The iPhone 14 involves market with the identical launch value because the earlier technology. On the similar time, iPhone connoisseurs had been greater than disillusioned after the presentation of the brand new smartphone. Apple leaves giant elements of the {hardware} unchanged and doesn’t dare to vary the design. Is it nonetheless value shopping for the Apple iPhone 13—and in that case, for whom? Discover out in our iPhone 14 assessment.
Good
- High efficiency degree regardless of final yr’s chip
- Very prime quality workmanship
- Improved picture and video high quality
- Glorious battery life
Dangerous
- Hardly any improvements
- Charging takes too lengthy for 2022
Apple iPhone 14 in a nutshell
It has hardly ever been so troublesome to suggest shopping for a brand new iPhone. As a result of with a bit extra image high quality, a bit extra battery life, and another GPU core, we already cowl nearly all improvements of the most recent iPhone within the fundamental model.
The iPhone 14 seems to be just like the predecessor mannequin, it feels the identical in on a regular basis use and even on the suburban practice no person sees that you’re utilizing the most recent iPhone. So although the most recent iPhone 14 is a superb cellphone, it’s outclassed by the earlier fashions and the way more thrilling Professional fashions. Apple disciples can safely skip this iteration—or await the brand new Plus variant with a bigger show.
In case you nonetheless need to purchase the iPhone 14, you’ll pay precisely $799 for the essential variant with 128 gigabytes of storage. The colours Blue, Purple, Midnight, Polaris and “(Product) Purple” are already accessible on-line at Apple, on the Apple Retailer of your alternative or at retailers.
Just lately, Apple unveiled a brand new colour variant—the yellow iPhone 14, accessible since March 14 on the Apple Retailer and accomplice retailers. This new mannequin maintains the premium design and build-quality of different colour choices. The aluminum body and buttons characteristic a refined tanned-yellow hue, whereas the glass again panel boasts a vibrant yellow. This distinctive end units the usual duo aside, and right here at NextPit, we have dubbed it “The Pikachu iPhone” (credit score to Antoine Engels).
Design & show: It is getting previous this fashion
A slanted twin digital camera on the again, a deep brow crease on the entrance—the iPhone 14 can hardly be distinguished from the predecessor. The 6.1-inch “Tremendous Retina XDR OLED” show and all buttons and ports have additionally remained the identical. Solely within the U.S. are you able to inform in case you are holding an iPhone 14 or an iPhone 13.
What I appreciated:
- Excessive construct high quality.
- Equipment downward suitable.
- 6.1-inch format nonetheless useful.
- Higher repairability.
What I disliked:
- 0 Novelty issue.
- 0 Status issue.
- Design and expertise outdated.
Apple follows the technique of its SE collection within the iPhone 14 and leaves the smartphone’s design unchanged. Those that like a brand new cellphone to really feel new will probably be disillusioned. Identical to the actually not small share of the inhabitants who flaunt their smartphone on cellphone chains or on the practice. As a result of in contrast to once you upgraded from iPhone 12 to iPhone 13, nobody will know you are utilizing the most recent iPhone.
In observe, nevertheless, the compact format remains to be convincing due to the 6.1-inch show. The show high quality remains to be high due to the colourful OLED panel, and the identical applies to the sharpness due to the Retina decision, which works with 1,170 x 2,532 pixels. Nonetheless, it’s not up-to-date that Apple nonetheless depends on 60 hertz for the bottom mannequin and the brand new Plus breaker with a 6.68-inch display screen.
Apple’s iOS 16 doesn’t run as easily as within the present Professional fashions. Apple additionally revolutionizes the infamous notch within the Professional vary, which turns into the clever info heart as the brand new “Dynamic Island”. Whereas style is debatable, Apple itself admits that the notch is outdated—and ought to be abolished in 2022, similar to the Lightning connector.
Apple courageously eliminated the SIM card tray within the U.S. fashions. And talking of daring strikes, Apple has improved the design of its fundamental iPhone. The again can now get replaced extra simply and, above all, extra cheaply. With the iPhone 14, repairing the again prices $149—with the predecessor, the repairing service can price round $500-$600. Welcome!
Interface/OS
The iPhone 14 runs iOS 16.0.1, and we now have already reported quite a bit about Apple’s new cell working system. So make sure to learn our
overview of iOS 16 and likewise the publish about
10 of crucial iOS options you must find out about.
A lot of the options that Apple provides in its Professional collection can be discovered on the iPhone 14. Aside from the flowery At all times-On Show, which is reserved for the Professional and Professional Max fashions.
You’ll nonetheless profit from the brand new choices to personalize the lock display screen. The brand new iOS lock screens together with widgets in addition to the depth impact utilized to the display screen background are fairly cool. Even when the latter characteristic may be very whimsical and complex to make use of.
There’s additionally a brand new safety characteristic for the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch 8. This detects automotive accidents through a collection of improved sensors, together with barometer, accelerometer, and microphones, to detect should you’ve been concerned in a automotive accident. The iPhone will then make an emergency name if you don’t cancel it in time.
