iPhone 12 Vs iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:£141.00

Versus £649.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£345.00

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12, released in 2020, and the iPhone 15 Plus, launched in 2023, represent two distinct generations of Apple’s smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 12 introduced the flat-edge design and 5G connectivity that defined a new era, the iPhone 15 Plus brings a significantly larger display, the interactive Dynamic Island, and a transition to universal charging ports. Both devices run on the iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience, though the three-year gap between them results in significant differences in longevity and daily performance. Considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for those looking to balance modern features with environmental responsibility.

Scores

Durability

The release timeline of these two devices plays a crucial role in their expected lifespan and continued software compatibility.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 12 is entering the later stages of its official support window, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus is expected to receive the latest iOS updates and security patches for several additional years, making it a more future-ready choice for long-term use.
  • Physical Resilience: Both models feature Ceramic Shield glass and aerospace-grade aluminium frames, but the iPhone 15 Plus benefits from a more refined contoured edge design that may offer a more comfortable grip and different impact resistance compared to the sharper edges of the iPhone 12.
  • Repairability: Both devices are designed with internal structures that allow for screen and battery replacements, though the iPhone 15 Plus features a more modular internal layout that simplifies certain hardware repairs compared to the older internal architecture of the iPhone 12.

Year of Release

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both phones handle standard daily tasks with ease, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a more fluid experience during intensive activities like high-resolution video editing or modern mobile gaming.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 Plus manages demanding applications and background processes with greater efficiency, resulting in fewer instances of app reloading when switching between multiple tasks compared to the iPhone 12.
  • Battery Endurance: Due to its larger physical footprint, the iPhone 15 Plus houses a significantly higher capacity battery, often lasting through a full day of heavy use, whereas the iPhone 12 may require a mid-day charge for active users.
  • Storage Flexibility: Both devices offer various internal storage capacities to house photos and apps, but the more modern internal architecture of the iPhone 15 Plus allows for faster data handling when moving large files or processing high-resolution media.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The most immediate difference between these two models is the physical size and the way the screen interacts with the user interface.

  • Display Technology: Both utilise OLED technology for deep blacks and high contrast, but the iPhone 15 Plus features a much higher peak brightness, making the screen significantly easier to read under direct sunlight compared to the iPhone 12.
  • Visual Real Estate: The 6.7-inch display of the iPhone 15 Plus provides a much larger canvas for watching videos or reading documents compared to the more compact 6.1-inch screen of the iPhone 12.
  • Interface Integration: The iPhone 15 Plus replaces the traditional notch with the Dynamic Island, an interactive area that displays live notifications and background activities, whereas the iPhone 12 retains the static notch at the top of the display.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography enthusiasts will notice a substantial leap in detail and low-light performance when moving from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 15 Plus.

  • Image Detail: The iPhone 15 Plus features a high-resolution main sensor that captures significantly more detail in every shot, allowing for clear photos even when zooming in or cropping after the photo has been taken.
  • Video Capabilities: While both record high-quality 4K video, the iPhone 15 Plus includes advanced stabilisation modes that result in smoother footage during handheld movement, providing a more professional look to home videos.
  • Low-Light Performance: Improvements in sensor size and image processing allow the iPhone 15 Plus to capture brighter, clearer images in dark environments with less visual noise than the iPhone 12.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, the physical handling and connectivity standards mark a significant shift in how these devices integrate into a modern tech setup.

  • Charging and Connectivity: The iPhone 15 Plus adopts the universal USB-C port, allowing users to use the same cable for their laptop and phone, while the iPhone 12 uses the proprietary Lightning connector.
  • Ergonomics and Weight: The iPhone 12 is lighter and more manageable for one-handed use, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus is a larger, heavier device that prioritises screen space over pocketability.
  • Wireless Standards: Both support 5G for fast mobile data, but the iPhone 15 Plus includes more modern wireless chips that offer more stable connections in crowded areas and improved energy efficiency during data transfers.

Weight

164 g

201 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

User feedback on platforms like Reddit highlights a clear distinction between these two models based on lifestyle needs. The iPhone 12 is frequently praised for its comfortable size and reliable performance for everyday communication, though some users note that its battery life has begun to show its age in 2026. Conversely, the iPhone 15 Plus receives high marks for its exceptional battery endurance and the convenience of the USB-C port, though its larger size is a point of contention for those with smaller hands.

Users who prioritise a lightweight, compact device for simple daily tasks like messaging and social media will find the iPhone 12 a practical choice. Those who consume a lot of media, play graphics-heavy games, or need a phone that can last through a long day of travel will likely prefer the iPhone 15 Plus. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is a sustainable choice that reduces electronic waste while providing a reliable device. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value the portability of the iPhone 12 or the expansive screen and modern features of the iPhone 15 Plus. This comparison aims to help you select the device that best fits your personal routine and environmental values.

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