The iPhone 14: Should You Purchase It? Find out if you should keep using your existing iPhone or upgrade.
Except for the iPhone 14 Plus, which will go on sale on October 7, Apple’s new iPhone 14 range is currently available for purchase. You could be debating whether to update now that a new generation arrives. The response is primarily influenced by the phone you now own. You may wait if you have a current model, like an iPhone 13 or 12. However, if your phone is more dated, it may be worthwhile to calculate the benefits of upgrading to a more recent iPhone.
The $799 (£849, AU$1,399) iPhone 14 introduces incremental changes that are welcome but not game-changing, such as minor camera enhancements, support for satellite-based emergency texting, and automobile collision detection. (Hopefully, you’ll never encounter a circumstance requiring the usage of the latter two.)
Even if the improvements in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are more significant, you shouldn’t upgrade unless you can get a wonderful trade-in price. The Dynamic Island, which takes the place of the notch, the new A16 Bionic CPU, and the 48-megapixel primary camera sensor is among the most intriguing new features Apple has reserved for its Pro series. If you like bigger phones, you might want to hold off on making a choice until Apple introduces the iPhone 14 Plus.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that upgrades to the camera, battery, and performance over an earlier iPhone are available on devices other than the iPhone 14. If you still want more storage, quicker speed, and a better camera, the newly reduced $699 iPhone 13 or the smaller $599 13 Mini can be a viable alternative, especially if you are upgrading from a phone that is three years old or older. Since the iPhone 14 line does away with that size in favour of the new $899 iPhone 14 Plus with a 6.7-inch screen, it is also your sole choice if you prefer the smaller Mini with its 5.4-inch screen.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so purchasing options will always vary depending on price, how well your phone currently functions, and your specific demands. To assist you with making a choice, below are the main distinctions between the iPhone 14 series and earlier iPhone generations.
Apple’s Newest Releases
- iPhone 14 Pro, Pro Max Review: Welcome to Apple’s Dynamic Island
- iPhone 14 Review: A Good Upgrade for Most People
- Apple Watch Series 8 Review: Improvement By Degrees
- Apple Watch SE Review: Almost Everything I Want
- Apple iOS 16 Released: New iPhone Features From the Update
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
The A15 Bionic processor from the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max from a year ago is found in the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. The screen on the 14 is identical to that on the 13. The launch of the iPhone 14 Plus, a bigger version of the iPhone 14 with a 6.7-inch screen similar to the Pro Max, is arguably the most noticeable difference this year. This means that if you want the biggest screen imaginable, you no longer have to splash out on Apple’s most costly iPhone.
Of course, the iPhone 14 continues to receive excellent reviews, but we advise keeping your money and not making the switch. If you’ve decided to upgrade, we advise choosing an iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max if you have the money to do so. These costly phones give you access to some notable upgrades, like improved cameras, an always-on display, Apple’s new Dynamic Island multitasking bar, and high-refresh-rate displays.
Conclusion: If you currently own an iPhone 13 or 13 Pro, don’t upgrade. However, if you’re set on getting a new phone, opt for the iPhone 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max, especially if you’re in a hurry to obtain the Dynamic Island.
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 12, 12 Pro
The iPhone 12 range debuted two years ago, but there are still a lot of parallels between it and Apple’s most recent models. Both the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 14 support 5G, have quick CPUs, amazing cameras, and support for MagSafe accessories.
The iPhone 14 is more of a refresh than a significant improvement, so if your iPhone 12 is still in good shape, we advise holding onto it. By updating to iOS 16, you may make use of the newest software features for the iPhone, including lock screen customizations, widgets, and the capability to cancel text messages. A bigger sensor, a new lens with a quicker aperture, enhanced photo processing, and Action Mode, which makes the motions in films seem smoother when you capture them, are just a few of the significant camera improvements made to the iPhone 14.
The two-year-old iPhone 12’s cameras, however, are still of the highest quality. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro both have two 12-megapixel cameras, but the iPhone 12 Pro also features a third camera with a telephoto lens. See how the cameras performed when CNET put them to the test in our iPhone 12 review.
