iPhone 12 Pro Vs iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£194.00

Versus £979.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£319.00

Versus £1,099.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in 2020, and the iPhone 14 Pro, launched in 2022, represent two distinct generations of Apple’s premium smartphone lineup. While both devices share a similar 6.1-inch form factor and high-end stainless steel construction, the two-year gap between them introduces significant advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and interactive design. Both models operate on the iOS platform, ensuring a familiar user experience, though the newer model benefits from more recent hardware optimisations that influence daily responsiveness and long-term software compatibility.

Scores

Durability

The two-year difference in release dates plays a crucial role in the expected lifespan and software support for these two devices.

  • Software Longevity: As a newer model, the iPhone 14 Pro is expected to receive official iOS updates for approximately two years longer than the iPhone 12 Pro, making it a more future-ready choice for those who keep their phones for several years.
  • Physical Resilience: Both smartphones feature Ceramic Shield front glass and a stainless steel frame, providing high resistance to drops and scratches, though the internal layout of the newer model has been slightly adjusted to improve heat management.
  • Repairability: Both devices are designed with modular components like the battery and screen, which can be serviced by professionals to extend the device's functional life well beyond its initial years of use.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both smartphones handle everyday tasks with ease, the iPhone 14 Pro offers a more fluid experience during intensive activities like gaming or high-resolution video editing.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Pro manages heavy multitasking and demanding applications with greater ease, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro may occasionally show slight pauses when switching between numerous large apps.
  • Battery Endurance: Users will find that the iPhone 14 Pro generally lasts longer through a full day of mixed use, thanks to a more energy-efficient internal processor and a display that can lower its power consumption when the screen is static.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer ample space for photos and files, but the iPhone 14 Pro introduces a higher maximum storage tier for professional users who require significant space for high-definition media.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display technology is one of the most noticeable areas of improvement between these two generations, affecting both visual clarity and interaction.

  • Motion Smoothness: The iPhone 14 Pro features a high-refresh-rate display that makes scrolling and animations appear much smoother than the standard 60Hz screen found on the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Outdoor Visibility: With a significantly higher peak brightness, the iPhone 14 Pro remains clear and legible even under direct sunlight, while the iPhone 12 Pro screen may be more challenging to view in very bright environments.
  • Interface Design: The iPhone 14 Pro replaces the traditional notch with the Dynamic Island, an interactive area that expands and contracts to show notifications and background activities, providing a more modern look.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices feature a triple-camera system, but the iPhone 14 Pro introduces a substantial leap in sensor technology and video features.

  • Image Detail: The iPhone 14 Pro utilizes a much larger main sensor that captures significantly more detail in well-lit conditions and produces clearer, less grainy images in low-light environments compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Video Stability: For those who record video on the go, the iPhone 14 Pro includes advanced stabilisation modes that smooth out shaky footage and a cinematic mode that adds a professional-looking blur to the background.
  • Zoom Capabilities: The newer model offers a slightly longer optical zoom range, allowing users to get closer to distant subjects without losing image quality, which is a practical benefit for travel and nature photography.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily usage is influenced by several hardware features and connectivity standards that have evolved between these two models.

  • Safety Features: The iPhone 14 Pro includes specialised sensors for crash detection and emergency satellite connectivity, providing extra peace of mind that is not available on the older iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Weight and Handling: The iPhone 14 Pro is slightly heavier and thicker than the iPhone 12 Pro, which may be noticeable to users who prefer the lightest possible device for one-handed use.
  • Connectivity: Both smartphones support 5G for fast mobile data and use the Lightning port for charging, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of existing accessories and cables.

Weight

187 g

206 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

Choosing between the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro often depends on how much a user values the latest display and camera innovations. Based on user feedback from online forums, the iPhone 12 Pro is frequently praised for its comfortable weight and reliable performance that still holds up well for standard daily apps. Conversely, the iPhone 14 Pro receives high marks for its exceptionally smooth high-refresh-rate display and the utility of the Dynamic Island, though some users note its increased weight as a minor trade-off.

Users who prioritise a lightweight design and standard professional features will find the iPhone 12 Pro to be a highly capable companion for work and social media. Those who frequently use their phone for photography, outdoor navigation, or high-end gaming may lean toward the iPhone 14 Pro for its superior brightness and processing headroom. Opting for a quality-assured refurbished option is a sustainable choice that allows users to access these premium features while reducing electronic waste. Ultimately, both devices offer a high-quality experience, with the iPhone 14 Pro serving as a more future-ready tool for power users.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons