iPhone 12 Pro vs 14 Plus: Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Apple’s evolution from the iPhone 12 Pro to the iPhone 14 Plus shows significant advancements in technology, performance, and design. While the iPhone 12 Pro set a new standard for Apple’s flagship phones in 2020, the iPhone 14 Plus aims to deliver a larger screen experience with several under-the-hood upgrades. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a mobile gamer, or just someone who needs a reliable phone, this guide will help you decide which iPhone suits your needs best.

Below we describe about iphone 12 pro vs 14 plus:

Design and Build Quality

iPhone 12 Pro: Premium Build with Stainless Steel

The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a luxurious build. Featuring a stainless steel frame and textured matte glass, it feels premium in hand. The flat-edge design, reminiscent of the iPhone 4 era, makes it distinct, while also improving grip and durability.

iPhone 14 Plus: Sleek and Light Design

The iPhone 14 Plus opts for an aluminum frame, making it lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro. The larger size of the 14 Plus doesn’t feel bulky due to its lightweight materials, and its rounded corners make it comfortable to hold.

Durability and Materials Comparison

Both phones are protected by Apple’s Ceramic Shield on the front, offering four times better drop protection compared to older models. However, the stainless steel frame of the iPhone 12 Pro is more resistant to scratches than the aluminum of the iPhone 14 Plus. In terms of water and dust resistance, both are rated at IP68, ensuring they survive accidental spills and short dips in water.

Display Technology

iPhone 12 Pro: Super Retina XDR Display

The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels. It’s sharp, vibrant, and offers excellent contrast, perfect for watching videos or editing photos.

iPhone 14 Plus: Bigger, Brighter, and Better

The iPhone 14 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with the same pixel density, making it ideal for those who crave more screen real estate. Additionally, it’s slightly brighter, reaching up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness for HDR content, enhancing outdoor visibility.

Refresh Rate and Overall Display Experience

Neither phone features ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), which Apple reserves for the Pro models. However, both provide smooth scrolling, vibrant colors, and deep blacks, thanks to OLED technology.

Performance and Processor Power

A14 Bionic Chip in iPhone 12 Pro

The A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 Pro was groundbreaking at the time of its release. It’s powerful, energy-efficient, and more than capable of handling intense multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven applications.

A15 Bionic Chip in iPhone 14 Plus

The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 Plus delivers better performance in real-world scenarios. It’s faster, with improved graphics performance, and more power-efficient, resulting in better battery life.

Real-World Performance: Apps, Gaming, and Multitasking

While the difference in chipsets might seem marginal, the A15 handles demanding apps and graphic-intensive games with greater ease. If you are into mobile gaming or video editing on your phone, the iPhone 14 Plus edges out the iPhone 12 Pro.

Camera Capabilities

iPhone 12 Pro: Triple Lens Setup

The iPhone 12 Pro shines with its triple-camera system (wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto), allowing users to take versatile shots in any lighting condition. The inclusion of a LiDAR scanner helps with low-light photography and AR applications.

iPhone 14 Plus: Improved Dual Camera System

The iPhone 14 Plus uses a dual-camera setup (wide and ultra-wide), but with larger sensors than the iPhone 12 Pro, which allows for better low-light performance. Although it lacks a telephoto lens, it compensates with software improvements for digital zoom.

Photo and Video Quality Comparison

Both phones excel in photo quality, but the iPhone 14 Plus offers improved processing, resulting in crisper photos with better dynamic range. Video capabilities are comparable, but the iPhone 14 Plus has the advantage with features like Cinematic Mode, which the iPhone 12 Pro lacks.

Night Mode, HDR, and Cinematic Features

Both devices feature Night Mode and HDR, but the iPhone 14 Plus’s Cinematic Mode introduces a new level of video storytelling, offering professional-quality depth-of-field transitions.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery Size and Efficiency in iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 Pro provides decent battery life, lasting a full day of moderate usage thanks to its energy-efficient A14 chip. However, with more intensive tasks, it may require a top-up before the day ends.

iPhone 14 Plus: Larger Battery for Extended Use

The iPhone 14 Plus takes battery life to the next level, thanks to its larger battery and A15’s efficiency. It comfortably lasts through a full day of heavy usage, making it ideal for those who spend hours on their phones.

