Comparación de iPhone 11 y 12: which to buy used

Updated: 2026-08-25 · Tech and mobiles

Key points

• iPhone 12 screen is OLED with higher contrast than iPhone 11 LCD.
• Only iPhone 12 supports 5G band n78 used widely in Spain.
• MagSafe accessories attach only to iPhone 12 generation and later.
• iPhone 11 battery capacity is larger but efficiency favours A14 on 12.
• Flat sides on iPhone 12 change case compatibility versus iPhone 11.

Why comparación de iPhone 11 y 12 still matters

Neither is Apple's latest line, yet both dominate second-hand listings on Wallapop, Back Market and carrier refurb channels in Spain. Buyers want iOS support without flagship pricing. A structured comparación de iPhone 11 y 12 avoids paying iPhone 12 money for cosmetic upgrades you will not notice, or saving euros only to miss 5G where you commute daily.

Display and body design

iPhone 11 uses a six-point-one-inch LCD Liquid Retina display—bright and reliable but without OLED deep blacks. iPhone 12 switches to Super Retina OLED on the same size class, improving HDR video and dark-mode reading. Externally, iPhone 12 adopts flat stainless-style edges and smaller bezels; cases do not interchange. Drop both without a case in store to see which grip feels secure.

Performance: A13 versus A14

iPhone 11 runs Apple A13 Bionic; iPhone 12 steps to A14 with modest CPU gains and better efficiency for the same tasks. Everyday messaging, Safari and banking apps feel similar; heavy video editing or future iOS versions tilt toward iPhone 12. Check Apple's iOS compatibility chart—both may share support windows today but diverge on later major releases.

5G and connectivity in Spain

iPhone 11 tops out at 4G LTE, still adequate on many Spanish MVNO plans. iPhone 12 adds 5G including band n78 common on Movistar, Orange and Vodafone. If you keep phones three years or more, 5G future-proofs outdoor speeds; if you mostly use Wi-Fi at home and office, LTE on iPhone 11 may suffice and save purchase cost.

Camera and video for everyday use

Both offer dual twelve-megapixel rear cameras on standard models—wide and ultrawide. iPhone 12 improves Night mode and HDR video processing thanks to chip and sensor tweaks. For social photos and document scanning the gap is modest; content creators shooting handheld 4K Dolby Vision notice iPhone 12 advantages more.

Buying refurbished in Spain

Inspect battery maximum capacity in Settings, test Face ID, speakers and True Tone. Confirm the seller provides VAT invoice and at least twelve-month warranty for refurb. MagSafe chargers and wallets are optional extras—budget them only if you choose iPhone 12. Screen replacements cost more on OLED—factor Apple or authorised service quotes before buying a cracked unit cheaply.

What you need

• Battery health reading above eighty percent
• EU model number verified on Apple coverage check
• Face ID and front camera functional test
• Case and charger plan—Lightning on both generations
• Decision on 5G need for your commute cities
• Seller warranty or fourteen-day return in writing

Recommended steps

1. Decide if 5G and OLED justify iPhone 12 premium in your area.
2. Shortlist same storage tier—64 GB feels tight for WhatsApp media.
3. Compare refurb grades A versus B on battery and screen.
4. Run camera night shot and speaker call test in person.
5. Check iOS version installed and remaining update runway.
6. Buy with invoice and return window; restore from encrypted backup.

Comparison table

In this category

• Comparacion De Iphone 12 Y 13
• Comparacion Iphone 11 Y 12
• Iphone 11 Y 12 Comparacion
• Comparacion Iphone 11 Y 11 Pro

FAQ

See also