Apple iPhone 15 (Plus) vs iPhone 14 (Plus): Key characteristics compared
Base model 2023
Plus model 2023
Base Model 2022
Plus model 2022
Product
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Apple iPhone 14
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
MSRP
from $799
from $899
from $799 $699
from $899 $799
Image
Reviews
iPhone 15 review
iPhone 15 Plus review
iPhone 14 review
iPhone 14 Plus review
Colors
Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black
Blue, Purple, Yellow, Midnight, Polaris, Product(Red)
Display
Super Retina XDR Display6.1″ All-Screen OLED Display2556 x 1179 pixels at 460 ppi60 Hz refresh rateDynamic Island
Super Retina XDR Display6.7″ All-Screen OLED Display2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 ppi60 Hz refresh rateDynamic Island
Super Retina XDR Display6.1” all-screen OLED display2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi60 Hz refresh rate
Super Retina XDR Display6.7″ All-Screen OLED Display2778 x 1284 pixels at 458 ppi60 Hz refresh rate
SoC
Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
Memory
128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB
128, 256, and 512 GB
microSD
❌
Main camera
48 MP | F1.6 aperture | 2.0 µm pixels | sensor-shift OIS
12 MP | F1.5 aperture | 24 mm focal length | Sensor-Shift OIS
Ultra-wide angle
12 MP | F2.4 aperture | 13 mm focal length
12 MP, F2.4 aperture
Telephoto lens
❌
Selfie
12 MP | F1.9 aperture | autofocus
Battery life
Video playback: 20 hours Video(streaming): 16 hoursAudio playback: 80 hours
Video playback: 26 hours Video(streaming): 20 hoursAudio playback: 100 hours
Video playback: 20 hoursVideo (streaming): 16 hoursAudio playback: 80 hours
Video playback: 26 hoursVideo (streaming): 20 hoursAudio playback: 100 hours
Fast charging
20 W (cable)15 W (MagSafe)7.5 W (Qi)
20 W (cable)15 W (MagSafe)7.5 W (Qi)
Robustness
IP68, Ceramic Shield, aluminum frame
IP68, Ceramic Shield, aluminum frame
Connectivity
eSIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB, Satellite
eSIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB
Dimensions and weight
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm | 171 g
160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm | 201 g
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm | 172 g
160.8 x 78.1 x 7.80 mm | 203 g
While we are still awaiting our review units of the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Series, please bear in mind that this comparison is based on our experience with the previous generations and the specifications of the new series.
Table of Contents:
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14: Models and prices
Recently, Apple has repositioned its iPhone categories differently. As a result, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus do not feature the latest A-Bionic processors. However, these devices remain powerful and have maintained their price points: $799 for the vanilla variant and $899 for the Plus model.
So, unless there’s a specific feature you consider indispensable, the new variant might not be as impactful as previous releases. Furthermore, iPhones do not depreciate in value as quickly as Android smartphones. Thus, the price difference is less significant here, except for certain carrier options.
In any case, my recommendation on which device to purchase currently hinges on these two factors:
If you already own the iPhone 14 (or 14 Plus)
The main distinctions lie in improved performance and camera quality, at least on paper—since we’ve yet to test the new iPhone generation. In terms of battery life, the duration is essentially the same.
In design aspects, the new iPhone 15 lineup now includes the ‘dynamic island.’ It’s a pleasant addition, but trust me: it’s not essential. Regarding software, all iOS 17 features are accessible on both devices. Should I mention the USB-C port? (More on that below.)
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Affiliate offer
If you own an iPhone 13 (mini) or an older version
Go ahead and invest in the iPhone 15 Series. You’ll experience enhanced performance, a superior camera, and a contemporary display design for roughly the same price as last year’s model. However, if you stumble upon a great discount for the iPhone 14 lineup, this advice might not hold.
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iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14: Design and display
There are a few obvious changes to the design: The new lineup features the dynamic island, replacing the notch that is a heritage from the X series. Another notable change is the USB-C port, replacing the Lightning port—a shift less evident in design than it will be in user experience.
As we saw last year with the iPhone 14 Pro Series, the iPhone 15 lineup now features the dynamic island. / © Apple
Beyond these, both series sport an aluminum frame. The dimensions and weight have changed only slightly. They come with colored glass on the back and a Ceramic Shield on the front.
For colors, the iPhone 14 comes in Blue, Midnight, Aurora Borealis, Rosé, Yellow, and (PRODUCT)RED. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are offered in pink, yellow, green, blue, and black.
The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch “Super Retina XDR” display, while the 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch one. Same size for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. However, the displays are brighter in the new generation, with Apple mentioning a brightness of up to 1,600 nits and even 2,000 nits in sunlight—double the brightness of the iPhone 14.
