Since its announcement, the iPhone 14 series has sparked considerable interest, boasting many features and improvements over its predecessors. This comparison between the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro aims to dissect their offerings, highlighting key differences and similarities. Whether you’re in the market for a new iPhone or simply curious about what each model offers, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision.
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iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 14 Pro
Trying to decide between the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro? Both offer the latest iOS experience but cater to slightly different needs. This in-depth comparison will help you pick the perfect iPhone for you.
Design and Display
| Feature | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 14 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Notch | Traditional Notch | New Dynamic Island cutout |
The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro showcase Apple’s continued commitment to premium build quality. However, the Pro model uses a stainless steel frame compared to the Plus’s aluminum body, offering a more luxurious feel and increased durability. Both models boast a Ceramic Shield front cover, ensuring top-notch screen protection against drops and scratches.
Both phones maintain the sleek, modern look characteristic of Apple products when it comes to design aesthetics. However, the iPhone 14 Pro offers more color options, allowing users to choose a device that best suits their style. Additionally, the Pro model features a slightly more sophisticated design with its textured matte glass back, giving it a more distinct and premium appearance.
Both models feature large, immersive displays, but the iPhone 14 Plus has a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen, making it ideal for users who prefer more screen real estate for gaming, videos, and browsing. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro’s 6.1-inch display is more than adequate for most users, offering a balance between size and manageability.
The iPhone 14 Pro boasts a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, allowing for smoother scrolling and more responsive touch inputs thanks to its adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus sticks with a standard Super Retina XDR display without the ProMotion feature, offering a solid viewing experience without the added smoothness in motion.
Camera
| Feature | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 14 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera System | Dual 12MP (Wide & Ultrawide) | Triple 48MP (Main), 12MP (Telephoto & Ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus |
Both iPhones have top-notch camera systems, but the iPhone 14 Pro takes the lead with its advanced triple-camera setup. It features a larger sensor for improved low-light performance and more detailed photos. Both models include Night mode and Deep Fusion technology, but the Pro’s additional telephoto lens offers more versatility in zoom and portrait shots.
Aside from the hardware, Apple’s software enhancements like Photographic Styles and Smart HDR 4 bring out the best in both models’ camera systems. However, the iPhone 14 Pro edges out with its exclusive ProRAW and ProRes video recording capabilities, appealing to photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking more control over their images and videos.
The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro feature an improved front-facing camera with autofocus and a wider aperture, ensuring brighter and sharper selfies even in challenging lighting conditions. Thanks to these enhancements, video calls and selfies are more engaging and clearer.
Both devices ‘ video recording capabilities are stellar, supporting 4K recording at various frame rates. However, the iPhone 14 Pro’s ProRes video recording feature is a boon for video content creators, offering higher-quality footage for editing and production purposes.
Performance and Battery Life
| Feature | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 14 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A15 Bionic Chip | A16 Bionic Chip |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery Life | Up to 28 hours of video playback (claimed by Apple) | Up to 28 hours video playback (claimed by Apple) |
Under the hood, the iPhone 14 Pro is powered by the newer A16 Bionic chip, which delivers faster performance and better energy efficiency compared to the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 Plus. This means smoother operation, quicker app launches, and more robust gaming experiences on the Pro model.
Both iPhones offer seamless performance in day-to-day use, handling everything from basic tasks to demanding applications with ease. However, the enhanced efficiency and power of the iPhone 14 Pro’s A16 chip might be more noticeable in intensive tasks and future-proofing the device for upcoming software updates.
The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro are designed to last through a day of typical use, but the Plus model has a slight edge in battery life due to its larger battery capacity and less power-intensive display. Both models support fast and MagSafe wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
While charging speeds are comparable between the two models, the iPhone 14 Plus’s larger battery might mean slightly longer charging times. However, both devices can reach 50% charge in around 30 minutes with a 20W adapter or higher, ensuring you’re quickly back in action.
Software
The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro run on the latest version of iOS, offering a clean, user-friendly interface and access to Apple’s vast ecosystem of apps and services. Features like Focus modes, Live Text, and new privacy controls enhance the user experience, ensuring both models are at the forefront of mobile software innovation.
Other Features
| Feature | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 14 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Frame | No | Yes |
| Color Options | More color options | Fewer color options |
Both models support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds for streaming, downloading, and browsing. They come in various storage options, catering to different needs and budgets. The Pro model offers a higher maximum storage capacity, appealing to those who need extra space for photos, videos, and apps.
Pros & Cons
iPhone 14 Plus
Pros:
- Larger display for a better viewing experience
- More affordable price point
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Lower refresh rate display (60Hz)
- Dual camera system might not suit photography enthusiasts
- The A15 Bionic chip might feel dated compared to the A16
iPhone 14 Pro
Pros:
- Superior camera system with improved low-light performance and telephoto lens
- Smoother 120Hz ProMotion display
- Faster A16 Bionic chip for demanding tasks and futureproofing
- Premium stainless steel build
Cons:
- Smaller display size
- Higher price point
Which Should You Buy?
For battery life, affordability, and a larger display, the iPhone 14 Plus is ideal.
If you prioritize a top-tier camera, a smoother display, the latest processor, and a premium build, the iPhone 14 Pro is the better choice.
Who Should Upgrade?
If you have an iPhone 12 or older, the 14 Plus and 14 Pro offer significant upgrades. Upgrading from an iPhone 13 depends on your needs. If you crave a larger screen or a camera powerhouse, the 14 Plus or 14 Pro fit the bill.
Who Can Stick With the iPhone 14?
iPhone 13 users who are happy with their phone’s performance and camera can likely hold off on upgrading for another year.
Final Thoughts
Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro are excellent phones. Consider your budget, display preference, and camera needs to make the best choice.
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iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 14 Pro FAQs
Q: Which phone is bigger?
A: The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch display, while the iPhone 14 Pro has a 6.1-inch display.
Q: Does the iPhone 14 Plus have a new notch design?
A: No, the iPhone 14 Plus retains the traditional notch design. Only the iPhone 14 Pro has the new Dynamic Island cutout.
Q: Which phone has better battery life?
A: Apple claims the iPhone 14 Pro has a longer battery life, but the iPhone 14 Plus likely offers similar or slightly better endurance due to its larger size.
Q: Is the iPhone 14 Plus worth the upgrade from iPhone 13?
A: It depends on your needs. If you prioritize a larger display or a significant camera upgrade, the 14 Plus might be worth it. Otherwise, the iPhone 13 is still a great phone.
Q: Does the iPhone 14 Plus display feel outdated?
A: The iPhone 14 Plus has a 60Hz refresh rate display, which might feel less smooth than the 120Hz ProMotion display on the iPhone 14 Pro.
Q: Is the notch on the iPhone 14 Plus a big deal?
A: Personal preference plays a role. The notch takes up a small portion of the screen, but the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island offers a more immersive viewing experience.
Q: Does the iPhone 14 Plus camera take bad pictures?
A: No, it has a very capable dual-camera system. However, the iPhone 14 Pro offers a superior camera experience with a higher megapixel main sensor, telephoto lens, and improved low-light performance.
Q: Is the iPhone 14 Pro camera good for professional photography?
A: It can capture stunning photos and videos, but professional photographers might still prefer dedicated cameras for ultimate control and image quality.
Q: How much cheaper is the iPhone 14 Plus?
The iPhone 14 Plus usually costs less than the iPhone 14 Pro.
Q: Is the price difference between the two phones worth it?
It depends on your priorities. The price difference might be worth it if you value a larger display and good battery life. For camera enthusiasts and those who prioritize the latest tech, the iPhone 14 Pro justifies its higher price tag.
