iPhone 12 Pro Vs iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

£197.00

£879.00 new

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iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

£247.00

£699.00 new

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Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in late 2020, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in 2022, represent two distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the 12 Pro focuses on a more compact, professional-grade camera system and premium materials, the 14 Plus prioritises a larger viewing area and significantly extended battery life. Both devices operate on the same iOS ecosystem, ensuring a consistent user interface and access to the same wide range of applications and services. Choosing between them involves weighing the benefits of a versatile triple-camera setup against the advantages of a larger display and newer internal hardware.

Scores

Durability

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 14 Plus differ primarily in their release timing, which directly impacts their long-term software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Longevity: Because the iPhone 14 Plus was released two years after the iPhone 12 Pro, it is expected to receive official software updates and security patches for a longer period, extending its functional life for users who plan to keep their device for several years.
  • Physical Build and Repair: The iPhone 12 Pro features a stainless steel frame which offers high resistance to structural bending, while the iPhone 14 Plus uses a lighter aluminium frame; both models are designed with glass panels that can be replaced by qualified technicians, though the internal layout of the newer model is slightly more modular for certain repairs.
  • Update Frequency: Both devices currently benefit from regular iOS updates, but the older hardware of the 12 Pro may eventually see a tapering of new feature support before the 14 Plus does, making the latter a more future-proof option for long-term owners.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

When comparing daily usage, the iPhone 14 Plus offers a more modern internal architecture that enhances efficiency, particularly for demanding tasks and long-term reliability.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Plus handles intensive multitasking and high-end mobile gaming with slightly more fluidity than the iPhone 12 Pro, though both remain very capable for standard apps like social media, web browsing, and email.
  • Battery Endurance: One of the most significant differences is battery life, where the larger physical footprint of the 14 Plus allows for a much larger internal cell, providing enough power to last through a full day of heavy use without needing a midday charge.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer various storage capacities to suit different user needs, and they both feature enough temporary memory to keep multiple applications open in the background without frequent reloading, ensuring a smooth experience during busy workdays.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The choice between these two displays often comes down to a preference for portability versus immersive viewing, as both utilise high-quality panel technology.

  • Display Size and Immersion: The iPhone 14 Plus features a significantly larger 6.7-inch screen, making it ideal for watching videos or reading long documents, whereas the 6.1-inch screen of the iPhone 12 Pro is easier to navigate with one hand and fits more comfortably in smaller pockets.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Use: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a higher peak brightness level, which makes the screen easier to read when used directly under bright sunlight compared to the slightly lower peak brightness of the 12 Pro.
  • Visual Clarity: Both screens use OLED technology, which provides deep blacks and high contrast, ensuring that photos and videos look vibrant and realistic regardless of which model you choose, though the 14 Plus provides more screen real estate for multitasking.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

While the iPhone 12 Pro has more lenses, the iPhone 14 Plus benefits from newer sensor technology and advanced software processing for everyday photography.

  • Versatility and Zoom: The iPhone 12 Pro includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zooming and a LiDAR scanner for faster focusing in dark environments, which is a distinct advantage for users who take many portraits or close-up shots.
  • Low-Light Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus features a larger main sensor that captures more light naturally, resulting in clearer photos with less grain in evening or indoor settings compared to the older sensor in the 12 Pro.
  • Video Capabilities: For video creators, the 14 Plus introduces enhanced stabilisation features that smooth out shaky footage during movement, while the 12 Pro remains a solid performer for standard high-definition recording with its versatile three-lens system.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specs, the physical handling and safety features of these two smartphones provide different practical benefits for various lifestyles.

  • Weight and Handling: Despite its larger size, the iPhone 14 Plus is surprisingly light due to its aluminium construction, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro feels denser and more substantial in the hand because of its stainless steel rails.
  • Safety and Connectivity: The iPhone 14 Plus includes newer safety features like crash detection and emergency satellite connectivity, providing extra peace of mind for travellers or those in remote areas, which are not present on the 12 Pro.
  • Portability: The 12 Pro fits more comfortably in smaller pockets and is generally easier to manage for users with smaller hands, while the 14 Plus requires a bit more space but offers a much larger canvas for interaction and media consumption.

Weight

187 g

203 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback on community forums highlights that the iPhone 12 Pro is still highly regarded for its premium feel and the inclusion of the telephoto lens, which many users find essential for versatile photography. However, some users note that the battery life on the 12 Pro is starting to show its age compared to newer standards. Conversely, the iPhone 14 Plus receives significant praise for its "marathon" battery life and large screen, though some users miss the more compact feel and the extra camera lens found on the Pro models.

Users who prioritise a compact design, a dedicated zoom lens, and a more substantial build material will likely find the iPhone 12 Pro fits their needs perfectly. On the other hand, users who value maximum screen space for media consumption and need a battery that can reliably last through a long day of heavy use will find the iPhone 14 Plus to be a better match. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either of these models is an eco-friendly alternative that supports a more sustainable electronics cycle. Both devices remain powerful and relevant choices in 2026, offering distinct advantages depending on whether you value professional camera features or large-scale endurance. Opting for a sustainable choice allows users to access high-performing technology while contributing to a more circular economy.