Charging Options: MagSafe, Wireless, and Fast Charging

Both phones support MagSafe charging and offer up to 20W fast charging, allowing them to reach 50% battery in about 30 minutes.

Software and iOS Experience

iPhone 12 Pro: iOS 14 to iOS 17

Launched with iOS 14, the iPhone 12 Pro continues to receive regular updates, ensuring it remains relevant with iOS 17 and beyond.

iPhone 14 Plus: iOS 16 at Launch

The iPhone 14 Plus, released with iOS 16, has the advantage of newer software features out of the box, but the experience on both phones is very similar due to Apple’s consistent software optimization.

Exclusive Features on the iPhone 14 Plus

Features like Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection are unique to the iPhone 14 series, adding extra layers of safety that are absent in the 12 Pro.

Storage and Pricing Options

iPhone 12 Pro: Storage Tiers and Affordability

With storage options starting at 128GB and going up to 512GB, the iPhone 12 Pro was a premium choice when it launched, and its prices have since dropped.

iPhone 14 Plus: Price Points and Value for Money

The iPhone 14 Plus starts at 128GB and is generally priced lower than what the iPhone 12 Pro cost at launch, making it a solid value for those who want a larger screen and better battery life without going for the Pro models.

5G and Connectivity

iPhone 12 Pro: First Gen 5G on iPhone

The iPhone 12 Pro was Apple’s first foray into 5G, and while its connectivity is good, it’s not as fast or efficient as newer models.

iPhone 14 Plus: Faster and More Efficient 5G Capabilities

The iPhone 14 Plus features more advanced 5G antennas and better energy efficiency, providing a faster and more reliable connection in areas with 5G coverage.

Additional Features and Innovations

iPhone 12 Pro: LiDAR Scanner for AR and Beyond

The LiDAR scanner in the iPhone 12 Pro provides a unique edge for AR applications and improving low-light photography.

iPhone 14 Plus: New Emergency SOS via Satellite

The Emergency SOS via Satellite feature in the iPhone 14 Plus adds peace of mind for those who spend time in remote areas.

Which Phone Should You Choose?

Best for Power Users and Creators: iPhone 12 Pro

If you’re someone who values a premium build, LiDAR capabilities, and a triple-camera setup, the iPhone 12 Pro is still a powerhouse that can handle anything you throw at it.

Best for Everyday Users and Longevity: iPhone 14 Plus

For users who want a larger display, better battery life, and the latest safety features, the iPhone 14 Plus is the smarter investment, especially for long-term use.

Conclusion

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 14 Plus are two of Apple’s most impressive phones, each excelling in different areas. The iPhone 12 Pro remains a top choice for those who need professional-grade photography tools and a luxurious design. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Plus offers better battery life, a larger display, and newer features, making it ideal for everyday users looking for longevity and reliability. Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities—whether it’s cutting-edge tech or a balanced, long-lasting device.

FAQs

Is the iPhone 14 Plus a better upgrade over the iPhone 12 Pro?

Yes, in terms of battery life, display size, and connectivity, the iPhone 14 Plus offers a noticeable upgrade.

How does the camera performance differ between iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 14 Plus?

The iPhone 12 Pro has a triple-lens system with better zoom capabilities, while the iPhone 14 Plus focuses on improved low-light performance with larger sensors.

Can I use my old accessories with the iPhone 14 Plus?

Most accessories, such as MagSafe chargers and cases, are compatible with both models, but check for specific fitment due to size differences.

Is the iPhone 12 Pro still worth buying in 2024?

Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro remains a powerful device, especially for those who prioritize camera capabilities and a premium build.

Does the iPhone 14 Plus have better battery life than the iPhone 12 Pro?

Yes, the iPhone 14 Plus offers a larger battery, translating to better overall battery life, especially for heavy users.