Comparacion iPhone 11 y 12: upgrade or save in Spain

Updated: 2026-08-12 · Tech and mobiles

Key points

• iPhone 12 is Apple’s first 5G iPhone line sold across Spain.
• All iPhone 12 models use OLED; iPhone 11 relies on LCD.
• MagSafe accessories attach magnetically starting with iPhone 12.
• Flat sides on iPhone 12 change grip versus rounded iPhone 11.
• A14 adds modest speed and efficiency gains over shared-era A13.

Network future: LTE only versus 5G ready

iPhone 11 caps at LTE, which remains usable on Movistar, Vodafone and Orange nationwide. iPhone 12 adds 5G—including band n78 common in Spanish cities—for faster downloads where towers are dense. If you commute through rural Extremadura with weak 5G, LTE performance may feel identical. Choose iPhone 12 when your operator plan already includes 5G and you expect to keep the handset three or more years.

Display leap from LCD to OLED

Moving from iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina LCD to iPhone 12’s Super Retina OLED brings deeper contrast for Netflix on AVE trains and better HDR highlights. Brightness outdoors improves slightly on paper, though both phones remain readable at noon. Users sensitive to black levels in dark mode notice the OLED shift immediately; casual readers may not justify the upgrade cost on that alone.

Design, MagSafe and accessories

Apple shifted iPhone 12 to flat aluminium edges reminiscent of iPhone 4, while iPhone 11 keeps rounded sides many find comfier bare-handed. MagSafe chargers and wallets snap to iPhone 12 magnets—handy if you already own MagSafe gear from Apple Store Spain. Lightning persists on both generations, so existing cables work; only the magnetic ecosystem is new on 12.

Performance and software longevity

iPhone 11 and 12 both feel fast for Spanish banking apps and social feeds today. A14 in iPhone 12 offers a generational bump for video editing and AR filters. Apple typically supports newer chips one cycle longer—important as iOS security updates gate contactless payments. Neither phone uses USB-C; that transition starts with iPhone 15 if universal charging matters to you.

Shopping the used market in Spain

Price gaps between iPhone 11 and 12 shrink during carrier promos but widen on Wallapop when sellers offload upgrades. Inspect Ceramic Shield marketing on 12—it helps drops, but cracked screens still happen. Demand battery health screenshots and confirm EU models for warranty. A well-priced iPhone 11 with a fresh battery can outperform a neglected iPhone 12 with a tired cell.

What you need

• 5G plan or intent to activate 5G within your ownership window
• Preference test between flat iPhone 12 edges and rounded iPhone 11
• Budget for MagSafe accessories only if you will use them
• Battery health check on any used unit
• EU model number for local carrier band support
• Case purchase—flat-edge cases differ from 11 cases

Recommended steps

1. Map 5G coverage on your daily routes using your carrier’s map tool.
2. Compare OLED iPhone 12 and LCD iPhone 11 side by side indoors and outdoors.
3. List accessories you own—MagSafe value applies only to iPhone 12.
4. Quote battery replacement cost if either candidate shows low health.
5. Check iOS support timelines for A13 versus A14 on Apple’s site.
6. Buy the cheapest option that meets network and display needs with healthy battery.

Comparison table

In this category

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

FAQ

See also