September 7, 2022! This date marked the event when iPhone broke the five-year-long ongoing design barrier.
The launch of the iPhone 14 with a new dynamic island design has taken the world by storm. The intellectually replaced notch has been a prime talk of reviewers.
There are four models in series 14: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 max, and iPhone 14 pro max.
With the sales beginning on September 16, Is the device really good for an upgrade from 13 to 14?
Based on reviews on various platforms from experts and reviewers, this article explains the good and bad of the newly launched iPhone 14.
Table of Contents
General Specifications of iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
| Specifications | iPhone 14 | iPhone 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Front: Ceramic Shield Glass Back Aluminum design | Front: Ceramic Shield Glass Back Aluminum design |
| Capacity | 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB |
| Size and weight | Height: 5.78 inches Width: 2.82 inches Depth: 0.31 inch Weight: 6.07 ounces | Height: 6.33 inches Width: 3.07 inches Depth: 0.31 inch Weight: 7.16 ounces |
| Display Resolution | 6.1-inch OLED display 2532 x 1170 pixel resolution 460 PPI | 6.7-inch OLED display 277 x 1284 pixel resolution 458 PPI |
| Chip | A15 Bionic chip | A15 Bionic chip |
| Camera | Dual 12MP Main | Dual 12MP Main |
| Video Recording | 4K video recording (24/25/30/60 fps) 1080p HD video recording (25/30/60 fps) 720p HD video recording (30 fps) Cinematic mode (4K HDR at 30 fps) Action mode (2.8K at 60 fps) | 4K video recording (24/25/30/60 fps) 1080p HD video recording (25/30/60 fps) 720p HD video recording (30 fps) Cinematic mode (4K HDR at 30 fps) Action mode (2.8K at 60 fps) |
| Safety | Emergency SOS via satellite Crash Detection | Emergency SOS via satellite Crash Detection |
| Siri | Send messages Set reminders | Send messages Set reminders |
| Buttons and connectors | Stereo speakers Side buttons Lightening charger Built-in microphones | Stereo speakers Side buttons Lightening charger Built-in microphones |
| Power and battery | Video playback: Up to 20 hours Video playback (stream): Up to 16 hours Audio playback: Up to 80 hours Fast charge capability: Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes (20 W adapter) | Video playback: Up to 26 hours Video playback (stream): Up to 20 hours Audio playback: Up to 100 hours Fast charge capability: Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes (20 W adapter) |
| Operating system | iOS 16 | iOS 16 |
| Sim card | Dual e-sim support (No physical sim card) | Dual e-sim support (No physical sim card) |
Pros of iPhone 14
iPhone 14 is an excellent phone with distinctive features that will aid users in a better high-end phone experience.
1. Dynamic Island, A new display notch
The apple company defines a dynamic island as a new way to interact with a phone’s hardware and software. The feature is not just a static cutout but can blend based on UI.
In simple terms, a dynamic island is a lot of information in a small space. Based on the review of Mark Spoonauer, on playing a track in Apple Music and going back to the home screen, you will see a small play window with information on the track. The screen will display more detailed information when you long-press the dynamic island feature.
Some other functionalities you can perform on the shift from the traditional notch are:
- View upcoming maps directions without opening the maps app,
- A pill-shaped cutout for quick glace of direction,
- Square-shaped apple pay confirmation notification,
- Music waveform and remaining time display,
- Track arrival time on Lyft,
- Privacy indicators while using a microphone or camera,
- Small bar icon for phone and call length,
- Timer notification,
- Sports scores display,
- Music control and player,
- Air-pod connection and charging status.
2. Biggest iPhone Screen
The biggest iPhone you can now buy is the iPhone 14 pro max. The OLED display fitted in 6.7 inches display panels is the biggest in any iPhone. Other options for large iPhones are iPhone 13 pro max and iPhone 12 pro max.
The larger screen size of the 6.7-inch display enhances gaming, streaming, exploring, and watching movie experiences.
3. 48MP camera
The biggest upgrade of the new standard models is its 48MP camera. Only the Pro model has this camera quality.
The non-pro iPhone have the same old 12MP camera, which they have not upgraded since the iPhone 6s.
4. Action mode for video
For video recording, iPhone 14 has launched an action mode. The mode can be activated like slow-mo or time-lapse mode by toggling into options.
The Dolby Vision and HDR on action enhance the professionalism of your video. The entire came sensor is guided with advanced stabilization that records shake-free video.
5. Satellite Communication
With the new satellite connectivity module of iPhone 14, you can connect to emergency services under unprecedented circumstances.
