iPhone 12

[steelyman]

Thoughts about the new lineup? I’d be very tempted to go for the Mini but my 8 is less than a year old and works well.

I don’t think 5G has matured to the point where it’s ready for general use.

[ADDED] Seems like the big advancements are in the camera and image processing for a while now. Maybe a different product name is iClick? (kidding)

 

[SecondCor521]

Meh.

I like to surf the back side of the technology wave, so I was rocking an IPhone 4 until earlier this year. I upgraded to a Samsung A11 for $190.79 only because my cell service provider was eliminating 3G support. The A11 does everything I want and more.

I used to work for a tech company for about a decade. During that time we went from being the recognized and unchallenged leader in our area to having competitors that internally we admitted were pretty good alternatives to ours. As that shift occurred, I noticed that our marketing went from saying how we were better than anyone else to saying that our new products were better than our old products.

When I read the Apple IPhone marketing on the 12, it seems like with a few exceptions, they're saying that the 12 is better than the 11. Which it almost certainly is, but that pattern makes me think that the 12 isn't better than its' competitors (because of my experience mentioned in the previous paragraph), especially when considering price.

I don't work for that tech company any more. I think that when everyone thinks you're the market leader, you can stay the market leader for a long while even when you've lost the lead. You have a certain amount of brand momentum. My former employer is probably still recognized as one of the best, but people now do the comparisons rather than blindly buying.

I think Apple will have the same experience, but they're in that "a long while" stage, so it could easily be another 5-10 years where people buy Apple because it's Apple, not because it's unquestionably the best value for cost out there any more.

 

[DrRoy]

I am limping along with a 7 plus. I like the screen size. My wife has a 12 mo. old 11, that we have a year of payments on still. Even though we can afford it, I am trying to wait until hers is paid off before I get a new one. My phone is OK, although the battery only lasts a bit over a day. I would be hard pressed to pick the new one. An 11 with a similar sized screen would be quite nice. I don't know if I could pay almost double for the extra features of a 12, but it would last longer if I did.

 

[RetireBy90]

Meh.

I like to surf the back side of the technology wave, so I was rocking an IPhone 4 until earlier this year. I upgraded to a Samsung A11 for $190.79 only because my cell service provider was eliminating 3G support. The A11 does everything I want and more.

I used to work for a tech company for about a decade. During that time we went from being the recognized and unchallenged leader in our area to having competitors that internally we admitted were pretty good alternatives to ours. As that shift occurred, I noticed that our marketing went from saying how we were better than anyone else to saying that our new products were better than our old products.

When I read the Apple IPhone marketing on the 12, it seems like with a few exceptions, they're saying that the 12 is better than the 11. Which it almost certainly is, but that pattern makes me think that the 12 isn't better than its' competitors (because of my experience mentioned in the previous paragraph), especially when considering price.

I don't work for that tech company any more. I think that when everyone thinks you're the market leader, you can stay the market leader for a long while even when you've lost the lead. You have a certain amount of brand momentum. My former employer is probably still recognized as one of the best, but people now do the comparisons rather than blindly buying.

I think Apple will have the same experience, but they're in that "a long while" stage, so it could easily be another 5-10 years where people buy Apple because it's Apple, not because it's unquestionably the best value for cost out there any more.

Not really sure how I take the current iPhone situation. I am constantly reminded about flip phones and Blackberry phones. Only difference is that Apple has always had a following approaching religion to the faithful. They have a good product but as an analyst said yesterday, he isn't sure what else they can do with a cell phone. He will either be correct or 5G will allow new uses that we never thought of. Will be interesting 3-4 years from now to see where we are compared to today.

 

[braumeister]

Bottom line from the WSJ review:

From what we know about the iPhone 12 lineup, one thing is certain: More products at more price points means choosing a new iPhone could be confusing as heck.

In my view, Apple made a strong case to upgrade this year if 1) you’re looking for a smaller phone with premium features, 2) you care a lot about high-end cameras and visual options, or 3) you live under a 5G tower and want to benefit from your geographical advantage.

 

[Dash man]

I’ll keep my iPhone X for a while. It works great and 5G is not available in many locations yet. I’ll be blowing my dough on a new MacBook Pro since my 2013 model is starting to act up. I was hoping to wait for the new chip, but I don’t think my current MacBook Pro will last.

