The iPhone 12 is certainly one of the most impressive smartphones out there, but its not without its faults.
From missing power adapters and EarPods to unreliable 5G connectivity and limited features in the camera, many users are left feeling frustrated by some of the devices shortcomings.
In this article, well take a closer look at whats wrong with the iPhone 12, and provide some alternative options for those who are looking for a better experience.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The iPhone 12 has received mixed reviews, with some people reporting issues with battery life, connectivity, and other problems.
Additionally, some users have reported that the phone runs hot and drains battery quickly, which can be a major issue.
Additionally, some iPhone 12 models have had issues with sound quality, with audio sounding muffled or distorted.
Finally, some people have reported that the phone is prone to freezing and lagging.
Power Adapter and EarPods
One of the biggest criticisms of the iPhone 12 is the lack of a power adapter and EarPods in the box.
This means that customers will have to purchase their own charging and audio accessories if they want to use them with their device.
This has been a major point of frustration for many users, as buying the necessary accessories will add to the already high cost of the device.
The lack of a power adapter and EarPods also means that users will not be able to take advantage of the fast-charging capabilities of the iPhone 12.
This is a particular issue with the Pro models of the device, as they are capable of charging up to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Without the necessary accessories, users will not be able to take full advantage of this feature.
Finally, the lack of a power adapter and EarPods means that users will be unable to use the device on the go.
Without the necessary accessories, users will not be able to charge their device, listen to music, or use their headphones while out and about.
This has been a major disappointment for many customers who were expecting to be able to use the device while away from home.
Unupgradable Storage
When the iPhone 12 was first released, consumers were disappointed to find that the device was not upgradable.
This means that when you buy the device, you are stuck with the storage capacity you selected.
This can be especially problematic for those who need more storage for their photos, videos, and other files, as they will have to choose a pricier model if they find that their device does not have enough storage.
Furthermore, the lack of upgradability means that consumers cannot add more storage to their device at a later date.
This means that if you find yourself needing more storage after youve purchased your iPhone, you will have to purchase a newer model in order to upgrade.
This can be a costly endeavor, and it can also be inconvenient as you will need to transfer all your data to the new device, which can be time consuming.
It is also worth noting that the lack of upgradability could mean that the device may become outdated faster than other devices on the market.
This is because if you find yourself needing more storage after a few years of use, you will need to purchase a new device in order to upgrade.
This could mean that the iPhone 12 is not a good long-term investment for those who need a lot of storage space.
Overall, the lack of upgradability on the iPhone 12 is a major issue for many consumers.
Not only does it limit their storage capacity, but it also means that the device may become outdated quicker than other devices on the market.
Furthermore, if they find themselves needing more storage, they will have to purchase a new device, which can be costly and inconvenient.
120Hz Refresh Rate
The lack of a 120Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 12 is a major disappointment for many users.
The 120Hz refresh rate is a feature that is becoming increasingly popular in flagship phones, and is a major feature that many consumers have come to expect from their devices.
The 120Hz refresh rate allows for smoother scrolling and a more responsive user experience, which can greatly improve the overall user experience.
Unfortunately, the iPhone 12 does not have the capability to support a 120Hz refresh rate, which has left many users feeling frustrated and disappointed.
The absence of a 120Hz refresh rate also has a major impact on the devices gaming capabilities.
Many popular mobile games, such as Fortnite, are designed to take advantage of higher refresh rates.
Without the support of a 120Hz refresh rate, the gaming experience on the iPhone 12 is noticeably diminished.
This could be a major deterrent for many users who are looking for a powerful gaming phone.
The lack of a 120Hz refresh rate could also be an indication of Apples focus on battery life.
Higher refresh rates tend to draw more power, which could explain why Apple opted to forgo this feature in order to keep battery life at satisfactory levels.
While this is a commendable decision, it is still a major disappointment for many users.
Ultimately, the lack of a 120Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 12 is a major disappointment for many users.
While it is understandable that Apple opted to forgo this feature in order to preserve battery life, it is still a major feature that many consumers have come to expect from their devices.
Apple will need to address this issue if they want to remain competitive in the flagship phone market.
Battery Life
When it comes to the battery life of the iPhone 12, there are mixed reviews.
On one hand, reviewers have praised the longevity of the device, citing that it can easily last throughout an entire day of usage.
On the other hand, some users have found that the battery life of the device isnt quite up to par with other iPhones, and that it can often struggle to last through a full day of use.
The reason for this discrepancy is likely due to the fact that the iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 chip, which is significantly more power-efficient than the A13 chip found in the iPhone 11.
This means that the battery can last longer, but it also means that it takes longer to charge.
Additionally, the lack of a power adapter in the box means that users must purchase one separately if they want to take advantage of the fast-charging capabilities of the device.
Overall, the battery life of the iPhone 12 is still quite respectable, but it is far from perfect and could certainly be improved.
Apple could potentially address this issue by including a power adapter in the box with the device, allowing users to take advantage of the fast-charging capabilities right out of the box.
Additionally, Apple could work on optimizing the A14 chip even further, allowing for even better battery life and faster charging times.
5G Connectivity
The iPhone 12 has been met with criticism over its 5G connectivity.
5G networks are expected to deliver faster speeds and more reliable connections, but the 5G on the iPhone 12 has been found to be unreliable and inconsistent.
Some users have reported that their 5G network connection is slow or drops out entirely in areas with good coverage.
Additionally, the 5G connectivity of the iPhone 12 is limited to sub-6GHz frequencies, which are not as fast as the mmWave networks that some other devices support.
The lack of mmWave support on the iPhone 12 means that users are missing out on the faster speeds and more reliable connections that these networks can provide.
Additionally, the iPhone 12 is unable to connect to 5G networks in certain countries due to limited spectrum availability.
This has been a major point of criticism for Apple, as many people expected the iPhone 12 to be able to connect to 5G networks worldwide.
Overall, the 5G connectivity of the iPhone 12 is seen as a major disappointment by many users.
The lack of mmWave support and limited spectrum availability mean that the 5G speeds and reliability are not up to par with other devices.
Additionally, the unreliable and inconsistent performance of the 5G network has been a major source of frustration for many users.
Camera
The iPhone 12 has come under criticism for its camera, specifically its lack of features and poor low-light performance.
The 12MP dual-camera system on the iPhone 12 comes with a wide and ultra-wide lens, but lacks features such as optical zoom and optical image stabilization.
This makes it difficult to get close-up shots of distant objects and reduces the quality of low-light photos.
Additionally, the cameras low-light performance has been criticized for being overly noisy and lacking sharpness.
Apple has attempted to address these issues with software updates, but these have done little to improve the situation.
As a result, many users have found that the camera on the iPhone 12 is not up to par with other flagship smartphones on the market.
Alternatives to Consider
When it comes to choosing a smartphone, the iPhone 12 may not be the best option for some users.
Thankfully, there are plenty of other alternatives to consider if youre looking for a device with more features.
Googles Pixel 5 is a great option for those who want a reliable camera and 5G connectivity, as well as a better battery life and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Samsungs Galaxy S20 Ultra is another great choice for those who want a device with a large display and a powerful processor.
For users who dont care about 5G, the iPhone SE offers great value for money, with a powerful A13 Bionic chip, a great camera, and good battery life.
Finally, the OnePlus 8 Pro is a great option for those who want a more affordable device with features such as a 120Hz refresh rate and a large display.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 12 has issues that are hard to ignore.
Consumers have to decide if these issues are worth sacrificing for the other benefits that the device offers.
If not, there are other options available.
Whether you decide to switch to a different device or make do with the iPhone 12, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option to make an informed decision.