Expectations surrounding the iPhone 12 family, and specifically the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models, have been particularly high , given the technological power and innovations that Apple typically brings to its top-of-the-line products. One of the most intense debates has revolved around the adoption of 120Hz refresh rate displays , comparing the capabilities of the new devices with the Android competition and Apple's own advancements in other products like the iPad Pro.
Since the second half of the year of its launch, Apple has worked intensively with its suppliers to ensure the iPhone 12 series debuted without significant delays, despite global challenges. The top-of-the-line models, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, stand out from their lesser siblings with premium features, a more refined design, exclusive materials, and an ambitious technical specification.
iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max Display Technology: 120Hz?
The 120Hz refresh rate has become one of the most sought-after features in high-end smartphones , providing a smoother experience, instant responsiveness, and improved visuals, especially in gaming, browsing, and system animations. On Android, devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20, Note 20 Ultra, and OnePlus 8 series have implemented high refresh rate displays, and Apple users are expecting a similar experience on iPhones.
Apple has already implemented 120Hz ProMotion technology in the iPad Pro , achieving an ultra-smooth experience for professional use, drawing, and advanced navigation. Expectations of seeing this technology brought to the iPhone, especially the Pro models, have been constant within the community. Several leakers and analysts have mentioned that both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max could integrate OLED displays compatible with variable refresh rates of up to 120Hz , dynamically adapting according to the content (reducing to 60Hz to conserve energy and increasing to 120Hz for games and fast scrolling).
However, technical reports indicated that Apple faced challenges with the 120Hz IC controllers —the chips that manage the refresh rate in the panels. According to sources like Ross Young, the company did have access to ProMotion panels, but logistical and technological difficulties with the controllers may have limited the availability of this feature, ultimately limiting the global version to 60Hz.
Thus, the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max ultimately did not include the 120Hz refresh rate , maintaining the standard 60Hz refresh rate on their Super Retina XDR OLED displays. However, image quality, color calibration, and brightness did represent a significant leap forward compared to previous generations, such as the iPhone 11 Pro.
Differences with the Competition and Associated Technologies
Apple's decision to stick with 60Hz instead of adopting 120Hz didn't prevent the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max from outperforming many other phones in terms of visual experience . This is due to a number of technologies and adjustments:
- Super Retina XDR OLED display: Delivers exceptional levels of brightness, contrast and color accuracy, with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, taking multimedia content playback to the next level.
- Resolution and pixel densityThe iPhone 12 Pro features a 6,1-inch display, and the 12 Pro Max a 6,7-inch display, with resolutions of 2532 x 1170 and 2778 x 1284 pixels respectively. This translates to densities above 450 ppi, ensuring sharpness even in the smallest details.
- ceramic shield: The Ceramic Shield front coating increases resistance to drops and scratches, giving the screen greater durability.
In comparison, the Android competition has made the massive leap to 90Hz and 120Hz, placing iPhones behind only in this specific parameter. However, in practice, the optimization of iOS and Apple's hardware achieves fluidity and speed far above average at just 60Hz, minimizing perceptible differences except in video games and certain fast movements.
In successor models, such as the iPhone 13 Pro and later , the 120Hz ProMotion display was finally integrated, marking the definitive arrival of this feature awaited by fans in iPhones.
Premium Design, Dimensions and Construction
The iPhone 12 Pro series is distinguished by its adoption of a classic, flat-edge design , reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5 but adapted to modern needs. Its premium materials stand out: stainless steel for the frame and textured glass for the back , along with a wide range of sophisticated colors such as Pacific Blue, Silver, Gold, and Graphite.
The thickness is reduced to just 7,4 mm , making the devices thinner and lighter, despite the inclusion of higher-capacity batteries and advanced components such as the LiDAR sensor in the camera. Furthermore, the flat design improves grip and gives a robust feel, while the use of Ceramic Shield enhances its resistance to drops and impacts.
Hardware, Performance and Battery
The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max are powered by the A14 Bionic chip , manufactured using 5-nanometer technology and considered one of the most powerful processors at the time of its announcement. This chip is essential for smooth performance in multitasking, demanding games, and professional applications , as well as in computational photography, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality.
- Memory and storage: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB internal storage versions are available, suitable for all types of users, from the most basic to the professional who handles large volumes of high-resolution photos and videos.
- Energy efficiencyThe A14 Bionic is optimized for low power consumption, compensating for the lack of 120Hz through intelligent resource management and long battery life. The iPhone 12 Pro Max can play video for over 20 hours, placing it among the market leaders.
