1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Asus ROG Phone 5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 172.8 x 77.3 x 10.3 mm | ROG Phone 5 is significantly larger and bulkier, making the iPhone 12 Pro more pocketable and easier to handle for most users. |
| Weight | 189g | 238g | iPhone 12 Pro is lighter, improving comfort during prolonged use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | ROG Phone 5 likely offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 5 provides a more immersive experience for gaming, video consumption, and multitasking due to its larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2448 | iPhone 12 Pro offers slightly sharper visuals, though the difference may not be noticeable to everyone. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 395 PPI | iPhone 12 Pro provides a sharper image and finer detail. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; the difference is minimal in practical terms. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | ROG Phone 5 provides significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits (Spec Missing) | The iPhone 12 Pro should offer superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Missing spec for ROG Phone 5 limits comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Both are powerful chipsets. A14 Bionic has excellent single-core performance. Snapdragon 888 offers strong gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 883,000 | The iPhone 12 Pro may exhibit faster overall performance in some tasks, application loading and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 is optimized for gaming on Android, while the Apple GPU excels in general tasks and productivity. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8/12/16/18GB | ROG Phone 5 offers significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and handling of memory-intensive applications, particularly the higher RAM variants. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.6 | 64MP f/1.8 | ROG Phone 5 captures more detailed images in good lighting. iPhone 12 Pro's wider aperture may offer better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.0 | None | iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without significant loss of detail. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | 13MP f/2.5 | Similar performance in ultrawide shots; slight advantage to ROG Phone 5 in resolution. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP f/2.0 | ROG Phone 5 allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.2 | 24MP f/2.45 | ROG Phone 5 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 30fps | ROG Phone 5 allows for 8k recording while iPhone has cinematic stabilisation. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 127, Selfie: 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro is a very capable camera phone. Missing rating for ROG Phone 5 limits comparison. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 5 offers significantly longer battery life, particularly for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| Charging | 20W | 65W | ROG Phone 5 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | None | iPhone 12 Pro offers convenient wireless charging options. |
| Battery Features | Magsafe and Qi wireless charging | Bypass and Reverse charging | ROG Phone 5 allows to bypass charging while gaming and charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 11 | Different operating systems offer different user experiences, app ecosystems, and customization options. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | DTS:X, Hi-Res Audio | ROG Phone 5 offers enhanced audio quality with Hi-Res Audio support and DTS:X for immersive surround sound. |
| Security | Basic Security | Fingerprint Sensor | ROG Phone 5 offers convenient biometric authentication with a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
- Higher Resolution & Sharper Display: Offers a slightly crisper visual experience.
- Excellent Camera System: Capable camera for photos and videos with the optical zoom.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging options.
- Stronger Single-Core Performance: May feel snappier in everyday tasks.
- Software support: Guaranteed iOS updates and consistency
Asus ROG Phone 5 Advantages:
- Larger Display with 144Hz Refresh Rate: Provides a more immersive and smoother gaming/viewing experience.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Offers much longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Reduces charging time considerably.
- More RAM: Better multitasking and handling of demanding applications.
- Hi-Res Audio with DTS:X: Superior audio quality for gaming and media consumption.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and secure biometric authentication.
- 8K Video Recording: High-resolution video recording capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro: Smaller battery, slower charging, less RAM, larger bezels, and older design compared to the ROG Phone 5.
- Asus ROG Phone 5: Larger and heavier, lower display resolution, Android compared to iOS, and a gaming-focused design which is not suited to everyone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Someone who values a premium, compact design, a top-tier camera system, ease of use, and integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Photography and videography.
- Everyday use and productivity.
- Users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who need a phone that is pocketable and easy to use with one hand.
Asus ROG Phone 5:
- Ideal User: A mobile gamer or power user who prioritizes performance, battery life, and a smooth display experience.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming.
- Watching videos and consuming media.
- Multitasking and running demanding applications.
- Users who need all-day battery life.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The price to value ratio depends on the deals currently available. If both are similarly priced, the ROG Phone 5 offers better value for gamers and power users, while the iPhone 12 Pro provides better value for users who value camera quality and ease of use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, general use)
- What is more important: battery life or camera quality?
- Do you prefer iOS or Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer - Choose the Asus ROG Phone 5 for its larger display with a high refresh rate, powerful processor, excellent cooling, and massive battery.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast - Choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro for its superior camera system, computational photography, and ease of use.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User - The choice depends on operating system preference. If you prefer iOS, choose the iPhone 12 Pro. If you prefer Android and need long battery life, choose the ROG Phone 5.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.
Here's why:
- Balanced Performance: While the ROG Phone 5 excels in gaming, the iPhone 12 Pro provides excellent performance for a broader range of tasks. It's fast, responsive, and handles demanding apps without issue.
- Superior Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro's camera is more versatile and consistent. Its computational photography capabilities produce great results in various lighting conditions.
- Ecosystem Integration: As a user within the Apple ecosystem, the seamless integration between devices and services is a significant benefit.
- Pocketable design: The phone is much easier to carry around than the ROG Phone 5.
While the ROG Phone 5 has a better battery and display, the iPhone 12 Pro offers a more balanced package that aligns with my usage patterns and preferences. The smaller and more manageable design is also a huge factor.
