New Apple iPhone 14 Review: Everything You Need to Know
Another summer has come and gone, making way for falling leaves, crisp autumn weather, and yes, the latest edition of the iPhone. It’s become a yearly tradition to welcome the newest member of the Apple family in the fall — and this year is no different.
With the iPhone 14, Apple has released another solid line of devices. Still, not everybody wants or needs a new phone. Does the latest iPhone warrant an upgrade over the phones put out last year?
Another important question for Samsung and Google devotees: will the Apple iPhone 14 be tempting enough to ditch Android and come over to iOS 16? Keep reading to find out.
What to Expect
A new iPhone launch has become a predictable event — one that’s packed with different model types, colors, screen sizes, and prices. Apple does a great job of allowing consumers to find iPhones that fit their budget and lifestyle.
The new iPhone lineup consists of the familiar iPhone 14 base model, an iPhone 14 Plus, and the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
If this all sounds familiar, it’s because this is essentially the same assortment of devices that Apple offered for the iPhone 13 — minus the iPhone 13 mini, which will not be getting a new version any time soon.
Is it Worth the Price?
While Apple devices have always been on the pricier side, it’s refreshing to see that the entry-level iPhone 14 is still somewhat affordable. The cheapest version of the iPhone models — the base iPhone 14 — can be had for $799. The iPhone 14 Plus has a larger screen and retails for $899. These prices align with Apple’s biggest competition: the Samsung Galaxy S22 and the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Those looking to get the newest features heavily touted by Apple will have to step up to the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Pro. The iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1099. The Pro is slightly more affordable at $999.
Compared to the pricing for last year’s iPhone lineup, the newest collection of devices from Apple is surprisingly stable. With worldwide inflation bringing the price of new devices up, it’s great to see Apple sticking with familiar price points. The Pro models, in particular, could have seen significant price increases since they feature the marketable features that Apple hopes will get consumers into stores.
Design Details
There isn’t much to say about the look of the iPhone 14 Pro Max — or any of the other iPhone 14 models. It’s the same design seen in last year’s model. That isn’t to say it’s terrible, especially for new customers who will enjoy the fresh look. It’s just unfortunate that Apple seems to have hit the wall regarding fresh and innovative hardware design.
Essential Specs
There are a few notable specifications shared across the entire iPhone 14 lineup. Every version features Face ID, as well as 5G connectivity. Each model also boasts a stunning OLED SuperRetina XDR screen, with the base iPhone 14 and Pro models receiving a 6.1-inch screen. A 6.7-inch OLED can be found on the Plus and Pro Max models.
Every version comes with Apple’s new crash detection feature, which will ask users if they require emergency services if the phone senses a crash.
Apple’s A15 bionic CPU powers the base model of the iPhone 14 in addition to the Plus. A beefier A16 bionic chip serves as the nerve center for the Pro and Pro Max models.
From a purely technical perspective, the iPhone 14 lineup isn’t going to blow anyone away. It's more of an evolution than a revolution.
Impressive Video Camera
Low-light photography has become an area of emphasis for the iPhone 14 Pro Max — and the results truly speak for themselves. A new 48-megapixel main camera used alongside Apple’s Photonic Engine makes even the most amateur of users look like a seasoned professional. It's especially impressive in night mode. When combined with the 12-megapixel telephoto lens as well as the enhanced selfie camera, 2X optical zoom makes for an incredible package for iPhone 14 Pro Max users.
Cinematic Mode is back for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Alongside it is a new Action Mode that users are sure to find useful. Bikers, joggers, or anyone taking videos on the move will find Action Mode to be a great new feature, as it brings some serious stabilization enhancements to videos.
Battery Life
There’s no reason to fear a dead battery with any of these new iPhone 14 models. Every version is fast-charge capable. Despite some new additions like the always-on display and dynamic island (more on those in the next section), the battery can last for days on end.
Exciting New Features
Perhaps the biggest new feature for the iPhone 14 lineup is the dynamic island. This pill-shaped space in the upper center of the screen will feature dynamic, app-specific information. It’s a seemingly small improvement, but it allows for more screen space for other apps.
Dynamic island isn’t the only new feature, as Apple has finally sought inspiration from Google’s Pixel phones. This time it’s in the form of an always-on display that can show the time and date with a simple tilt of the screen. It’s a nice alternative to a traditional lock screen.
Another new feature that some may lament is the absence of a SIM card slot. Instead, the iPhone 14 will utilize eSIM technology. This probably won’t impact the majority of users. It’s a small change, but one worth noting nonetheless.
Performance Perks
For those who are still using an iPhone 13 Pro or one of last year’s phones, the performance leap offered by the iPhone 14 may not be worth the upgrade. Still, it’s certainly worth considering for those in need of an excellent smartphone camera. The upgrades to the front camera and especially the low-light performance make it an easy recommendation. Software enhancements like emergency SOS and the dynamic island give the iPhone 14 just enough new bells and whistles to make it stand out against last year’s iPhone selection.
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