iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12: Which is Best?

The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 remain two of the most popular Apple models on the refurbished market. Both offer smooth performance, reliable cameras and great value - but there are some notable differences that might make one better suited to your needs.

The quick verdict

Choose the iPhone 11 if you want the lowest price, great battery life and excellent everyday performance. Choose the iPhone 12 if you want a far better OLED display, a more durable design with Ceramic Shield, 5G and improved low-light photography. Both remain popular, reliable choices on the refurbished market.

iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 at a glance

Feature	iPhone 11	iPhone 12
Display	6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD (LCD)	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED)
Chip	A13 Bionic	A14 Bionic
Connectivity	4G	5G
Charging	Standard wireless charging	MagSafe
Battery	Lasts a bit longer	Slightly reduced by 5G and OLED
Storage	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB

To help you decide, here’s a clear, side-by-side breakdown of what sets the two devices apart. If you’re shopping for either model, don’t forget you can find both in our refurbished mobile phone range, fully tested through a 90-point check.

Design & Build

iPhone 11:
Rounded aluminium frame with curved edges. It feels soft in the hand and has a more classic iPhone look.

iPhone 12:
Flat-edge design inspired by the iPhone 5 era. It feels more modern, more premium, and sits sturdier in the hand.

Both models offer IP68 water resistance, but the iPhone 12 features Ceramic Shield glass on the front - much tougher against drops.

Verdict: iPhone 12 wins for durability and modern styling.

Display

iPhone 11: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD (LCD)
iPhone 12: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED)

This is one of the biggest differences. The iPhone 12’s OLED screen offers:

deeper blacks
higher contrast
better HDR performance
higher overall brightness

Verdict: iPhone 12 has the far superior display.

Performance

iPhone 11: A13 Bionic
iPhone 12: A14 Bionic

Both chips remain fast and smooth for everyday use, apps and gaming. But the A14 is more power-efficient and offers improved futureproofing, especially for heavier apps and newer iOS updates.

Verdict: iPhone 12 for longevity, but the iPhone 11 still performs exceptionally well.

Camera Comparison

iPhone 11

12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra Wide
Night Mode
Excellent colour accuracy

iPhone 12

12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra Wide
Better low-light performance (f/1.6 aperture)
Improved Night Mode on both lenses
Better Smart HDR processing

Shooting quality is similar, but the iPhone 12 edges ahead in Night Mode and detail thanks to its wider aperture and upgraded image pipeline.

Verdict: The iPhone 12 takes better photos in low light, but both are great all-rounders.

Battery Life

iPhone 11:
Known for excellent endurance - easily lasts a full day.

iPhone 12:
Battery life is strong but slightly reduced due to 5G support and the OLED display.

Verdict: iPhone 11 lasts a bit longer in real-world use, though both are solid.

Charging

The iPhone 12 introduces MagSafe - Apple’s magnetic wireless charging system. Compatible accessories include wallets, chargers and mounts. The iPhone 11 only supports standard wireless charging.

Verdict: iPhone 12 for modern charging features.

Connectivity

iPhone 11: 4G
iPhone 12: 5G

If you want faster data speeds and better long-term support, 5G on the iPhone 12 is a major advantage.

Storage Options

iPhone 11: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB
iPhone 12: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB

Storage options are identical for both models.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the iPhone 11 if you want:

the lowest price
great battery life
excellent everyday performance

Choose the iPhone 12 if you want:

a far better display
a more durable design
5G connectivity
improved low-light photography

Whichever model suits you best, you can find both in our refurbished phone range - fully tested, great quality and a smarter alternative to buying new. And if you're upgrading, don’t forget you can also trade in your current handset to put its value towards your next iPhone.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12?

One of the biggest differences is the display. The iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch LCD, while the iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch OLED with deeper blacks, higher contrast, better HDR and higher brightness. The iPhone 12 also adds 5G and MagSafe.

Does the iPhone 11 have better battery life than the iPhone 12?

Yes, slightly. The iPhone 11 lasts a bit longer in real-world use, as the iPhone 12's battery life is reduced by its 5G support and OLED display, though both are solid.

Is the iPhone 12 camera better than the iPhone 11?

Both have 12MP Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, but the iPhone 12 takes better low-light photos thanks to its wider f/1.6 aperture, improved Night Mode on both lenses and better Smart HDR processing.

Does the iPhone 11 have 5G?

No. The iPhone 11 supports 4G, while the iPhone 12 supports 5G, which offers faster data speeds and better long-term support.

Is the iPhone 12 more durable than the iPhone 11?

Yes. Both have IP68 water resistance, but the iPhone 12 has Ceramic Shield glass on the front, which is much tougher against drops.

Sam Hargreaves

Sam Hargreaves is a UK-based founder and technology specialist with deep expertise in mobile phone trade-in, buyback pricing, and selling used smartphones. He has spent years working directly on platforms that calculate phone values, compare buyback offers, and manage the real-world outcomes of people selling their mobile phones online, including those looking to Sell My Phone.

Since the mid-2010s, Sam has been closely involved in how mobile phone prices are set, how trade-in offers change based on condition, and how devices move from customer to resale. His experience spans the full sell-my-mobile-phone journey, from initial quote through inspection, re-quote, payment, and resale.

Mobile Phone Buyback & Trade-In Experience

Sam has built and supported multiple phone trade-in and comparison platforms in the UK, covering thousands of transactions across popular devices including iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. His work focuses on fair pricing, clear condition rules, and reducing unexpected price changes for customers.

Pricing & Market Knowledge

He has extensive experience analysing how mobile phone values change over time based on model, storage, condition, and market demand. This insight allows accurate comparison between different places to sell a mobile phone and helps explain why prices rise or fall.

Device & Brand Expertise

Sam has hands-on knowledge of leading smartphone brands such as Apple, Samsung, and Google, with a detailed understanding of how device condition, age, and specifications affect resale value.

Consumer-Focused Insight

Beyond pricing, Sam understands common customer concerns when selling a mobile phone, including blacklisting, condition disputes, returns, and payment timing. His work reflects how the market actually operates, not how it is marketed.

Sam is recognised for providing clear, practical insight into how the mobile phone buyback and trade-in market works, helping people make informed decisions when selling their mobile phones.