At Udarata Computers’ supplied prices, the iPhone 12 128GB is our preferred choice if both phones have comparable condition and warranty cover. It costs Rs. 85,000-Rs. 10,000 more than the iPhone 11 128GB-and adds an OLED display, 5G and newer hardware.
However, the iPhone 11 at Rs. 75,000 remains worth considering if Rs. 10,000 makes a meaningful difference to your budget. For buyers who need more storage, the iPhone 12 256GB costs Rs. 90,000, just Rs. 5,000 above the 128GB version.
When comparing the iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 in Sri Lanka, consider the actual phone as well as the model. Battery condition, repair history and written warranty terms can change which offer gives you better value.
This guide compares the standard used iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, rather than the mini, Pro or Pro Max versions.
How much more should you pay for an iPhone 12?
Here are the prices from Udarata Computers:
Confirm current availability, the condition of the individual phone, included accessories and written warranty terms before purchasing. These prices do not establish that every unit has the same battery health or repair history.
Is the Rs. 10,000 difference worth paying?
For comparable 128GB phones, we recommend paying the extra Rs. 10,000 for the iPhone 12 if your budget comfortably allows it. Its screen is a useful everyday improvement, while 5G and MagSafe add capabilities the iPhone 11 lacks.
The iPhone 11 makes more sense when Rs. 75,000 is your comfortable limit or the available unit is in clearly better condition. Do not stretch to the newer model if doing so leaves you unable to cover necessary accessories or a foreseeable repair.
Should you pay Rs. 5,000 more for 256GB?
The iPhone 12 256GB is worth considering for anyone who keeps lots of photos, records video, downloads entertainment or uses large games. At Rs. 90,000, it doubles the listed storage capacity for Rs. 5,000 more than the 128GB version.
Choose it if you expect to use that space and its condition is comparable. If your storage needs are modest, the 128GB version lets you keep the Rs. 5,000.
For every option, calculate the full starting cost: the phone, necessary accessories, immediate repairs and any payment charges. Ask for the final payable amount rather than comparing monthly instalments alone.
Which iPhone 12 upgrades will you actually notice?
Hardware details are available in the iPhone 11 specifications and iPhone 12 specifications.
Display and camera
The iPhone 12’s OLED screen produces deeper blacks and sharper detail. This is a useful improvement if you read frequently or watch videos on your phone. Inspect the actual display, though: its condition and replacement history matter.
The 12 also adds camera features such as Night mode selfies and Dolby Vision video recording. Those can be useful for evening photos and video, but your own sample photos are a better buying aid than a feature list alone.
Test both phones in similar lighting. Check focus, image clarity and video sound before deciding how much the camera improvements matter to you.
Everyday use, storage and 5G
For calls, messaging, maps and browsing, check how the actual phone behaves. Open the apps you use, switch between them and watch for unexpected restarts. A newer processor does not cancel out battery or hardware problems.
All three listed options provide at least 128GB. Check your current storage use before choosing between the two iPhone 12 capacities. If you already spend time deleting files to make room, the Rs. 5,000 upgrade to 256GB deserves serious consideration.
The iPhone 12 supports 5G, but its usefulness depends on where you use it. Check your operator’s coverage and requirements, including local 5G service information. Coverage at home, on campus and during your commute may differ.
MagSafe is convenient for compatible magnetic accessories. If you charge by cable and do not plan to buy those accessories, give it little weight in your decision.
Can a better-condition iPhone 11 beat an iPhone 12?
Yes. The Rs. 10,000 step up makes the iPhone 12 attractive, but only after checking the individual phones. Better battery condition, a clearer repair history or stronger written support can make the iPhone 11 the better purchase.
Battery health needs context
Both models were advertised with up to 17 hours of video playback under test conditions. That does not predict the runtime of today’s used units.
Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Read the maximum-capacity figure and any service or verification messages. Battery ageing can affect runtime and performance, and an unverified battery’s information may be inaccurate. See the battery-health explanation.
As a buying preference, aim for around 85% or higher where possible, alongside satisfactory testing. This is a practical screening preference, not an Apple pass mark. Near or below 80%, or with a service warning, obtain a replacement quotation before deciding.
A documented replacement battery can be acceptable. Ask who fitted it, which part was used and what cover applies. A higher displayed percentage alone does not prove that one phone is the better buy.
Inspect the phone before paying
- Activation: Have the seller remove their account and erase the phone, then activate it online. Do not buy while Activation Lock remains enabled.
- Network: Check for “No SIM restrictions” under Carrier Lock and test calls and mobile data with your SIM.
- Functions: Test Face ID, touch response, cameras, microphone, speakers, buttons and charging.
- Parts: Review Settings > General > About > Parts and Service History, where available, alongside repair records.
The pre-owned inspection guidance explains the basic checks. Parts-history coverage differs between models, and an absent entry is not a complete clean bill of health. Review the parts-history limitations.
In Sri Lanka, follow TRCSL’s IMEI verification instructions: send “IMEI”, a space and the 15-digit IMEI number to 1909. Match the device details to the invoice. This check does not replace a physical inspection.
For a fuller checklist, read our used iPhone buying guide for Sri Lanka.
What warranty and repair support should you expect?
Ask what the warranty covers for the particular phone you are considering. A checking period, replacement period, hardware warranty and software-support period may provide different protection.
Before paying, get written answers to these questions:
- Are the battery, display and Face ID covered?
- If a fault appears, is the remedy a repair, replacement or refund?
- Are parts and labour included, and what exclusions apply?
- Where must the phone be taken, and who pays transport costs?
For a buyer in Kandy, accessible diagnosis and a clear claim process deserve consideration alongside price. Do not assume a shop warranty is an Apple warranty.
If either phone needs attention, request a model-specific repair quotation. Confirm the replacement part, labour cost and repair warranty before adding that amount to your comparison.
Also, do not pay extra because an older phone is described as “waterproof”. Water resistance can decline with wear. Follow the water-resistance guidance and avoid testing a used phone by putting it in water.
Frequently asked questions
Should I upgrade if I already own an iPhone 11?
If it works reliably and meets your needs, keep it. The Rs. 10,000 difference between the listed phones is not necessarily your upgrade cost; that depends on what you receive for your existing phone. If battery life is the main complaint, compare a battery-service quotation with the actual cost of changing phones.
Which iPhone 12 storage option offers better value?
The 256GB version at Rs. 90,000 offers a useful storage upgrade for Rs. 5,000 over the 128GB version. Choose it for a large photo library, frequent video recording or large apps, provided condition and warranty are comparable. Otherwise, save the money with 128GB.
Do both phones still support current iOS?
As checked on 21 September 2026, both appear on the iOS 27 compatibility list. Neither meets the Apple Intelligence requirements. Current compatibility does not guarantee a particular number of future updates.
Does 100% battery health make a used phone the safer buy?
No. Review verification messages, replacement records, charging behaviour and the rest of the phone. Battery health is one inspection input, not proof of overall condition.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the iPhone 11 128GB at Rs. 75,000 if keeping the purchase within that budget matters most and the phone passes inspection.
- Choose the iPhone 12 128GB at Rs. 85,000 for our preferred balance of price and features, assuming comparable condition and support.
- Choose the iPhone 12 256GB at Rs. 90,000 if you need more storage and can comfortably spend the additional Rs. 5,000.
Before deciding, ask Udarata Computers to confirm availability and show you each phone’s battery condition, repair history and written warranty. The strongest purchase combines the right model with a sound individual phone and a total cost you can comfortably manage.