Are you thinking about upgrading your iPhone? If you are torn between the Apple iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 12, the choice often comes down to what you expect from your phone. Whether you want newer features, better performance, or to stick to a familiar favourite within a budget.
On the surface, both phones carry Apple's signature sleek design and reliable performance. The iPhone 12 remains a solid pick with its bright display and speedy chip, while the iPhone 14 Pro steps up with newer technology, a sharper display, and a few extra features that could make everyday use feel smoother. Both are great in their own way, but they cater to slightly different users.
Explore how these two models compare in terms of design, camera, battery life, and more. Whether you are after a powerful upgrade or a budget-friendly option, this guide could help you decide which iPhone meets your needs.
The iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro may look similar at first glance, but they cater to very different users. One brings the latest in Apple tech, while the other still holds its ground with solid everyday performance. From display and camera to battery life and processing power, here’s how the two models compare:
Feature |
iPhone 14 Pro |
iPhone 12 |
Display |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, ProMotion (up to 120Hz refresh), Always-On, typical 1000 nits max brightness |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, HDR, typical 625 nits max brightness |
Design |
Stainless steel design, Ceramic Shield, textured matte glass back |
Aluminium design, Ceramic Shield, glass back |
Main Camera |
48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto (3x zoom) |
12MP Main + 12MP ultra-wide |
Processor |
A16 Bionic chip |
A14 Bionic chip |
Battery Life |
Up to 23 hours video playback |
Up to 17 hours video playback |
Special Features |
Dynamic Island, Always-On display |
Traditional notch |
The iPhone 14 Pro could bring you smoother visuals with ProMotion, sharper photos with its 48MP camera, and handy extras like Dynamic Island and Always-On display. The iPhone 12 might still be impressive, with bright visuals, solid cameras, and strong performance. This could make it a smart pick if you want premium features at a lower price.
The iPhone 14 Pro brings a modern, premium look with high-end materials and fresh features like the Dynamic Island. It also comes in deeper, more refined colours. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 keeps things simple and sleek, with a lightweight build and playful colour options. Both might feel different in hand, iPhone 14 Pro more premium, iPhone 12 more classic. Here’s a quick comparison of their key design elements:
Design Aspect |
iPhone 14 Pro |
iPhone 12 |
Frame Material |
Surgical-grade stainless steel |
Aerospace-grade aluminium |
Notch |
Dynamic Island |
Traditional notch |
Colours |
Deep Purple, Gold, Silver, Space Black |
Purple, Blue, Green, etc. |
Water Resistance (IEC standard 60529) |
IP68, up to 6 metres for 30 minutes |
IP68, up to 6 metres for 30 minutes |
Weight |
Heavier, 206 grams |
Lighter, 162 grams |
The iPhone 14 Pro feels slightly heavier, owing to its stainless steel frame. It also comes with the latest features like the immersive Dynamic Island. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 stays light, colourful, and familiar. If you prefer a simpler and classic design, you could consider iPhone 12.
When it comes to camera quality, the iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 12 comparison highlights some significant differences. The 14 Pro takes the lead with a powerful triple-camera system. Additionally, it supports advanced formats like ProRAW, offering professional-grade photography. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 provides a solid performance with its dual-camera setup and great picture quality but lacks certain high-end features. Here's a quick look at how their camera features stack up:
Camera Feature |
iPhone 14 Pro |
iPhone 12 |
Main Camera |
48MP, ƒ/1.78 aperture |
12MP, ƒ/1.6 aperture |
Ultra-Wide Camera |
12MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture |
12MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture |
Telephoto Camera |
12MP, ƒ/2.8 aperture (Quad-pixel sensor) |
Not available |
Macro Photography |
Yes |
Not available |
ProRAW Support |
Yes |
Not available |
Night Mode |
Available on all cameras |
Available on all cameras |
Zoom Range (Optical) |
.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x zoom |
.5x, 1x zoom |
Zoom Range (Digital) |
Up to 15x digital zoom |
Up to 5x digital zoom |
The iPhone 14 Pro clearly stands out with its advanced capabilities like 3x optical zoom, macro photography, and the ProRAW format for serious photographers. The iPhone 12, while still offering great performance and solid features like Night mode, is more suitable for casual photography, lacking the pro-level flexibility of the 14 Pro.
