iPhone 12 first look: New 5G enabled devices and the fastest processing phone in the market

The iPhone 12 launched last night (13th October) with some of the most notable changes we’ve seen in years from Apple’s flagship product: there’s 5G, a flat-edge design and a mini model. But to figure out whether one is worth your money, we have to look beyond the hype.

Here are your 2020 options, arriving in stores in late October and mid-November:

• iPhone 12, AED 3,399, is the successor to the “standard” iPhone of the last few years. It’s got a 6.1-inch screen and two cameras on the back.
• iPhone 12 mini, AED 2,999, is a new smaller-form iPhone, with a 5.4-inch screen squished inside a smaller body than we’ve seen from Apple in years.
• iPhone 12 Pro, AED 4,199, is the fancy 6.1-inch model with extra camera tricks.
• iPhone 12 Pro Max, AED 4,699, is the giant 6.7-inch fancy model with extra camera tricks.

“Today is the beginning of a new era for iPhone, Today we are bringing 5G to the iPhone,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive.

“This is a huge moment for all of us, we are really excited ... 5G will bring new levels of performance for downloads, uploads, higher-quality video streaming, more responsive gaming and real-time interactivity."

The Pro Max also has the brand's highest resolution, featuring nearly 3.5 million pixels.

The new Pro models come with an industry-leading IP68 rating to withstand water submersion up to six metres for almost 30 minutes.

“This is a huge leap for iPhone, bringing the best 5G experience in the market and delivering our most advanced technologies to users who want the absolute most from their iPhone,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing.

“We are once again pushing the boundaries to deliver incredible computational photography advancements, super retina displays, and the biggest leap in durability in iPhone history."

The new phones will be available in different internal spaces, ranging from 64GB to 512GB, depending on the model.

To ensure faster browsing, the new iPhones have an A14 bionic chip that is built on five-nanometre process – a first in the industry.

It ensures up to 50 per cent faster processing than other competing smartphone chips that is paired with the 5G network.

Despite the same-day launch, the new iPhones will reach consumers in phases.

The company will start taking orders for the 12 and the 12 Pro models from October 16, while the 12 mini and the 12 Pro Max devices will be available from November 6.

Apple is removing the power adapter and ear pods from iPhone packaging, to reduce carbon emissions and avoid the use of precious materials.

It also enables smaller and lighter packaging and allows for 70 per cent more boxes to be shipped on a pallet.

Taken altogether, these changes will cut more than 2 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equal to removing nearly 450,000 cars from the road a year, Apple said.

Will you be upgrading this year? Check out our IG page for a summary of the event in 51 seconds.