 

[camfused]

I can't decide between the 12 and the 12 mini. I compare to my current 8, which I am happy with for the physical size. I like that the mini is a little smaller than my 8, yet has a larger display. On the other hand, the 12 is only 1/4" taller and 1/8" wider than my 8, yet has 1.4" larger display than my 8. Just can't decide...

 

[KB]

I'm interested in the 12 mini. I have an SX and it is a little too big. the XS is only 2 years old so I'm not sure if I will get the 12 mini, thinking about it though.

 

[DektolMan]

I've been waiting for Apple's new lineup as DW & myself need to upgrade from the 6s. The mini is smaller than the 6s but screen size is bigger which I like.

 

[braumeister]

Also, for bargain shoppers there is this note from ZDNet:

The iPhone 11 and iPhone XR remain part of the current lineup and are now $100 less than their original starting prices, now starting at $599 and $499, respectively. Apple has stopped selling the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, but its website indicates the devices are still sold through authorized resellers.

 

[ProspectiveBum]

When I read the Apple IPhone marketing on the 12, it seems like with a few exceptions, they're saying that the 12 is better than the 11. Which it almost certainly is, but that pattern makes me think that the 12 isn't better than its' competitors (because of my experience mentioned in the previous paragraph), especially when considering price.

In general, I don’t think Apple usually do compare themselves to other manufacturers. Every iteration of the iPhone I can recall has touted its improvements compared to the previous generation, rather than any competitor.

My 6s Plus is still going strong, so I probably won’t upgrade this year. DW is a photo hound, so I may upgrade her 6s Plus at Xmas for the better cameras. We’re AAPL shareholders, which allows me to mentally justify splurges on their products occasionally.

5G, by all accounts, is not worth upgrading for yet.

 

[skipro33]

I saw a report on the news last night. I found it very funny that the new phone doesn't include a power charger of any sort. Also, it can only be charged inductively, no hole to plug into? They already did away with the headset jack, now no charging port. Wasn't the headset cord the antenna for the radio? Apple phones don't have broadcast radio
So they remove features and call that the latest and charge more. O.K....

When asked, Apple said they are saving the environment by not including a charger. When asked how to charge it, they suggested using a previous charger or buying one. Yea, that's the better option; buy one. That'll save the environment; more packaging along with a slew of other issues like compatibility. If I knew nothing else about Apple, that alone is enough to convince me to stick with android phones. BTW, I have a motorola G7 power phone I bought a year ago through Comcast/Xfinity Mobile and was just upgraded to 5G. I do not notice any difference.

Apple will not include a power charger or earbuds with the iPhone 12, citing environmental reasons. Apple said it will be able to significantly reduce carbon emissions by not having to make the accessories in the first place, in addition to reducing the shipping box size of each iPhone sold.

They are not reducing carbon emissions if they are merely passing those along to another company to manufacture and distribute! What a marketing spin! No ear buds, no way to charge it, a smaller box and technology (5G) that is not ready for prime time. They'll sell millions of 'em!

 

[bloom2708]

I am thinking to upgrade to the 12 Pro Max. Currently have XS Max.

Our Cricket Wireless family plan has 5G included. Currently only 1 phone supported. A Samsung phone.

If the 12s are included, it might be worth trying 5G out. The map has our house in the 5G coverage currently.

It is not cheap to upgrade all 5 phones, but if we get too far out dated, it gets more expensive. Not sure if I would trade in my XS Max or sell outright.

 

[tb001]

I also have a 7 and have been putting off upgrading. I could really use a nicer camera and the battery on my current phone usually needs charged at least once midday. I’d love to go with the less expensive 11 model, but given how long I keep my phones, feel like I’ll regret not having 5G at some point and don’t want to end up upgrading early just because of that.

With Apple products I usually tend to buy up and have found I can usually get an extra few years out of them. Much easier to do when I was working though!

 

[PaunchyPirate]

I'm a techie, who enjoys the latest and greatest, but there's not enough in the iPhone 12 to make me move up from my iPhone XS Max. I'll wait at least another year.

But, I will be ordering a Homepod mini for my bedroom (to add to the 3 Homepods I have elsewhere in the house).

 

[Chuckanut]

My iPhone 7 has at least another two years left in it. Maybe more.