Efficiency: A core divides the Apple group
Apple’s newest iPhone 14 runs with final yr’s SoC, the A15 Bionic. In contrast to the essential iPhone 13 variant, nevertheless, the 14 mannequin has an extra graphics core. Thus, it’s on par with the iPhone 13 Professional, however falls behind this yr’s Professional mannequin with A16 Bionic. You may see once more: it was hardly that worthwhile to put money into the Professional fashions.
What I appreciated:
- Bigger working reminiscence than within the predecessor.
- Efficiency degree very excessive regardless of final yr’s SoC.
- New wi-fi requirements on board.
What I disliked:
- Hardly any benefits over iPhone 13.
For a number of generations, Apple has launched its new smartphones with a substantial advance in processor efficiency. Because of this there are hardly any functions that make the most of the computing energy at launch.
Because of this, you will not even discover that Apple installs the identical SoC within the iPhone 14 as within the iPhone 13 Professional and iPhone 13 Professional Max in on a regular basis use. The chip from the earlier yr was already highly effective sufficient that you should have no issues with the system stability for the subsequent few years.
I’d have welcomed this resolution by Apple, if it will additionally scale back the price of a brand new iPhone. However the iPhone 14 has the identical value as earlier technology—and the lacking processor improve will get a bland aftertaste. Nonetheless, the benchmark at the least reveals that Apple’s A15 Bionic will not be a lot weaker than its successor.
Moreover, Apple provides its previous chip a brand new wi-fi customary. Thus, Bluetooth 5.3 finds its approach into the iPhone and the choice of connecting to emergency name facilities through satellite tv for pc in emergencies has been added. Within the U.S. and Canada, the satellite tv for pc emergency name will probably be freed from cost for 2 years.
| Apple iPhone 14 | Apple iPhone 14 Professional Max | Asus Zenfone 9 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Mark Wild Life | Too highly effective | Too highly effective | Too highly effective | 8611 | 5683 |
| 3D Mark Wild Life Excessive | 2431 | 3362 | – | – | – |
| 3D Mark Wild Life Stress Check | Finest Loop: 9,761 Worst Loop: 8,321 |
Finest Loop: 9,599 Worst Loop: 8,121 |
Finest Loop: 10,524 Worst Loop: 5,617 |
Finest Loop: 10,332 Worst Loop: 5,606 |
Finest loop: 5,579 Worst Loop: 3,435 |
| Geekbench 5 | Single: 1699 A number of: 4817 |
Easy: 1885 A number of: 5406 |
Single: 1263 A number of: 3899 |
Single: 1332 A number of: 3947 |
Single: 1095 A number of: 3239 |
Taking off my gripe hat, nevertheless, I’ve to rave in regards to the efficiency of the brand new iPhone. Like my iPhone 13 mini, which I often use as an on a regular basis cellphone, there’s hardly any loading time or jerkiness with the iPhone 14. Cell video games run par excellence, and utilizing apps in parallel runs flawlessly due to a RAM improve to six as an alternative of 4 gigabytes.
Digital camera: An important argument
The largest adjustments are within the iPhone 14’s digital camera. Apple improves the sunshine depth of the primary cameras with bigger sensors and higher lenses. On the similar time, the enormous from Cupertino rearranges its picture processing. Selfies are additionally sharper due to the front-facing digital camera with autofocus, and movies turn into much more “cinematic” and clean.
What I appreciated:
- New Photonic Engine makes for higher night time pictures.
- Motion mode and cinema mode in 4K are a blast.
- Wise replace for entrance digital camera.
What I disliked:
- Giant hole to the Professional fashions once more.
Apple as soon as once more manages to incorporate bigger sensors and sooner lenses within the iPhone 14. Nonetheless, the adjustments are marginal with a sensor measurement improve from 1.7 to 1.9 µm in the primary digital camera and an improved mild depth from f/1.6 to f/1.5, additionally foremost digital camera. The ultra-wide-angle module stays the identical, however selfie followers will probably be blissful about an autofocus and a sooner lens with f/1.9.
Nonetheless, consumers of the iPhone 14 nonetheless look enviously on the bourgeoisie with their fancy Professional fashions. It’s because Apple has built-in a brand new 48-megapixel foremost sensor right here this yr, which, along with pixel binning, additionally brings a 2x zoom degree to the iPhone with out high quality loss. Nonetheless, it is pleasing to see Apple convey 4 key options throughout the board to all 14 fashions.
The primary is the brand new association in picture processing, known as Photonic Engine. Apple processes the uncooked information from the digital camera sensors in another way, which ought to end in higher footage. In observe, that is particularly noticeable in night time pictures, which shine with higher particulars and richer colours in darkish areas. Photographs in the dead of night look like of upper high quality than on my iPhone 13 mini.