The satellite connectivity feature was not available in previous phones. The emergency situations satellite SOS is currently available in the U.S. and Canada only.
The features work when the phone is connected to a satellite network, and your data for emergency contacts are filled.
If you are in a region with cellular and wi-fi coverage, the function does not work.
6. Always-on display
iPhone 14 is the first phone to initiate the Always-on display feature. The iOS 16 lock screen heavily inspires the display on board.
Always-on display functionality allows users to time, widgets, and any live activities on dimmed notch-less display along with the wallpaper view.
7. A16 Bionic (Fastest processing chip)
A16 Bionic chip is the fastest processor ever used in mobile devices. Only high-end iPhone pro (both 6.1-inch iPhone and 6.7-inch screen display) have this chipset.
The new 6-core CPU is 40% faster than other devices in the market. A16 bionic holds 50% more bandwidth memory with an accelerated 5-core GPU.
The deep fusion of a 16-core neural engine is capable of 17 trillion operations per second, perfect for graphics-oriented apps and games.
8. Adaptive Refresh
An adaptive refresh rate of 120 Hz in a 6.1-inch display is the highest among previous iPhones. The peak brightness of the new display notches reaches up to 2000 nits.
Cons of iPhone 14
The major flaw of the iPhone 14 is an awaited USB-C port that was highly expected on this version.
1. 3x optical zoom
The 3x optical zoom means you can zoom three times from the focal length. For example, if the camera’s aperture can capture 10 km of radius, by using 3x optical zoom, you can zoom up to 30 km of radius.
It looks good while explaining, but the 3x zoom is not ideal for capturing sports or wildlife. 3x-8x is appropriate for family photos and landscapes.
iPhone 14 could have done better on the zoom feature as users have high expectations from apple products.
2. Still Expensive
From the base model to this date, iPhone products’ price increase concerns iOS users. You can buy the product from September 16, yet the price hike continues. With the starting price of $799, the purchase costs of the iPhone 14 model are:
| Models | 128GB storage | 512GB storage |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | $799 | $999 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | $899 | $1099 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | $999 | $1299 |
| iPhone 14 Pro max | $1099 | $1399 |
3. Lightning port
The buyers have been ranting about the USB-C ports since 2012. However, iPhone 14 still comes with a lightning port.
There was high hope and discussion about the introduction of type-C in iPhone 14. There is still the option of wireless charging.
4. No fast-charge update
When will fast charge ever get introduced to iPhone? The 20 W charger is too primitive for what android phones are offering these days.
5. Heavier and thicker
The decision for a wider aperture, changing iPhone 14 mini to iPhone 14 Plus, and 6.7 inches display are excellent.
But that made the phone, especially the pro max, a heavier and thicker model. The internal design surpasses the exterior built by a considerable margin.
6. No sim card tray
The concept of E-sim is unique, but it might not be suitable for all. In case of recognition failure, there are no ports for the physical sim cards.
Is iPhone 14 a Worth?
Based on pros and cons, the only exceptional prospect of updating to iPhone 14 is the dynamic island feature. There are a few significant changes from the previous iPhone 13 Pro Max model. The slow wired charging might not be efficient in the fast-paced digital world.
The battery life of the iPhone 14 Pro Max is 3095 mAh is just okay. Android phones have innovated way ahead in terms of battery capacities.
If you are a regular iPhone user and have possession of 12 pro max or 13 pro max iPhones variant (don’t buy a new iPhone 14), then it is better to stick with them. For new users or upgrades from iPhone X Max or previous models (good for you), the phone is perfect for the new notch-less display and extreme smoothness.
Summary (pros and cons of iPhone 14)
| Pros |
|---|
| Notch design of dynamic island |
| Biggest iPhone screens in the premium models |
| 48-megapixel wide-angle camera |
| Action mode for video |
| Satellite communication |
| 120Hz refresh rate display |
| Always on display |
| A16 bionic |
| Cons |
|---|
| Focus pixels3X mode |
| Expensive |
| No USB-C port |
| No sim tray |
| Heavier and thicker |
| No fast charge update |
The event ‘far out’ announced the launch of iPhone 14 along with Airpods pro, Apple watch ultra, Apple watch series 8, and Apple fitness+.
Apple products have always set up a Marky for better phone enhancement and features. iPhone 14 series is no different.
Some flaws that most of the reviewers addressed might aid in upgrading the exceptional features of the iPhone 15. There are even some changes required in the iOS operator itself. Wishing a better response to iPhone 14 sales and functionality.
(Last Updated on September 12, 2022)
