iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Are you torn between upgrading your smartphone or simply curious about the differences between two popular iPhones? You’ve come to the right place. We’re diving deep into the comparison of the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 14, exploring what makes each device unique and which one might be the perfect fit for you.
The iPhone 12, released in 2020, was a significant leap forward, introducing a new design and 5G connectivity. Now, two years later, the iPhone 14 offers updated features and improvements. This comparison will break down everything from performance and camera capabilities to battery life and overall value.
Whether you’re a long-time Apple user or considering switching to an iPhone, understanding the nuances between these two models is crucial. We’ll help you navigate the specs, features, and real-world performance to determine which iPhone offers the best experience for your needs and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Main Camera | 12MP Dual-Camera | 12MP Dual-Camera |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| MagSafe | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Crash Detection | No | Yes |
| Satellite Connectivity | No | Emergency SOS via satellite |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 12: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. It offers vibrant colors and good brightness, making it suitable for everyday use. However, it lacks some of the advanced display technologies found in newer models.
- iPhone 14: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with improved brightness and contrast compared to the iPhone 12. It also includes technologies like a brighter display and better viewing angles.
- Winner: iPhone 14
Processor
- iPhone 12: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which was a powerful processor at the time of its release, handling most tasks smoothly. It may show its age with the latest demanding games or applications.
- iPhone 14: Equipped with the A15 Bionic chip (same as the iPhone 13 Pro), offering significant performance improvements over the A14. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Winner: iPhone 14
Camera System
- iPhone 12: Features a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses. It captures good quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions. However, it lacks some of the advanced features and computational photography improvements of the iPhone 14.
- iPhone 14: Upgraded camera system with a 12MP Main camera and improved image processing via the Photonic Engine. This results in better low-light performance, improved detail, and enhanced video stabilization.
- Winner: iPhone 14
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day.
- iPhone 14: Provides improved battery life compared to the iPhone 12, potentially offering a full day of use even with heavier tasks. This is due to the more efficient processor and software optimizations.
- Winner: iPhone 14
Design
- iPhone 12: Features a flat-edge design with a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. It has a sleek look and comes in various colors.
- iPhone 14: Maintains a similar design to the iPhone 12 with flat edges and Ceramic Shield. The design is familiar but refined with subtle changes.
- Winner: Tie
Video Recording
- iPhone 12: Records video up to 4K at 60fps, offering good quality footage. However, it lacks the cinematic mode and Action mode found in the iPhone 14.
- iPhone 14: Records video up to 4K at 60fps and introduces Cinematic mode for shallow depth-of-field video and Action mode for stabilized handheld video.
- Winner: iPhone 14
Crash Detection & Emergency SOS via satellite
- iPhone 12: Does not feature Crash Detection or Emergency SOS via satellite.
- iPhone 14: Includes Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite, offering enhanced safety features.
- Winner: iPhone 14
Price
- iPhone 12: Typically available at a lower price point, especially in the used or refurbished market. This makes it a more budget-friendly option.
- iPhone 14: Initially had a higher price tag due to its newer technology and features.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 14 |
| Camera (Low Light) | iPhone 14 |
| Features | iPhone 14 |
| Value | iPhone 12 |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both phones feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering vibrant colors and sharp details for an immersive viewing experience.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 support 5G, enabling fast download and streaming speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are rated IP68 for water resistance, providing protection against spills and splashes.
- Magsafe: Both phones are compatible with MagSafe accessories, allowing for convenient wireless charging and attachment of compatible accessories.
- Camera System: Both phones have a 12MP dual-camera system, with excellent image quality in various lighting conditions.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 14 boasts a significant performance upgrade compared to the iPhone 12, featuring the A15 Bionic chip, a step up from the A14 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance. The improved chip architecture and optimized software on the iPhone 14 contribute to a more responsive user experience. Users will notice a difference, especially when running demanding applications or playing graphically intensive games. This upgrade makes the iPhone 14 a more future-proof device.