When comparing the iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 12, certain differences stand out in their performance and battery life. The iPhone 14 Pro could offer superior speed and efficiency for multitasking, gaming, and intensive apps. Additionally, it boasts a larger battery, providing longer usage times. In comparison, the iPhone 12 delivers solid performance but falls behind in terms of power and battery longevity. Here’s a comparison of their performance and battery specifications:
Specification |
iPhone 14 Pro |
iPhone 12 |
Chipset |
A16 Bionic |
A14 Bionic |
Capacity (Mid-range) |
256GB |
128GB |
Video Playback |
Up to 23 hours |
Up to 17 hours |
Video (Streamed) |
Up to 20 hours |
Up to 11 hours |
Audio Playback |
Up to 75 hours |
Up to 65 hours |
Fast Charging |
Up to 50% in 30 minutes |
Up to 50% in 30 minutes |
Wireless Charging |
MagSafe (up to 15W), Qi (7.5W) |
MagSafe (up to 15W), Qi (7.5W) |
Charging Port |
USB-C to Lightning Cable |
USB-C to Lightning Cable |
The iPhone 14 Pro could outperform the iPhone 12 when it comes to battery life and processing power. Its A16 Bionic chip and larger battery might make it a great option for users who demand top-tier performance, whether it's for work, gaming, or media consumption. The iPhone 12, while still an efficient device, might not cater to those with heavy usage needs.
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 12 support iOS and receive regular updates. Both could offer you Apple’s smooth and secure software experience. However, the iPhone 14 Pro unlocks some exclusive iOS features with its newer hardware which might not be available on the iPhone 12. Here’s how they compare:
Feature |
iPhone 14 Pro |
iPhone 12 |
Dynamic Island |
Available |
Not available |
Always-On Display |
Available |
Not available |
Face ID / Touch ID |
Face ID |
Face ID |
Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite |
Both available (Satellite SOS in select regions) |
Not available (supports standard Emergency SOS) |
iOS Version |
iOS 16, upgradable |
iOS 14, upgradable |
Software Longevity |
Might receive updates for more years |
Could receive updates, though for fewer years |
Exclusive Features |
Enhanced with hardware-driven iOS tools |
Standard iOS features without enhancements |
For users who prefer advanced safety features and interactive design updates, the iPhone 14 Pro could feel like a worthwhile upgrade. The iPhone 12, however, still delivers all core iOS essentials with the simplicity many users trust.
Price is often the key deciding factor when choosing between iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 12. The iPhone 14 Pro sits at the premium end, with prices around ₹1,20,000.
In contrast, the iPhone 12 could be found in the range of ₹30,000 to ₹50,000, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking to enter the Apple ecosystem without stretching their finances.
If you’re looking for an affordable iPhone with solid performance, the iPhone 12 could offer great value. But for those who want the latest features and cutting-edge tech, the iPhone 14 Pro may justify its higher cost.
Choosing between iPhone 12 vs 14 Pro depends on your priorities. If you want the latest design, Pro-level camera, faster performance, and safety features, the iPhone 14 Pro could be worth the upgrade. Especially for gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts, it could feel like a powerful upgrade.
On the other hand, if you need a reliable iPhone with 5G, great cameras, and a lower price, the iPhone 12 might still hold its ground well. It could be a smart pick for everyday use without stretching your budget.
If you’re after a premium experience, the iPhone 14 Pro may suit you better. But for reliable performance at a lower price, the iPhone 12 might still be considered.
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The iPhone 14 Pro offers a 48MP camera, A16 chip, Dynamic Island, and Always-On display, while the iPhone 12 sticks to basic features with its dual 12MP cameras and A14 chip.
The iPhone 14 Pro brings newer tech and longer support, while the iPhone 12 offers solid value at a lower price. Your choice might depend on your budget and needs.
The iPhone 14 Pro offers longer battery life, with up to 23 hours of video playback compared to up to 17 hours on the iPhone 12. That’s around 6 hours more.
The 14 Pro has a brighter display with Always-On capability, which might make it smoother and clearer than the standard display of iPhone 12.
Yes, these include Dynamic Island, Always-On display, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via Satellite, and the advanced Photonic Engine.
If you want the latest tech, better cameras, and improved battery, the upgrade might be worth it. Otherwise, the iPhone 12 might still perform well for basic needs.