iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at
£332.55£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 Plus?
iPhone 12 vs 14 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £162.55 less than the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone 14 Plus.
- The iPhone 14 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 14 Plus has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 Plus share many core features but differ in size, battery, and performance. The iPhone 12 suits you if you prefer a compact phone with a 6.1 inch screen and 4 GB RAM. The iPhone 14 Plus offers a larger 6.7 inch display, more RAM, and a bigger battery, making it ideal if you want extra screen space and longer battery life. Storage options also vary, with the iPhone 14 Plus available up to 512GB for heavier storage needs. Both run iOS and support 5G, so your choice depends on how much screen, memory, and battery capacity you want.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Plus battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support are key durability factors here.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, suitable for everyday use with moderate screen size. The iPhone 14 Plus features a larger 4323 mAh battery, which provides longer usage on a single charge. If you often use your phone for extended periods without recharging, the iPhone 14 Plus offers more endurance.
Software Updates
This means you can expect up-to-date features and security on either device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Plus performance
Performance differences come from chipset and memory. Both devices handle iOS smoothly, but their specifications suit different user needs depending on multitasking and app demands.
Chipset
The iPhone 12 runs on the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) chipset, which delivers solid performance for everyday apps and games. The iPhone 14 Plus uses the Apple A15 Bionic, providing a step up in processing power that benefits users who run demanding apps or multitask frequently.
RAM
With 4 GB RAM, the iPhone 12 efficiently manages everyday tasks and standard app use. The iPhone 14 Plus has 6 GB RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly in the background, enhancing multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 offers storage choices of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The iPhone 14 Plus starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, making it better suited for users who need more space for photos, videos, and apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Plus screen
Screen size and resolution affect how much you see and the detail in images. Both have Super Retina XDR OLED screens with the same refresh rate, but their sizes and resolutions vary.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen, fitting comfortably in one hand and pocket. The iPhone 14 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch display, ideal if you prefer a more spacious viewing area for video, browsing, or reading.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 offers a resolution of 1170 x 2532, which delivers sharp images and clear text. The iPhone 14 Plus has a higher resolution of 1284 x 2778, providing more detail and clarity, especially noticeable on the bigger screen.
Refresh Rate
Both devices have a 60 Hz refresh rate. This standard rate works well for everyday scrolling and video playback.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Plus camera
Camera megapixels are the same on both devices, making them comparable for photo and video capture. The front and main cameras each have 12 megapixels.
Camera Megapixels
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 Plus feature 12 megapixels on their front and main cameras. This means you can expect similar photo resolution and video quality from both phones.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Plus size and design
Several practical differences affect daily use, including size, weight, SIM options, and storage compatibility. These can influence comfort, convenience, and how you manage mobile connectivity.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 164 g. The iPhone 14 Plus is larger at 160.8 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep but weighs less at 150 g. The iPhone 12 suits those who want a smaller phone, while the iPhone 14 Plus offers a larger display yet remains relatively light.
SIM Card Configuration
The iPhone 12 supports a physical SIM card plus eSIM, allowing flexible use of two lines with physical and digital SIMs. The iPhone 14 Plus supports eSIM only, which may suit users comfortable managing SIM profiles digitally.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, giving you the freedom to choose carriers and access fast mobile data.
Connector Type
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 Plus use Lightning connectors for charging and accessories, so existing Lightning cables and accessories are compatible with either device.
SD Card Slot
Neither device includes an SD card slot, so storage depends entirely on the internal capacity you select.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 14 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £162.55 less than the iPhone 14 Plus
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 203 g)
Buy the iPhone 14 Plus if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4323 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers choosing the iPhone 12 often highlight how it looks and feels like new, even when refurbished. Many mention the smooth performance of the A14 Bionic chip and the satisfactory experience for everyday use such as social media and photo editing. Battery replacements are appreciated for extending the phone's life. The compact 6.1 inch screen suits those wanting a manageable size without sacrificing quality. Customers find the phone reliable and comfortable for daily tasks, with some noting the fair condition models still look great.
Reviews for the iPhone 14 Plus emphasise its larger screen and strong battery life lasting all day. Users appreciate the extra RAM and storage options for handling more apps and files. The 12 megapixel cameras capture good quality photos, and the eSIM-only setup fits users comfortable with digital SIM management. The phone is described as easy to use and in excellent condition at purchase. Some customers value the bigger display for media consumption and find the weight comfortable despite the larger size.
In summary, the iPhone 12 fits users who want a smaller, well-performing phone for everyday use, while the iPhone 14 Plus appeals to those wanting a larger screen, longer battery life, and more memory for multitasking or storing more content.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 14 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £332.55 for the iPhone 14 Plus.
The iPhone 14 Plus has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 14 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 14 Plus adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4323 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £162.55 more (from £332.55 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 14 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