- Fast charging and MagSafe: They include fast wired charging up to 20W (although the charger does not come in the box), 7,5W Qi wireless charging and the innovative MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W, which makes docking easy and ensures efficient and safe charging.
Advanced Camera System and LiDAR Scanner
One of the main selling points of the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max is their camera system . The triple-lens camera system includes wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, all 12MP, and is complemented by the LiDAR scanner , an innovation inherited from the iPad Pro. This combination allows for:
- Exceptional results in night photography (Night Mode on all lenses and LiDAR-powered Night Portrait Mode).
- Ultra-fast autofocus, both day and night, leveraging LiDAR technology to map the scene in depth.
- Professional video recording in 4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 60fps, being the first smartphone capable of recording, editing and playing this format extreme to extreme.
- Exclusive features like ProRAW, which combines Apple's advanced image processing with the versatility of the RAW format, perfect for photographers and content creators.
The Ultra Wide camera captures landscapes and architecture without any noticeable distortion, while the Telephoto lens offers up to 2,5x optical zoom (Pro Max) with no loss of quality. The larger sensors and f/1.6 aperture improve light capture, ensuring sharp, detailed photos in all circumstances.
Enhanced Face ID and Security
In terms of security, Face ID continues to solidify its position as the most advanced facial recognition system on the market . On the iPhone 12 Pro, this system improves the recognition angle and unlocking speed, allowing for greater ease of use even if the user isn't looking directly at the device. Machine learning algorithms analyze more facial points and offer highly reliable protection against spoofing.
Additionally, Apple has worked to integrate facial recognition with banking apps, payment systems, and various system features, raising the bar for privacy and convenience on mobile devices.
Connectivity, 5G Networks and Other Advances
The iPhone 12 Pro series pioneered 5G connectivity in Apple devices, supporting both sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands in compatible markets. This enables unprecedented download, streaming, and browsing speeds , opening the door to new uses in augmented reality, cloud gaming, and advanced productivity.
- Wi-Fi 6: Adopts the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, with faster, more stable and efficient connections, ideal for homes and offices with multiple connected devices.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Provides a robust and wide connection with accessories (headphones, watches, speakers, etc.).
- NFC and Apple Pay: Enables secure and fast mobile payments, as well as interaction with smart tags and compatible accessories.
- IP68 resistance: Protects against dust and temporary immersion in water.
Comparisons: iPhone 12 Pro vs. Previous and Later Generations
Comparing the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max with their immediate predecessors and successors sheds light on the progress made:
- Compared to the iPhone 11 Pro: It gains in flat design, larger and more resistant screen (Ceramic Shield), significantly more powerful processor (A14 Bionic), incorporation of the LiDAR sensor, better autonomy and expanded storage options.
- Compared to the iPhone 13 ProThe successor finally introduces the 120Hz ProMotion display, processor improvements (A15 Bionic), advances in computational photography (Cinema mode), and longer battery life. This means that while the iPhone 12 Pro remains a very powerful and reliable option, users who prioritize ultra-smooth visuals may want to upgrade to the next model.
Who is the iPhone 12 Pro for?
The Pro and Pro Max models remain outstanding options for those who demand the best in performance, camera, and design , and the lack of a 120Hz display isn't a real disadvantage for the average user, given the panel's quality and iOS optimization. Their target audience ranges from photography professionals and content creators to hardcore gamers and premium users who want the latest technology and durability.
They remain recommended options even after the arrival of successors like the iPhone 13 Pro, especially for those users who don't consider the 120Hz frequency essential, but do demand robustness, power, and an outstanding photography system.
Analysts like Ross Young and reputable leakers have agreed that Apple ultimately opted for stability and energy efficiency instead of prioritizing 120Hz , a decision supported by the maturity of the iOS user experience, where animations, resource management, and software compensate for the lower refresh rate compared to the competition. This, coupled with the difficulty of implementing high-performance IC controllers without compromising battery life or the global launch process, justifies the brand's decision for this generation.
Many experts believe that, in real-world daily use, the difference between highly optimized 60Hz panels and 120Hz panels is subtle , and that the integration of ProMotion in subsequent generations is the natural evolution, without detracting from the merits of the iPhone 12 Pro series.
Today, the iPhone 12 Pro family continues to lead in many areas and represents the maturity of functional design in the high-end, combining premium finishes, outstanding performance, next-generation connectivity, and a robust ecosystem for the most demanding users.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max stand out as two of the most complete smartphones of their generation , solid options that excel in design, performance, photography, and connectivity, although their standard 60Hz refresh rate display may fall behind in specifications compared to newer models or certain Android rivals. The overall experience remains top-notch.