OTOH, my iPad Air 2 is showing signs of no longer being able to handle life in the fast lane. I may replace it with a 4 if there is a good sale.

 

[gerntz]

For those looking to upgrade, what are you dying to do with the new phone that you can't do or have problems doing now? Thanks.

 

[mpeirce]

Also, it can only be charged inductively, no hole to plug into?

uh, no. There is still a lighting connector just like last years iPhone.

They did improve the Xi charger functionality by adding magnets to help align it better on chargers that have magnets too. It's not hard to accidentally misalign a phone on a Xi charger and not have it charge or have it charge slower than usual.

 

[mpeirce]

For those looking to upgrade, what are you dying to do with the new phone that you can't do or have problems doing now? Thanks.

I'm going to upgrade to a 12 Pro.

I had a iPhone X which I broke earlier this year and so I bought a new SE to tide me over until now. I liked the SE a lot and have been impressed with it - fast, small, and "cheap" ($399, so cheap for an iPhone).

That said, I really want the best of breed camera. The three lenses - wide, ultra-wide, telephoto - are a solid improvement over having a single lense. And Apple's computational photography features using all the power of the new processor are truly fantastic. Deep Fusion combines data from all three lenses with fantastic dynamic range (details in bright light AND shadows in the same photo). Night mode gives terrific photos in low light w/o flash.

The built in Lidar also allows for very fast focusing since it's directly measuring the distances with lasers rather that using optical focusing techniques.

I'm tempted by the camera on the 12 Pro Max - it has a larger image sensor and even better image stabilization, but I don't want a phone that large.

I don't really care about 5G. I was pleased to see it favors LTE in normal use to conserve battery and just switches to 5G when available when you are using lots of data.

 

[tulak]

I saw a report on the news last night. I found it very funny that the new phone doesn't include a power charger of any sort. Also, it can only be charged inductively, no hole to plug into? They already did away with the headset jack, now no charging port. Wasn't the headset cord the antenna for the radio? Apple phones don't have broadcast radio
So they remove features and call that the latest and charge more. O.K....

When asked, Apple said they are saving the environment by not including a charger. When asked how to charge it, they suggested using a previous charger or buying one. Yea, that's the better option; buy one. That'll save the environment; more packaging along with a slew of other issues like compatibility. If I knew nothing else about Apple, that alone is enough to convince me to stick with android phones. BTW, I have a motorola G7 power phone I bought a year ago through Comcast/Xfinity Mobile and was just upgraded to 5G. I do not notice any difference.

They are not reducing carbon emissions if they are merely passing those along to another company to manufacture and distribute! What a marketing spin! No ear buds, no way to charge it, a smaller box and technology (5G) that is not ready for prime time. They'll sell millions of 'em!

I disagree. I think the environmental impact is huge. I've had many iPhones and have never used the included ear buds and I have plenty of chargers. I imagine my situation is not unique and considering how many phones they sell, the impact of not including these extras adds up quickly.

They are including a cable, which I appreciate. That's the part that usually needs replacing. I have been debating to try inductive charging and I might make that shift soon, especially if I decide to upgrade.

Oh, and someone else has already mentioned, they are including a port for charging.

For those looking to upgrade, what are you dying to do with the new phone that you can't do or have problems doing now? Thanks.

That's a tough one. Originally, the camera was the primary reason for me to upgrade my iPhone. I used to carry a DSLR when traveling (I travel a lot) and it was a pain. I preferred the convenience of the camera you always have with you. I decided spending the extra money for a phone with a better camera is well worth it, not to mention the other extras. This is becoming less of an issue, since I'm still happy with my iPhone X camera - and phone - even though it's 3 years old now.

Right now, the best feature for me would be the dual-sim capabilities. That's unique to my situation, but I have a SIM card in an older Motorola flip-phone that I would love to get rid of. Other than that, I have debated about getting the Pro Max for the bigger screen, but I haven't convinced myself I want a bigger phone. And yeah, I always appreciate a better camera.

Apple is in a hard spot with innovating on the iPhone. They have the best HW and capabilities on the market, but they're getting to the point that most people don't need what they're offering. As for comparing them with Android, as someone who values privacy/security and less malware/bloatware, I'll stick with my iPhone.

