iPhone 12 vs 14 Plus: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 12 and the newer iPhone 14 Plus? You’re not alone! Choosing the right iPhone can be tricky, especially when considering the features and price points of different models.
This comparison dives deep into the key differences between these two popular iPhones, helping you determine which one best suits your needs and budget. We’ll explore everything from display and performance to camera capabilities and battery life.
Get ready to discover which phone offers the best value for your money. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or simply looking for a new iPhone, this guide will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision about the iPhone 12 vs 14 Plus.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 | 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP Dual-Camera | 12MP Dual-Camera |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60 fps | 4K at 60 fps |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Storage Options | 64/128/256GB | 128/256/512GB |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| MagSafe | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 17 hours | Up to 26 hours |
| Weight | 162 grams | 203 grams |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 12: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. Offers vibrant colors and sharp details, but lacks the ProMotion technology for a smoother experience. Its screen size is more compact, which may be preferable for some users.
- 14 Plus: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. Features a larger screen size, excellent for media consumption and gaming. It shares the same display technology as the iPhone 12 but provides a more immersive viewing experience due to its size.
- Winner: 14 Plus
Processor
- iPhone 12: A14 Bionic chip. Still a capable processor for everyday tasks and gaming, but it is two generations older. It may show its age with more demanding applications.
- 14 Plus: A15 Bionic chip. Offers a performance boost over the A14, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance. The chip also enhances battery efficiency.
- Winner: 14 Plus
Camera System
- iPhone 12: Dual 12MP camera system with advanced features like Night mode and Deep Fusion. Delivers excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. However, it lacks some of the advanced features of the newer models.
- 14 Plus: Dual 12MP camera system, but with improved sensors and image processing. Offers better low-light performance, Cinematic mode for video, and Action mode for stabilized video recording.
- Winner: 14 Plus
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Provides all-day battery life for moderate usage. Battery life might be a concern for heavier users due to the age of the device.
- 14 Plus: Significantly improved battery life, offering up to 26 hours of video playback. Provides excellent battery performance, making it a great choice for users who prioritize battery longevity.
- Winner: 14 Plus
Design and Build
- iPhone 12: Features a flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. Offers a premium feel, but the design is a bit older.
- 14 Plus: Also features a flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield front cover. Comes with a larger screen which contributes to overall size.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- iPhone 12: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. Offers sufficient storage for many users, but the base model’s 64GB may feel limiting for some.
- 14 Plus: Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. Provides more storage choices, especially the 128GB base model, which is better than the iPhone 12’s entry level.
- Winner: 14 Plus
Price
- iPhone 12: Typically available at a lower price point due to being an older model. This makes it a more budget-friendly option.
- 14 Plus: Generally more expensive due to its newer features and improved performance.
- Winner: iphone 12
Connectivity
- iPhone 12: Supports 5G connectivity. Provides fast download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
- 14 Plus: Also supports 5G connectivity. Offers the same 5G capabilities as the iPhone 12.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 14 Plus |
| Performance | 14 Plus |
| Battery Life | 14 Plus |
| Storage Options | 14 Plus |
| Value | iPhone 12 |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available.
- Main Camera System: Both phones feature a 12MP dual-camera system, allowing for high-quality photos and videos.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are rated IP68 for water resistance, offering protection against splashes and submersion.
- Magsafe: Both phones are compatible with MagSafe accessories, providing convenient charging and attachment options.
- iOS Operating System: Both phones run on the iOS operating system, providing a consistent user experience with access to the App Store and regular software updates.
iPhone 12 vs 14 Plus Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 14 Plus boasts a significant performance advantage, primarily due to its A15 Bionic chip. This newer chip provides faster processing speeds, improved graphics capabilities, and enhanced overall responsiveness compared to the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12. You’ll notice a smoother experience when multitasking, playing graphically intensive games, and editing videos. The 14 Plus also benefits from improved thermal management, allowing it to sustain peak performance for longer durations. The 12, while still capable, may exhibit more slowdowns under heavy loads.
Display
Both phones offer excellent display quality, but the 14 Plus has a larger screen, which is a key advantage for media consumption and gaming. The 14 Plus’s screen size is 6.7 inches, providing a more immersive experience than the 6.1-inch display of the iPhone 12. Though both have Super Retina XDR displays, the larger screen on the 14 Plus elevates the viewing experience. Brightness levels are comparable, so both are easily viewable in daylight conditions. Ultimately, the 14 Plus provides a more expansive visual experience.
