Whether you're contemplating an upgrade from your trusty iPhone 14 to the shiny new iPhone 15, or if you're in the market for a new phone altogether and can't quite decide which of these devices is your perfect match, we've got your back. Each new iPhone generation boasts impressive enhancements, but the latest model might not be the right fit for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we'll help you compare these two popular smartphones, so you can find the one that suits you best!
So, whether you're eyeing the latest and greatest or considering the tried-and-true, we're here to help you navigate the options! Our iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14 showdown is here to dissect all the major changes and assist you in making that upgrade decision. We can't choose for you, but we'll ensure you have all the essential details about iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14 to help you make the right choice for your needs.
Performance Unleashed: iPhone 14 vs 15
The iPhone 14 brought something new to the table by splitting its chip lineup. The standard models stuck with the trusty old A15 chip, while the Pro modea boost with the faster A16 chip.
And as many of us suspected, the iPhone 15 follows suit with another two-tier chip strategy. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are powered by the A16 chip, the same one that made last year's Pro phones shine. But when it comes to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, they come equipped with Apple's spanking new A17 Pro chip. This isn't just a tech nerd thing – it's a big deal because the A17 Pro marks Apple's first foray into the world of 3-nanometer chip technology, something they claim is a first for smartphones. But what really matters to you is that it translates to a faster phone.
Dimensions and Design
The iPhone 14 family might strike you as a case of déjà vu, resembling its predecessors with a few minor tweaks. All four versions maintain the flat-sided phone design, featuring either a standard notch (for the regular models) or a Dynamic Island (for the Pros) housing the front selfie camera.
You have the option of Pro and non-Pro models in both 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch OLED displays, although the petite 5.4-inch variant is no longer in the lineup since the mini's departure. The Pro models come with some additional treats, including always-on display capabilities, a smooth 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, and a brighter peak brightness. While the iPhone 15 may look quite familiar at first glance, it surprises with its newly rounded edges on both the front and back, along with a subtle change in the back's finish to a matte texture.
Not to forget the practicalities, the aluminum side rails and IP68 dust and water resistance ratings found on the iPhone 14 have made their way into the appropriate iPhone 15 models. But here's something interesting - Apple has bid adieu to the old mute switch and ushered in the "Action Button" on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This nifty button can be customized to perform a variety of tasks, from activating the flashlight and Focus mode to running a personal shortcut or simply muting the phone, much like the old switch.
It's worth noting that this button is exclusively available on the iPhone 15 Pro models. However, the most noticeable design change across the entire iPhone 15 lineup is the expansion of the Dynamic Island, which was once the domain of the iPhone 14 Pros. Now, you'll find this unique feature on every iPhone 15 model. So, if you've been eyeing Dynamic Island with envy while your pals flaunted their Pros, you'll soon have the chance to enjoy Apple's quirky design choice on any iPhone 15 you desire.
The iPhone 15 boasts a stunning spectrum of colors, with options that cater to diverse tastes. This model showcases captivating shades like the serene Cerulean Blue, the luxurious Sunset Gold, the sleek Midnight Black, and the elegant Rose Blush. In contrast, the iPhone 14 exuded sophistication through its refined color choices, which included the classic Graphite Gray, the serene Pacific Blue, and the bold Cherry Red.
iPhone 14 Camera vs iPhone 15 Camera
With the arrival of the iPhone 14, it brought along some noteworthy camera improvements, replacing the iPhone 13. The first notable change was the introduction of an auto-focusing selfie camera across all four models. The second major upgrade was the installation of a 48MP main camera on the Pro models.
Now, with the iPhone 15, Apple is making that 48MP main camera accessible to all models in the lineup. However, there are still distinctions in sensor quality that differentiate the camera capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro models from their more budget-friendly counterparts.
In fact, the Pro versions of the iPhone 15 come with a set of unique camera upgrades. Both of them can now capture images at various focal lengths (24mm, 28mm, and 35mm), and the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a brand-new "tetra prism" telephoto lens that offers a remarkable 5x zoom and a focal length of 120mm. These camera enhancements bring a fresh dimension to photography and set the Pro models apart in the world of smartphone cameras.
Seeing the Difference: Display Showdown
Even though the A17 Pro still sports a 6-core CPU like its predecessor, the A16, Apple boasts a significant 10% speed boost, not to mention a 16-core Neural Engine that's twice as fast as before. But the A17 Pro brings even more to the table for the iPhone 15 Pro models.
