Even in 2026, the Apple iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 remain two of the most searched budget-friendly iPhones on the refurbished and secondary market. Both are past their prime flagship years, but they still deliver strong daily performance, reliable cameras, and long-term iOS updates. The iPhone 11 launched in 2019 with the A13 Bionic chip and an LCD Liquid Retina display; the iPhone 12 arrived in 2020 with a redesigned flat-edge chassis, OLED Super Retina XDR panel, 5G, and MagSafe. This comparison unpacks the real-world differences between the two, from build quality and battery life to camera output and pricing, so you can decide which older iPhone is genuinely worth your money today.
Choose the iPhone 11 if you want the cheapest reliable iPhone for calls, messaging, and casual apps. Choose the iPhone 12 if you want 5G, a sharper OLED display, better cameras, and one to two extra years of iOS updates.
The Apple iPhone 11 was Apple's mainstream flagship in 2019 and quickly became one of the best-selling smartphones of its generation thanks to its aggressive pricing, dependable dual-camera system, and industry-leading A13 Bionic chip. In 2026, it lives on primarily as a budget refurbished pick from carriers, Apple's own certified refurbished store, and third-party resellers. It runs the latest supported iOS smoothly for most everyday tasks, though heavier workloads such as high-end gaming or 4K video editing will expose its age.
1.1 Key Strengths
Apple iPhone 11
Best on a BudgetA dependable everyday iPhone that punches above its refurbished price. Ideal for basic users, students, and second-line phones.
View Price2. Apple iPhone 12: Product Information
The Apple iPhone 12 marked a major generational leap for Apple's lineup. It introduced a flat-edged industrial design (revived from the iPhone 4/5 era), an OLED Super Retina XDR display, 5G connectivity, MagSafe magnetic accessories, and the more efficient A14 Bionic chip built on a 5nm process. In 2026, it sits comfortably as a mid-tier refurbished option — noticeably more future-proof than the iPhone 11, especially for buyers who want 5G data speeds, better night photography, and a longer iOS support window before the phone is dropped from updates.
2.1 Key Strengths
Apple iPhone 12
Best ValueThe smarter mid-range refurbished pick: better display, 5G, better cameras, and a longer software runway than the iPhone 11.
View Price3. iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 Comparison Table
3.1 Key Specs Side-by-Side
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1" LCD, 828p | 6.1" OLED, 1170pWinner |
| Chipset | A13 Bionic (7nm) | A14 Bionic (5nm)Winner |
| 5G | No (4G LTE only) | Yes (sub-6 + mmWave)Winner |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP, Night mode (wide only) | Dual 12MP, Night mode on all lensesWinner |
| Video | 4K 60fps | 4K 60fps, Dolby Vision HDRWinner |
| Battery | 3110 mAhWinner | 2815 mAh |
| Weight | 194 g | 164 gWinner |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (2m/30min) | IP68 (6m/30min)Winner |
| MagSafe | No | YesWinner |
| Refurb Price (2026) | ~$180–$240Winner | ~$260–$340 |
3.2 Editor Score Breakdown
Compare current retailer prices side-by-side and lock in the lowest deal. Compare iPhone 12 on ShopFox and set a drop alert.
4. Real User Reviews: iPhone 11
Six years after launch, the iPhone 11 still enjoys a surprisingly loyal owner base. Across Reddit threads (r/iphone, r/AppleHelp), YouTube long-term review videos, and forum discussions, three themes come up again and again: battery reliability, everyday smoothness, and value at the refurbished price point. The main complaint that repeats consistently is the LCD display — users coming from newer OLED phones say the panel now feels dull and the resolution is soft.
A common Reddit sentiment: users who bought the iPhone 11 as a stopgap in 2022–2023 report that it "just refuses to die" — Face ID still works, apps launch quickly, and battery health after a replacement is still 90%+. Complaints center on missing 5G and the fact that heavy AR/gaming apps now warm the chassis quickly. Read verified buyer feedback for the Apple iPhone 11 user reviews on ShopFox.
5. Real User Reviews: iPhone 12
User feedback for the iPhone 12 in 2026 skews more positive on future-proofing and less positive on battery. Owners consistently praise the OLED panel, the flat-edge design (which many say feels sturdier than the iPhone 11's rounded shape), Ceramic Shield glass durability, and 5G speeds on modern carrier plans. The most frequently cited downside is battery: several long-term owners report they've already replaced the battery once, or need a mid-day top-up.
Reviewers on tech forums often call the iPhone 12 "the last iPhone that still feels current" — meaning it holds up visually and functionally against 2025–2026 releases in a way the iPhone 11 no longer does. See verified buyer feedback in the Apple iPhone 12 user reviews on ShopFox.
How We Researched This
This comparison is not based on first-hand lab testing. Instead, we cross-referenced Apple's official published specifications, long-term reviews from established tech publications and creators, community threads on Reddit and Apple Support forums, aggregated user reviews from major retailers, and public repair/battery data. Pricing reflects typical refurbished market ranges in September 2026 and will vary by grade, storage, and region.
6. Pros & Cons Summary
6.1 iPhone 11
- Best-in-class battery life for its class
- Reliable Face ID and dual-camera system
- Wi-Fi 6 and Apple's ecosystem support
- Widely available with accessories and cases
- No 5G — LTE only
- Heavier and thicker than newer iPhones
- Software support window is shorter
6.2 iPhone 12
- 5G connectivity and A14 Bionic performance
- Night mode on all lenses + Dolby Vision HDR
- MagSafe magnetic accessory ecosystem
- Improved IP68 water resistance (6m)
- Lighter and slimmer chassis
- Higher refurbished price
- No charger in the box (post-2020 policy)
7. Purchase Timing & Market Cycle Advice
Because both devices are legacy models, their pricing no longer follows Apple's official cycle — it follows the refurbished and secondary market. Here's what to watch:
7.1 iPhone 11 Pricing Trend
Prices drop noticeably every September, right after Apple announces a new flagship, as trade-ins flood the market. Expect the sharpest dips between mid-September and Black Friday, then again in late January when post-holiday returns arrive. Buying outside these windows means paying a premium of 15–25%. Track live retailer pricing with iPhone 11 price history on ShopFox and set a drop alert.
