With options you are effectively leveraging your return.
Lets assume you invest $10k:
Shares - 12c = 83,333 shares
Options - 3.5c = 285,714 options.
Shares double in price to 24c and options go to 15.5c.
Your profit would be:
Shares: $10,000
Options: $34285
The same leverage applies if the shares fall in price.