Apple / 2020

iPhone 12 Pro review

The iPhone 12 Pro sits between the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Max. It offers a premium stainless steel design, a great OLED screen, and fast A14 performance. The LiDAR sensor makes low-light portraits possible, but the camera is not as advanced as the Pro Max. If you want a smaller Pro phone with three cameras and a high-quality build, the iPhone 12 Pro is a solid choice.

Review
Editorially verifiedSpecifications and review findings checked

Best forA smaller stainless-steel iPhone with LiDAR and three cameras

Main rival

Main rival for iPhone 12 Pro: Galaxy S20

The Galaxy S20 is a direct alternative to consider beside the iPhone 12 Pro. Compare the software, screen, cameras, support, and current selling price—not only the launch-price figures shown here.

Galaxy S20 official product image
Samsung · 2020

Galaxy S20

Launch price
$999
Display
6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
Platform
Android
Jump toWhat do you want to know?
TL;DR

iPhone 12 Pro review summary

  • The iPhone 12 Pro features a stainless steel frame and flat glass back reminiscent of older iPhones.
  • It has a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display, the same size as the standard iPhone 12.
  • The A14 Bionic chip delivers top performance for 2020.
  • Three 12MP cameras plus a LiDAR scanner help with low-light portraits and faster autofocus.
  • Battery lasts up to 17 hours for video, with 20W wired and 15W MagSafe charging.
What works
  • Premium stainless steel and glass build with a fresh flat-edge design
  • Bright, color-accurate 6.1-inch OLED display
  • Blazing fast A14 Bionic chip for apps and games
  • LiDAR sensor improves autofocus and Night mode portraits
Watch for
  • This frame is very shiny and feels fancy, but it does pick up fingerprints quickly.
  • The whole phone is made of glass and steel, so it feels solid and heavy at 189 grams.
  • The camera bump sticks out about 1.75 mm, so the phone wobbles when you set it on a table without a case.
  • For most people, the screen quality is excellent for watching videos, playing games, or reading.

Editorial verification: MobileBurn editors verified the device specifications, ownership details, and material review findings before publication.

What Does the iPhone 12 Pro Look and Feel Like?

Apple gave the iPhone 12 Pro a design that reminds many of the iPhone 4 and 5. The edges are flat and sharp, with a polished stainless steel frame instead of the aluminum found on cheaper models. This frame is very shiny and feels fancy, but it does pick up fingerprints quickly. The back is a matte glass that feels strong to touch and does not slip as much as some other phones. The whole phone is made of glass and steel, so it feels solid and heavy at 189 grams.

The Pacific Blue color is subtle and fits the Pro look well, while Silver, Graphite, and Gold are also available. The front uses a Ceramic Shield that Apple says is the toughest glass ever on a phone. The camera bump sticks out about 1.75 mm, so the phone wobbles when you set it on a table without a case. A case can fix that and also hide the shiny frame’s fingerprints. The U.S. model has a small notch for the mmWave antenna on the right side, which some people notice and find distracting. Overall, the phone feels like a high-end device that looks fresh and modern.

For more comparisons, check out our collection of phone reviews.

How Bright and Sharp Is the 6.1-Inch OLED Screen? — iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 460 pixels per inch. This makes text and images look very crisp and clear. Colors are bright and accurate, and the screen adjusts to room lighting with True Tone, which makes whites look natural. The screen is protected by the Ceramic Shield front glass, which should resist drops better than previous iPhones.

The display does not have a 120Hz refresh rate, so it runs at the standard 60Hz. This means scrolling might not feel as smooth as on some Android phones with higher refresh rates. However, for most people, the screen quality is excellent for watching videos, playing games, or reading. The OLED panel delivers deep blacks and high contrast, which makes movies and photos pop. The screen size is the same as the regular iPhone 12, but the Pro has a brighter panel that helps visibility outdoors.

You can find detailed specs in our phone directory.

How Fast Is the A14 Bionic Chip for Daily Tasks? — iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 Pro uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip, which was one of the first processors made on a 5-nanometer manufacturing process. This chip is very fast and handles apps, games, and multitasking without any lag. It runs iOS smoothly and should stay fast for years. Apple does not officially say how much RAM is inside, but reports suggest 6 GB, which is enough for heavy use.

With storage options from 128 GB up to 512 GB, there is plenty of space for photos, videos, and apps. The phone also supports 5G networks, though the reception depends on your carrier. The A14 chip also helps with the camera’s Smart HDR 3 and Deep Fusion, which improve photo quality in strong and low light. The LiDAR scanner uses the chip’s power to measure depth and focus faster, especially in dark scenes. This makes Night mode portraits possible, where older iPhones would show a “Not enough light” message.

The phone handles everything from video editing to heavy games with no stutter. Battery life is rated at up to 17 hours for video playback, and charging works at 20W wired or 15W with the new MagSafe system.

