iPhone 14 vs iPhone 12: Detailed Review and Comparison

The technologies of iPhones are constantly evolving, but users increasingly have a justified impression that this mainly applies to flagship models, while basic models of different generations are very similar. To understand if this is true, find out what is the difference between iPhone 12 and 14.

Key difference

The models have the same physical dimensions and screens. However, the newer gadget has received minor improvements in cameras, performance, and autonomy. To make an informed decision before purchasing, read our detailed comparison review of iPhone 12 vs 14.

Table of content:

Tech Specs

Before making a purchase decision, compare the Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 14 specs.

Design and Size comparison

In the fourteenth generation, Cupertino maintains the perfect design formula established two years ago. Therefore, against a very similar external appearance, it's not surprising that the dimensions of the two gadgets are almost identical. The iPhone 12 vs 14 size are 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, respectively. With a weight of 172 g, the representative of the new generation weighs 10 grams more than the iPhone 12.

The bodies of these devices look stylish and are reliably protected from water, dust, and dirt thanks to the IP68 rating and the screen coating made of super durable ceramic glass. The only significant design difference is the notch size on the front panel — in the iPhone 14, it is 20% smaller than its predecessor. However, the slight difference in the notch size at the top of the screen is unlikely to be a reason to switch iPhones.

There are also minor differences in color options. The iPhone 12 comes in 6 colors, while the iPhone 14 has five, excluding green. Moreover, the colors are almost the same, but the new series features more delicate pastel shades.

In addition, Face ID facial recognition is available on both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14. It's worth noting that both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 have two SIM card slots and a Lightning port for charging.

However, there is an advantage for the older model. Apple includes EarPods in the iPhone 12 package, while they are not included with the iPhone 14. Also, neither of these phones comes with a charging adapter.

Display comparison

In fact, they are identical. And in terms of user experience, you are unlikely to notice a difference since both models are equipped with a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2532×1170 pixels. 

The maximum refresh rate is 120 Hz, and the ProMotion technology remains an exclusive feature of the 14 Pro lineup, with both devices featuring a 60 Hz refresh rate. The only way to notice a difference is to directly compare the maximum display brightness. The iPhone 12 has a brightness of 625 nits, while the iPhone 14 has 800 nits. However, when playing HDR content, the peak brightness of both models increases to 1200 nits.

Фактически они идентичны. И при user experience вы вряд ли заметите разницу, ведь обе модели оснащены 6,1-дюймовым OLED-дисплей Super Retina XDR с разрешением 2532×1170 точек.

Battery life

A significant difference between iPhone 12 and 14 lies in the battery capacity. In the iPhone 14, it is 3279 mAh, which is significantly larger than the 2815 mAh battery in the "twelve." Many users were dissatisfied with the battery life of the iPhone 12, which was frankly meager, and the claimed 20 hours of video playback on the iPhone 14 represent a significant improvement. Overall, according to independent tests, the battery life has increased by about 15%.

Charging speed

Fast and wireless charging is an integral part of both devices. The speed of fast charging is approximately the same for both — the battery replenishes about 60% in 30 minutes. It takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the smartphone.

Speaker test

The speakers of iPhone 12 versus iPhone 14 did not receive a significant upgrade. It's the same high-quality stereo sound with Dolby Atmos support. The volume of the devices is also comparable, at 81 dB.

Performance

What's the difference between iPhone 12 and 14 performance? One of the main disappointments in the iPhone 14 is the processor, as users have grown accustomed to the idea that each new generation should come with a new chip. However, at some point, Apple broke this stereotype, and now base models receive the same or an updated version of the previous year's chip.

Nevertheless, the A15 Bionic chip powering the iPhone 14 is much more powerful than the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12, significantly impacting the device's speed and energy efficiency. The additional graphics processor core in the fourteenth generation elevates the graphics performance to a console level in modern games like Genshin Impact.

Another winning characteristic of the iPhone 14 is its RAM Capacity. The new model boasts 6 GB compared to the 4 GB in the old one, promising improved performance with applications and faster switching between them. And lastly, storage space. The base model of the iPhone 14 offers double the hard drive capacity, starting at 128 GB.

Software features remain the same. Although the 12 model initially launched with iOS 14, it has since received an update to the 17 version of the operating system, just like the iPhone 14.

Regarding mobile technology, both smartphones support emergency calls but lack satellite connectivity. However, Crash Detection is only available on the newer phone.

Camera comparison

In the iPhone 12 vs 14 camera comparison, there are improvements, but they are not as significant as one might hope. Firstly, the models differ in the camera's placement: on the iPhone 14, they are arranged diagonally, while on the iPhone 12, they are aligned in a row on the back panel. However, this is a minor detail. Both Apple iPhone 14 and 12 versions feature camera systems with two 12-megapixel lenses. However, the fourteenth generation has a wider aperture (f/1.5 compared to f/1.6) and a modern Sensor-Shift OIS system.

The front camera of the 2022 novelty has been noticeably improved, largely thanks to autofocus and a wider f/1.9 aperture. This allows for higher-quality shots in low-light conditions and perfect group selfies even at a greater distance.

Both the rear and front cameras of the iPhone 14 are compatible with the Photonic Engine—an instrument that utilizes various algorithms to enhance the quality of photos taken in poor lighting conditions. The iPhone 12, in comparison, cannot match this level of sophistication.

Price and retail availability

An important factor for many is the purchase price. In this case, at the launch, there was a significant difference, with the new model being almost one-third more expensive than the 2020 smartphone. Whether it's worth paying extra for relatively non-critical changes is not something we advise on; it's a decision you should make independently.

The iPhone 14 is still available for purchase on the company's official website, with the following pricing:

• $699 for the 128 GB version,
• $799 for 256 GB,
• $999 for 512 GB.

Regarding the affordability of the 12th model, it has been discontinued, but you may find it through online deals.

Conclusions

Comparison between Apple iPhone 12 vs 14 provides an opportunity to assess whether the developers have truly succeeded in improving the capabilities and features compared to their predecessors. 

While there are differences between the basic models of different generations, it's challenging to label them as groundbreaking. Primarily, the distinction is noticeable in photos, especially in low-light conditions. The battery life of the devices differs by 10% in favor of the newer model. The iPhone 14 is equipped with updated Bluetooth, and the RAM has been increased from 4 to 6 GB. Whether it's worth paying extra for these specifications is a debatable question, and only the potential buyer can provide an answer based on their preferences and needs.