Apple iPhone 12 price in Malaysia & Specs for June 2024

The release of the iPhone 12 was highly anticipated, and the buzz surrounding it was electric. It was a significant upgrade from its previous generation iPhone 11, with improved features and a new design. The device made its debut in the Malaysian market on October 23, 2020, and Malaysians couldn't wait to get their hands on it.

The purpose of this review is to inform potential buyers whether the iPhone 12 is worth the investment or not. We will carefully examine the device's hardware, software, camera, and battery, so you can make an informed decision. So, let's get started with the iPhone 12 review!

Is the iPhone 12 design a game-changer?

The iPhone 12 is a dual SIM device with a stylish and sleek design, possessing a rounded corners build quality that is unmatched. Apple being Apple, has left no stone unturned in terms of materials used. A combination of aerospace-grade aluminium and Ceramic Shield glass provides durability and sturdiness, making it almost a masterpiece in design and engineering.

The dimensions are 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, and it weighs around 164g. Although this is slightly heavier than its counterparts, the iPhone 12's build makes it feel solid and durable. However, the use of Ceramic Shield glass increases the weight of the device, and it can be a bit hefty in your pockets.

One of the most significant perks of the iPhone 12 is its water and dust resistance feature, which makes it an excellent option for those living in Malaysia's humid and wet conditions. It is IP68-rated, which means it can withstand being submerged in six meters of water for up to 30 minutes, making it perfect for beach vacations or poolside photoshoots. Additionally, the device is resistant to dust, so you don't have to worry about dirt or grime getting into your phone's ports and causing damage.

When it comes to colour options, iPhone 12 takes the cake with a variety of shades available, including black, white, red, green, and blue.

Is iOS on the iPhone 12 a seamless operating system experience?

The iPhone 12 comes with Apple's impressive iOS 14, which boasts a modern, intuitive, and seamless user interface. iOS 14's clean, user-friendly design will make navigating your phone easy as pie.

One of the major perks of iOS 14 is its Focus Mode – a feature that allows you to silence notifications from certain apps and people. You can even set your phone to notify you when certain contacts message you, so it's almost like having your own personal assistant. Siri has also been improved, with a more natural-sounding voice and improved functionality.

There's also the App Library, a feature that organizes your apps into folders and removes the need for constant scrolling through pages of apps. And with the new Translate app, communicating with people who speak different languages is easier than ever.

Is the iPhone 12's display a visual marvel?

The Retina display technology used in the 6.1-inch screen of the iPhone 12 is pretty impressive. It makes for really sharp and clear visuals, but the downside is that it's not exactly new technology. Where the iPhone 12's display really shines is in its support of True Tone and HDR. These features contribute to an even better visual experience, with colours that are more true-to-life and a wider range of contrast.

True Tone is a technology that adjusts the colour temperature of the display based on the lighting in your environment, resulting in more natural-looking colours. So, for example, if you're using your iPhone in the evening with warm lighting, the display will adjust accordingly to avoid any harsh blue hues. It's a small feature, but one that contributes to a more pleasant viewing experience overall.

For HDR support, this allows for a greater range of colours and brightness levels, resulting in vivid detail in a more lifelike image. The iPhone 12 supports both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, so you can enjoy a wider range of content in stunning detail. Whether you're streaming the latest movie or scrolling through your Instagram feed, HDR support is sure to impress.

The only shortcoming is that it doesn't come with the ProMotion feature offering a double refresh rate of 120Hz as the other models in the 12 series. However, given the iPhone 12 comes with a better price tag, it still covers all that you need for a high-quality screen to enjoy all sorts of entertainment.

Does the iPhone 12 deliver exceptional performance?

Let's talk about the A14 Bionic chip. This bad boy is the heart and soul of the iPhone 12's performance. With its 5-nanometer architecture, it's one of the fastest and most efficient chips when introduced. It's got a six-core CPU, which means it can handle even the heaviest of tasks with ease. Plus, it's got a four-core GPU, which makes gaming on the iPhone 12 a dream come true.

Speaking of gaming, the iPhone 12 is a beast. Thanks to the A14 Bionic chip, you can play even the most demanding games with no lag or stuttering. And with the iPhone 12's Super Retina XDR display, your games will look absolutely stunning.

But the iPhone 12 isn't just great for gaming. It's also a multitasking machine. With its 4GB of RAM and iOS 14's new App Library, you can switch between apps with ease and keep your home screen clutter-free. Plus, with iOS 14's Picture in Picture feature, you can watch videos while you do other things on your phone.

How does the iPhone 12 camera stack up?

The iPhone 12 comes with a dual-camera system, consisting of a 12MP Ultra-Wide and a 12MP Wide camera. The quality of its sensors is undoubtedly top-notch, delivering sharp and vibrant photos. However, this is pretty standard for a flagship device nowadays, so it's not exactly a rarity.

The phone also comes with a Night mode feature, which is quite impressive as it allows you to capture bright and clear shots even in low-light environments. However, the downside is that the night mode can sometimes take a bit longer to process, so you'll need a steady hand or a tripod to avoid blurry shots.

Now, let's talk about Deep Fusion and Smart HDR - two buzzwords that Apple loves to throw around. Deep Fusion basically combines multiple images taken with wide cameras at different exposures to produce a final photo with enhanced detail and reduced noise. Meanwhile, Smart HDR takes multiple shots and combines them to create a more detailed image with better colour and contrast.

Furthermore, The iPhone 12's camera app has some neat tricks up its sleeve, such new dual camera system such as QuickTake (allowing you to quickly start recording a video by holding down the shutter button) and Night Mode Time-lapse (which lets you take long-exposure time-lapses in low light). Additionally, you can shoot in Apple's new ProRAW format, which gives you more control over the editing process. However, it's worth noting that you'll need a third-party app to fully edit ProRAW files.

Is the iPhone 12 battery life and charging options up to the task?

The iPhone 12 has a 2,815 mAh battery capacity. Now, that may not sound like much, but don't let the numbers deceive you. Apple has optimized the iPhone 12's power usage to be incredibly efficient. So much so, that with proper use, the iPhone 12 can last you a full day on a single charge.

But what about fast charging and wireless charging? The iPhone 12 supports both. You can use a Lightning to USB-C cable and power adapter to achieve fast charging speeds of up to 50% in just 30 minutes. Plus, the iPhone 12 supports Qi wireless charging, so you can charge it without any cables getting in the way. However, keep in mind that fast charging and wireless charging require additional accessories that don't come with the phone.

Battery-efficient users will also be glad to know that Apple has implemented a feature called "Optimized Battery Charging" that uses machine learning to understand your daily charging routine and reduce battery aging. This means that the iPhone 12 will slow down charging when it reaches 80% and wait until you need it before charging up to 100%. Additionally, the iPhone 12 has a feature called "Battery Health" that gives you insight into your battery's overall health and recommends solutions if it needs to be serviced.

Last but not least, let's talk about MagSafe, a technology that uses a ring of magnets that snap onto the back of the phone to securely attach accessories, like cases and external batteries. This means you can charge your iPhone 12 with a MagSafe charger that delivers up to 15W of power without needing to fumble with cords and cables. Plus, the magnets align the charger perfectly with your phone, so you can be sure it's charging as efficiently as possible.

What connectivity and network does the iPhone 12 offer?

One of the standout security features of the iPhone 12 is its facial recognition technology, which uses cutting-edge software to recognize your unique facial features and unlock your device. This makes it much harder for someone to gain unauthorized access to your phone, compared to traditional password or PIN-based security methods.

Another key security feature on the iPhone 12 is its Secure Enclave, which is a dedicated chip that stores your sensitive data, like passwords and payment information, in an encrypted format. This means that even if someone manages to hack into your device, they won't be able to access your personal information.

How do the security sensors in iPhone 12 keep your device safe?

One of the standout security features of the iPhone 12 is its facial recognition technology, which uses cutting-edge software to recognize your unique facial features and unlock your device. This makes it much harder for someone to gain unauthorized access to your phone, compared to traditional password or PIN-based security methods.

Another key security feature on the iPhone 12 is its Secure Enclave, which is a dedicated chip that stores your sensitive data, like passwords and payment information, in an encrypted format. This means that even if someone manages to hack into your device, they won't be able to access your personal information.

How is the audio quality on the iPhone 12?

The speaker system on this phone is no joke. Equipped with a stereo setup, the sound quality is clear and balanced, providing a fantastic audio experience for daily use.

As for audio features, the iPhone 12 has some pretty neat tricks up its sleeve. With support for Dolby Atmos, you can enjoy immersive sound that surrounds you from stereo speakers at all angles. Plus, there's spatial audio, which adjusts the sound based on the positioning of your device, creating a 3D-like experience.

When it comes to daily usage and gaming, the sound system on the iPhone 12 is a real winner. The stereo setup provides rich and full sound, with deep bass and crisp highs. Whether you're listening to music, watching videos, or playing games, the audio quality is top-notch. And with the Dolby Atmos and spatial audio features, you'll have an even more immersive experience.

Why is buying an iPhone 12 secondhand a good choice?

If you're looking to save some money on your next phone upgrade, buying a secondhand iPhone 12 is a great idea. Not only will it be more budget-friendly, but you will also be contributing to the recycling and reusing of electronic devices, which is great for the environment.

Plus, buying secondhand can allow you to get your hands on a better model or higher storage capacity that you may not have been able to afford brand new. Just make sure to buy from a reputable seller and thoroughly check the phone's condition before purchasing.

In Malaysia, there are plenty of online marketplaces that offer secondhand phones, so you can easily find a good deal. You can even start right here on this page! Just remember to do your research beforehand and consider the benefits of a secondhand purchase.

Is the iPhone 12 worth it?

Pros

• The A14 Bionic chip offers impressive processing power, making the phone faster and more efficient than previous iPhone models.
• Camera quality has improved significantly, with sharper night mode, Deep Fusion technology, and better portrait mode.
• The OLED Super Retina XDR display is beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly sharp, making for a great viewing experience.
• With 5G capabilities, users can enjoy faster network connectivity and downloads.
• The phone has an IP68 waterproof rating, providing extra safeguarding in case of accidental spills or drops into the pool.

Cons

• Battery life is decent but not the absolute best.
• The phone does not have ProMotion.
• Camera performance is still shaky in low-light and zoom conditions.
• Does not come with a charging brick in the box, which can be inconvenient for users who do not already have one.
• The design of the phone is reminiscent of earlier iPhone models and lacks the "wow factor" of some newer smartphones on the market.

Final Verdict

In terms of processing power, design, and display technology, the iPhone 12 stands out significantly as a huge upgrade compared to previous models. It's undeniable that this phone is impressive, but whether or not it's worth the price tag is a subjective matter that requires careful consideration.

If you're someone who values prestigious brand names and is willing to pay for a phone with exceptional 5G connectivity, and the ability to maintain its sleek appearance after a few years, the iPhone 12 is certainly worth considering.