Overview of iPhone 12 Camera Specifications
The iPhone 12 is Apple's flagship product, along with the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and the fast A14 processor, similar to the one used in the iPhone 12 lineup. It comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64, 128, or 256 GB of storage depending on the configuration.
There are two cameras on the back. The main wide module has a 12MP sensor behind an f/1.6 lens equivalent to 26mm with optical image stabilization and clear phase-detection autofocus. Additionally, there is an ultra-wide camera with a 12MP 1/3.6-inch sensor and an f/2.4 lens equivalent to 13mm. The iPhone 12 lacks a telephoto module and LiDAR sensor found in the Pro and Pro Max versions.
The iPhone 12 records 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second and can encode 4K Dolby Vision HDR video at up to 30 frames per second for wider dynamic range and improved viewing experience on supported standard screens. Keep reading to find out how the photo performance of the iPhone 12 compares to competitors.
Main Camera Technical Specifications:
Dual Camera Setup
Main: 12MP sensor with 1.4µm pixel size and f/1.6 lens equivalent to 26mm, OIS, PDAF
Ultra-Wide: 12MP 1/3.6-inch sensor and f/2.4 lens equivalent to 13mm (measuring 14mm)
Dual LED Flash
4K video at 24/30/60 frames per second, 1080p video at 30/60/120/240 frames per second, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 30 frames per second), EIS for smooth playback
Advantages of the iPhone 12 Camera
Precision and Consistent Autofocus
Accurate Exposure
Accurate Color Reproduction Indoors
High Detail both Outdoors and Indoors
Wide Video Dynamic Range
Pleasant Color and Skin Tone Rendering in Videos
Effective Stability while Standing or Walking
Drawbacks of the iPhone 12
Limited Dynamic Range in Still Photos
White Balance Display Issues Outdoors in Still Photo Mode
Noise Can Often be Visible in Still Photos, Especially in Low Light
Color Quantization, Color Shifts, and Artifacts Often Evident in Still Photos
Subpar Zoom Capability
White Balance Issues in Videos
Loss of Fine Details in Video under Low Light Conditions
The iPhone 12 handles the basics well. Overall, the exposure is accurate, though the dynamic range could be wider. Colors are pleasant and generally accurate. The autofocus feature is a strength of the iPhone 12, with the ability to quickly and accurately lock focus in all lighting conditions. Photos contain plenty of detail in lighting ranging from bright to moderate.
On the flip side, noise appears more than desired, the simulated bokeh in portrait mode disappoints, and the lack of a dedicated telephoto module truly hampers long-term zoom performance.
Its performance features are nearly identical to the iPhone 12 Pro – no surprises there, as the main camera hardware seems alike. Accurate exposure and wide dynamic range, partly thanks to Dolby Vision HDR. Pleasant colors, quick and precise autofocus, performs well even in scenes with a lot of motion. High detail in bright light conditions, although fine detail diminishes indoors and in lower light levels.
The zoom feature on the iPhone 12 camera is somewhat disappointing
It works well at the wide angle: the iPhone's equivalent 14mm ultra-wide camera captures more in the frame, and overall image quality is good.
At close zoom range, the iPhone 12 delivers quality. However, without a dedicated telephoto camera module, the iPhone 12 can only do so much in terms of extended zoom into medium and long ranges.
The iPhone 12 camera records video well
The iPhone 12 delivers excellent video performance, nearly identical to the iPhone 12 Pro. Accurate exposure even in extremely low light, producing usable videos in very dim conditions. Excellent dynamic range thanks to the Dolby Vision HDR feature. Even in challenging scenes with wide brightness ranges, HDR processing typically keeps bright areas from becoming overexposed.
High detail in bright light conditions, gradually fading as light levels decrease.
For still photos, noise tends to be more prevalent than ideal, though it's often better than on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Autofocus performance remains a strength in video mode, quickly and accurately locking onto subjects.
In terms of pure image performance, there are some competing rivals offering similar or better output quality, sometimes at a lower price. However, users drawn to Apple's suggested value proposition or those committed to iOS may find the iPhone 12 intriguing. If zoom and portrait mode performance aren't priorities for you, then the iPhone 12 essentially provides everything superior to the iPhone 12 Pro at a lower cost.
