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iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus: Which new iPhone should you buy?
ZDNET Recommends
If the history of the best iPhones has taught us anything, it's that you don't have to go Pro to get an ideal iOS experience. The regular iPhone 13 is currently Apple's best-selling handset, according to tech analysts Canalys. Not the iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max, but the iPhone 13.
With the iPhone 14 series, Apple is continuing to release a tier of phones that is just below the "Pro" line but more than capable for most consumers. If you can do without the flashy new camera features (like being able to directly crop frames from 4K footage) and, frankly, are not prepared to throw $1,000 at Apple, then the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus may be for you. Between the two, these are the key reasons to buy one over the other.
See also: Here's everything Apple announced during its 'Far Out' event
Specifications
iPhone 14 | iPhone 14 Plus | |
Display | 6.1-inch OLED with 60Hz (1,200 nits) | 6.7-inch OLED with 60Hz (1,200 nits) |
| Weight | 6.07 oz (172 grams) | 7.16 oz (203 grams) |
Processor | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours of video playback | Up to 26 hours of video playback |
RAM/Storage | 4GB RAM with 128GB/256GB/512GB | 4GB RAM with 128GB/256GB/512GB |
Camera | 12MP (f/1.5) Wide, 12MP (f/2.4) Ultra-wide, 12MP (f/1.9) front | 12MP (f/1.5) Wide, 12MP (f/2.4) Ultra-wide, 12MP (f/1.9) front |
Connectivity | WiFi 6, 5G, Satellite | WiFi 6, 5G, Satellite |
Durability | IP68 | IP68 |
Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Product Red | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Product Red |
Price |
You should buy the iPhone 14 if...
1. You prefer a normal-sized phone
The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch OLED display, which boosts similar brightness levels (1,200 nits) and clarity as the larger iPhone 14 Plus. While the display quality is leveled, the iPhone 14 should be significantly easier and more comfortable to hold and use. The sizable difference is even more important if you plan on snapping your iPhone into a case.
2. You want the least expensive iPhone 14
Out of the four iPhone 14 models that Apple announced today, the regular-sized iPhone 14 is the least expensive. The phone starts at $799, which puts it $100 less than the Plus variant and even more when compared to the Pro models. It's the iPhone to buy if you want the latest hardware.
3. You can't wait until October to buy the Plus
Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus can be pre-ordered starting on September 9, but while the regular 14 will officially be available on September 16, prospects eyeing the Plus model will have to wait until October 6. If you're in a time crunch and need the latest iPhone as soon as possible, then the regular-sized 14 is the better, more-timely choice.
More: Apple reveals AirPods Pro 2: Price, release date, and features
You should buy the iPhone 14 Plus if...
1. You prefer a large-sized phone
The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch OLED panel that emits up to 1,200 nits of brightness; It's the biggest non-Pro iPhone to date. That makes the iPhone 14 Plus ideal if you work with large bodies of text, often find yourself zooming into pictures, or simply prefer large-screen phones.
More: The iPhone Mini is dead. Long live the iPhone Plus
2. You want the best iPhone battery life
The larger form factor lends itself to what Apple claims is "the longest battery life on an iPhone." Previously, you'd have to opt for the largest iPhone Pro model for major endurance gains. Not anymore. The iPhone 14 Plus, like Apple's previous battery champ, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, should see up to 28 hours of video playback.
3. You live and breathe mobile entertainment
A larger screen is ideal if mobile entertainment is at the core of your mobile lifestyle. Whether you enjoy gaming on the go or often stream your favorite TV shows, the larger iPhone 14 Plus screen will deliver a greater and more immersive viewing experience than the smaller iPhone 14. The superior battery life makes it even better.
Alternatives to consider
Open to other smartphone prospects? Consider these ZDNET-recommended devices: