The iPhone 12 Pro is finally here. 5G is clearly the headlining feature, but the new Pro also benefits from improved cameras, a LiDAR sensor for augmented reality apps, and a schmick new blue finish.
We'll take a look at every plan further on. But to get you started, here are a few of the most popular 24-month iPhone 12 Pro plans paired with a 128GB model:
This page focuses on the iPhone 12 Pro, but you can find more about the other 2020 iPhones here:
iPhone 12 Pro Quick Links
If you’re looking for a no-contract SIM to go with your new iPhone, we compare and analyse the best SIM-Only plans from over 33 telcos each month. See our April 2025 picks here.
iPhone 12 Pro Design
The entire iPhone 12 family has gotten a redesign, now featuring squared off edges. In addition, both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max have bigger screens than their predecessors.
Overview
- A choice of a 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch display
- A move from pillowy edges to a squared off design
- More durable glass
The below image compares the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 to the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pros both have what Apple calls "Ceramic Shield" glass on the front, which should be a boon for durability. The company says the iPhone 12 Pro is four times more drop resistant than previous iPhones. The back of the iPhone 12 Pro is still the same kind of glass Apple used last year, however, so you may still want to use a case if you're a bit of a klutz.
In addition, the pair look a little different to last year's devices. Instead of using the same pillowy design Apple has utilised since the iPhone 6, the company has returned to squared-off edges a la the iPhone 5 and current iPad Pro and iPad Air.
iPhone 12 Pro Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro camera is one of the phone's most exciting upgrades, featuring three camera lenses paired with a new LiDAR sensor. This time around, there is however some variance between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
While both phones have three cameras, they're a little different. On the iPhone 12 Pro, the 12MP primary camera and the 12MP ultra-wide camera are the same as on the standard iPhone 12. The 12MP primary camera has 27% better lowlight performance than the iPhone 11, and the ultra-wide is now capable of night mode - a long exposure setting that helps get better photos in the dark. These are joined by a 2x zoom 12MP telephoto lens.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the same 12MP ultra-wide camera, but the other two lenses are a little different. The 12MP primary camera has a larger sensor, which further increases lowlight performance. Apple says its 87% better in the dark when compared to last year. In our testing, we found the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max were almost identical during the day, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max had an easier time getting sharp, clear photos at night. In addition, the iPhone 12 Pro Max 12MP telephoto lens has 2.5x magnification, offering a slightly larger optical zoom range.
Both iPhone 12 Pro devices also have a LiDAR sensor, as seen the iPad Pro. This is said to improve autofocus in lowlight, reduce capture time in dark environments, and assist with augmented reality applications. In our testing, we found LiDAR made a significant improvement to lowlight portrait photography when compared to the standard iPhone 12.
iPhone 12 Pro Camera Gallery
Check out these camera samples taken on the iPhone 12 Pro. Click or tap on any photo to see a larger version.
iPhone 12 Pro Colours
Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max available in a choice of four colours: silver, graphite, gold, and pacific blue.
iPhone 12 Pro Battery Life
The iPhone 12 Pro battery lasts about a full day, a little shorter than the iPhone 11 Pro.
Apple's provides the following guidance for the iPhone 12 Pro battery life:
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 11 hours
- Video playback: Up to 17 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 65 hours
While these are identical to what Apple provided for the iPhone 11 Pro, in our testing, we found you'd typically only get four-and-a-half to five hours of screen time from the iPhone 12 Pro. This translates to about a full day of usage per charge, but there were some cases we needed to top up before the end of the day.
iPhone 12 Pro 5G
The entire 2020 iPhone range has 5G connectivity, making them the first 5G iPhones. While 5G doesn't feel essential at the moment, the addition of the next generation networking will make your iPhone 12 Pro that bit more future-proof.
Overview
- All iPhone 12 models will have 5G connectivity.
- Australia's 5G infrastructure is not mature enough for this to be a key feature, but it means that the iPhone 12 will be future-proofed for when it is.
Every 2020 iPhone has 5G connectivity, which will allow them to hit download speeds of over 1Gbps. That's ten times faster than an NBN 100 plan.
To help preserve battery, the iPhone 12 Pro will only use 5G when needed - such as if you're streaming high resolution video or downloading a file. When high speeds aren't required, the device will default to 4G. After all, scrolling through Facebook doesn't exactly need a very fast connection. Given we've seen 5G negatively impact the battery of other phones, this sounds like a smart move on Apple's behalf.
It is of course worth remembering that Australia's 5G networks are still in their infancy. There's no urgent need for a 5G phone, but if the model you're after already has 5G, it's certainly nice to have.
WhistleOut's coverage checker tool has been upgraded with 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G. All you need to do is pop in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.
This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop down menu lets you choose between telcos.
At this stage, we don't have interactive maps for Vodafone due to the telco's limited 5G coverage.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
iPhone 12 Pro Processor
The entire iPhone 12 family is powered by an A14 processor, Apple's fastest smartphone chip yet. Regardless of whether you get the iPhone 12 mini or an iPhone 12 Pro Max, every device has the same brain.
Better yet, the A14 delivers on speed. Apple says the A14 processor is 50% faster than any other smartphone chip, and also offers 50% faster graphics performance. In our testing, we certainly haven't had any issues when it comes to speed.
iPhone 12 Pro Review
How does the iPhone 12 Pro stack up against other models? Check out our review.
