'iPhone 12' Notch Gets Smaller... "Two Aluminum and Two Stainless Steel Models to Be Released"

Two iPhone 12 Models Feature 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch Aluminum Bodies
6.1-inch and 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro and Max Use Stainless Steel

[Asia Economy Reporter Jinju Han] The outline of the iPhone 12 series set to be released in the second half of the year is gradually emerging. The notch design will be maintained in the iPhone 12 series, but the size of the notch is expected to be reduced. The iPhone 12 Pro (6.1-inch) and Pro Max (6.7-inch) will feature a LiDAR scanner and a triple camera system.

On the 5th (local time), John Prosser, an IT specialist Twitter user and YouTuber, revealed that the prototype production of the iPhone 12 series is in its final stages. The iPhone 12 will be released in four models: two aluminum-bodied versions with 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch displays, a 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro with a stainless steel body, and a 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max. The notch design will be retained but with a smaller notch size, and all models are expected to support 5G.

The camera specifications will be significantly improved for the iPhone 12 Pro and higher models. A LiDAR scanner will be added to the triple camera setup, with the rear cameras arranged in pairs within a square induction shape. The LiDAR scanner is a technology that measures distance by calculating the time it takes for light to hit an object and return, similar to the 'ToF sensor' found in the Galaxy S20+ model. With the LiDAR scanner, it is possible to measure object distances within 5 meters and it is advantageous for implementing AR (augmented reality) services. Previously, Apple also equipped the LiDAR scanner in the iPad Pro's camera.

Samsung Electronics maximized the camera performance of the Galaxy S20 and gained attention by equipping the Ultra model with a 108-megapixel camera, while Apple is expected to adopt a strategy focusing on maximizing camera sensor size rather than pixel competition. Based on existing rumors, the iPhone 12 Pro is likely to feature a 64-megapixel camera. Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple specialist and analyst at TF Securities, predicted, "The camera sensor size will increase from the current 1/3.6 inch (based on the iPhone 11 Pro) to 1/1.9 inch." With a larger sensor size, clearer photos can be taken even in low-light conditions. Samsung Electronics also highlighted camera features with the Galaxy S20 series launch, and Huawei equipped the P40 Pro Plus with a penta (five) camera setup, intensifying the competition in smartphone cameras day by day.