iPhone 12 Pro • Unlocked vs iPhone 8 Plus • Unlocked

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, and the iPhone 8 Plus, launched in September 2017, represent different generations of Apple's smartphone evolution. While both devices operate on the iOS platform, the iPhone 12 Pro introduces significant advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and processing power, alongside a refreshed design. These distinctions cater to varying user priorities, from advanced photography to everyday reliability.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release dates play a crucial role in expected software support and overall practical lifespan.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro, launched in late 2020, benefits from a more recent release compared to the iPhone 8 Plus, which debuted in late 2017. This three-year difference directly impacts the duration of future iOS updates.
• Software Longevity: The iPhone 12 Pro is expected to receive major iOS updates for a longer period than the iPhone 8 Plus. While the iPhone 8 Plus has received updates up to iOS 16.7.10, its eligibility for future major iOS versions is limited, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro, currently running recent iOS versions, will likely continue to receive updates for several more years.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to offer enhanced drop performance compared to previous iPhone models. Both devices offer water and dust resistance, with the iPhone 12 Pro rated IP68, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, a notable improvement over the iPhone 8 Plus's IP67 rating, which is for 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The performance of these two iPhones reflects the advancements in mobile processing technology over several years, impacting everything from app responsiveness to demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro incorporates a more advanced processor, enabling smoother operation for current applications, faster data processing, and more efficient handling of complex tasks like advanced photo and video editing. The iPhone 8 Plus, with its older processor, still handles everyday tasks competently but may show limitations with newer, more resource-intensive applications or extensive multitasking.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro generally offers a more fluid user experience, with quicker app loading times and seamless transitions between applications, partly due to its increased internal memory. The iPhone 8 Plus provides a responsive experience for typical usage, but users engaging in heavy multitasking or switching between many open applications might notice occasional delays.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro has a battery capacity of 2815 mAh, rated for up to 17 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 8 Plus has a 2691 mAh battery, rated for up to 14 hours of video playback. User experiences with the iPhone 12 Pro suggest that its battery life is generally sufficient for a full day of moderate use, though 5G connectivity can impact endurance. The iPhone 8 Plus was noted for its solid battery life at its release, often lasting a full day or more for many users.

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to advancements in display technology and design.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus uses a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display, offering good color accuracy and brightness for an LCD panel. The OLED technology in the 12 Pro provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption.
• Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 12 Pro has a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 ppi, with a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone 8 Plus has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels at 401 ppi, with a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits. This means the 12 Pro offers a sharper image and significantly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions and for HDR content.
• Screen Size and Features: The iPhone 12 Pro's 6.1-inch display offers more screen real estate in a form factor that is not substantially larger than the 8 Plus, thanks to reduced bezels. Both displays include True Tone technology for automatic white balance adjustment. The iPhone 8 Plus also features 3D Touch, a pressure-sensing technology, which is not present on the 12 Pro.

The camera systems on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 8 Plus showcase distinct generations of photographic capabilities, with the newer model offering more advanced features.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a triple 12MP camera system, including Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses, along with a LiDAR scanner. This setup enables features like Night mode on all lenses, Deep Fusion for enhanced detail, and Smart HDR 3. The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual 12MP camera system with Wide and Telephoto lenses, offering Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting.
• Low-Light and Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro significantly improves low-light photography with its larger aperture on the Wide lens and the inclusion of Night mode, which is also available for portraits thanks to the LiDAR scanner. The iPhone 8 Plus performs well in good lighting conditions, but its low-light performance is more limited, and it lacks a dedicated Night mode.
• Video Recording Quality: Both phones can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. However, the iPhone 12 Pro elevates video capabilities with HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, offering a wider dynamic range and more vibrant colors. The 12 Pro also includes sensor-shift optical image stabilization on its Wide camera for smoother video.
• Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night mode and Deep Fusion, while the iPhone 8 Plus has a 7MP FaceTime HD camera. Both offer good microphone quality for calls and video recording, and stereo speakers for media consumption.