7.2 iPhone 12 Pricing Trend
The iPhone 12 sits in a slower-decaying price band because it's still "5G capable" — refurbishers hold prices steadier. Best deals typically appear during Black Friday, Prime Day, and early spring clearance. Set a price alert with Shopfox and check the iPhone 12 price comparison on ShopFox across major retailers to catch the best window.
Shopping for other Apple models or alternatives? Browse the full cell phones category on ShopFox to compare more options.
8. Which One Should You Buy? The Verdict
Choose iPhone 11 if…
You want the cheapest supported iPhone for calls, messaging, streaming, and casual apps. Perfect for a first phone, a kid's phone, a backup device, or a parent upgrading from an older model. Battery reliability is its biggest quiet strength.
View iPhone 11 PriceChoose iPhone 12 if…
You want 5G, a sharper OLED display, better cameras (especially at night), MagSafe accessories, and one to two more years of iOS updates. It's the smarter mid-term buy in 2026 and only marginally more expensive on refurbished.
View iPhone 12 PriceOverall recommendation: For most buyers in 2026, the iPhone 12 is the better long-term investment. The typical $60–$100 premium over the iPhone 11 buys you 5G, an OLED display, meaningfully better cameras, and a longer software runway. The iPhone 11 remains the smart pick only when your budget is very tight or when the phone is a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. The iPhone 12 still receives iOS updates, supports 5G, and runs modern apps smoothly on its A14 Bionic chip. If you can find one refurbished at a fair price — typically $260 to $340 depending on storage and grade — it remains a solid mid-tier option in 2026. Its OLED display and MagSafe support give it a longer useful life than the iPhone 11.
Does the iPhone 11 support 5G?
No. The iPhone 11 supports 4G LTE only. If 5G is important — whether for your carrier plan, faster hotspot speeds, or future-proofing — the iPhone 12 is the better choice. The iPhone 12 was Apple's first mainstream 5G iPhone, and US models even support the faster mmWave 5G bands where available.
How much longer will the iPhone 11 receive iOS updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones for five to six years after launch. The iPhone 11 debuted in September 2019, so it is nearing the end of its major-update lifecycle. It may still get one or two more iOS updates plus security patches. The iPhone 12 (2020) generally receives updates roughly one year longer than the iPhone 11.
Is the iPhone 12 camera actually better than the iPhone 11?
Yes, though the hardware megapixel count is similar. Both use dual 12MP wide + ultrawide cameras, but the iPhone 12 adds Night mode on the ultrawide and front cameras, Deep Fusion improvements, Smart HDR 3, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording. Low-light photos and video quality are noticeably improved thanks to the A14 Bionic's stronger image signal processor.
Does the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 have better battery life?
The iPhone 11 has better raw battery life. It uses a 3110 mAh cell versus the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh cell. Both are rated at up to 17 hours of video playback by Apple, but real-world reports consistently show the iPhone 11 lasting noticeably longer per charge, especially in mixed use. This is one of the iPhone 11's strongest remaining advantages.
Are iPhone 11 cases compatible with the iPhone 12?
No. The iPhone 12 has a completely redesigned flat-edged chassis and slightly different dimensions, so iPhone 11 cases do not fit properly. You'll need iPhone 12-specific cases. On the plus side, MagSafe cases and accessories are widely available and inexpensive on the secondary market for the iPhone 12.
Should I buy a new or refurbished unit in 2026?
Refurbished is the smarter choice for both models. Apple has discontinued both from its retail lineup, so "new" units on the market are typically old stock at inflated prices. Certified refurbished units from Apple or reputable resellers come with a warranty and a fresh battery, often at 40–60% off. Always check battery health (aim for 85%+) before buying.
Which iPhone is better for gaming — 11 or 12?
The iPhone 12 is better for gaming. Its A14 Bionic chip delivers roughly 15–20% higher CPU performance and about 25% better GPU performance than the A13 in the iPhone 11. Combined with the OLED display's higher contrast and resolution, games look and feel more responsive. The iPhone 11 still handles most casual games well but shows more heat under sustained load.
Is the iPhone 12 waterproof?
Both phones carry an IP68 rating, but the iPhone 12 has stronger certified protection: up to 6 meters for 30 minutes versus the iPhone 11's 2 meters for 30 minutes. Neither should be used for swimming or extended submersion, and water resistance degrades over time and after repairs, but the iPhone 12 offers meaningfully more accidental-splash and short-dunk protection.
Conclusion
In 2026, the choice between the Apple iPhone 11 and Apple iPhone 12 comes down to two questions: how tight is your budget, and how long do you want the phone to last? The iPhone 11 is the value pick — it's cheap, has the best battery life of the two, and still runs the current iOS well for daily tasks. The iPhone 12 is the smarter forward-looking pick — it adds 5G, OLED, night photography, MagSafe, and roughly a year of extra software support for a modest price bump.
Our overall recommendation is the iPhone 12 for most buyers. The extra $60 to $100 typically buys features that will keep the phone feeling relevant for another two to three years, whereas the iPhone 11 is now clearly showing its age. If your budget genuinely can't stretch, the iPhone 11 is still a competent, honest phone worth owning.
Whichever you pick, compare retailer prices, watch battery health on refurbished units, and enable a price drop alert before you check out — you'll almost always save more by waiting for the right window than by buying on impulse.