All three iPhones share an iconic design with aluminum frames, but they differ in their dimensions and finishes. The iPhone 11 is the largest and heaviest of the three (150.9 mm and 194 g), while the iPhone 15 is the lightest (171 g). The iPhone 12 Pro is an intermediate model, compact and slightly thinner (146.7 mm and 189 g).
All three feature flat profiles, an Apple aesthetic signature, with photo sensors integrated into a square located at the top left of the back. However, their layout differs: the iPhone 11 and iPhone 15 have two sensors aligned diagonally, while the iPhone 12 Pro has three, organized in a triangle.
In terms of colors, the iPhone 11 offers a lively and varied palette (black, green, yellow, purple, red and white), compared to more sober tones for the iPhone 12 Pro (silver, graphite, gold and blue). The iPhone 15 stands out with pastel colors like pink, yellow and green, which add a touch of modernity. All three benefit from IP68 certification, guaranteeing excellent resistance to water and dust.
So, if lightness and modern colors appeal to you, the iPhone 15 is a good choice. For a classic palette and increased compactness, opt for the iPhone 12 Pro. As for the iPhone 11, it will appeal to fans of large sizes and bright colors.
Which is the most powerful and which is the best screen?
The iPhone 15 is equipped with the Apple A16 processor and dominates in terms of performance thanks to its 6 GB of RAM and storage options of up to 1 TB. The iPhone 12 Pro follows with the A14 processor and a similar configuration of 6 GB of RAM, but with maximum storage limited to 512 GB. Finally, the iPhone 11 has the A13, with 4 GB of RAM and a storage capacity capping at 256 GB.
None of the three models support micro SD cards to expand memory. In terms of power, the iPhone 15 is clearly in the lead, followed by the iPhone 12 Pro, while the iPhone 11, although efficient, is behind.
All models have a diagonal of 6.1 inches, but screen technology and performance vary. iPhone 15 and iPhone 12 Pro adopt AMOLED panels, offering rich colors and infinite contrasts. The iPhone 11, with its LCD screen, offers lower brightness (625 cd/m²) and lower definition (828×1792 pixels) compared to its competitors. The iPhone 15 outperforms its rivals with a maximum brightness of 2000 cd/m² and HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compatibility. The iPhone 12 Pro follows with a brightness of 1200 cd/m² and HDR10 compatibility. The iPhone 11's screen is more limited, without HDR and with a refresh rate identical to its peers (60 Hz). In summary, for optimal screen quality, the iPhone 15 is the best choice, followed by the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 11, although pleasant, is better suited for less demanding use.
What configurations for photos and what connectivity?
The iPhone 15 offers an advanced setup with a 48-megapixel optically stabilized main sensor and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, ideal for zooms and portraits. The iPhone 12 Pro follows with three 12-megapixel sensors (wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle and 2x telephoto). The iPhone 11, with two 12 megapixel sensors, remains effective for standard shots, but it falls behind on zooms and night photos.
For selfies, all three models include a 12-megapixel sensor. However, the iPhone 15 benefits from more modern image processing, which improves sharpness and detail.
In terms of connectivity, all models are compatible with 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and offer stereo speakers. However, the iPhone 15 benefits from a more recent Bluetooth version (5.3 compared to 5.0 for the others).
The fingerprint reader is absent on these three models, facial recognition ensuring unlocking. None have a jack or an infrared transmitter.
What about autonomy and charging capabilities?
The iPhone 15 has the largest battery (3349 mAh), followed by the iPhone 11 (3110 mAh) and finally the iPhone 12 Pro (2815 mAh). Although these capacities offer an estimate, actual battery life depends largely on usage. Thanks to a more efficient processor, the iPhone 15 should offer the best endurance.
On the charging side, the iPhone 12 Pro supports 15W charging, while the iPhone 15 and iPhone 11 remain discreet about their capacities. All three offer wireless charging, but only the iPhone 15 also allows reverse charging, handy for powering other devices.
