iPhone 12 Pro! What's not to love?

By Special K, 23 October, 2020

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

After missing the short preorder window last Friday for the iPhone 12 Pro, I figured I'd just run down to my local Verizon store on launch day and pick one up! Calling around during the week, it appears that neither Verizon, nor Apple are business as usual, using the COVID as an excuse. At that point, blood boiling because I have rejected the new normal pushed upon us by the socialist government, the media and big tech, my resolve became more fervent! Yes, I will have my 12 Pro on launch day! I will go to the store, live and in person and make small talk with the rep while he or she pulls my account, and does the proper activation! I was successful at a local authorized retailer, where they were playing some incredible '80's music and unpacking a truckload of iPhones and accessories that had just been delivered! The only color they had of the 12 Pro was the pacific blue, the color that's being held up the longest on the website! I snagged it! I gave my information, Lamar turned the phone on, and once activated, he kindly asked if I'd like him to enable VoiceOver! What a guy! He knew where I was coming from and asked the right questions! After VO came up talking, I continued to set up the phone, removing the obligatory mask for facial recognition purposes!
Wow, this thing's great! It feels like an enlarged iPhone 5, minus the home button, and the design is a welcome change for me! I've hated the "surfboard phones," as the 6 and up have been known as, but loved the sheer elegance of the 5's stainless steel flat sides! The ceramic back feels quite solid as well, and it's just a bit more beefy in the hand than the 11 Pro was! As for speed, all I can say is it's fast! I'm not sure what they've done under the hood, but my backup was almost finished by the time I left the store! As for 5G, even in semi-rural Delaware, it's quick! Downloading apps happens in a flash! There's no lag with VO, and apps launch quickly from the home screen! The speakers haven't improved, unfortunately, which is a shame because many Android phones have beautiful sound. Apple can do better here! I haven't tried scanning with the cameras yet, but I certainly look forward to companies' creative use of LIDAR as time moves forward. Do you need this phone? No, but if you loved the old design as I did, you want it! The screen is bigger than last year's model which makes BSI more comfortable and speedy than last year's, and it feels more a kin to the old Pro Max. The new Max is almost the size of an iPad Mini, so I really didn't want that one, but if you have big enough pockets, it may be worth getting it. Just thought I'd come by and share my first experiences! This thing rocks!

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Comments

By Holger Fiallo on Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 13:59

Well I am waiting for my. It suppose to come on Tuesday from Verizon. I think I got the blue. I am going to need a screen protector. I do not care for the apple case. Any suggestion? I am going to miss my 11 pro max that I am using but a nice swee lady is getting it.

By Special K on Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 13:59

In reply to by Holger Fiallo

I just got one of those standard Speck cases...nothing major. I never use a screen protector...I feel like they cut down the responsiveness. I just get cases with good bumpers.

By Missy Hoppe on Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 13:59

I look forward to podcasts and written reviews as more people get their new phones. For purposes of maybe saving a bit of money and also because I love the royal blue color, I think I want the regular iphone 12. On the other hand, I understand that perhaps there could be benefits to the better cameras on the pro model, so I'm just not sure what to do. If I do get the pro, of course I'd get the Pacific Blue, but I don't think I'd like the color quite as much. I know that I shouldn't let the iphone color play such an important part in my purchasing decision, but I do have color perception, and the fact that the regular iphone 12 exists in my most favorite color at all makes it difficult to pass up. I just wonder if the added features of the 12 pro would truly benefit me or if I'd be spending more than I truly needed to.

Always use screen protector. Never had issues with it or the iPhone.

By MelodicFate on Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 13:59

It really is fast. I'm coming from a XS, so I definitely notice a difference. I'm not sure if it's the bigger screen(which I am still getting used to), or the processor, but typing on it is a breeze. I like the speakers, too, though again, I'm coming from a XS. I did have one glitch where the phone completely froze for a minute like it'd shut off, but I'm just hoping that was a weird case, since we were having a pretty brutal thunderstorm. Either way, once I got it all set up, I can safely say I haven't regretted my decision to upgrade. Plus, I got 128GB instead of the 64 I had before. And since I'm planning on buying an Apple watch, that'll help. :)

By Special K on Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 13:59

Missy, the 12 is probably just fine, but I'm a tech snob, have no wife or kids, and can afford the monthly payment, so I just went for it. Maybe go to your local Best Buy, put it in your hands, and look at the colors. To me, there's nothing like actually handling it first.

With the 12 pro battery maybe an issues. I heard that 11 pro was better. I probably would not use G5 and turn it off. Lucky in setting there is away to do so.

By Maranatà on Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 13:59

Hello! Could you please tell me how to register this device? I thought I read that it was capable of 3D audio recording. It's true? Thank you!

Like you, I have no family-related expenses and tend to get the best tech toys I can, so typically try to make purchases that are as future proof as possible, but especially lately, I've learned that sometimes, simpler is better. I mean, I'm still using a 2011 macbook pro with bootcamp as my only computer, and it meets my needs just fine. I actually do want to hold both iphone 12 varients in my hand and look at the color in person before I make my final, final decision, so it's probably a good thing that I'm waiting to make my purchase until after I get my tax refund. The monthly payments are mighty tempting, though, and I know I could get a discount if I trade in my 8 plus, but if getting to an actual Apple store isn't an option, I'm not sure how the trade in part would work. Anyway, I truly appreciate your advice.

Your carrier will do a trade as well. I chose to pay off my 11 Pro and hang on to it. Never know what friend or family member will need a phone, or I could sell it. Even though Apple's playing the COVID card, many stores still have these phones, such as Best Buy, and authorized carrier retailers.

By Larry on Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 13:59

If I look at the specs the 12 Pro sounds really nice, but it is just too big for me. I think the Xs I have is on the edge, and the 12 pro is even bigger... I am holding out for a 12 Mini, I have high hopes for that little phone :)

By gailisaiah on Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 13:59

Like Larry, I am considering the mini or the new SE. I prefer the smaller phone. Right now I have an iPhone 8.

Also, thanks Special K. I enjoyed reading your 12 Pro review and experience.