How Well Does the Triple Camera with LiDAR Perform? — iPhone 12 Pro

Power comes from Up to 17 hours video playback with 20W wired, 15W MagSafe charging. Capacity alone does not predict a full day because signal, brightness, heat, software, and battery age can change endurance.

Does the Battery Last a Full Day and How Fast Does It Charge? — iPhone 12 Pro

Apple rates the iPhone 12 Pro for up to 17 hours of video playback. In real-world use that translates to a full day of mixed tasks — browsing, messaging, streaming music, and capturing some photos. Heavy users who play games a lot might need a midday top-up, but most people will get through the day without worry. When it's time to charge, the phone supports 20W wired charging via USB-C to Lightning. That'll get you roughly a 50 percent charge in 30 minutes if you use a compatible fast charger.

It also supports 15W MagSafe wireless charging, which snaps on magnetically and is convenient for overnight or desk use. There's no charger included in the box, so plan to buy one separately if you need fast charging. Overall, the battery life is solid for a phone of this size and power.

Is the iPhone 12 Pro right for you?

iPhone 12 Pro Review: A Stainless-Steel iPhone That Balances Power and Size

The iPhone 12 Pro brings back flat edges, reminscent of the iPhone 4 and 5 era. Its stainless steel frame is glossy and polished, while the back uses matte glass. It feels dense and premium in the hand at 189 grams. The 6.1-inch OLED display is bright and color-accurate, with True Tone adjusting to your surroundings. Under the hood, the Apple A14 Bionic chip delivers blazing performance that still holds up well years later. Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.

The phone is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. The design attracts fingerprints, especially on the shiny sides, but the flat edges give secure grip. If you're shopping for other options, use our phone finder to narrow down your choices. For those who want a premium, mid-size Pro iPhone without the biggest screen, the 12 Pro is a sweet spot.

Useful? Send it to someone.Sharing helps more readers find careful mobile advice.

Specifications

iPhone 12 Pro specifications

12 key details

The details that most directly affect compatibility, daily use, and ownership. Regional models can differ, so confirm bands, storage, colors, and charging support before purchase.

Released
2020
Operating system
iOS
Display
6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz
Processor
Apple A14 BionicApple A14 Bionic in plain EnglishApple A14 Bionic is an Apple-designed system-on-a-chip (SoC): the main silicon that runs iPhone apps and iOS. It combines the CPU, graphics, camera processing, and supporting controllers; newer generations also include dedicated machine-learning hardware. Real speed and battery life still depend on memory, cooling, software, and battery condition.
Memory
Not officially stated by Apple
Storage
128GB–512GB
Rear cameras
12MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP 2x telephoto
Battery
Up to 17 hours video playback
Charging
20W wired, 15W MagSafe
Software support
Check current iOS compatibility
Water resistance
IP68IP68 in plain EnglishDust-tight and tested for immersion beyond 1 meter under manufacturer-set lab conditions. Check the maker's stated depth and time limit. Water resistance is not the same as waterproofing and can weaken with wear or damage. Liquid damage may not be covered by the warranty.
Colors

Quick answers

iPhone 12 Pro frequently asked questions

Who is the iPhone 12 Pro best for?

The iPhone 12 Pro is best suited to buyers seeking a smaller stainless-steel iPhone with LiDAR and three cameras. Because it launched in 2020, compare its remaining software support, battery health, used condition, repair cost, and current price before choosing it over a newer phone.

What software support does the iPhone 12 Pro have?

Apple's current iOS compatibility list determines the remaining software support for the iPhone 12 Pro. Check the exact model, its installed iOS version, available security updates, and the apps you need before buying it used.

What are the key camera and battery specifications?

The catalog lists the iPhone 12 Pro's rear cameras as 12MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP 2x telephoto. Its battery listing is Up to 17 hours video playback, and its charging support is 20W wired, 15W MagSafe. Those specifications describe the hardware, but they do not by themselves guarantee photo quality, charging time, or real battery life. The phone glossary explains why those figures need context.

What is the main alternative to the iPhone 12 Pro?

The Galaxy S20 is its main cross-brand rival in this catalog. Compare their displays, cameras, software, support, size, and current prices in the side-by-side comparison before deciding.

Alternatives

iPhone 12 Pro alternatives at a similar price

Compare price, size, camera hardware, battery, charging, and software support. Completed reviews are labeled clearly; remaining models stay as specification profiles.

Galaxy S20 official product image

Galaxy S · 2020

Galaxy S20

6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz · Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990

Reviewpublished$999
Galaxy S21+ official product image

Galaxy S · 2021

Galaxy S21+

6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz · Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100

Reviewpublished$999
Galaxy S22+ official product image

Galaxy S · 2022

Galaxy S22+

6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz · Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200

Reviewpublished$999
Galaxy S23+ official product image

Galaxy S · 2023

Galaxy S23+

6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz · Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy

Reviewpublished$999