New to our range
iPhone 12: First reviews of Apple's device setup
23.10.2020
Translation: machine translated
We are still taking some time to conduct a detailed test of the new iPhone 12. If you are still hungry for the first reviews, we have compiled the first findings from testers here.
Apple knows how to keep its fanboys (yes, they're just men) happy. A few days before the official release, they receive a parcel in the post with the latest product from Cupertino and are then allowed to test the new iPhone models. And then, shortly afterwards, the first podcasts, YouTube videos and articles are published, prolonging the marketing hype surrounding the new device for a few days.
I won't tell you anything about the specifications of the iPhone models at this point. Or very little, so the most important thing if you're thinking of buying a new one: the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models are already available to order. The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max, on the other hand, will only be available to pre-order from Friday, 6 November 2020. You can find more details in the overview created by Andrea Jacob Category Marketing here:
Or you can read here what Apple expert Dominik Bärlocher hacked into his keyboard after the event about the new iPhones:
And if you'd rather hear what there is to say about the new iPhones, then I recommend the digitec podcast:
But what do the people who are already holding the iPhone 12 in their hands and have been able to experiment with it say?
Daily newspaper: "astonishingly" small price difference for the Pro version
For the "Tagesanzeiger" newspaper, editor Rafael Zeier summarised his first experiences with the iPhone 12 in 12 (of course!) points (here for the paid article). Zeier has words of praise for the 5G functionality of the new iPhone 12, even though he writes that 4G is still good enough at the moment, but: "But in three to four years, you'll probably be glad to have 5G." The touted benefits of the new OLED screen on the Pro model ("maximum typical brightness") are not noteworthy for Zeier. On the other hand, there is praise for charging via MagSafe. "You can continue to use your mobile while charging. This brings Apple a big step closer to an iPhone completely without a charging socket," says Zeier in his article. In terms of pricing policy, he finds it "astonishing" that the larger iPhone 12 Pro Max with the better camera is only 100 francs more expensive than the iPhone 12 Pro.
"The Verge": "The best standard iPhone in years"
Dieter Bohn is the founder of the tech platform "The Verge". He gave the iPhone 12 its first review in San Francisco and described his experience and assessment in detail in this text or in this video on YouTube. If you don't have the time or inclination for a long article or video right now, here's the summary as a small service. Bohn gives the new iPhone 12 a "Verge Score" of 9. You need to know that: A 10 is very rare. And a 9 is also not commonplace on the portal. In plain language, this means that "The Verge" has a lot of praise for Apple's new smartphone. According to Bohn, it is "the first iPhone in years that really feels new". There is not just one reason for this, but many small improvements. For example, the new A14 chip guarantees that the iPhone 12 will still be fast in three or five years' time. And the camera delivers better results than the model with the number 11, especially in difficult lighting conditions. "Overall, the cameras are great," says Bohn.
Lorenz Keller: iPhone 12 is the "best compromise between price and performance"
The former "Blick" editor for tech issues is now working for a Ringier portal for technology. In his article, Lorenz Keller addresses the question of what would be the perfect iPhone for you? He recommends the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It is "the more recommendable of the two Pro models". Why? Because you get a 6.7-inch screen instead of a 6.1-inch one. Plus the 2.5 x zoom (instead of 2x). Keller also praises the "15 to 20 per cent longer battery life". In Keller's eyes, the "normal" iPhone 12 is "the best compromise between price and performance" and therefore "the best iPhone for most users". The mini version of the iPhone 12 is perfect for anyone who wants a small iPhone. Well, who could argue with that? Gadget guru Keller gives extra praise in a report from the test lab for the edgy design that has risen from the undead, which was last seen on the iPhone 5. "For the first time in a long time, you can hold an iPhone stably and without a slippery feeling in your hands."
"Watson": praise for display, speed and camera performance
At 9.56 a.m. on Friday, when the iPhone went on sale, the online portal "Watson" was already on the mat with a review. They were lucky enough to have received two loan units from Apple the Tuesday before. Editor Daniel Schurter wrote his review in 19 points. One point is "Can you make phone calls with the iPhone 12?" Spoiler alert: You can. Otherwise, there is - for the time being subjective - praise for the speed of the 12 model: "The Safari browser loads website content incredibly quickly, for example in direct comparison with the iPhone 11 Pro Max," it says. The new OLED display leaves "nothing to be desired", "the camera performance is top", Apple is the "innovation leader" when it comes to video functions and, thanks to the "world's best processor", the new iPhone is not too expensive either, according to the editor who tested it. There will probably be a few iPhones for "Watson" to test in advance of the next release. Despite the minor criticism of the battery ("not really intoxicating battery life").
"Unbox Therapy": The right model for everyone on sale
In a 14-minute Youtube video with almost 10 million views, "Unbox Theory" took a close look at the line-up of the new iPhones. Producer Lewis George Hilsenteger has not yet done a detailed review, but you can still get a first in-depth assessment there. Hilsenteger's initial conclusion: with the iPhone 12, "you pay for what you get." And "Unbox Therapy" is pleased that the variants and options have been expanded. From the iPhone SE from 2019, which is still available, to the new iPhone 12 Pro Max, there is something for everyone. Regarding the top-of-the-range model, Hisenteger notes that for the first time it is not just bigger than the other models, but actually offers better performance as well.
"Computer-Bild": "Better contrasts and stronger colours" than the 11-series phone
The magazine "Computer-Bild" in Germany is aimed at everyday users when it comes to tech issues. And so the IPhone 12 also receives a clear purchase recommendation here as a "good choice for almost all iPhone users". In their first test, the editorial team paid particular attention to the displays. According to Computer-Bild, the "better contrasts and stronger colours" stand out in comparison with the 11 model. In terms of the camera, a "real leap" is only possible with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, according to Computer-Bild.
Of course, that was just a small selection. You could easily spend the time waiting for a new iPhone on the internet watching hundreds of hours of YouTube unboxing or teardown videos or reading long essays about the specs. Or you can just stay calm and relaxed and look forward to the detailed review by the man who loves and hates Apple like no other: Dominik Bärlocher.
Martin Jungfer
Head of Content
Martin.Jungfer@digitecgalaxus.chJournalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.
Smartphone
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Smartphone
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Tablet
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
18 comments
later