Camera
The iPhone 14’s camera system benefits from advancements in image processing and a larger sensor compared to the iPhone 12. This leads to improved low-light performance, capturing more detail and producing brighter images in challenging environments. The Photonic Engine in the iPhone 14 further enhances image quality. This results in more vibrant colours and greater dynamic range. Video recording also sees improvements, offering better stabilization and cinematic mode capabilities.
Display
While both phones share a similar Super Retina XDR display, the iPhone 14 offers subtle improvements like increased brightness, making it easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. The iPhone 14 offers improvements in display technology compared to the iPhone 12. Both phones offer excellent colour accuracy and contrast. The enhanced brightness makes the iPhone 14 slightly better for outdoor use and overall viewing experience.
Battery Life
The iPhone 14 generally offers improved battery life compared to the iPhone 12 due to the more efficient A15 Bionic chip and battery optimization. Users can expect longer usage times on the iPhone 14, meaning less frequent charging. The improvements in battery life allow users to use the phone for longer periods on a single charge. This can make a significant difference for heavy users.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones share a similar design aesthetic with a sleek glass and aluminum build. The iPhone 14, however, might feature slightly refined edges or material choices. Both devices feel premium and offer durable construction. The overall build quality remains very high for both devices. There are minimal differences in design, with both phones offering a similar aesthetic appeal.
Price and Value
When considering the price, the iPhone 12 might be available at a lower cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the iPhone 14, with its enhanced features and performance, offers better overall value for the price. Evaluating your needs and budget is essential. Consider how much you value the upgraded camera, performance and battery life when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You’re on a budget and looking for a capable iPhone at a lower price point.
- You don’t need the latest processor or camera upgrades.
- You are upgrading from an older iPhone and want a significant improvement.
Buy iPhone 14 If…
- You want the latest A15 Bionic chip for improved performance and efficiency.
- You want the enhanced camera capabilities, including improved low-light performance.
- You want the peace of mind of Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14?
The iPhone 14 boasts a faster A15 Bionic chip, a significantly improved camera system with better low-light performance and a more efficient battery compared to the iPhone 12. The iPhone 14 also features enhancements to display brightness and image processing. The iPhone 14’s upgrades contribute to a smoother and more feature-rich experience.
Is the iPhone 14 worth the upgrade from the iPhone 12?
Whether the upgrade is “worth it” depends on your needs. If you prioritize camera quality, performance, and battery life, then the iPhone 14 is a worthwhile upgrade. If you are satisfied with the performance of your iPhone 12, the upgrade might not be necessary. Consider your usage habits before making a decision.
Does the iPhone 14 have a better camera than the iPhone 12?
Yes, the iPhone 14 has a superior camera system. It has a larger sensor, improved image processing with the Photonic Engine, and enhanced low-light performance. This results in sharper, more detailed images and videos. The iPhone 14’s camera offers noticeable improvements over the iPhone 12.
What is the battery life difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14?
The iPhone 14 generally offers better battery life than the iPhone 12, thanks to the more efficient A15 Bionic chip and software optimizations. Users can expect longer usage times on the iPhone 14. This means less frequent charging is required. The difference can be significant for heavy users.
Are there any design changes between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14?
The two phones share a similar design language. However, the iPhone 14 might have subtle refinements to the edges or material choices. The overall build quality remains very high for both devices. The differences are minimal and both phones offer a premium feel.
Which phone is better for gaming, the iPhone 12 or iPhone 14?
The iPhone 14 is better for gaming due to its more powerful A15 Bionic chip, which provides faster performance and smoother gameplay. The improved graphics capabilities result in a more responsive and immersive gaming experience. The iPhone 14’s performance is noticeably better.
Which phone is more expensive, the iPhone 12 or iPhone 14?
The iPhone 14 is generally more expensive than the iPhone 12 when purchased new. However, the iPhone 12 might be available at a lower price point if you are looking at used or refurbished models. The iPhone 14 offers better value for the price considering its improved features.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 14 offers significant upgrades over the iPhone 12, including a more powerful processor, improved camera capabilities, and better battery life. While the iPhone 12 remains a capable device, the iPhone 14 provides a superior user experience with noticeable enhancements in performance and features. The improvements make it the better overall choice.
Winner: iPhone 14