The new iPhone 12 line comes with key improvements such as enhanced toughness with its "Ceramic Shield" and its 5G capabilities, as announced by Apple on Wednesday, October 14, Philippine time.
But as expected, the higher end iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max models have some features that serve to justify their higher price tag.
Chief among these is the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, which may see some use in providing a better augmented reality experience, object scanning, and camera improvements.
Apple demonstrated LiDAR's use in placing virtual objects in a room in real time for design purposes, and autofocus improvements for the camera.
A new Apple ProRAW feature for images is said to combine elements of AI-assisted computational photography with the traditional benefits of shooting images in a RAW format. The RAW format typically lets photographers tweak colors and other image settings with more room and data to work with.
The same can be said for the Pro and Pro Max's ability to shoot 10-bit HDR video recording, giving users a wider color gamut to shoot with. To see 10-bit content, however, a user would also need a compatible monitor.
Like the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, the new models will have a triple-camera setup. Camera improvements on the 12 Pro include a wide camera with a larger aperture, and a telephoto with 4x optical zoom range. The 12 Pro Max has these enhancements too, but will also come with larger sensor, and a telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom range.
The new phones are equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, are compatible with new MagSafe accessories, and also sport a new "flat-edge" design like the base iPhone 12 and 12 mini.
Also setting the Pro and Pro Max models apart from the cheaper variants is its glossy, stainless steel finish in the colors graphite, silver, gold, and the new pacific blue. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max models will start at $999 and $1,099, respectively.
For the US and other regions, orders for the iPhone 12 Pro begin on October 16, with units arriving on October 23. The Pro Max, like the mini, will start its pre-orders on November 6, and will arrive in stores on November 13. – Rappler.com