iPhone 14 (plus, pro) presented: Why the wait was worth it

Apple officially introduced the iPhone 14! We have summarized the models, all innovations, and the prices for you.

The iPhone 14 generation is finally here-it consists of four models, divided into pro and non-pro. In fact, Apple removes the iPhone Mini from its iPhone line-up, but we get a larger standard iPhone that is called iPhone 14 Plus. So you have the selection of the following models:

• iPhone 14 (6.1 inches)
• iPhone 14 Plus (6.7 inches)
• iPhone 14 Pro (6.1 inches)
• iPhone 14 Pro Max (6.7 inches)

With the current iPhone generation, Apple differentiates between the pro and standard models. In the following, you will find the essential differences and what the devices bring with you.

Design: Apple removes notch – new is “Dynamic Island”

At first glance, the basic look of the new generation of 14 did not change compared to the iPhone 13 series. Apple continues to focus on angular design, which we already know from the previous two generations. However, there is a decisive change-if only with the PRO models: Apple removes the notch, instead, there is a centrally placed display recess in the form of an elongated oval, which also offers some cool software features.

Apple calls this “Dynamic Island”. Means: In the small black area, additional information is displayed, such as a phone call and which album is currently being played. You can also interact with “Iceland” and tap them for more information. You can also see your calls here. A very cool feature with which you always see important information, even if you are traveling in other apps.

If you prefer the classic emergency at the top of the screen, then you have to use the iPhone 14 or 14 plus, everything stays the same here.

The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus appear in five different colors:

• violet
• Blue
• Black (midnight)
• Polar star
• (Product) red

iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are available in four different colors:

• Black
• Silver
• Gold
• Darkelila

Display: 120 Hertz and Always-on only in the iPhone 14 Pro (Max)

120 Hertz: For the first time, Apple built an adaptive 120 Hertz display in the iPhone-13-Pro models last year. As the rumors correctly suspected, only the Pro models of the iPhone 14 get an LTPO display, the refresh rate of which is sufficient from 1 to 120 Hertz. The iPhone automatically fits the frequency of what you do on your cell phone. The iPhone 14 and 14 plus unfortunately look into the tube.

The iPhone 15 generation will probably change completely to 120 Hertz. In our opinion, this is almost a cheek to the customer, but even 300 euro android phones already offer this high refresh rate, which in the practice makes Smoothes operating the smartphone possible.

Always-on: A feature that iPhone users really had to wait long has finally been implemented by Apple with the iPhone 14 generation. We are talking about an Always-on display. Android users have known it for a long time and if you use a current Apple Watch, you already know this extremely practical feature.

Because you read important information such as the time, the battery level, and notifications directly from the display, even if it is deactivated. And don’t worry: This is hardly used to use energy on the OLED screens, so you will not have to load your iPhone more often.

Unfortunately, Apple will also only provide this feature for the Pro models of the iPhone 14. Hopefully, the standard versions will also receive an Always-on display with the iPhone 15 next year.

Performance: New A16 chip for iPhone 14 Pro (Max)

The new Apple Chip A16 Bionic is used in the new iPhone 14 generation-but only in the Pro models. The standard devices iPhone 14 and 14 Max have to get by with a slightly improved version of the previous model A15, which you already know from the iPhone 13 series.

Apple A16: The chip in the iPhone 14 Pro is so strong

As was to be expected, the A16 chip is even more powerful and more efficient than before with its 4-nanometer production. According to Apple, this is the fastest processor ever installed in a smartphone. It should be 40 percent faster than the strongest competition. And yes, we believe that the A15 chip is already stronger than the CPUs in Android phones.

New features: satellite communication

New in the iPhone-14 generation is now a satellite communication feature so that you can send an SMS in an emergency if you do not exist. In the beginning, this function is only available in the USA and Canada, the first two years are free. After that, this service will probably cost money.

Camera: 48 megapixels

Let’s start with the Pro models: As already mentioned, the camera module has grown a considerable piece again on the back of the iPhone. The reason for this is the new 48-megapixel camera sensor, which is 65 percent larger than before, with which you can now take even better photos under poor lighting conditions.

As with many other smartphone manufacturers before, they still snap 12 megapixels by default. As a result, four pixels become a pixel that is significantly larger than the 1.7-micrometer pixels of the iPhone 13 at 2.44 micrometers: Sharp and lighter images, into which you can also zoom in.

In addition, the photos taken with the telephoto lens look better-according to Apple. However, as we now know, the periscope system hoped for is not yet used. The front camera in the normal iPhone 14 (plus) now also has autofocus on board. Of course, we will test the camera in detail and compare it with the competition. But as before: Nowadays there is no longer a bad camera in a top smartphone. Not too much has changed in the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus.

Storage

You still have the choice between 128, 256, 512 GB, and 1 TB for the Pro models. As before, iPhone 14 and 14 Max must make up to 512 GB of storage capacity as the standard variants.

Prices & availability

You can pre-order the devices from September 9, and you will be available from September 16. As feared, Apple has raised the prices, the entry with the iPhone 14 now costs at least 100 euros more. The iPhone 14 Pro is even 150 euros more expensive than its predecessor:

• iPhone 14: from 999 euros instead of 899 euros (iPhone 13)
• iPhone 14 Plus: from 1,149 euros
• iPhone 14 Pro: from 1,299 euros instead of 1,149 euros (iPhone 13 Pro)
• iPhone 14 Pro Max from 1,449 euros instead of 1,249 euros (iPhone 13 Pro Max)

Assessment

While iPhone 13 and 13 Pro did not take much, the iPhone 14-Pro models now differ very clearly from the standard versions of iPhone 14 and 14 plus. Only these devices come with 120 Hertz and Always-on, the latest A16 chip, the improved camera, and larger storage options.

In fact, there is also “Dynamic Island” only on the Pro models, which in practice will really be a very nice feature. So if you really want to experience something new on an iPhone, you have to switch to iPhone 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max.

A change to the iPhone 14 (plus) is only worthwhile if you are currently using a rather old iPhone – an iPhone 12 or 13 is hardly recommended in the low changes. Especially since not only do the Pro models now cost more but also the standard variants experience a price increase.