Camera
The iPhone 14 Plus features a slightly improved camera system compared to the iPhone 12. While both phones capture excellent photos in good lighting conditions, the 14 Plus benefits from improvements in low-light performance and image processing. The 14 Plus also offers a slightly better video recording capability, providing better stabilization. The 14 Plus includes the Photonic Engine, which enhances low-light performance. Both phones have capable cameras, but the 14 Plus gives more consistent results.
Battery Life
The iPhone 14 Plus excels in battery life. Its larger battery and more efficient components allow it to last significantly longer than the iPhone 12. You can expect all-day battery life with moderate to heavy usage on the 14 Plus, and potentially even longer with lighter usage. The iPhone 12, while still providing decent battery life, will likely require a charge before the end of the day for users with heavy usage patterns. Battery life is a major selling point for the 14 Plus.
Design and Build
The iPhone 14 Plus shares a very similar design language to the iPhone 13, offering a more modern aesthetic than the iPhone 12. Both phones are built with durable materials, with a ceramic shield front cover. The 14 Plus is slightly larger due to its bigger screen. Both phones are water-resistant to a certain degree. The 14 Plus retains a more refined design, and the size difference is an important consideration for the user experience. The 14 Plus is more modern looking.
Price and Value
The iPhone 14 Plus launched at a higher price point than the iPhone 12. However, the 14 Plus’s advantages in performance, display size, and battery life justify the price for many users. The iPhone 12 is now available at a reduced price, making it a more budget-friendly option. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize when making your decision. Assess which features are essential for you to decide which gives better value. The 14 Plus offers a better overall value proposition for most.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You prefer a more compact phone size that’s easier to handle with one hand.
- You’re on a tighter budget and want a more affordable iPhone.
- You don’t prioritize having the absolute latest processor or the largest display.
Buy 14 Plus If…
- You want a larger screen for better media consumption and gaming.
- You value significantly longer battery life for extended use.
- You want the latest A-series chip for improved performance and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone 14 Plus has a newer A15 Bionic chip, offering significant performance gains over the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12. This translates to faster processing, improved graphics, and better overall responsiveness. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a generally snappier experience. The 14 Plus is also more efficient, leading to better battery life and sustained performance under heavy loads. The 12 might show slowdowns.
How does the display compare between the two phones?
The iPhone 14 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch screen. Both phones use Super Retina XDR technology for excellent picture quality. The larger screen on the 14 Plus provides a more immersive experience for media consumption, gaming, and general use. Both have excellent brightness levels. The 14 Plus gives a more expansive view.
Which phone has better camera capabilities?
The iPhone 14 Plus offers slightly improved camera capabilities, especially in low-light conditions. The 14 Plus benefits from enhanced image processing and the Photonic Engine. While both phones take great photos in good lighting, the 14 Plus produces better results in challenging lighting scenarios. Video recording also sees some improvement. The 14 Plus provides more consistent results.
What about battery life?
The iPhone 14 Plus has significantly better battery life. Its larger battery and more efficient components allow it to easily last a full day, even with heavy usage. The iPhone 12 provides decent battery life, but users with demanding usage patterns might need to charge it before the end of the day. Battery life is a major strength of the 14 Plus.
Is the design different?
The iPhone 14 Plus shares a similar design language to the iPhone 13, offering a more modern aesthetic than the iPhone 12. The 14 Plus is slightly larger due to its bigger screen. Both phones are built with durable materials, including a ceramic shield front cover. The design differences are subtle, but the 14 Plus feels slightly more premium. Both look and feel great.
How does the price affect the decision?
The iPhone 14 Plus launched at a higher price point. However, the enhanced features justify the cost for many users. The iPhone 12 is available at a reduced price, making it a more budget-friendly option. Consider your budget and prioritize which features are most important to you when choosing. Determine which phone offers the best value for your needs.
Which phone is better overall?
The iPhone 14 Plus offers several key advantages, including better performance, a larger display, improved camera capabilities, and significantly longer battery life. While the iPhone 12 remains a capable phone, the 14 Plus provides a more enhanced user experience. The 14 Plus is the better choice for most users.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 14 Plus clearly outperforms the iPhone 12 in several key areas. Its improved processor, larger display, and significantly better battery life make it the superior choice for users seeking a more premium and long-lasting experience. While the iPhone 12 remains a viable option, the enhancements of the 14 Plus are well worth the investment for most.
Winner: iPhone 14 Plus