Preview: Apple iPhone 12 and 12 Pro

Photo: Apple

After a longer-than-usual wait, Apple finally unveiled four models of its next-generation iPhone 12 at a virtual event on October 13. Here's everything you need to know about the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro:

There are four models to choose from

The iPhone 12 comes in four flavours: the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

The plain vanilla 6.1-inch iPhone 12 is the base model, while the iPhone 12 mini, at 5.4 inches, is a pocket-sized version.

The two Pro models, as their names suggest, are packed with several advanced features including an upgraded camera and a higher resolution display. The Pro 12 sports the same 6.1-inch size as the base model, while the 6.7-inch Pro 12 Max offers the largest screen ever on an iPhone.

Updated design and improved durability

All four iPhone 12 models feature an updated flat-edge design with a metal band enclosure. In the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, this enclosure is made from aerospace-grade aluminium. For the Pro models, the metal band is made from surgical-grade stainless steel and paired with a precision-milled matte glass back for a sleeker look.

Apple has improved the durability of all iPhone 12 models with the addition of a Ceramic Shield front cover that protects the screen. Made from a material that Apple says is tougher than any other smartphone glass, the Ceramic Shield promises to increase drop performance by up to four times.

The phones also come with an IP68 rating, which means that they can withstand water submersion of six meters for up to 30 minutes, so they should easily survive a coffee spill.

New features and performance

Performance-wise, all iPhone 12 models are fitted with the same A14 Bionic chip, letting users experience console-quality gaming and use computational photography features, while delivering good battery life. According to Apple, the A14 Bionic chip is up to 50 percent faster than its competitors.

People who get the Pro models can also expect an improved OLED display in the new Super Retina XDR display, which promises better colour accuracy and more realistic images. The Pro Max also features the largest screen ever built into an iPhone, as well as one with the highest resolution, at almost 3.5 million pixels.

Upgraded camera

Photo: Apple

One of the most significant improvements to the iPhone 12 is the camera. Regardless of which model you choose, Apple promises that your photos are going to look better.

The iPhone 12 and 12 mini has a dual-camera system that comprises an Ultra Wide camera plus a new Wide camera with an f/1.6 aperture. Combined with better computational photography, users can expect brighter pictures and better low-light shots.

In the Pro and Pro Max, the camera features have been taken up a notch with three cameras: the Wide camera with an f/1.6 aperture, an Ultra Wide camera with a 120-degree field of view, and a 52mm focal length Telephoto camera. The Pro models will also be able to take pictures in the new Apple ProRAW format, a feature slated for "later this year", which will let users have full creative control in photo editing.

Videos are also getting an upgrade with the iPhone 12. Users can capture HDR video in the high-quality Dolby Vision format, as well as edit and share the clip natively on their devices. The Pro models support Dolby Vision recording at up to 60 fps with better video stabilisation.

LiDAR Scanner

Available only in the Pro models, this new technology can measure light distance and uses pixel depth to map out the area being scanned by the iPhone's camera. According to Apple, this new scanner can deliver better augmented reality (AR) experiences, and improve autofocus in low-light photos by up to six times.

Pricing and availability

You can get the latest iPhone 12 updates, register your interest, or place a pre-order via the link below. Pre-order will begin on 17 October.

Visit the Singtel iPhone 12 Page