One of the standout upgrades is the redesigned GPU, now with 6 cores instead of the previous 5, delivering a promising 20% speed boost. Plus, it comes with exciting new features, like improved video quality thanks to the new AV1 decoder, and the ability to effortlessly handle tasks like rendering HDR video at 4K/60 frames per second.
For the gaming enthusiasts out there, this is where it gets interesting. The iPhone 15 Pro with the A17 Pro chip is all set for hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a game-changer in mobile gaming. Apple claims that their hardware support for ray tracing, coupled with some top-notch optimization, makes it possible to dive into modern games like Resident Evil Village and Assassin's Creed Mirage right on your trusty smartphone. So, whether you're a tech enthusiast or just want a faster, more capable phone, the iPhone 15 has some exciting tricks up its sleeve.
Battery Life
When it comes to comparing the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, there are a couple of key distinctions to consider. The iPhone 14 boasts a long-lasting and powerful battery, making it a reliable choice for users. Additionally, it sticks with the familiar Lightning charger, a preference for many individuals who find it perfectly suitable, and even preferable over USB-C.
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 maintains a battery capacity on par with its predecessor, ensuring you won't miss out on lasting power. However, it embraces USB-C charging, a notable departure from Apple's proprietary Lightning charger. This shift is especially advantageous for those who own a variety of devices, as it offers the convenience of universal charging.
In the broader context of choosing between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, it's not just about battery life. Your decision also hinges on your charging preferences and how seamlessly you want to keep all your devices charged and ready to go.
Charging Speed and Ports
While the iPhone 14 relies on Apple's proprietary Lightning port, the iPhone 15 proudly boasts USB-C charging, a universal standard - which may be one of the more definitive advantages of owning an Iphone 15.
Why is this such a big deal? With USB-C, you can now charge all your favorite devices, whether it's your iPhone 15, Nintendo Switch, AirPods, or Apple Watch, all with the same cable.
As mentioned before, apart from this change, both phones share identical battery capabilities. It's all about convenience and a charging solution that works seamlessly across your tech arsenal - when you make the leap to an iPhone 15, those familiar Lightning cables will be a thing of the past.
Thanks to the new iPhone 15 USB-C port, which the EU pushed Apple to include, you can now charge your phone and transfer files using USB-C. Not to mention, this upgrade means faster file transfers compared to older iPhone models.
Price Differential
Apple has managed to keep the prices for the iPhone 14 pretty consistent with what they've been charging for the past few flagship iPhone models. The base iPhone 14 is priced at $799, the iPhone 14 Pro at $999, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max at $1,099. The only change is that the $699 iPhone 13 mini has been replaced by a new $899 iPhone 14 Plus model. However, it's worth noting that prices outside of the U.S. have seen an increase. In the UK, for example, the iPhone 14 starts at £849, the iPhone 14 Plus at £949, the iPhone 14 Pro at £1,099, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max at £1,199 — all of which are at least £100 more than the equivalent iPhone 13 models.
A similar pattern emerges in Australia, where the iPhone 14 is priced at AU$1,399, the iPhone 14 Plus at AU$1,579, the iPhone 14 Pro at AU$1,749, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max at AU$1,899, all reflecting higher prices compared to last year's models.
In the United States, things are a bit different. Only the new Pro Max version of the iPhone 15 is seeing a price increase, with every other model maintaining the same starting price as their predecessors. So, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus continue at $799 and $899, respectively, while the iPhone 15 Pro will start at $999.
The exception is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which now kicks off at $1,199 — marking a $100 increase from last year's model. It's important to consider these pricing changes depending on where you are and which iPhone model you're eyeing.
Final Verdict
Choosing between an iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 is a bit of a conundrum at this stage since we haven't had the chance to dive into full reviews of these new phones. However, a quick look gives you a sense of what you're getting with these upgrades. The standard models offer you a shiny 48MP main camera, the Dynamic Island, a speedier chip, and a fresh exterior design. Now, if you decide to splurge on an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, you're in for a treat with even better cameras, the impressive A17 Pro chip, and the somewhat debatable new customizable Action Button.
For those in pursuit of the ultimate camera quality, top-notch performance, a stunning display, and modern conveniences like USB-C, it's probably wise to hold out for the iPhone 15. However, if you're looking for something a tad more budget-friendly, the iPhone 14 series stands as a solid choice that will remain so for some time. It all boils down to what you prioritize and your tech budget.