 

[Katsmeow]

I will probably upgrade from the 11 Pro to the 12 Pro Max. I am on the Apple Upgrade program so I can trade from the 11 Pro to the 12 Pro Max easily. I am planning to stop doing the upgrade program and would like a 5G phone before I do that.

I will probably get it in blue to match my Apple Watch which is blue.

For those looking to upgrade, what are you dying to do with the new phone that you can't do or have problems doing now? Thanks.

To me, this asks the wrong question. i don't think I have to be dying or have problems to trade in my existing phone for a new one. Things I like about the new phone.

1. You get more screen size for the same phone dimensions. I like that. This is due to the new design of the phone without the rounded sides.

2. I want the Pro Max size compared to the Pro. I had had the larger size before then went smaller last year to the 11 Pro to see how I would like it. I did like it in terms of being easier to put it in a pocket. But, I read a lot of Kindle books on my phone and I have found I do miss the larger size. Is that that I can't read a book on the 11 Pro? No. But I find it easier and more enjoyable with the larger phone.

3. Increasingly, the vast majority of photos/videos that I take are with the phone. I have a DSLR that is very nice. But unless I am going on vacation or something where I specifically want to use it I don't use it that much. Most of the time the camera I use is my phone. I loved the 3 lenses on my 11 Pro and like the upgrades to the camera in the new Pro Max.

4. I do live in an area with 5G. I don't think it is critical right now to have it necessarily. But long term I do want a 5G phone. I have considered waiting a year.

If I trade in my existing phone, I pay roughly $1100 for a new one over 2 years with no interest. (This does not include Tax or Apple Care which I will get in any situation). At that point I own the phone and can keep it (or trade it in or whatever)

If I keep my existing phone another year, I pay $550 over the course of the year and then own it completely and can trade it in for probably $300. Then I buy an $1100 phone a year from now. Total cost is $1350.

So it seems to make sense to trade in now. Of course if I trade in now and Apple does something in the next 2 years that makes me want to get whatever new phone they have then there would be cost for a new phone. But that would exist in either scenario.

5. Aesthetics. I like the new design and I like the new color.

 

[CoolRich59]

I have to say that I was a little underwhelmed.

I have an iPhone 8 that is just over 2 years old. I had assumed I would get a 12, but after looking at the reporting (WSJ, BGR, and MacRumors) last night, I'm now thinking I'll stick with my iPhone 8 a while longer.

5G coverage is just starting to be rolled out. It will be a year or longer before coverage is in place nationally, so having a 5G phone right now doesn't mean much.

Apple made a big fuss about the improved camera. I'm sure it's great, but the camera is not a big feature for me, so ...

The other upgrade I recall being touted was a new processor. But, the only time I've ever had a performance issue with a phone has been due to the network, not the phone's processor. So, some infinitesimal increase in processing speed doesn't mean much to me either.

I don't mean to sound like a negative nancy, but I was just not too impressed with their new lineup.

 

[braumeister]

I have to say that I was a little underwhelmed.

Same here, and I'm a huge fan of Apple products. We've had iPhones since they first came out and have upgraded about every 2 years.

But my two year old XS and DW's year old 11 Pro are still wonderful and nowhere near needing replacement yet. I think Apple has kept improving them to the point where there just isn't much more they can add to them. Any late model iPhone should be good for almost anyone.

 

[steelyman]

I’ll just keep checking the battery health on my 8 (nice feature added to iOS) and see what’s offered when it starts looking shaky. It’s good after a year of use (97%, which I hope is fine).

 

[Rustic23]

I may have posted this before, but I could not find it.

I don't understand the hype for 5g. I know it's value for the future in cars, remote surgery and other things that require fast latency. I understand the business need for high speed to transmit huge sums of data. I don't see the need for 5g on a 5inch screen. For home internet, maybe, however LTE works well. The ability to have more connections seems more of a benefit to the telco's than the end user. I have not seen any real slow down using lte. I understand you can download a movie in less than 20 seconds. But, how often are you going to do this after you have shown all your friends. DW and I have two very good functioning Iphones. SE 2020. We replaced a 6s and original SE. I notice no difference in the performance of the devices. Better battery life is nice, two days, but that's about all. Better camera, yea, but the ones we had were good enough. I would be much more prone to replace an Ipad now than a phone.