Eric Chen
KAOHSIUNG CITY (KASPER) — Well, after months of waiting, the new iPhones have finally arrived. Being announced during a virtual launch event on October 13, the iPhone 12 series was full of fascinating changes that could definitely become a legit reason to switch phones…
Many of our students have switched to the affordable iPhone 11 during the past few months. The new iPhone 12 sports the same colors as last year, although the yellow and the beautiful purple color were replaced by a single, dark blue. The same dual-camera system from last year is also transported to this year’s new models as well, but with a wide camera that has a wider aperture (it allows you to take brighter pictures at night). What makes the iPhone 12 series surprising was that it introduced a smaller model that could be operated single-handedly: iPhone 12 mini. It has the same design and features as the bigger model though it now has a 5.4” screen instead of a 6.1” screen. (Despite having the same display sizes, the iPhone 12 is slightly smaller than the previous-gen model. More on that later.) Both models have their screens upgraded to a more-advanced OLED display for more vivid colors and clearness as well.
As for the iPhone 12 Pro series, there aren’t many changes compared to last year’s models, although the gorgeous midnight green color was replaced with an even more gorgeous “pacific blue” color (basically a slate blue or blue gray-like color). For both the smaller and the bigger “Max” models, their screens have been scaled up a little thanks to a new design. Just like its lower-grade counterpart, the iPhone 12 Pro has the same camera system as the previous generation, but the Max model introduces a new OIS system that allows you to take better pictures in a turbulent environment. The camera system in the Max model is simply better than the usual model. Both models have a brand new LIDAR system for a better AR (Augmented Reality) experience and the ability to take stunning portraits in night mode.
What makes the 4 models stand out from last year’s models are the new design and new chip. They returned to a flat look similar to the iPhone 5S and the iPad Pro, and this design allows the bazels to be smaller, and therefore, bigger screens! The iPhone 12 bears the same display size as the iPhone 11 while it’s 15% smaller than the latter model. The iPhone 12 Pro models have their display sizes bumped from 5.8” (smaller model) and 6.1” (Max model) to 6.5” and 6.7”, respectively while maintaining the same dimensions as their previous-generation models. They all utilize the A14 Bionic chip, which is the world’s first smartphone processor built on a 5nm process. It is indeed “generations ahead of the competition.” All models sport a new charging method called “MagSafe,” which is basically wireless charging supplemented with magnets. The charger as well as other accessories can now be attached to the back of the phone via magnets.
Oh yeah there is one more thing… These new iPhones now support 5G, at last.
The iPhone 12 series will start from $26,900, whereas the “smallest 5G phone ever made” iPhone 12 Mini will start from $23,900. The iPhone 12 Pro will start from $33,900, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max will start from $37,900. (The starting capacity for the Pro models has been bumped up to 128GB — really beneficial for serious photographers.) All models will come WITHOUT a USB adapter and earphones, as a heads up. You can buy all models as well as MagSafe accessories online or at any Apple stores now.
Are you excited about 5G coming to the new iPhones? Will you buy one?
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Eric Chen is a tech reporter for KASPER, the official newspaper for Kaohsiung American School.