Apple’s iPhone series, the iPhone 14, is Apple’s latest offering to its customers as of writing this article. The iPhone 14 series was launched by Apple in September 2022 and is the direct successor of the iPhone 13 series. Apple introduced the iPhone 14 to the market in four different models, i.e. iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Well, that’s a lot of models to keep track of! And as for the iPhone Mini lovers, the choice is available only upto the iPhone 13 release as Apple ditched the mini-series for the iPhone 14. As someone who prefers the mini version over the normal models, that’s a bummer! Nevertheless, let’s dive into the review of the main model, the iPhone 14.  

The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch OLED with a notch that houses an enhanced TrueDepth camera system that enables Face ID and other display functions. With the latest Android smartphones introducing higher refresh rates since 2019, one would expect Apple’s iPhone to match or exceed that, but sadly the iPhone 14 comes with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Apple integrated the Apple A15 Bionic processor and the iOS 16 with upgradable options to iOS 16.3. In terms of camera, Apple didn’t disappoint with the dual camera 12MP main and ultra-wide sensors setup. It also comes with 128GB, 256GB, or 512 GB storage options. The iPhone 14 Plus has similar specs but a larger 6.7-inch display. The iPhone 14 also has satellite connectivity, allowing users to make emergency calls and texts even without cellular service.

Does The iPhone 14 Have The New Dynamic Island?

The Dynamic Island is a new feature that is exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro models. It is an interactive notch that surrounds the iPhone’s front camera and FaceID sensor. It can show notifications, alerts, or real-time information,  and it can change in appearance depending on the context. For example, you can see your music player controls, your timer countdown, your AirDrop status, or your directions from Maps in the Dynamic Island. You can also expand the activity to see more details or access app shortcuts.

The Dynamic Island is useful to users because it allows them to quickly check alerts and current activities without leaving their current app or screen. It also adds some fun and customization to their iPhone experience by changing colors and shapes according to their preferences.

Difference Between iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro differ in design, display, camera, and performance. Here are some of the main ones:

• The casing is a notable difference between the iPhone 14 and the Pro model. Apple employed the aluminium frame for the iPhone 14 and stainless steel for the Pro model.
• The iPhone 14 Pro has a higher-resolution display with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, while the iPhone 14 has a lower-resolution display with a fixed refresh rate of 60Hz.
• The iPhone 14 Pro has a triple camera system with a telephoto lens and a LiDAR scanner, while the iPhone 14 has a dual camera system without those features.
• The iPhone 14 Pro has an Apple A16 Bionic processor, while the iPhone 14 has an Apple A15 Bionic processor.
• Regarding web surfing over 5G, the iPhone lasts 10 hours, and the Pro model lasts 11 hours.

In general, opt for the iPhone 14 Pro if you are a camera enthusiast and want to bring out the best in your photography and can ignore the extra weight. Also, the display quality and performance are a tad better on the Pro model.

iPhone 14 Camera and Overall Performance 

• A main 12MP wide camera with a larger sensor and a faster aperture than the iPhone 13, which improves low-light photo performance by 49%.
• An ultrawide camera that can capture 4x more of a scene and has better distortion correction.
• A cinematic mode that can record videos with shallow depth of field and automatic focus transitions.
• iPhone 14 automatically adjusts exposure and stabilizes handheld footage with the Video Action Mode
• An Apple A15 Bionic processor that delivers fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and augmented reality.
• A battery life that can last up to 17 hours of video playback or 65 hours of audio playback. As an upgrade, the battery life is slightly better than the iPhone 13.
• Apple introduced the first-ever e-sim on the iPhone 14 series, eliminating the need for a physical sim slot. However, this feature is available only for users in the US.

Some drawbacks of the iPhone 14 camera are:

• It does not have a telephoto lens, so you cannot zoom in without losing quality.
• It does not have a macro mode, which means you cannot take close-up shots of small objects.
• It does not support RAW format shooting, so you have less control over editing your photos.

Overall, the iPhone 14 camera is a good choice for casual photographers who want to capture and share high-quality images and videos. However, if you are a professional photographer who needs more advanced features, consider the iPhone 14 Pro instead.

The iPhone 14 is praised for its excellent camera quality, especially in low-light situations and for handheld action footage. It is also praised for its smooth performance and long battery life. However, some drawbacks are that it lacks a telephoto lens, a LiDAR scanner, and a high-refresh-rate display that is available on the iPhone 14 Pro models.

The iPhone 14 is a very good phone for most people who want a reliable, powerful, and versatile device that can handle various tasks and scenarios. However, it is not a major upgrade from the iPhone 13, which has almost identical specs and designs but costs $100 less. The iPhone 14 also lacks some features available on the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro model, such as a telephoto zoom lens, a LiDAR scanner, and a ProMotion display with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Some users may also prefer a larger screen size or battery capacity, which the iPhone 14 Plus variant offers.

Overall, the iPhone 14 is an excellent smartphone that delivers on its promises. It has an attractive design, a high-quality display, a unique camera system, a fast processor, and unique features like satellite connectivity and crash detection. However, it is not very different from the previous generation of iPhones or its competitors in terms of innovation or value. If you already have an iPhone 13 or another recent flagship phone from another brand, you may not need to upgrade to the iPhone 14 unless you want some of its new features. If you are looking for more advanced capabilities or options in terms of screen size or battery life, consider getting the iPhone 14 Pro or Plus instead.