When upgrading your smartphone, making the right choice is crucial, especially within the Apple ecosystem, where each new iPhone iteration brings about advancements and enhancements. In this article, we’re diving deep into comparing the iPhone 14 and its predecessor, the iPhone 12. Why is this comparison important? Simply put, it helps potential buyers and current iPhone 12 owners understand the evolutionary leap and decide whether the upgrade is worth it.
Related: iPhone 12 Pro Max Compared to iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 12
Apple’s iPhone lineup continues to evolve, and choosing between the latest iPhone 14 and the still-popular iPhone 12 can be tricky. This comprehensive guide dissects their key features to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
| Feature | iPhone 14 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2532 x 1170 |
| Typical Brightness | 800 nits | 625 nits |
| HDR Brightness | 1200 nits (peak) | 1200 nits (peak) |
| Design | Aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield front | Aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield front |
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 might share some aesthetic DNA, but the former introduces refinements that merit attention. The iPhone 14 boasts a more robust build quality, thanks to its aerospace-grade aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield front cover. This evolution not only enhances durability but also offers a more premium feel in hand. Moreover, the iPhone 14 comes in new color options, providing users with a wider variety to choose from.
Camera
| Feature | iPhone 14 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (wide + ultrawide) | Dual 12MP (wide + ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR at up to 60 fps | 4K Dolby Vision HDR at up to 60 fps |
| New Features | Photonic Engine for improved low-light photography, Photographic Styles for creative filters | – |
On the display front, both devices feature Apple’s Super Retina XDR OLED technology, but the iPhone 14 steps it up with better brightness and contrast ratios. This improvement means that whether you’re watching videos or scrolling through photos, the visual experience is more immersive and vivid on the iPhone 14. Additionally, the iPhone 14’s display is more energy-efficient, contributing to longer battery life.
Performance and Battery Life
| Feature | iPhone 14 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A15 Bionic chip | A14 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage Capacity | 64GB to 512GB | 64GB to 256GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours video playback | Up to 15 hours video playback |
Under the hood, the iPhone 14 is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which, despite being a generation ahead of the A14 chip in the iPhone 12, offers significant improvements in both speed and efficiency. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and more seamless gaming experiences. The A15 chip’s efficiency also plays a pivotal role in extending battery life, making the iPhone 14 a reliable companion for longer.
Speaking of battery life, the iPhone 14 outpaces the iPhone 12 in endurance. Thanks to its more efficient processor and software optimizations, users can expect up to two hours more of usage on a single charge. This is a significant advantage for power users or anyone who relies on their phone for extended periods without access to a charger.
Software
Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 run on iOS, but the iPhone 14 ships with the latest version, iOS 16, out of the box. This newer version introduces fresh features like customizable lock screens, more interactive notifications, and enhanced privacy controls. While the iPhone 12 is eligible for the iOS 16 update, experiencing these features on the iPhone 14 is seamless from the get-go.
iOS 16 on the iPhone 14 also brings improvements to Messages, Mail, and FaceTime, including the ability to edit and undo sent messages. These quality-of-life enhancements make the overall user experience more enjoyable and efficient, showcasing Apple’s commitment to software excellence.
Other Features
| Feature | iPhone 14 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | 5G | 5G |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| MagSafe | Yes | Yes |
The iPhone 14 improves upon the connectivity features of the iPhone 12 with better 5G support and Wi-Fi 6E capability. These advancements ensure faster download and upload speeds, more reliable connections, and smoother streaming and gaming experiences. For anyone who values connectivity, the iPhone 14 presents a compelling case.
One of the standout features of the iPhone 14 is its focus on safety, introducing Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection. These features, which are not available on the iPhone 12, provide users with peace of mind, knowing that they can reach emergency services even in areas without cellular coverage and that their phone can automatically call for help in the event of a severe car crash.
Pros & Cons
iPhone 14 Pros:
- Brighter display
- Improved camera performance with Photonic Engine and Photographic Styles
- Faster A15 Bionic chip
- Potentially longer software support
iPhone 14 Cons:
- More expensive than iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Pros:
- More affordable
- Still a very capable phone
iPhone 12 Cons:
- Lower display brightness
- Older A14 Bionic chip
- Lower maximum storage capacity (256GB)
Which Should You Buy?
If you prioritize the latest technology, a brighter display, and an improved camera system, the iPhone 14 is the winner. However, if you’re on a budget and the iPhone 12’s capabilities meet your needs, it remains a solid choice.
Who Should Upgrade?
Upgrading from an iPhone 12 to 14 is worthwhile if you’re a power user who demands the best performance and camera capabilities. If you’re a casual user happy with your iPhone 12, you can likely wait for the next iteration.
Who Can Stick With the iPhone 12?
iPhone 12 users who are satisfied with their phone’s performance and features.
Related: iPhone 13 Mini Compared to iPhone 8
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 depends on your needs and budget. The iPhone 14 offers meaningful upgrades in display brightness, camera system, processing power, and, potentially, software support. However, these advancements come at a premium price.
If you’re a budget-conscious buyer and the iPhone 12 fulfills your everyday tasks, there’s no need to rush for an upgrade. The iPhone 12 remains a powerful and versatile smartphone.
Related: iPhone 13 Mini Compared to iPhone 8
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Is the camera on the iPhone 14 significantly better than the iPhone 12?
Yes, the iPhone 14 offers major improvements in camera quality, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to its larger sensor and new Photonic Engine technology.
Can the iPhone 12 run the latest version of iOS?
Yes, the iPhone 12 can run iOS 16, bringing many software enhancements available on the iPhone 14.
Does the iPhone 14 have any exclusive features that are not found on the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 14 introduces exclusive features such as Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection for enhanced safety.
Is upgrading to the iPhone 14 worth it for iPhone 12 users?
It depends on your needs. If you require the latest camera improvements, better battery life, and safety features, upgrading is worth considering.
How does the battery life of the iPhone 14 compare to the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 14 offers up to two hours more battery life than the iPhone 12, thanks to its more efficient processor and software optimizations.
Are there any connectivity improvements in the iPhone 14 over the iPhone 12?
Yes, the iPhone 14 features better 5G support and Wi-Fi 6E capability, ensuring faster and more reliable connections.
