If you’re looking to upgrade an older phone but don’t want to spend over the odds, and aren’t too fussed about having the latest tech, there’s a good chance you’re considering either the iPhone 12, 13 and 14. With so many similarities between them, it’s fair to wonder which one would be the best choice for you.
In this guide, we’ll compare the iPhone 12, 13 and 14 in terms of design, specs, performance, and everyday use, all with refurbished pricing in mind, so you can make the smartest choice for your needs.
Why Older iPhones Are Still a Great Buy
Older doesn’t mean outdated.
iPhones are designed to last. Apple supports devices with software updates for 5–6 years, and their hardware rarely becomes obsolete overnight.
That means buying a refurbished iPhone 12, 13 or 14 in 2024 or 2025 is still a smart move, especially if you’re upgrading from something like an XR, 11 or SE. Plus, when you buy refurbished, you avoid the inflated price tag of buying new, without sacrificing performance.
iPhone 12 vs 13 vs 14: Key Specs Compared
These three models share a lot of the same specs, but there are some key differences worth knowing before you buy.
Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you compare:
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
| Design | Flat-edge, aluminium + glass | Same as 12, slightly heavier | Almost identical to 13 |
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic (4-core GPU) | A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
| Camera | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra Wide) | Same setup with sensor improvements | Slightly better low-light performance |
| Front Camera | 12MP, fixed focus | 12MP, fixed focus | 12MP, autofocus |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours video playback | Up to 19 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| 5G Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Original Price | From £799 | From £779 | From £849 |
So, what does all that mean in real-world use?
- The iPhone 12 is still fine for everyday apps, media and multitasking.
- The iPhone 13 is the sweet spot for battery and performance improvements.
- The iPhone 14 is mostly similar to the 13, but adds minor camera and safety upgrades.
Specs are one thing, but how do these phones actually perform when you’re using them every day?
Performance & Everyday Use
All three phones run on Apple’s high-end chips, so for most people the performance difference will be hard to notice. Unless you’re playing graphically heavy games or editing video on your phone, each of them feels fast and reliable.
The iPhone 12, powered by the A14 chip, is still more than capable in 2025 and beyond. The iPhone 13 steps things up with a stronger GPU and improved efficiency, which is especially noticeable in battery life. The iPhone 14, while newer, actually uses the same A15 chip as the 13 with just one extra GPU core and slightly better thermal management.
In day-to-day use, though, they all behave the same: apps open quickly, cameras respond instantly, and multitasking is smooth.
Camera Differences
Apple has steadily improved its cameras year on year, often through software as much as hardware.
The iPhone 12’s dual-lens system is still very capable, delivering sharp photos in daylight and decent results in low light. The iPhone 13 builds on this with slightly better sensors, improved night mode and the addition of sensor-shift stabilisation. The iPhone 14 adds some refinements for low-light shots, plus autofocus on the front-facing camera.
Unless you’re really into photography, the difference won’t feel dramatic. The biggest changes are in night photography and video stabilisation, so if you mostly use your phone for selfies, holiday snaps or Instagram, the iPhone 13 or 14 will more than deliver.
Battery Life
This is one of the areas where you’ll notice the biggest jump between generations.
The iPhone 12 offers up to 17 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 13 stretches that to 19 hours thanks to a bigger battery and more efficient chip. The iPhone 14 pushes things slightly further with up to 20 hours. It might not sound like a huge leap, but that extra hour or two can make a real difference if you’re on your phone a lot or spend time travelling.
At The iOutlet, every refurbished iPhone goes through strict battery testing, and we replace any battery that doesn’t meet our standards. So whichever model you choose, you’ll get reliable performance from day one.
Which iPhone Is Best for You?
For Students
- The iPhone 12 is a brilliant budget-friendly option.
- It handles school life, socials, streaming and notes with ease.
- Save money and still have a 5G phone with great performance.
For Parents & Everyday Users
- The iPhone 13 and 14 are both great.
- Better battery life, slightly improved camera, and more years of iOS updates.
Price Breakdown – New vs Refurbished
Here’s where refurbished really shows its strength.
| Model | New Price (RRP) | Refurbished (The iOutlet, from) |
| iPhone 12 | £699+ | £229 (Pristine condition, 64GB) |
| iPhone 13 | £779+ | £299 (Pristine condition, 128GB) |
| iPhone 14 | £849+ | £359 (Pristine condition, 128GB) |
Prices correct as of August 2025. View the latest deals on iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 models.
When you consider you’re getting the same device, tested, graded, and warranty-backed, refurbished offers serious savings.
What to Expect When You Buy from The iOutlet
When you order from The iOutlet, every device has been through a full round of testing inside and out, so you know it’s in top working order before it reaches you. Each phone comes with UK-based support, a 12-month warranty, and easy returns if you change your mind.
Buying refurbished with us also means you’re helping to reduce e-waste and keep good tech in circulation, without compromising on quality. And if you’ve got an old device lying around, you can trade it in for cash or credit towards your upgrade, making the whole process even smarter.
Ready to Upgrade for Less?
Take a look at our current deals on:
Or if you’re sitting on an old device:
- Trade it in for instant cash or credit
Smart tech, tested by experts, without the new-phone price tag.
