Professionals
- Improved digital camera
- Robust efficiency
- Improved repairability is consumer-friendly
Cons
- Lack of SIM card tray might be a problem for some
- Battery life is a priority
Let’s get this out of the best way proper now — the $799 iPhone 14 is a unbelievable smartphone with sturdy digital camera efficiency and dependable total efficiency, and battery life that is just a little regarding. I have been utilizing Apple’s newest base iPhone mannequin, the iPhone 14, for about 10 days alongside the iPhone 14 Professional Max. The iPhone 14 and 14 Professional Max are very comparable however fairly completely different on the identical time.
Upgrading from an iPhone 13 to an iPhone 14, and even from an iPhone 12, is not essentially the most compelling transfer, however for everybody else who simply wants a brand new iPhone — the iPhone 14 is effectively definitely worth the funding.
Nonetheless, for those who’re somebody who desires a bigger cellphone, you’ll be able to both decide up the iPhone 14 Professional Max proper now (assuming yow will discover it in inventory) or watch for the $899 iPhone 14 Plus to launch on Oct. 7. Preorders for the larger-screen iPhone 14 mannequin are at the moment stay.
How and why did I come to these conclusions? Let’s dig in.
Additionally: Learn how to get the most effective deal on the brand new iPhone 14 fashions
Specs
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
|---|---|
| Show | 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR |
| Reminiscence | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Cameras | 12-megapixel principal, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 12-megapixel TrueDepth |
| Battery | As much as 20 hours |
| Connectivity | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (Sub6/mmWave) |
| Working system | iOS 16 |
| Colours | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Product RED |
Acquainted design, with one exception
Other than the colour choices, the iPhone 14 is sort of equivalent to the iPhone 13 in design. There’s actually just one noticeable change to my eye, and that is the shortage of a SIM card tray on the iPhone 14. Apple has made the choice to go all-in on eSIM, the digital model of the small plastic card we have all moved between telephones.
In the course of the preliminary setup of the iPhone 14, I used to be requested if I wished to switch my current cellphone quantity from my private iPhone 13 Professional Max to the iPhone 14. Take into account, earlier than powering on the iPhone 14 and signing in with my Apple ID, there was no means for the iPhone 14 to know which cellphone quantity I had or that may be assigned to it.
Additionally: Here is how the main carriers are dealing with the iPhone 14 eSIM
After choosing that I did need the iPhone 14 to make use of my cellphone quantity, Apple and my provider did some magic behind the scenes and my quantity was transferred to the brand new iPhone in underneath two minutes. It was actually a straightforward expertise.
I lined extra particulars about making the change from SIM card to iPhone 14 eSIM right here, which ought to enable you get began.
As for the colours, you will get the iPhone 14 in Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, or Product RED, with storage beginning at 128GB, with 256GB and 512GB choices.
The facet of the iPhone not has a SIM card slot. Jason Cipriani/ZDNET
Efficiency and battery life
Should you go to Apple’s comparability software, pitting the iPhone 13 towards the iPhone 14, you may discover that the telephones use the identical A15 Bionic processor. That is the primary time Apple has used the previous-generation processor in a brand new iPhone mannequin, with the iPhone maker counting on the already stable efficiency the A15 Bionic dropped at the iPhone 13.
To be clear, there’s a slight distinction between the A15 Bionic that is used within the iPhone 14. It has a five-core GPU, versus the 4 cores within the iPhone 13 model. Apple says that further core brings a roughly 18% enhance in GPU efficiency to the iPhone 14.
I have not observed any important efficiency enchancment over the iPhone 13 Professional Max, however I by no means had a criticism about efficiency on the iPhone 13 generally. That is to say — I do not suppose efficiency is a matter with the iPhone 14. I had no points when multitasking between apps, or enjoying Ballistic Baseball. Apple has a observe file of supporting gadgets by way of software program updates for a number of years, so I am not anxious concerning the firm dropping assist for the iPhone 14 anytime quickly, regardless of having the identical processor because the now 1-year-old iPhone 13.