It’s important to keep in mind that the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max provide more pronounced enhancements. All of the features found in the 14 are included, in addition to an improved main camera with a bigger 48-megapixel sensor, an ultrawide camera that supports Macro photography, and a third camera with a telephoto lens. Upgrading from the regular iPhone 12 is a decent step-up if you can find a good trade-in deal that significantly lowers the price of the iPhone 14 Pro.
The final line: Since the iPhone 14 isn’t much different from the iPhone 12, hang onto your iPhone 12 for another year. The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, on the other hand, introduce more noteworthy modifications that could be useful if you can score a nice trade-in offer.
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 11, 11 Pro
We advise upgrading to an iPhone 14 if you currently have an iPhone 11. (or even an iPhone 13). Apple has improved the battery life, performance, screen quality, cameras, and durability of the iPhone sufficiently in the past three years to justify purchasing a new model.
You may upgrade to the iPhone 14 for 5G capability and additional storage (128GB at the base level versus 64GB) improved selfie camera with Night mode and Apple’s Photonic Engine processing, compatibility with Apple’s MagSafe accessories, wider aperture lens in the primary camera, new video shooting choices including Action and Cinematic mode, longer battery life, and quicker performance. In addition, Apple’s new emergency satellite messaging capability and auto collision detection are included.
Compared to the iPhone 11, the majority of the photography and videography advancements are significant advances. Additionally, the improved battery life and increased storage are excellent additions that you’ll use on a regular basis.
As indicated earlier, if you choose the 14 Pro instead of the 11 Pro Max, you will receive various enhancements including an always-on display, a new 48-megapixel primary camera, a closer 3x optical zoom as opposed to the 11 Pro Max’s 2x zoom, and the Dynamic Island in place of the notch.
The last line: The iPhone 14 series offers enough upgrades over the iPhone 11 to warrant an upgrade. Install iOS 16 and keep your phone for another year if it’s still in great condition and you’re happy with it.
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
If you purchased an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR at launch, your device is around four years old and may be experiencing performance issues. Even without the additional benefits, it alone is a compelling argument for upgrading.
According to Apple’s projections, the iPhone 14 has a battery life advantage of six hours over the iPhone XS. You’ll receive other improvements that Apple has made to the iPhone over the previous few years in addition to everything that is new in the iPhone 14 specifically.
Included in these are 5G compatibility, larger storage (128GB instead of 64GB), quicker performance, and a better camera. The iPhone XS generation lacks Deep Fusion, Apple’s image processing method that enhances detail and clarity in dim conditions, as well as Night mode for capturing crisper images in the dark. Compared to the bigger and more recent 12-megapixel sensor on the iPhone 14, the XS’s front camera has a lesser quality of 7 megapixels. You’ll also receive a second camera with an ultrawide lens if you’re upgrading from an iPhone XR, allowing you to take wider group photos for the first time.
The iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch screen, while the iPhone 14’s screen is bigger at 6.1 inches (the XR’s screen is likewise 6.1 inches). The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5-inch screen. Over the past four years, the design has seen a significant amount of modification. Newer models now feature flat sides, a notch that is somewhat smaller, various finishes, and a redesigned camera module that is shaped like a “squircle” rather than a pill. As a result, your phone will appear and feel more contemporary.
The last line: It’s absolutely worthwhile to upgrade if you currently own an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR. You experience a considerable improvement in performance, battery life, and camera quality, among other things.
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone X
Since the iPhone X is around five years old, it undoubtedly seems sluggish and doesn’t have the same battery life as before. You’ll notice a significant improvement in these areas as well as design, enhanced durability, connection, and camera quality with an iPhone 14.
