Apple’s new iPhone 14 is coming soon, and it’s sure to be one of the most hotly anticipated smartphones of 2019. While the new model isn’t that different from last year’s iPhone 13, there are some notable differences you might consider if you’re upgrading this year or buying one as a gift. Here are the top three things you need to know about the new iPhone 14 before making your decision to buy one…
Except for the iPhone 14 Plus, which won’t be available until October 7, Apple’s new iPhone 14 models went on sale Friday. For the past several days, I’ve been evaluating the $799 iPhone 14, the 999 iPhone 14 Pro, and the $1,099 iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Despite using all of them, the Pro Max is the greatest new iPhone available from Apple, hence it is the main emphasis of our review.
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are the best options if you want a true upgrade. If you currently own an iPhone 13 and are considering purchasing the basic iPhone 14, don’t anticipate many significant changes.
Apple kept the pricing of the iPhone 14 series in the United States the same as the iPhone 13 lineup despite greater costs. Apple has increased pricing in other nations, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and Germany, by as much as $146.
The wait periods for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max’s deliveries are already lengthier than they were for the iPhone 13 Pro models from the previous year. That’s good news for Apple since upscale goods are still in demand despite historically high inflation and sluggish consumer spending.
New cameras and longer-lasting batteries are features of the iPhone 14 Pro variants. Additionally, they boast two brand-new features: an always-on display and the Dynamic Island, a contemporary interactive display space centred on the selfie camera.
I’ll explain the variations to you so you can decide which phone, if any, is best for you.
Similar in size to the iPhone 13 Pro Max from the previous year is the 14 Pro Max. However, its huge 6.7-inch screen is brighter than ever, making it perfect for gaming and viewing movies and TV shows even when outside.
The most interesting new feature that Apple unveiled this year is Dynamic Island. The selfie camera and microphone were formerly housed in that empty notch, but now there is an interactive pill display that can change shapes in its place.
Since the front-facing camera is still hidden beneath, Dynamic Island muddles the distinction between hardware and software. When using the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, the notch blends in with what you’re currently doing, unlike the notch on earlier iPhone models.
Say you’re reading a piece of writing. Instead of switching programmes, you may manage the music you’re currently listening to simply pressing Dynamic Island. It is helpful.
Other information, including directions, the status of your AirPods’ connection and battery life, or a timer, can be displayed in this area. It can even divide into two distinct pieces so you can concurrently monitor the arrival time of your Lyft on one side and view a timer on the other, for example.
A new always-on display is also available. This enables you to quickly check your phone’s lock screen while it’s on your desk to view some faint but helpful information. Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers of Android phones have been doing it for years, but Apple takes a different tack. It illuminates the entire screen as opposed to just a few small areas.
Although it’s cool, I disabled it since I try not to constantly check my phone, especially when someone is speaking to me. This is a matter of personal choice, however I can see how it would be helpful to some. The always-on display is disabled if you place your iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max face down on a surface or in your pocket.
I only truly enjoyed utilising the always-on display when I wanted to grab my Apple TV remote while watching “House of the Dragon” on HBO Max. The always-on display meant that the Apple Remote stayed on my iPhone screen so that I didn’t have to open it every time I needed to pause. It appeared to be right next to me, not the real remote, which I usually tend to misplace.
Compared to the iPhone 13 Pro, the front and rear cameras are superior. Thanks to the new Photonic Engine and enhanced camera sensors, Apple doubled its low-light performance, resulting in clearer nighttime photographs. Great detail is captured by the 48 megapixel camera. View the beautiful image I took while last weekend visiting Little Island Public Park in New York City.
Additionally, Apple debuted an activity mode that enables you to record fluid films. Action mode stabilises the image for me, so I no longer need to frequently use a gimbal to record video. It implies that you should be able to film your children while running about without the image appearing jerky.
The 14 Pro Max’s battery life has significantly increased. I was able to go about my day streaming audio, watching YouTube videos, reading around social media, making calls, and sending messages despite Apple’s claims that the 14 Pro and Pro Max offer all-day battery life. I was able to make it beyond bedtime on a full charge and didn’t need to recharge again until 11 a.m. the following day.
The new A16 processor in the Pro and Pro Max is said to increase performance by 40%. In regular use, I didn’t really notice this, but pros who shoot several films ought to see faster rendering times. Additionally, it prepares the phone for the future by ensuring that the operating system can keep up when new, more advanced games and applications are released.
Apple introduced additional security features including satellite connection and vehicle collision detection. For obvious reasons, I was unable to try out the automobile collision detection. Although satellite connection seems useful—it will let you contact emergency services even without WiFi or cellular service—Apple won’t make the capability available until November.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: What’s bad?
Instead of a USB-C connector, all iPhone 14 models still include a Lightning port. It would be incredibly convenient to just carry the same USB-C charger that I use to power a MacBook and an iPad—I wasn’t expecting Apple to convert.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is somewhat lighter and more compact than the 14 Pro Max. Choose the 14 Pro instead of the Pro Max if you don’t frequently carry pockets and would like not to carry about such a big screen.
iPhone 14 Pro: Same phone, smaller screen
With a slightly smaller 6.1-inch screen and a lower starting price of $999, the iPhone 14 Pro is essentially the same phone as the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The cameras remain the same, and you still get the fantastic display.
iPhone 14: What’s missing?
Then there is the standard iPhone 14, which is a little upgrade from the iPhone 13 from the previous year. It boasts enhanced cameras compared to the iPhone 13 and begins at $799. It also has somewhat better graphics processing and has the same vehicle collision and satellite SOS features as the iPhone 14 Pro. However, it is lacking the features listed below that are included in the Pro:
Despite being updated, the cameras are not as crisp as those of the iPhone 14 Pro.
Scrolling is not as fluid as it is on the Pro because there is still no ProMotion display.
Aluminum is used for the sides rather than stainless steel.
The A15 CPU from the previous generation is used in the iPhone 14, but with an extra graphics processing core for better gaming performance.
There is no Dynamic Island and no Always-On Display.
This year’s roster includes one additional participant. The iPhone 14 Plus, which starts at $899 and has the same features as the standard iPhone 14, has the Pro Max’s screen size. It appears appealing for those who want a larger screen without spending the $1,099, but I haven’t had a chance to study it yet as it won’t be available until October 7.
Which iPhone 14 should you buy?
If you want to experience all Apple has to offer, get the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max. You’ll like the several beneficial enhancements, which range from the cameras to the screen.
Outside of accident detection, better cameras, and satellite SOS, there aren’t many significant differences between the iPhone 13 and the standard iPhone 14, therefore I wouldn’t upgrade. There won’t be much of a change. Even yet, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on the Pro Max and would prefer a larger display, the iPhone 14 Plus can be a good choice. Just keep in mind that it lacks Dynamic Island and the always-on display, two of Apple’s most avant-garde new features.
