In the event you Buy The New iPhone 12? 4 Things to consider Before You Spend A minimum of $1149

Apple has released 4 versions of the new iPhone 12: iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. As the launch was delayed due to COVID-19, it had been also much anticipated because the iPhone 12 is Apple's first 5G-capable iPhone. Preorders for the iPhone 12 start on 16 October 2021, 8 pm as the iPhone 12 mini preorder starts on 6 November 2021, 9 pm, in Singapore.

With a starting price of $1149 for the entry model of iPhone 12 Mini, the brand new iPhone 12 is a pricey purchase, even by Apple's standards.Here are 4 things you should consider before buying the brand new iPhone 12.

#1 5G Connectivity For iPhone 12

While the new iPhone 12 is equipped with 5G capability, 5G is still in the trial stage in Singapore, and therefore should you subscribe to 5G now, coverage isn't guaranteed across the entire island, and you will be connected to 4G in non-coverage areas. Based on IMDA, full 5G deployment is only expected to occur by 2025.

To utilise the 5G capabilities of the new iPhone 12 (albeit partially due to the insufficient full 5G deployment), you'll have to purchase 5G booster packs on your current mobile subscriptions. These 5G booster packs start at $15 monthly for 25GB are available from network providers, for example Singtel and M1.

#2 You May Not Get Useful Newer Technology For which You Pay

Aside from the inclusion of 5G technology, there are not many significant hardware upgrades in the iPhone 12. Even though the iPhone 12 has a better screen, the camera is nearly just like the iPhone 11 with marginal improvements. The normal user could also not experience a large jump in performance in the new processors based in the iPhone 12.

The cost increase of $320 in the iPhone 11 from last year ($979, direct from the Apple Store) to the direct successor – the iPhone 12 ($1299) might not result in improved performance for the everyday user.

Additionally, even though many phone manufacturers have switched to USB-C, the iPhone 12 is still using the Lightning Connector, which lags behind USB-C in terms of charging speeds, bandwith speeds and compatibility. This limits using accessories, even among Apple products, as the MacBooks and iPad Pros are utilizing USB-C connectors.

#3 Goodbye Charger And Earphones, Hello Extra Cost

With the discharge of the iPhone 12, Apple will quickly take away the charging adapter and Lightning EarPods from the packaging to reduce environmental waste. While this is an admirable environmental goal, it will create additional costs for the consumer.

Instead, a fast-charging cable is included in the package. If you don't have any existing power adapter, a brand new Apple fast-charging power adapter would cost $29.90. Likewise, you would need to pay one more $29.90 to get the EarPods which has been included in past iPhone purchases.

That said, iPhone users will need to spend the extra cost of these accessories in the future, as even new purchases of iPhone 11 would not include the power adapter and EarPods.

#4 Extended Support for Older iPhones

According to Apple, the latest iOS 14 is officially supported on devices dating back the iPhone 6S. With your phone still supported on the latest iOS firmware, you will still be able to receive the extra features and security patches even on older versions of the iPhone.

Additionally, Apple happens to be offering to replace the batteries at $75 for iPhone 8 and before and $99 for iPhone X and later, using the oldest eligible device being the iPhone 6S. According to reports as a result of a class-action lawsuit, replacing the battery on older iPhones would prevent iPhones from reducing, effectively lengthening the lifespan of your current iPhone.

Depending in your needs, it might be possible to extend using your current iPhone, rather than upgrading to the new iPhone 12.

iPhone 12's Strongest Feature Is Its 5G Capabilities

The iPhone 12 is really a solid offering from Apple and something that's optimised for brand new 5G technology. Yet, its greatest strength is hampered by the insufficient full 5G network coverage in Singapore, though this might change as network providers increase 5G coverage within the coming years.

Thus, any decision to purchase the iPhone 12 should be compared to the fact that you may not benefit from the full potential from the iPhone 12, given the current state of 5G networks in Singapore.

Alternatively, should you purely desire a 5G-capable cell phone, you may also want other options, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 ($1398), Note 20 Ultra ($1698), Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro ($899) or the Huawei P40 ($1048).