Deciding Between iPhone 12 vs 14: A Comprehensive Guide

In the fast-paced world of smartphones, the constant upgrades offer a mix of excitement and practicality to users. At the top of the smartphone game, Apple has its own following of dedicated users who are loyal to the brand, eagerly waiting for each upgrade.

At first glance, the urge to take hold of the latest and greatest may be, in fact, tempting - it is essential to take a look at the pros and cons of each model before taking a jump into this next investment that is an impact to both your wallet as well as your user experience.

The iPhone 14: Evolutionary Progress or Revolutionary Upgrade

The Apple iPhone 14 hit the market in 2022 with a pocket full of enhancements aimed at refining and perfecting the user experience. With upgrades like optical image stabilization, an A15 Bionic chip with extra GPU core, an improved camera for optimal photos and videos, and crash detection, it has many features that take it a step further than previous Apple iPhone models. 

The Apple iPhone 14 display is home to a 6.1-inch OLED screen which offers a visually immersive experience. However, with a starting price of $799 it brings up the valid question: are these upgrades worthy of the additional cost?

Conversely, the older iPhone models like the Apple iPhone 12, which was released in 2020, remains a strong contender in the world of smartphones. Armed with the comparable A14 chip alongside Apple's signature design language, the iPhone 12 ensures reliable performance at an affordable rate. With a lower price entry point of only $599, it carries a strong case for budget-conscious consumers seeking Apple-specific features without breaking the bank.

Discovering the Differences Between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14

One thing Apple does consistently well is carry with it a cohesion in both display and screen design. While Apple is known for excellent build quality across all models, the newer model Apple iPhone 14 certainly boasts some differences. 

Structurally speaking, both iPhone models hold a ceramic shield on the front and are dust and water resistant. With both devices they are roughly the same size with flat sides and a mixture of a glass and aluminum body. One major difference is the sheer weight of the devices, with the iPhone 14 weighing nearly a third of an ounce more than its predecessor.

Both phones offer many common features to older model devices by Apple like night mode and USB charging capabilities. Both the Apple iPhone 12 and the Apple iPhone 14 offer stereo speakers for optimal sound. In the video department, they both offer Ultra Wideband support, Face-ID, and Wi-Fi 6 support which is perfect for browsing.

While there are similarities between these devices, such as the camera, video options, and brighter display, there are also many different feature elements between the devices. For starters, the Apple iPhone 14 has more storage, a smaller notch, a larger battery, a crash detection feature, and more data capabilities. 

Another notable difference between the two devices is the camera arrangement on the back, necessitated by the sensor-shift OIS mechanism of the iPhone 14 requiring more space. This is compared to the iPhone 12 which houses stacked cameras inside a square module.

The Apple iPhone 14 can reach a maximum brightness of 800 nits compared to the iPhone 12's 650 nits, which boasts a much brighter wide color display than the Apple iPhone 12's 650 nits. This gives the iPhone 14 a stronger optimal visibility edge, even in direct sunlight. It is also important to note that the iPhone 14 has a slightly smaller notch than the iPhone 12.

But First, Are You Ready to Snap a Selfie?

Speaking of the main camera, the Apple iPhone 14 has some impressive results screen brightness and with front camera performance and image quality, especially in low light conditions.

Both the Apple iPhone 12 and the Apple iPhone 14 are capable of capturing incredible photo ops, as well as the ability to capture 120 degree field of views. Each also have dual 12MP front-facing cameras for the perfect selfie. 

When it comes to photography, the Apple iPhone 14 holds advancements in low-light performance and video capabilities with the photonic engine. The camera system is equipped with a faster and wider aperture and autofocus which elevates the photography selfie user experience, allowing for capturing excellent photos no matter the lighting conditions.

When it comes to video shooting capabilities, both the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 12 can shoot 4k footage at 60 FPS from all three lenses. Additionally, new features like Cinematic Mode and Action Mode offer extended possibilities, increasing the quality of creating videos for users from the comfort of their phone.

Future-Proofing the Technological Landscape

It's no shock that the iPhone 14's A15 Bionic chip showcases massive improvements in both processing power as well as graphical performance, surpassing older models in tests. While t he iPhone 12's A14 Bionic chip is certainly capable, the iPhone 14 promises improvements that tend to hint towards longevity through software updates and innovative additions.

Notably the iPhone 14 also introduces Satellite Connectivity and Crash Detection features which promote Apple's promise for user safety and connectivity. Satellite Connectivity works by getting a message out to emergency services when you get lost or stuck in a remote place that may not have connectivity. On the other hand, Crash Detection, as the name hints to, detects if you are in a car crash and will automatically alert your contacts and emergency services.

These features added with additional advancements like those noted in the extended battery life and wireless charging options give the iPhone 14 a slight edge for those consumers who are seeking both innovation with a functional twist.

iPhone 14: A longer Battery Life

One major upgrade from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 14 is the larger battery life. The iPhone 14 holds a larger 3,219mAh battery compared with the iPhone 12's 2,815mAh device. This permits the iPhone 14 the capabilities that come along with a larger battery life, like the ability for video playback for 20 hours compared to the 17 hours which the iPhone 12 provides. 

While both hold differences within the actual longer battery life and amount of playback time, both phones do hold the same charging speeds: 20W for wired, 15W for MagSafe, and 7.5W for Qi wireless charging.

Practical Considerations vs Personal Preferences

When looking to figure out if you're ready to upgrade from the reliable iPhone 12 to the iPhone 14 really hinges on a perfect combination of factors from budget constraints to individual preferences. If you are satisfied with your iPhone 12 and the performance, you may be more inclined to wait for the next latest and greatest offering from Apple. However, if you're looking for a few more upgrades in your arsenal, the iPhone 14 may be a worthy investment.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max's brilliant 6.7-inch screen, powered by ProMotion tech, becomes an entertainment hub for users who are seeking a device that is built for more than just communication. However, the convenience of one-handed use tilts the scale in favor of the Pro for users who are hoping to prioritize practicality without sacrificing top-tier features.

Sell Your Used Devices to Upgrade Even Faster

If you're ready to upgrade to the iPhone 12 or iPhone 14, we're here to help you sell your current phone. ecoATM offers a convenient and rewarding way to earn instant cash for your used devices while doing your part to protect the planet by limiting electronic waste. 

Bring your device and a valid state ID to the kiosk and walk away with cash in hand. To save time, you can price your device ahead of time on our website.