The iPhone 13 collection additionally got here with a crude limitation within the truly technically so spectacular cinema mode. What solely labored in Full HD and 60 frames per second final yr, now succeeds in “wonderful 4K” at both 30 or 24 frames per second. Benefits come up particularly in blended use, since recordings with and with out cinema mode not differ in decision. You may learn how nicely the digital Bokeh does in comparison with different fashions within the linked assessment.
Apple introduces an motion mode with its 14 fashions. Regardless of should you use the primary digital camera that’s stabilized through sensor shift or the destabilized ultra-wide-angle digital camera, you’ll be able to digitally stabilize the images—and that works on about the identical degree as GoPro. This is superb should you use your iPhone for mountain biking or skating. Handy: The cropping that Apple wants for stabilization is simply minimal. The Zenfone 9, for instance, cuts your recordings fairly tightly for this.
Final however not least, two or three phrases about selfies: The entrance cameras of the brand new iPhone 14 fashions are all geared up with autofocus. Though the hyperfocal distance, i.e. the space between the topic and the lens at which the whole lot is sharp, is kind of quick anyway with a focal size of 23 millimeters and a tiny 1/3.6-inch sensor, the images are a bit sharper, particularly at shut vary. Pleasing: The cinematic mode works in 4K right here as nicely!
Let’s summarize: The picture high quality of the primary cameras has solely marginally improved when taking footage, videographers will probably be blissful about two new options. Selfie-takers are actually mechanically centered and a query arises in my thoughts: If Apple makes use of the identical chip together with the identical ISP, why aren’t the brand new options additionally accessible on the iPhone 13? Do they need to artificially preserve software program improvements unique? Maybe all this could not be potential with smaller sensors and a comma step in mild depth. Who believes it!
Battery & Charging: Amazingly enduring
With 3,279 milliampere hours, the iPhone 14’s battery is precisely 39 mAh bigger than within the predecessor. Nonetheless, the battery life was past reproach with a median of two days within the take a look at. Nonetheless, it’s regrettable that Apple retains the outdated Fast-Charging.
What I appreciated:
- Excellent battery life.
- Wi-fi charging and reverse wi-fi charging on board.
What I disliked:
- Sluggish fast charging.
- Lightning connector.
Apple as soon as once more conjures up a wonderful battery life within the iPhone with energy-efficient {hardware} and relatively small batteries. Within the take a look at interval, the smartphone might often be used for 2 days with out recharging. Customers who want extra runtime ought to take a more in-depth have a look at the Plus mannequin with an even bigger battery.
The identical factors as within the take a look at of the iPhone 13 are criticized: Apple nonetheless costs its smartphones too slowly. On the similar time, the producer makes use of Lightning—a connector that will probably be banned in Europe in 2024. In 2022, it’s notably annoying given that most expertise—even iPads and MacBooks from Apple itself—already depend on USB-C. So that you’re all the time on the lookout for two cables as an alternative of 1.
Wi-fi charging works like within the predecessor: Both through MagSafe together with the choice for MagSafe equipment—or through any Qi charger yow will discover within the surroundings.
Technical specs
| Apple iPhone 14 vary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Product | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | |
| Colours |
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| Display |
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| SoC |
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| Reminiscence |
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| Micro SD | ||
| Essential Digital camera |
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| Extremely wide-angle |
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| Telephoto lens | ||
| Video |
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| Selfie |
|
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| Audio | ||
| Battery life |
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| Quick charging |
|
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| Sturdiness |
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| Connectivity |
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| Value | $799 | $899 |
Conclusion
Regardless that Apple’s selections are all the time debatable, as a rule the corporate’s selections are comprehensible. In 2022, nevertheless, I’ve to scratch my head after I look over my notes in regards to the iPhone 14. For $799, the corporate introduces a brand new mannequin that solely differs in particulars from the predecessor mannequin, which now prices slightly below $800. There will not be even any optical adjustments, which might be used to justify the acquisition out of a form of cult feeling.
Apple’s iPhone 14 is a press release in direction of the Professional collection, which, nevertheless, prices one other $200 extra. Thus, Apple’s most loyal clients are confronted with a troublesome resolution, which I can solely assist with as a expertise journalist:
In case you use an iPhone 13, you’ll be able to skip this iPhone technology—or purchase the Professional mannequin. If you’re utilizing an older iPhone, you must await the iPhone 15—or purchase the Professional mannequin. If you wish to purchase an iPhone for the primary time… you can purchase the iPhone 13—or the iPhone 14 Professional.
It appears as if Apple sacrifices its hottest iPhone mannequin with the intention to focus extra on the Professional fashions. As a result of that is the place the actual improvements are, and this was already obvious final yr. With the eye to element and class due to which most individuals purchase an iPhone within the first place.
So Apple is premium once more—and the iPhone 14 is a non-premium cellphone at a premium value. Regardless that there are not any “technical flaws”, as our take a look at chart states, the iPhone doesn’t make it previous 3.5 stars in my eyes.
The iPhone 14 assessment was up to date on March 17 to incorporate the newly launched yellow colour variant.
