 12 leads the industry. Both the iPhone X and the iPhone 12 include fast charging capabilities but the iPhone 12 adds more powerful options at 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. The system seamlessly links with your other Apple accessories including wallet devices and magnetic battery pack options.

For users considering extended battery life, Redmi, and OnePlus Devices to Feature Even Bigger Batteries offer innovative solutions in newer devices.

Camera: A Leap in Photography and Video

The iPhone X was a leader in smartphone photography in 2017, but the iPhone 12 offers significant advancements:

1. Rear Cameras:

• iPhone X: Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto) with a telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom.
• iPhone 12: Dual 12MP (wide + ultra-wide) with Night Mode for exceptional low-light performance and a wider f/1.6 aperture, allowing 27% more light.

2. Front Camera:

• iPhone X: 7MP without advanced low-light features.
• iPhone 12: 12MP with Night Mode and 4K Dolby Vision video recording.

Video quality also sees an upgrade, as the iPhone 12 supports Dolby Vision HDR, enhancing color accuracy and dynamic range.

Connectivity: 5G vs. 4G LTE

The iPhone 12’s 5G capabilities future-proof it, offering speeds up to 10x faster than the iPhone X’s 4G LTE. This upgrade is crucial for seamless streaming, faster downloads, and improved online gaming experiences.

For insights into other 5G-ready devices, check out the OnePlus 13 rollout details.

Real-Life Scenarios: Who Should Upgrade?

For Photographers:

The iPhone 12’s Night Mode and Smart HDR 3 deliver brighter, more detailed photos, especially in low light. Its ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing landscapes.

For Gamers:

With the A14 chip, the iPhone 12 provides smoother gameplay and faster load times. Pair this with 5G connectivity, and online gaming becomes seamless.

For Travelers:

With longer battery life, 5G, and MagSafe, the iPhone 12 is a reliable companion for trips, ensuring you stay connected and charged.

How Does the iPhone 12 Compare to Competitors?

• iPhone 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S8 (2017): While the Galaxy S8 was a worthy competitor to the iPhone X, it lacks the performance and durability advancements seen in the iPhone 12.

• iPhone 12 vs. Google Pixel 5 (2020): The Pixel 5’s computational photography is impressive, but the iPhone 12 outshines it with Night Mode, Dolby Vision, and A14 Bionic power.

• iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Looking ahead, the iPhone 16 durability and camera improvements suggest a solid upgrade path for Apple users.

Future-Proofing: How Long Will the iPhone 12 Stay Relevant?

The iPhone 12 will likely receive iOS updates until 2027, ensuring compatibility with new apps and features. With robust hardware and 5G support, it remains a strong performer even in the evolving tech landscape.

Expert Insight

According to TechRadar, "The iPhone 12 is an ideal upgrade for iPhone X users, offering exceptional improvements in speed, camera technology, and connectivity."

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the iPhone 12 still a good option in 2025? 

Yes, with 5G, a powerful A14 chip, and long iOS support, it remains a strong contender in 2025.

2. Should I upgrade from iPhone X to iPhone 12? 

Yes, if you value better performance, longer battery life, and significantly improved cameras.

3. What’s the best feature of the iPhone 12? 

Its combination of Night Mode, 5G connectivity, and the A14 Bionic chip makes it a well-rounded device.

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Conclusion: Is the iPhone 12 Worth the Upgrade?

• The iPhone 12 supersedes the iPhone X's pioneering technology in every aspect. 

• Users who upgrade will greatly appreciate the iPhone 12's upgrades including the Super Retina XDR screen and 5G network plus the A14 Bionic processor and advanced cameras. 

• Upgraders from the iPhone X face no-brainer choices when they see this phone's impressive new features and performance.