iPhone 12 Released in 4 Models with New 'Blue' Color
iPhone 12 and Pro Launch First, Pre-orders Start on 23rd
Display Twice as Clear and 50% Faster with A14 Chip
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Apple’s first 5G smartphone, the 'iPhone 12' series, has been unveiled. The first iPhone to support 5G is expected to trigger a '5G super cycle' by driving accumulated replacement demand. Although the release schedule was delayed by about a month, the series features an improved display compared to its predecessor and includes the new-sized iPhone 12 mini, with a striking angular design reminiscent of the iPad Pro.
On the 13th (local time), Apple held a special event to reveal four models of the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 series consists of the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max. All four models support 5G. The iPhone 12 and mini feature aluminum and glass materials on the exterior, while the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max use stainless steel and glass materials.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, said, "The arrival of 5G marks the beginning of a new era for the iPhone," adding, "We will deliver the best 5G experience and provide our most advanced technology to users who want to make the most of their iPhone."
He introduced, "It offers outstanding computational photography capabilities, a Super Retina XDR display, and the biggest leap in iPhone durability with the Ceramic Shield front cover. The iPhone has changed what we expect from smartphones with every generation, and now the iPhone 12 Pro with 5G delivers a new generation of performance."
What about prices and release dates?
The domestic retail prices start at ▲iPhone 12 mini 950,000 KRW ▲iPhone 12 1,090,000 KRW ▲iPhone 12 Pro 1,350,000 KRW ▲iPhone 12 Pro Max 1,490,000 KRW. In Korea, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro will officially launch on the 30th of this month, with pre-orders starting on the 23rd. The iPhone 12 mini and Pro Max are scheduled to be released in the U.S. and other countries on the 6th of next month, with the domestic release date yet to be determined.
Color options for the iPhone 12 and mini include Blue, Green, Black, White, and (PRODUCT)RED, available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max come in Graphite, Silver, Gold, and Pacific Blue colors, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
Although Korea is not included in the first wave of release countries, it will launch about a week later than the U.S. Compared to the past when Korea was usually in the second or third wave and released more than a month later, Korean fans will get their hands on the device sooner. It is interpreted that Apple aims to increase its market share by first introducing the 5G-enabled iPhone in Korea. As of the end of August, Korea has 8.65 million 5G subscribers. Domestic carriers are expected to launch aggressive marketing campaigns to compete for 5G subscribers among iPhone users who have postponed upgrading.
Brighter display...camera similar to predecessor
The iPhone 12 series features thinner bezels and a clearer display than its predecessor. Equipped with the A14 Bionic chipset, performance has improved by more than 50% compared to the previous generation. Apple stated, "It is the fastest chip ever in a smartphone and up to 50% faster than chips in Android smartphones." The iPhone 12 is over 10% lighter in thickness, size, and weight than its predecessor. All four models feature a Super Retina XDR display. The pixel count is doubled compared to the previous generation, and the maximum brightness is also twice as high. The front glass is reinforced with a 'Ceramic Shield' for enhanced durability.
The iPhone 12 series is equipped with dual cameras: a 12-megapixel main camera and an ultra-wide camera. While the camera specifications remain the same as the previous generation, the aperture has been improved to f/1.6. Additionally, Night mode has been extended to the front camera. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max include a LiDAR sensor, which measures the distance light travels to enable depth measurement for augmented reality (AR) and improves autofocus accuracy in low light. Night mode can also be used for portrait photography. The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 2.5x optical zoom and features improved image stabilization.
5G improves download and upload speeds, enabling high-quality video streaming and high-definition FaceTime. It also supports 'Smart Data Mode,' which automatically switches to 4G when 5G speed is not needed to reduce power consumption and switches back to 5G when necessary. Water resistance is upgraded to IP68 rating, providing enhanced everyday water resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes). With the removal of the charger and EarPods from the iPhone 12 package, the overall packaging is more minimalistic. Instead, a Lightning cable that can be converted to USB-C is included.
Greg Joswiak said, "With the iPhone 12 Pro’s advanced LiDAR scanner, users can experience the best AR, and the camera benefits from faster autofocus in low light and the introduction of Night mode portrait photography."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
