iPhone 12 Pro • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, and the iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the iOS ecosystem, they cater to different user preferences through their design, display technology, and camera capabilities. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a more expansive and advanced display with a versatile multi-camera system, whereas the iPhone SE (2022) provides a compact form factor with a more recent, yet single-lens, camera system and a powerful internal processor.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The iPhone SE (2022) benefits from a later release, potentially offering a longer period of software updates compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, while the iPhone SE (2022) followed in March 2022. This two-year difference means the iPhone SE (2022) is likely to receive iOS updates for a longer duration, extending its software longevity. [1, 3, 4]
• Software Longevity: Both devices are known for receiving consistent software updates from Apple, ensuring access to new features and security enhancements for several years. The iPhone SE (2022), being newer, will naturally have its support window extend further into the future. [1, 9]
• Repairability: The iPhone 12 Pro received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that many components are modular and accessible, though waterproofing measures can complicate repairs. [11, 12, 32, 36, 41] Information on the iPhone SE (2022)'s repairability suggests a similar approach, with some components being modular.

Both smartphones deliver robust performance for everyday tasks, but they differ in their underlying hardware and multitasking capabilities. The iPhone SE (2022) features a newer processor, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers more RAM for demanding applications.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPhone SE (2022) is equipped with a more recent processor, which translates to efficient handling of current applications and smooth navigation. [4, 8, 17] The iPhone 12 Pro, while featuring an older generation processor, still provides a highly responsive experience for most users and demanding apps. [2, 3, 5]
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro includes 6GB of RAM, which allows for more applications to run simultaneously in the background without needing to reload, contributing to a fluid multitasking experience. [3, 16, 23, 40] The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general use and efficient for its operating system, though heavy users might notice differences when switching between many active applications. [4, 17, 28, 30]
• Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations. The iPhone 12 Pro starts with 128GB, with options up to 512GB, providing ample space for media and applications. [3, 14] The iPhone SE (2022) is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage, catering to users with different storage needs. [4, 19, 24]

The visual experience on these two devices presents a notable contrast, primarily due to their differing display technologies and physical sizes.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast ratio. [2, 13, 18] In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022) utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display, which offers good color accuracy and brightness but does not achieve the same level of contrast or true blacks as an OLED panel. [4, 17, 20]
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 ppi, resulting in a very sharp and detailed image. [2, 13] The iPhone SE (2022) has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels at 326 ppi, which provides clear visuals for its size, though less pixel-dense than the 12 Pro. [4, 20]
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 12 Pro offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and can reach up to 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. [2, 13] The iPhone SE (2022) has a maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most environments but may be less visible under direct sunlight. [4, 20]

The camera systems on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2022) offer different capabilities, with the 12 Pro providing a more versatile setup for varied photographic scenarios.

• Camera System Configuration: The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple 12MP camera system, including Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses, offering a 4x optical zoom range and up to 10x digital zoom. [2, 26, 29] It also includes a LiDAR Scanner for improved low-light autofocus and Night mode portraits. [2, 18, 26] The iPhone SE (2022) has a single 12MP wide camera, which is capable but lacks the versatility of multiple lenses. [4, 17, 20]
• Photography Performance: Both devices excel in everyday photography, with features like Smart HDR and Deep Fusion enhancing image quality. The iPhone 12 Pro's dedicated Night mode on multiple lenses and its LiDAR Scanner provide an advantage in challenging low-light conditions. [2, 33, 34, 37] The iPhone SE (2022) benefits from computational photography features like Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles, delivering strong results from its single lens. [24]
• Video Recording: The iPhone 12 Pro supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 60 frames per second, along with 4K video up to 60 fps, offering advanced video capabilities. [2, 18, 34] The iPhone SE (2022) also records 4K video up to 60 fps and includes cinematic video stabilization, providing high-quality video capture. [1, 20]