Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro launched as the mid-sized model in the 2020 lineup, slotting between the iPhone 12 and the larger 12 Pro Max while introducing flat, retro-styled edges, a stainless‑steel frame and MagSafe compatibility. It ships with iOS 14, the 5 nm A14 Bionic chip and a 6.1-inch OLED display, and is offered in 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB storage tiers. Apple also included a LiDAR sensor alongside the triple 12 MP camera array and added 5G and IP68 ingress protection.
This review synthesizes published benchmark medians and test observations from UL Benchmarks (3DMark Wild Life scores and stability metrics), Notebookcheck’s in-depth hardware and design testing, and coverage from Tom’s Guide and WIRED on performance, camera behavior and real‑world usability. Where available we cite concrete numbers: display resolution, memory, benchmark scores and reported stability to ground our conclusions.
High level verdict: the iPhone 12 Pro delivers class‑leading raw CPU/GPU performance for its generation (A14 Bionic) and a finely made stainless‑steel chassis with a bright 6.1" OLED panel, while the LiDAR sensor improves low‑light portrait capture. Tradeoffs include battery life that multiple reviewers flagged as underwhelming for a flagship, no USB‑C or 120 Hz display, and some MagSafe charging concerns reported in testing.
A14 Bionic delivers top-end synthetic and real-world speed
The A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12 Pro is one of the first 5 nm smartphone SoCs and shows it: UL Benchmarks reports a 3DMark Wild Life score median of 7,431 with a graphics test peak of 44 FPS and 76% stability, while Wild Life Unlimited medians sit at 8,409 with 72% stability. Tom’s Guide and other outlets observed the A14 outperforming contemporary Android silicon in both synthetic and real‑world testing.
Apple pairs the A14 with 6 GB of RAM (reported median 6,144 MB) which keeps background app performance smooth for most users and matches the class‑leading single‑thread performance Apple targets. Benchmarks do show some thermal/stability variation across runs — UL notes stability percentages below 80% — so sustained maximum GPU loads can see throttling in extended gaming sessions.
6.1" OLED and stainless steel give sharp visuals and premium feel
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a 6.1‑inch OLED panel at 2,532 × 1,170 pixels (reported resolution) that delivers high pixel density and the deep blacks expected of OLED. Reviewers praised the panel’s clarity and contrast; however, Apple did not adopt a 120 Hz refresh rate for this generation, a feature some Android flagships already offered.
Design changes are deliberate and visible: flat edges that echo the iPhone 4/5 era, a stainless‑steel frame and IP68 water resistance. MagSafe introduces a magnetic ecosystem for cases and chargers, improving accessory alignment but reviewers also raised questions about MagSafe’s charging speed in real‑world testing.
Reliable triple 12 MP array plus LiDAR for better low‑light portraits
The rear system is a triple‑lens setup with 12 MP sensors and an added LiDAR scanner. WIRED specifically highlighted the LiDAR scanner’s benefit for clearer low‑light portrait shots and faster subject detection for autofocus in dim scenes. Notebookcheck and other reviews call the overall camera system 'great' for stills and capable for 4K video (including 60 fps HDR options).
While image quality is strong for the Pro, reviewers noted that Apple differentiated the 12 Pro Max in this generation by improving the Max’s camera array and battery — meaning the Pro is not the absolute camera leader in its own family.
Battery endurance and MagSafe charging bring caveats
Multiple reviewers, including WIRED and the benchmark aggregation notes, reported that the iPhone 12 Pro’s battery 'could last longer' compared with rivals and the larger 12 Pro Max. UL’s published guidance also warns battery life numbers vary widely with screen brightness and public-submitted results show a broad range.
MagSafe adds convenience for accessories and magnetic alignment, but early coverage flagged MagSafe charging speed concerns in testing. If you prioritize the fastest wired charging or the best endurance in long gaming or video sessions, some alternatives in the family (12 Pro Max) or other devices may be better choices.
iOS 14, 5G and ecosystem features that matter depending on use
The iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14 out of the box and benefits from Apple’s ecosystem features, including MagSafe accessory support and tight hardware‑software integration. 5G is included for future‑facing connectivity where networks support it.
Notable omissions felt in third‑party testing: no USB‑C port and no 120 Hz display, both cited as negatives in several reviews. The Pro sits squarely in Apple’s product matrix — offering pro features without the larger battery and camera hardware of the Pro Max.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ A14 Bionic (5 nm) delivers top-tier synthetic performance: 3DMark Wild Life median 7,431 and graphics test ~44 FPS
- ✅ 6.1" OLED display at 2,532 × 1,170 pixels for high pixel density and contrast
- ✅ 6 GB RAM (reported median 6,144 MB) with smooth app performance and multitasking
- ✅ LiDAR sensor improves low‑light portrait autofocus and subject separation
- ✅ Stainless‑steel frame, IP68 water resistance and MagSafe accessory ecosystem
- ❌ Battery life reported as 'could last longer' by reviewers; public benchmark battery medians vary widely
- ❌ No USB‑C port and no 120 Hz refresh rate, both called out as omissions
- ❌ MagSafe charging speed raised concerns in testing and may not match fastest wired charging
- ❌ 12 Pro Max in the same generation has an improved camera array and larger battery, making the Pro less definitive for camera/battery buyers
How It Compares to the Competition
- iPhone 12 — Smaller hardware differences: similar A14 performance but iPhone 12 has lower base storage and a less capable camera array.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max — Larger display, bigger battery and an improved camera array make the Pro Max the better choice if battery life and top camera performance are priorities.
- iPhone 12 mini — Offers the same generation performance and features in a more compact size but with a smaller battery and lower nominal storage options.
- iPhone 11 Pro — Previous‑gen alternative with comparable pricing at launch historically; the 12 Pro upgrades to A14, LiDAR and 5G while increasing base storage from the older 64 GB starting point.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if you want top single‑chip performance (A14 Bionic) in a compact 6.1" package, need LiDAR‑assisted low‑light portrait capabilities, and value a stainless‑steel build with MagSafe accessory support. It suits users invested in iOS who prefer a mid‑sized flagship rather than the larger Pro Max.
Skip it if: Skip the 12 Pro if battery life is your primary concern or you require the absolute best camera hardware in the 2020 Apple lineup — the 12 Pro Max offers larger battery and improved optics. Also consider alternatives if you need USB‑C or a 120 Hz display, which Apple did not include here.
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