Ashwin Rajagopalan
iPhone users usually fall into three categories. There are those who upgrade their devices every two to three (maybe even four) years, Apple loyalists who can always bank on the durability of the iPhone and sustained iOS updates. Then there are those who’ve always flaunted the Plus (and now Max) size iPhones, with immersive Netflix-proof screens and robust battery life. I probably fall in between these two categories. It’s also where the iPhone 12 Pro lands almost like the middle sibling in this year’s iPhone 12 quartet. The Pro models (and the X/XS before it) represent the best of both worlds. The best specs with the perfect balance between an immersive screen and everyday usability.
The iPhone 12 Pro is probably the best looking iPhone ever. The last time I felt this emotion was when the iPhone 5 debuted with its industrial style design. The 12 Pro ditches the curves for a flat-edge design that has echoes of the iPhone 5 and the new iPad Pro. We checked out the Pacific Blue colour variant, one of the most striking shades on any smartphone with its gorgeous surgical-grade stainless steel rim. This rim likes fingerprints though. But you’re likely to protect this gorgeous slab with a back case.
This year Apple has turned back the clock for a clever idea – MagSafe. It’s inspired by the MagSafe power adapter on some MacBooks. It’s a simple idea – a magnet embedded in the device, that is all set to spark a multi-billion dollar accessory industry. Currently Apple offers a MagSafe wireless charger and an array of cases with MagSafe. There’s also a leather wallet that sticks onto your MagSafe back case.
One of the big announcements at the iPhone 12 launch keynote was Apple’s decision to leave out a power plug and headphones from the iPhone box (that’s much slimmer now). All you get is a USB-C to lighting cable. While this is a bold decision from Apple that demonstrates its strong concern for the environment, it’s a move that many users might not approve of. You will need to find a compatible plug for the ‘in-box’ cable or switch to wireless charging. It could also be the first step towards Apple eliminating all ports in the 2021 iPhone, and making wireless charging the norm.
Apple’s A14 Bionic processor is at the heart of this device. It delivers an ultra-quick experience whether you’re gaming or flitting between Apps. The 2020 iPhones are all 5G ready. Apple has upped the entry level device to 128GB (from 64GB for the 11 Pro). Battery life in our initial tests was similar to last year’s iPhone 11 Pro. One of the highlights of the 12 Pro is a ceramic shield (with nano crystals infused into the glass) front cover that Apple claims is four times tougher than glass. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display (1170 x 2532 pixels / 460 PPI) is gorgeous with deep blacks and vibrant colours but doesn’t feature the 120Hz refresh rate that is fast becoming a norm in flagship devices.
Apple is billing the 12 Pro’s rear cam as pro-grade. It’s not an exaggeration. The standout feature for me was the night mode and Apple’s Deep Fusion now being available on all lenses and shooting scenarios. Night mode time-lapse videos could become a thing on Instagram with the 12 Pro. The 12 Pro features the LiDAR sensor that we saw on the iPad Pro. This is not just a step into the future with huge AR capabilities but has a visible impact on lowlight photography. It’s not just images, the iPhone has always had an edge in the video capture department and breaks new ground this year. This year’s iPhones are the only devices in the world to enable an end-to-end experience for HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, and even better video stabilisation for cinema-grade productions. One more reason to consider the iPhone 12 Pro that scores with a premium build, vibrant display and a stellar user experience.
The iPhone 12 Pro is available in silver, graphite, gold and pacific blue and starts at Rs 1,19,900.
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