While the standard iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 both have a 6.1-inch screen, the iPhone 12 is physically smaller and lighter due to thinner bezels and flat sides, making it more compact and streamlined, with the iPhone 11 being thicker and heavier with a rounded design. You'll need separate cases because of these design differences, even with the same screen size, notes Ghostek.
The 12 has the screen size of the 11 and the body size of the 11 pro. Seems like this generation, apple intentionally made the non pro better than what the 11 series offered.
While the iPhone 11 has a curved edge shape, the edges of the iPhone 12 embrace a flatter square shape with no raised buttons, meaning that an iPhone 11 case won't provide proper protection for the newer model.
Let's look at a simple iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 comparison:
iPhone 11 uses a Liquid Retina HD (LCD) display, which also offers vibrant color and excellent clarity. iPhone 12 houses the A14 Bionic chip, which is slightly faster and more efficient than the A13 chip in iPhone 11.
Featuring a refreshed and more squared-off design, the iPhone 13 is about 20 grams lighter. It retains the same screen size as the iPhone 11 (6.1 inches), but upgrades to a Super Retina OLED panel from the Liquid Retina LCD panel on the iPhone 11.
Given the difference in size of each model iPhone, even within the same generation, most iPhone cases are only compatible with one generational model. Things to consider include edge shape, screen size, thickness, camera lenses, and button locations. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
While the iPhone 11 measures 5.9 x 3 x 0.33 inches and 6.84 ounces in total, the iPhone 13 comes in at 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches and weighs 6.14 ounces, making the newer model lighter and sleeker for the same display size.
The iPhone 12 models, however, will likely have better performance in high-end games and noticeably better cameras, particularly when it comes to portraits and low-light shots. So if you have kids or otherwise take lots of photos, that upgrade may be worth it to you.
Find the model number of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
iPhone 12 Pro & iPhone 12 Pro Max Cons: Very expensive; the most expensive iPhone models. Large cases are difficult, even impossible, to handle with one hand. The gigantic iPhone 12 Pro Max is practically a tablet.
Only some older models truly match. iPhone 6 fits 6S, iPhone 7 fits 8/SE (2nd & 3rd gen), and iPhone X fits XS. Beyond these, differences in bump size and button placement make “almost fits” unsafe. Newer models like iPhone 14, 15, 16, and 17 share no cross compatibility at all.
The 13 onward got thicker, and the 11 is a different shape completely. You have to find a 12 case.
iPhone XR, 11, and 12 Series
The iPhone XR and 11 are similar in size, but the iPhone 11 has a slightly larger camera module. The iPhone 12 series introduced a new, flat-edge design, making cases for older models incompatible. Due to their similar dimensions, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro cases are interchangeable.
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are very easy to mistake for one another even when side-by-side. The iPhone 12 is a bit smaller overall and has a modestly smaller black "frame" around the edge, but it takes an eagle eye to spot even these differences.
The iPhone 12 is more powerful: A13 Bionic vs A14 Bionic
According to the specs, the six-core A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12 is 40% more powerful than the quad-core A13 Bionic in the iPhone 11. Regular daily use may not get that big a boost, but it's definitely an advantage for games and other demanding applications.
iPhones generally last 4-10 years, with most users upgrading around 3-4 years for new features, but Apple provides long-term software support (often 6+ years of iOS updates and security patches), meaning hardware can last much longer, especially with battery replacements and care, often reaching 5-7 years or more of solid use before major performance drops or app incompatibility issues arise.
Apple hasn't announced an official end date, but based on trends, the iPhone 12 series (released in 2020) is expected to receive major iOS updates until around 2027-2029, with security patches continuing even longer, potentially into the early 2030s, though performance might slow and apps drop support sooner. Expect iOS 20, 21, and possibly iOS 22 before major support ends for the iPhone 12.
Battery capacity and battery life
The iPhone 12 offers 11 hours of playback time for videos, compared to 10 hours on iPhone 11. However, the use of 5G significantly shortens the iPhone 12's battery life. In both cases, however, the battery easily lasts throughout the day.
For the best value, the iPhone 17 (standard model) is highly recommended for its Pro-level features at a lower price, while the iPhone 16e offers great budget-friendly entry, and the iPhone 13 remains a solid, affordable workhorse if you don't need the newest design. For those wanting a premium experience without top dollar, a slightly older iPhone 15 Pro (used/refurbished) or even a iPhone 13 Pro (used) offers excellent value with Pro features like smooth displays and better cameras.
Our repair data shows that these five repairs are the most common on the iPhone 11 series: Screen replacement – Due to drop or impact damage, or a touchscreen that no longer responds. Battery Replacement – For iPhones that no longer last all day. Cleaning or replacing charging port – In case of charging problems.
The iPhone 13 has a more vibrant display with its OLED screen. The iPhone 11 is slightly bulkier and heavier. The iPhone 13 camera supports Night Mode on both lenses of the dual camera, whereas the iPhone 11 only supports it on the main wide lens. The iPhone 13 offers better battery life.