One other inside distinction between the 2 generations is a lift in reminiscence, going from 4GB within the iPhone 13 to 6GB within the iPhone 14. That added reminiscence will assist hold apps and tabs open in reminiscence longer and enhance multitasking total.
Battery life is meant to be ever-so-slightly higher, with the iPhone 14 gaining an additional hour of video playback. After over per week of testing, the battery life is my lone space of concern for the iPhone 14. Possibly it is as a result of I got here from the iPhone 13 Professional Max with a much bigger battery, however I pushed the iPhone 14’s battery cost to its restrict every day. On a busy day, or perhaps a day stuffed with touring for a piece journey, I’ve little question I might need to cost the battery earlier than the top of the day to make sure that I might have sufficient energy to make it.
Additionally: Dangerous battery after putting in iOS 16? Do not panic, do that as an alternative
I am intrigued to see what battery life is like on the iPhone 14 Plus, the 6.7-inch model of the iPhone 14. Battery life is normally higher on the larger-screened iPhone fashions, and if that is additionally the case this 12 months, then the Plus might find yourself being extremely popular.
Digicam upgrades
The most important modifications Apple made to the iPhone 14 all need to do with the digital camera. Apple calls the iPhone 14’s digital camera system an “superior dual-camera system,” thanks partly to some {hardware} upgrades but additionally due to some iOS digital camera software program options which are new this 12 months.
There is a new 12-megapixel principal digital camera with a bigger sensor that harnesses Apple’s new Photonic Engine for higher efficiency. Apple guarantees improved low-light efficiency from the engine, and the addition of a brand new Motion mode for capturing video.
Additionally: iPhone 14 Professional: Large new digital camera sensor, identical gradual Lightning transfers
When enabled, Motion mode will stabilize your recorded video similarly to GoPro cameras. You will need to use the brand new mode open air, or not less than in an space with loads of mild. I’ve accomplished a few random jogs round my house and yard and may affirm, Motion mode does certainly hold the iPhone’s video clean and secure.
I am unable to wait to mess around with this function some extra to see the place it actually excels, and the place it falls quick. The truth that it wants a well-lit atmosphere is a little bit of a letdown.
As for the principle digital camera, I’ve taken a bunch of photographs and the iPhone 14’s principal digital camera is certainly an enchancment over the iPhone 13. From a fast portrait mode picture that I took of my bulldog, Emoji, to the picture of a sundown you’ll be able to see under, the iPhone 14’s digital camera does an ideal job of capturing and reflecting colours, lighting, and particulars.
The above picture hasn’t been edited aside from cropping the picture so as to publish it. All the shade and saturation settings have remained untouched.
Security first
You may count on extra options to be enabled on the iPhone 14 in future. The brand new Emergency SOS by way of Satellite tv for pc function, for instance, is not obtainable but. That is purported to go stay in November and can stay a free service for the subsequent two years. Pricing after that is not but identified. Garmin gives an identical service on stand-alone gadgets with worth plans beginning at $15 a month, however I think about Apple will determine a approach to bundle it into its Apple One plans.
The brand new emergency communication function comes alongside a devoted crash detection function that may mechanically establish whenever you’re in a automobile crash and make contact with emergency providers to get you assist.
Additionally: The iPhone 14 Professional packs much more innovation for a similar worth as final 12 months
Backside line
It is simple to name out Apple as having repurposed the iPhone 13’s internals, made a small tweak right here and there, and known as it the iPhone 14. This 12 months, Apple drew a deeper line within the sand to distinguish the iPhone 14 from the iPhone 14 Professional lineup. The iPhone 14 Professional line is clearly for individuals who need a main change from final 12 months’s design.
As I mentioned on the prime, the iPhone 14 is a superb cellphone, and for somebody who’s coming from an iPhone 11 or older, the iPhone 14 is a serious improve. The digital camera, design, and total efficiency are effectively value investing in Apple’s newest.