The performance will be our first focus. The iPhone 14 utilizes Apple’s A15 Bionic chipset, whereas the iPhone X utilizes the considerably older A11 Bionic chip that is already five years old. The A16 Bionic processor from Apple powers the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. The A11 chip, which only has a two-core brain engine compared to the A15 Bionic’s 16-core neural engine, is well behind both of the new CPUs.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning-based tasks, which are becoming more prevalent in the iPhone experience, are powered by the neural engine of the device. Machine learning is necessary for things like the App Library’s app recommendations and Apple’s Translate app to work, so the iPhone X could have trouble keeping up with newer features.
The iPhone X also features a dual-lens camera that is comparable to the iPhone XS’s, thus it is devoid of Night mode, Deep Fusion, and the option to adjust the depth-of-field and blur settings in Portrait mode seen on the iPhone 14. You only get a 7-megapixel front camera, just like the iPhone XS, as opposed to a 12-megapixel selfie camera on Apple’s more recent smartphones.
The battery life of Apple’s five-year-old iPhone is similarly lower, with the company claiming that it will only last 13 hours while playing back video as opposed to 20 hours on the iPhone 14. Since the iPhone 14’s 6.1-inch screen can reach 800 nits of maximum brightness as opposed to the iPhone X’s screen’s 625 nits, it should be brighter than the 5.8-inch display on the iPhone X.
While the iPhone X only allows stereo playback, the iPhone 14 offers Dolby Atmos and spatial audio. Although it’s definitely not a deal-breaker, if you watch a lot of videos on your phone without headphones, it may be essential.
Additionally, the iPhone 14 has the advantages of having car crash detection, Apple’s new emergency SOS messaging option via satellite, improved water resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes as opposed to 1 meter), 5G support, more storage, Ceramic Shield for the display, a new design, and the ability to use MagSafe accessories.
In conclusion, if you currently own an iPhone X, it’s time to update. The camera, performance, battery life, and nearly every other aspect of the iPhone 14 will feel brand-new.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 8, 8 Plus
For a phone that is already five years old, the iPhone 8 generation maintains Apple’s classic iPhone design. Many of the reasons to upgrade from an iPhone 8 if you currently have one are the same as those to upgrade from an iPhone X. The aging processor could make it more challenging to use more recent iPhone functions that rely on machine learning. The outmoded cameras don’t have features like Night Mode, and the smaller iPhone 8 doesn’t have Portrait Mode either because it just has one lens. By upgrading, you’ll also receive access to MagSafe accessories, compatibility for a 5G connection, and substantially more storage.
The iPhone 8’s design, which is much more than just a cosmetic improvement, makes the largest impact. Apple’s more recent edge-to-edge screen phones switch out Touch ID for Face ID, which enables you to unlock your phone and authenticate purchases with just a quick glance. You might want to at least think about upgrading to the $429 iPhone SE if you prefer Touch ID to Face ID, especially since it’s challenging to use Face ID while wearing a mask. It has the same processor as the iPhone 13, 5G compatibility, and plenty of photography improvements inside a similar body to the iPhone 8.
The iPhone 14 offers a notably significant improvement in display size and quality. Apple has more flexibility to increase the screen without making the device feel bulky because newer phones, like the iPhone 14, lack a home button. Despite seeming more compact, the iPhone 14’s screen is bigger than the 5.5-inch screen of the iPhone 8 Plus. (And for further context, think of the 5.4-inch display on the iPhone 13 Mini.) The Dynamic Island, which turns the notch area into a space for seeing alerts, system notifications, and background programs like Spotify or Apple Music, is another significant difference you’ll experience if you choose the 14 Pro.
From personal experience, reading, checking email, and watching movies are all considerably more comfortable while using an iPhone 12 as opposed to an iPhone 8 (which has a 4.7-inch screen). Since OLED is used instead of LCD, the screen is not only bigger but also brighter and has superior contrast.
Conclusion: The iPhone 14 is a significant improvement over the iPhone 8. The considerably bigger, bolder screen, Face ID, the faster CPU, longer battery life, and of course the significantly improved cameras will all make this phone seem quick and fresh. Notably, you may trade up to the current 2022 iPhone SE if you truly want to acquire a newer iPhone but preserve the iPhone 8’s design.
