Apple's latest smartphone is available.
Or rather two of the four models of this new range of iPhone 12. If we have to wait until November 13 to be able to get our hands on the “mini” and the “Pro Max”, the smallest and largest of the devices, We were able to use the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro on a daily basis and for a full week, on the market since October 23.
This is what you need to know, beyond the simple classic improvements in terms of software power that each new generation brings, before deciding, or not, to buy one or the other of these devices.
Distinctive design.
The iPhone changes its look with the return of a straight aluminum strapping (or stainless steel in the Pro version) which breaks with the rounded design that prevailed on the last generations since the iPhone 6. The aesthetic is furiously reminiscent of that iPhone 4 released just 10 years ago.
The handling is more straightforward and a little more reassuring since we have less the impression that the device can accidentally slip out of the palm.
Good point: the new iPhone is also thinner, lighter, but also a little more compact than its predecessor while managing to maintain a screen size equivalent to 6.1 inches diagonally (15.5 cm).
Reinforced screen.
Apple promises - this is another good news - four times the drop resistance with its new model thanks to a technique called Ceramic Shield.
The engineers of the Californian brand have succeeded, this is a first, in hardening the glass of the screen by crystallizing tiny pieces of ceramic at very high temperature.
Impossible to see the difference with the naked eye but - we did not risk it - the process makes the screen much less sensitive to breakage in the event of a fall.
The use of a protective shell remains however eminently recommended since the change of a screen is invoiced more than 300 euros in Apple store.
Notch too big.
One regret all the same, concerning this Oled screen with excellent graphic rendering: its notch, that is to say the upper part of the screen which remains black and which accommodates the front camera and various sensors, remains to our taste a lot too massive.
It prevents taking advantage of the entire screen, especially when watching a video.
What many competitors like Samsung, Huawei, Oppo or Xiaomi have now solved by managing to hide everything in a tiny punch opening.
A magnet and it starts again.
Wireless induction charging is just starting to become popular, but Apple is bringing an interesting novelty to it.
Each iPhone 12 is equipped with a magnetic surface on its rear part ideally used to stall the MagSafe, a charger to be purchased in addition for 45 euros.
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Photo "for dummies".
It's hard to miss a shot.
No need to mess around with settings, rendering is instantly corrected by software to get the best possible picture whatever the situation.
Very useful in backlighting, for example, but also stunning when the light is lacking.
The software processing makes it possible to take a picture in the dark with a graphic rendering cleared up on the screen and suffering from very few defects.
An asset that almost definitely allows you to forget the flash function.
Video for the pros.
Conversely, the video function is packed with features, from shooting to integrated editing, and allows the iPhone to become a digital camera cut out for film and image professionals.
Its video sensors film with the latest techniques used such as HDR or Dolby Vision Video.
5G on the way.
Should we crack now?
Available from 909 euros (and 1159 euros in Pro version), the iPhone 12 is an investment.
Its compatibility with 5G is an additional argument for the purchase, but also encourages us to wait a bit.
The arrival of the first packages offering 5G is announced in December and, on this occasion, operators will offer packages allowing you to equip yourself with a new smartphone at a lower price.
The iPhone 12 will also benefit and it will certainly be possible to save a few hundred euros compared to current prices, provided that you commit for several months with a 5G plan.