Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 14 Plus
Our Verdict: There's two years between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 14 Plus, so the iPhone 14 Plus is ahead on most things. The 14 Plus 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4325mAh against 2815mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the 14 Plus 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the 12 tops out at 256GB. The 14 Plus 5G has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1", and the 12 is the lighter phone at 164g against 203g. Coming from the 12, the 14 Plus 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
The 12 is the cheaper one to own: around £359 over a typical contract, £336 less than the 14 Plus 5G.
18 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1284 x 2778 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 457 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,325 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 203 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£11.99/mo
£49.00 upfront |
£54.83/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £140.00 | £254.99 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 14 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £359.16 over the life of the deal from £11.99 per month with £49.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 14 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 14 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 14 Plus has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 14 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £140.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 14 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 14 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 14 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 14 Plus uses the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 14 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 39g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 14 Plus?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 14 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus runs Apple iOS. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.