iPhone 12 • Unlocked vs iPhone 15 Plus • Unlocked

The iPhone 12, released in October 2020, and the iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, represent different generations of Apple's smartphone lineup. While both operate on Apple's iOS, the iPhone 15 Plus introduces a larger display, a more advanced camera system, and updated internal components, reflecting three years of technological advancements.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 was introduced in October 2020, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 15 Plus, which debuted in September 2023. This three-year difference directly impacts the expected duration of software support.
• Software Longevity: Apple typically provides several years of iOS updates for its devices. The iPhone 12, having been released with iOS 14, is expected to receive major iOS updates for a few more years. The iPhone 15 Plus, launching with iOS 17, will benefit from a longer period of guaranteed software support, extending its functional lifespan further into the future.
• Repairability and Durability: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to offer enhanced drop performance. The iPhone 12 received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, indicating that many parts are replaceable, though some repairs may require specialized tools or software. The iPhone 15 Plus, part of the iPhone 15 series, generally sees an improved repairability score of 7 out of 10, suggesting a slightly easier repair process for certain components. Both devices also carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, providing protection against everyday elements.

The performance capabilities of these two iPhones show a notable progression, impacting how smoothly they handle applications, multitasking, and demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 12 is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications, web browsing, and light gaming with ease. The iPhone 15 Plus, featuring a newer generation processor, offers enhanced speed and efficiency, resulting in quicker app launches, smoother transitions, and more responsive performance, particularly with graphically intensive games and complex applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 provides a solid experience for switching between multiple applications. The iPhone 15 Plus, with its more advanced internal architecture and increased memory, delivers a more fluid multitasking experience, allowing users to keep more applications open in the background without noticeable slowdowns.
• Storage Options: The iPhone 12 was available with storage capacities starting from 64GB, with options up to 256GB. The iPhone 15 Plus starts with a base storage of 128GB, offering more room for apps, photos, and videos, and extends up to 512GB, catering to users with larger storage needs.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12's battery provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage, especially with 5G connectivity, may require more frequent charging. The iPhone 15 Plus features a significantly larger battery capacity, consistently demonstrating extended battery life in real-world tests, often lasting over 13 hours of active use and outperforming many other smartphone models.

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but the iPhone 15 Plus offers advancements in size, brightness, and a more modern design element.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 Plus utilize Super Retina XDR OLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch display, providing a compact viewing experience. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch display, which enhances the viewing area for media consumption and productivity.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both displays offer high pixel densities (around 460 pixels per inch), ensuring sharp text and clear images. The iPhone 12 has a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels, while the iPhone 15 Plus has a higher resolution of 2796x1290 pixels to accommodate its larger screen size, maintaining comparable clarity.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 12 has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone 15 Plus significantly improves upon this with a typical brightness of 1000 nits, a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, and an impressive peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, making it considerably easier to view content in bright sunlight.
• Design Elements: The iPhone 15 Plus incorporates the Dynamic Island, a dynamic area at the top of the display that adapts to show alerts, activities, and notifications, replacing the traditional notch found on the iPhone 12. Both models maintain a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

The camera systems on both iPhones deliver excellent photographic capabilities, with the iPhone 15 Plus introducing significant upgrades in sensor technology and computational photography.

• Main Camera System: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera system with a wide (f/1.6) and an ultra-wide (f/2.4) lens. The iPhone 15 Plus elevates this with an advanced dual-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor (f/1.6) that can capture super-high-resolution photos and offers a 2x telephoto option through its quad-pixel sensor, alongside a 12MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.4).
• Low-Light Photography: Both phones offer Night mode for improved performance in dim conditions. The iPhone 12 showed good low-light capabilities for both photos and video at its release. The larger sensor and advanced image processing of the iPhone 15 Plus, including the Photonic Engine, generally result in more detailed and brighter low-light images with reduced noise.
• Video Recording: Both devices support 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision. The iPhone 12 records up to 4K at 30 frames per second. The iPhone 15 Plus extends this capability to 4K at 60 frames per second, offering smoother video capture.
• Audio and Media Experience: Both iPhones provide a good media consumption experience with stereo speakers. The iPhone 15 Plus benefits from advancements in microphone technology, including Voice Isolation for clearer calls, and supports Spatial Audio for an immersive listening experience.