Looking to buy an iPhone but can't decide between the iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 ? These models offer different performance levels in terms of battery life, camera, screen, and power .
👉 Which iPhone should you choose in 2025? Check out our detailed comparison to find out which one is best for your needs.
1. Quick comparison of iPhones 11, 12, 13 and 14
| Features | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year of release | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Screen | 6.1" LCD | 6.1" OLED | 6.1" OLED | 6.1" OLED |
| Display frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Camera | 12 MP (x2) | 12 MP (x2) | 12 MP (x2, Photonic Engine) | 12 MP (x2, Photonic Engine) |
| Optical zoom | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Night Mode | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Improved | ✅ Improved |
| Average autonomy | 🔋🔋 1 day | 🔋🔋 1 day | 🔋🔋🔋 1.5 days | 🔋🔋🔋 1.5 days |
| MagSafe charging | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 5G | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
💡 In summary:
- The iPhone 11 is starting to look outdated (no 5G, LCD screen).
- The iPhone 12 brings an OLED display and 5G, but similar battery life to the iPhone 11.
- The iPhone 13 is a good compromise: improved battery life, more efficient chip.
- The iPhone 14 is very similar to the iPhone 13, with some software improvements but no major revolutions.
2. Screen and Display: OLED or LCD?
📺 The iPhone 11 has an LCD screen , while the iPhone 12, 13, and 14 have an OLED screen .
| Criteria | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen technology | LCD | OLED | OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 1792 x 828 px | 2532 x 1170 px | 2532 x 1170 px | 2532 x 1170 px |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Max brightness (HDR) | 625 nits | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | 1200 nits |
✅ OLED = better contrast, more vivid colors, deeper blacks.
❌ LCD (iPhone 11) = duller, less accurate display.
💡 Verdict: The iPhone 12, 13, and 14 are significantly better than the iPhone 11 in terms of screen.
3. Performance and Power: Which chip to choose?
| Chip | iPhone 11 (A13 Bionic) | iPhone 12 (A14 Bionic) | iPhone 13 (A15 Bionic) | iPhone 14 (A15 Bionic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 6 hearts | 6 hearts | 6 hearts | 6 hearts |
| GPU | 4 hearts | 4 hearts | 5 hearts ✅ | 5 hearts ✅ |
| iOS Compatibility | iOS 18 (probably latest update) | iOS 19-20 | iOS 21+ | iOS 22+ |
📌 Please note:
- The iPhone 11 is starting to be limited for updates and certain demanding apps.
- The iPhone 12 is still smooth in 2025 , but the iPhone 13 and 14 are more powerful.
- The iPhone 13 and 14 have the same processor , but the iPhone 14 has some software optimizations.
💡 Verdict: The iPhone 13 and 14 offer the best performance and updates for years to come.
4. Camera: Any major differences?
All these models have a dual 12 MP sensor , but the quality of the photos evolves.
| Criteria | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP f/1.8 | 12 MP f/1.6 | 12 MP f/1.6 (Photonic Engine) | 12 MP f/1.5 (Photonic Engine) |
| Night Mode | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Improved | ✅ Improved |
| Video | 4K | 4K | 4K HDR Dolby Vision | 4K HDR Dolby Vision |
📌 Major improvements on iPhone 13 and 14:
✅ Photonic Engine : better light and color management.
✅ Cinematic Mode : Blur effect on videos for a more professional look.
💡 Verdict: The iPhone 13 and 14 offer the best photo quality, but the iPhone 12 is still a good choice.
5. Battery life: Which one lasts the longest?
🔋 Classification of autonomy in typical use:
🥇 iPhone 14 → Until 8 p.m.
🥈 iPhone 13 → Until 7 p.m.
🥉 iPhone 12 → Until 5 p.m.
🏅 iPhone 11 → Until 4 p.m.
📌 Please note:
- The iPhone 13 and 14 are the best in terms of battery life thanks to better energy management.
- The iPhone 11 and 12 last a day , but less time at the end of their life.
💡 Verdict: If battery life is your main criterion, choose the iPhone 13 or 14.
6. Conclusion: Which is the best iPhone among the 11, 12, 13 and 14?
📌 Best Overall Choice → 🥇 iPhone 13 (balance between price, battery life and performance).
📌 If you are on a tight budget → 🥈 iPhone 12 (good value for money).
📌 If you are looking for the cheapest possible → 🥉 iPhone 11 (but less durable).
📌 If you want a recent and optimized iPhone → 🏅 iPhone 14 (but little evolution vs iPhone 13).
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