The yellow variant is still exclusive to the Apple iPhone 14 devices. / © nextpit
For those prone to accidents, both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 lineups feature pre-defined repair prices, aiming to make fixes clear for end users. Also, at $169 for a back glass repair, these iPhones are becoming more repair-friendly.
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14: Performance
As mentioned at the beginning, since last year, the non-Pro variants no longer feature Apple’s state-of-the-art SoC. While the iPhone 14 is equipped with the A15 Bionic, the iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 Bionic. Both processors are reminiscent of the Pro variants from previous years.
Both series come with 6 GB of RAM, and the rest is typical: No microSD slot, with available storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB.
The iPhone 15 Series features the SoC from the previous Pro generation in every new release. / © Apple
On paper, the iPhone 14 is faster and boasts superior graphics performance. However, in terms of features, both generations are loaded with capabilities like fall detection and car accident detection. Additionally, in situations where Wi-Fi and mobile internet are unavailable, you can use “Emergency SOS” on both lineups to call for help via satellite.
Last but not least, the devices operate on the latest software version, iOS 17, which is packed with features like NameDrop, Contact Posters, live voicemail with real-time transcription, revamped apps such as FaceTime and Messages, and even more accessibility features.
Among the many features in iOS 17 is NameDrop. It allows easy transfer of contact information between iPhones by bringing the devices close to each other. / © nextpit
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14: Camera
Perhaps the most significant difference between the generations is the improved camera sensor on the iPhone 15—at least on paper. The new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a primary camera with a 48 MP sensor and an f/1.6 aperture. The ultra-wide-angle camera retains the standard 12 MP resolution with an f/2.4 aperture.
The iPhone 15 dual camera on the back offers a 48 MP main camera. / © Apple
By comparison, the iPhone 14 features a 12 MP main camera with a ƒ/1.5 aperture, as opposed to the ƒ/1.6 aperture. The extra resolution in the iPhone 15 is definitely a valuable upgrade, as it gives you more pixels for the digital zoom. Portrait photos in particular benefit from a “2x” or “3x” zoom level, and here you get more quality with the new iPhone.
At first glance, the iPhone 14 series camera module is pretty close to the iPhone 15 design. / © nextpit
Finally, the front camera is basically the same with a small tweak between generations. Both have 12 megapixels, but on the iPhone 15, we have an aperture of f/2.2 instead of f/2.4. Both sensors have autofocus.
For fans of video: Both series have a 4K Cinematic mode that works with either 24 or 30 frames per second.
Apple iPhone 14 image gallery
Ultra-wide angle in daylight © nextpit
Daylight portrait mode © nextpit
Wide angle in daylight © nextpit
Ultra-wide angle in daylight © nextpit
Ultra-wide angle in daylight © nextpit
Portrait mode in wide angle: distance too large © nextpit
Wide angle in daylight © nextpit
Daylight portrait mode © nextpit
Ultra-wide angle in daylight © nextpit
Ultra-wide angle with HDR © nextpit
Portrait mode in night mode – wide angle © nextpit
Wide angle night mode © nextpit
Ultra-wide angle at night © nextpit
Wide angle night mode © nextpit
Wide angle night mode © nextpit
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14: Battery capacity and charging
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have larger batteries compared to their predecessor models. Nevertheless, Apple claims that the battery life of both models remains essentially the same – after all, the more powerful SoCs need to be supplied with energy somehow. In our test of the iPhone 15, we were able to reliably get through the whole day.
Wireless charging has a power of 15 W with MagSafe adapters and 7.5 W with Qi-certified chargers. / © nextpit
The maximum power for fast charging is 20 W, while wireless charging remains at 15 W. Of course, you can use MagSafe or any Qi-compatible charger for wireless charging so that your older accessories can still be used. What is new with the iPhone 15 series, however, is that charging now takes place via USB Type-C for the first time. However, the new connection has no effect on the charging speed.
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14: Which phone should you choose in 2023?
As already mentioned at the beginning: Your decision depends primarily on which device you currently own. The new iPhone 15 generation has improved the camera and offers significantly faster performance. The 15th-generation devices also have a more modern connection for charging and data transfer.
And with all four models currently on sale at the Apple Store, the brand reduced the 2022 model prices by $100 compared to their original MSRPs, now charged by the equivalent iPhone 15 model.
If you already have an iPhone 14, then it is not worth upgrading to the 15. However, if you are coming from an older model or switching from an Android smartphone, then we recommend the iPhone 15. The newer processor generation and the added convenience of USB-C and Dynamic Island are definitely worth the extra cost.
Now I’m curious to hear your opinion: would you swap your iPhone 14 for the iPhone 15? And if you are coming from a different smartphone: Which model would you choose?
