Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
iPhone 15 Plus delivers superior value at $100 less despite launching three years after the 12 Pro. Its larger 6.7-inch display with 2000-nits peak brightness and 120Hz-capable Super Retina XDR panel substantially outshines the 12 Pro's 800-nits 60Hz screen. Performance-wise, the A16 Bionic edges Apple's older A14 chip, though real-world differences remain minimal. Camera capabilities shift dramatically: the 15 Plus's 48MP main sensor with computational photography surpasses the 12 Pro's quad-camera setup featuring a telephoto lens. Battery capacity nearly doubles (4383 vs 2815 mAh), providing noticeably longer endurance. USB-C replaces Lightning, offering faster data transfer and universal charging. The 12 Pro retains appeal for those wanting a compact device with optical zoom, but the 15 Plus's larger screen, modern processor, superior display brightness, better camera hardware, and lower price make it the stronger choice for most buyers.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Apple iPhone 15 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 14 | iOS 17 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 189 g | 201 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision |
| Telephoto | 12 MP 2.5x | — |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 4383 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 15W MagSafe |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2796 x 1290 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU (5-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A16 Bionic |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Pros
- First iPhone with LiDAR scanner for AR and Night mode portraits
- Introduced MagSafe magnetic accessory ecosystem
- First 5nm chip (A14 Bionic) on any smartphone
- ProRAW format for professional photo editing
- Flat-edge design revival praised for aesthetics
Cons
- No 120Hz ProMotion display at Pro pricing
- Small 2815 mAh battery requires charging daily
- Charger removed from box controversially
- 2.5x telephoto falls short of Android competition
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Pros
- Outstanding battery life from large 4383 mAh cell
- Dynamic Island replaces notch on a non-Pro model
- 48 MP main camera is a major upgrade over iPhone 14 Plus
- First USB-C port on a standard Plus model
- Large display great for media consumption
Cons
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion upgrade
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 transfer speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
- Bulky and heavy for everyday use
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