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Phone Comparisons Buying Guides04 Nov 2024Posted byLiam Harris

Buyer’s Guide: Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro

Buyer’s Guide: Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro

The iPhone 16 might be all the rage these days, but let's be honest-not everyone feels the need to make the jump to the newest and greatest smartphone. Sometimes, you just have to weigh your options and go for what feels like a good balance between features and value, and looking at slightly older models might be just what you need. Heck! refurbished iPhones may very well offer that sweet middle ground: high-end features minus the hefty price tag.


The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro were both brute flagships in their time, with each bringing unique strengths to the table. But, how do they stack up against each other in 2025? Let's dive in and see which one still holds its mettle in today's market.



iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 12 Pro brought back the nostalgic squared-off design and stainless-steel framing, with the classic mute switch. Fast-forward to the iPhone 15 Pro release and Apple seemed to have reconsidered the design. The 2023 model sports an aerospace-grade titanium frame with rounded edges and a mappable Action button. This shift to a titanium frame was most definitely a welcome addition as it adds some durability to the device and offers the benefit of not being an absolute fingerprint magnet. Comparatively, the iPhone 12 Pro’s polished steel while gorgeous to hold tends to attract fingerprints.


The size and weight of these Pro devices are pretty comparable. The iPhone 15 Pro dimensions come in at 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm, while the iPhone 12 Pro dimensions are just a smidge larger at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm. That little variation will make no observable difference when you hold them, but it does count for an overall sleeker feel in the hand with the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro weight and the iPhone 12 Pro weight are also quite close, with the 15 Pro weighing in at 187 grams and the 12 Pro just a bit heavier at 189 grams.


The Action Button was perhaps the biggest hardware upgrade that Apple adorned the iPhone 15 Pro with. They didn’t just kill a feature - they reinvented it. Unlike the classic mute switch, the Action Button’s programmability lets you use your iPhone in completely new ways. Users can do more than just change their ringer settings. You can now launch a bunch of other shortcuts like launching the Notes app, turning on the flashlight or even toggling Do Not Disturb.


If you appreciate the convenience offered by USB-C, then you will love the iPhone 15 Pro. Apple ditched the aging Lightning Port on the iPhone 12 Pro in favour of a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, making the iPhone 15 series the first iPhone model to support this faster, more universal connection.

iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Display and Screen Quality

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro feature 6.1-inch OLED displays, but the 15 Pro offers thinner bezels, Dynamic Island, and a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, delivering smoother scrolling and animations compared to the 60Hz display on the 12 Pro display.

 

While both provide crisp visuals, the 15 Pro enhances HDR content, offering richer colors and deeper contrasts. If you're considering an upgrade, check out the Apple iPhone 15 Blue for a sleek and powerful experience.

iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Cameras

Whether you're into photography or not, a great camera phone is a must. The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro feature triple rear cameras, but the 15 Pro boasts a 48MP main sensor, a huge upgrade from the 12MP lens on the 12 Pro, delivering sharper detail when zooming or cropping.

 

The ultra-wide lens also improves with macro capability, capturing stunning close-ups. Plus, the 15 Pro enhances zoom with 3x telephoto, compared to 2x on the 12 Pro, making it ideal for wildlife and action shots. A major step up for photography lovers!

iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Performance and Software

Let's dive into the heart of these gadgets - performance. The iPhone 15 Pro introduced a great, higher-power processor, just like each generation of iPhones, that is the A17 Bionic chip. This chip is not only faster compared to the A14 Bionic chip on the iPhone 12 Series but more efficient too. It offers a CPU that is 10% faster, a GPU that is 20% faster, and a Neural Engine that is twice as fast as its predecessor


The iPhone 15 Pro also ups the ante with 8GB of faster LPDDR5 RAM. That represents a bump over the 6GB of older LPDDR4X RAM in the iPhone 12 Pro. Both models run on iOS 18.1, so you'll enjoy the latest software features on either device. However, the combination of the A17 chip and the faster RAM in the 15 Pro ensures that you’ll be able to take full advantage of these features without any hiccups.

iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Battery Life

Battery life is a key factor for most smartphone users, and the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro is significant. The iPhone 12 Pro delivers a respectable battery life, lasting up to 17 hours during video playback. While this was impressive at its launch, Apple raised the bar with the iPhone 15 Pro, which offers up to 23 hours of video playback.

 

Thanks to the A17 Bionic chip’s energy-efficient design, the 15 Pro optimizes power usage, allowing for longer streaming, gaming, or browsing sessions without the constant need for a charger. The USB-C addition on the 15 Pro also enables faster charging, making it more convenient. If you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative, check out the iPhone 12 Pro Refurbished for solid battery performance at a lower price.

Verdict

So, is it time to upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro? Definitely! This phone is a game changer, offering a buttery-smooth 120Hz ProMotion display that makes everything feel incredibly responsive. The upgraded camera system is a dream come true for anyone who loves photography, with stunning low-light performance and a whopping 48MP main sensor for jaw-dropping shots.


You’ll love how the A17 Bionic chip speeds everything up, from app launches to multitasking, giving you a seamless experience. Plus, with its sleek design, slimmer bezels, and the nifty Dynamic Island for easy notifications, the iPhone 15 Pro looks as good as it performs.


And if you're looking to save a few bucks, both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro are available as refurbished iPhones at Phonebot. All our devices are meticulously tested to ensure quality, making them a fantastic choice.


Ready to elevate your smartphone experience? Check out our selection of refurbished iPhones today!

Posted by Liam Harris

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Liam Harris

Liam Harris

I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in camera quality between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro?

The camera has gotten a major upgrade! The iPhone 12 Pro has a solid triple-camera setup, but the iPhone 15 Pro takes it up a notch with a 48MP main sensor that captures amazing details, especially in low light. You’ll also find better software and new features that make taking great photos even easier!

Is the battery life better on the iPhone 15 Pro?

Absolutely! The iPhone 15 Pro can last up to 23 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 12 Pro lasts about 17 hours. Thanks to the A17 Bionic chip, you can use it longer between charges, perfect for binge-watching shows, gaming, or just scrolling through your feeds.

Can I use USB-C accessories with the iPhone 15 Pro?

Yes, you can! The iPhone 15 Pro comes with a USB-C port, so it works with lots of accessories. This means faster charging and more convenience, especially if you have other devices that also use USB-C.

Are both models available as refurbished?

Definitely! If you want to save some cash, both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro are available as refurbished iPhones at Phonebot. Buying refurbished is a smart way to get a quality device without spending a fortune!

What storage options do the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro offer?

 Both phones come with different storage options, but the iPhone 15 Pro offers more choices. You can pick from 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and even 1TB! This makes it great for anyone who needs extra space for apps, photos, and videos.

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