2020 iPhone specifications
| iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.4-inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED |
| Resolution | Super Retina | Super Retina | Super Retina | Super Retina |
| Rear Cameras | 2x 12MP | 2x 12MP | 3x 12MP + LiDAR | 3x 12MP + LiDAR |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Processor | A14 | A14 | A14 | A14 |
| Storage | 64GB - 256GB | 64GB - 256GB | 128GB - 512GB | 128GB - 256GB |
| Water-Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| 5G | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 |
| Price | From $1,199 | From $1,349 | From $1,699 | From $1,849 |
Choosing an iPhone plan
With the WhistleOut search tool, you can compare iPhone 12 Pro plan pricing and inclusions across every provider. But there's a lot more to iPhone plans than just cost and data. Here's a break-down of the major benefits you can expect each provider to offer.
Telstra iPhone plans are often the priciest on the Australian market, but they do come with a host of perks. These include:
- Access to Telstra's super-fast 4GX network
- Data-free access to Apple Music
- Free access to AFL, AFLW, NRL, Netball and Football live apps
- Free access to Telstra Air Wi-Fi hotspots across Australia
- Free access to Fon public Wi-Fi hotspots overseas
- Access to the Telstra Plus perks and rewards program
Thanks to a recent plan refresh Telstra's iPhone plans are also now some of the most flexible around. All plans are no-contract on the basis that you can leave at any time, you'll just need to pay out the remaining value of your phone. You also have the option to step up or down in plan inclusions up to one time per month, which is great if you have variable usage.
Telstra also offers the option to pay off your iPhone over 12 or 24 months. And all plans come with zero excess data charges. If you go over your cap, your data will simply be slowed to speeds of 1.5Mbps, which is still fast enough to stream video in SD. But speeds may be slower during peak times.
Compare Telstra iPhone plans
Optus iPhone plans come with big data inclusions and entertainment extras. Most Optus iPhone plans come with:
- Free access to Optus Sport
- Discounted movie tickets for Hoyts cinemas through the Optus Perks program
You'll miss out on Optus Sport if you go for Optus' cheapest plan.
All Optus plans are contract-free, devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months, and you can customise inclusions like roaming and international calls on a month-to-month basis. In addition, all Optus postpaid plans are now free from excess data charges. If you go over your allowance, you'll be slowed to 1.5Mbps rather than being billed $10 per gigabyte.
Higher-end Optus iPhone plans also come with unlimited international calls to selected destinations included with the plan, as well as a monthly allocation of roaming data for use overseas.
Optus has built a strong reputation in Australia for unbeatable iPhone deals. If you shop at the right time, you can snap yourself up a bargain.
Compare Optus iPhone plans
Vodafone iPhone plans may not come with the kinds of freebies and perks you can get from Optus or Telstra, but they do offer a lot of flexibility. Like Telstra plans, Vodafone plans are contract-free on the basis that you can leave at any time without penalty. You'll just need to pay out the remaining value of your handset.
You can also step up or down in plan inclusions up to once per month, and ease the burden of the iPhone 12 price tag with the option to pay it off over 12, 24 or 36 months. You'll pay the same overall for your iPhone no matter which option you pick.
Vodafone postpaid plans are all free from excess data charges. When you go over your plan allowance, you'll be capped to 2Mbps, 10Mbps, or 25Mbps, depending on how much you're spending per month. The higher your bill, the higher your capped data speeds.
You'll also get access to Vodafone's famous $5 roaming, which is still easily the best way to travel with your Australian phone number.
Compare Vodafone iPhone plansRead more about iPhone
Didn't find what you were looking for? At WhistleOut we know just about everything there is to know about iPhones and we've pooled our knowledge in an extensive list of guides. Check them out.
Editor's pick: Best iPhone plan
We get it. Choosing an iPhone plan is a lot harder than it should be. There are so many options to consider, and they all come with their individual perks and drawbacks. Let us help you out with our quick pick, chosen by our expert team.
iPhones from every Aussie carrier
If you already have a favourite Australian network and you just want to compare plans from a single provider, we've got you covered.
Compare iPhone plans from the major telcos:
Best iPhone for battery
Everyone wants longer lasting smartphones; after all, there's nothing more disappointing than your device letting you down when you need it most. If you're still trying to decide which iPhone you want, this could be the deciding factor.
iPhone price guide
Thinking about buying your iPhone outright? It's not a bad idea. We've crunched the numbers, and you can save up to $1,000 this way, depending on which plan and which device you were looking at.
Of course, you'll need to have the ready cash to pay upfront. Choosing an older device can make that easier. Compare outright prices on these iPhone models now:
Setting up a new iPhone
Switching from an old iPhone to a new iPhone is a simple task thanks to Apple's iCloud software. In fact, most of the data you will want to transfer to your new handset is probably already backed up in the cloud. We've put a guide to getting the most out of iCloud.
Switching from iPhone to Android
Just because you've been using an Android phone doesn't mean you can't switch to an iPhone. You just need to know how to transfer contacts to your iPhone. We've got all the information you need in this handy guide.
Awesome iPhone cases
The new iPhones are expensive and you definitely want to protect your new investment against accidents. Fortunately, there are plenty of cases around to serve your needs, from the slim and minimal to the pretty and glitter-covered.
Do you need AppleCare+?
If you're about to drop $1,000+ on a new iPhone, you might be thinking about how to protect your shiny new device. AppleCare+ is Apple's extended warranty and support program. But is it worth the sign-up fee?
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