Which iPhone 14 model should you choose? iPhone 14, Plus, Pro or Pro Max?

What are the four iPhone 14 models Apple released?

The 2022 Apple Keynote revealed the following four iPhone models:

1. iPhone 14

2. iPhone 14 Plus

3. iPhone 14 Pro

4. iPhone 14 Pro Max

Key difference here to the previous Apple releases is that they've now replaced the mini version with the Plus version - a bigger screen and size to the entry-level iPhone 14.

If you want to know more about the different iPhone 14 colours, we've got a dedicated article here - The iPhone 14 has landed...in a spectrum of colours.

Technical specifications of the iPhone 14 series at a glance

What's different to the iPhone 13?

The iPhone 13 series feature a reduced notch to accommodate the front-facing camera. While the notch is still present on the base model and iPhone 14 Plus, it no longer appears on the Pro models as it is now replaced by the "Dynamic Island".

In terms of performance, the A15 Bionic chip is retained on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, but the Pro range gets an A16 Bionic processor. The 4GB of RAM found on iPhone 13 is now increased to 6GB for iPhone 14, which automatically gains in power.

When locked, the screen of the iPhone 14 Pro range remains visible, so you can view it at any time without touching it.

If you find yourself in an area not covered by cellular networks or Wi-Fi, the new iPhones give you the option of sending your messages via satellite to call for help. Add to this the fact that the new series is capable of detecting car accidents and automatically alerting your emergency contacts.

Find out more about the difference between iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 here.

The advantages and disadvantages of the iPhone 14 compared with others in the range

The base iPhone 14 model is the lightest in its series. It offers cutting-edge functionality and has a battery life of up to 80 hours for audio playback and 16 hours for video streaming. However, its photo and video capabilities are more limited.

👉To find out more: read our honest review of the iPhone 14.

The advantages and disadvantages of the iPhone 14 Plus in comparison to the others in the series

The iPhone 14 Plus differs from the base version in that it has a larger screen and the battery life is extended to 100 hours of audio playback and 20 hours of video streaming.

To find out more: read our premium review of the iPhone 14 Plus.

The advantages and disadvantages of the iPhone 14 Pro compared to the others in the series

The iPhone 14 Pro is a compilation of innovative technologies. It introduces the Dynamic Island technology, which replaces the old notch above the screen, revolutionising the way you interact with the device and certain apps. Powerful even with the most demanding applications and boasts an excellent battery life, but it unfortunately takes up more space than the other models in the series.

👉To find out more check out our An Unbiased Review of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro

The advantages and disadvantages of the iPhone 14 Pro Max compared with the others in the range

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is undoubtedly the most accomplished in the series, but it's also the most expensive.

👉To find out more: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: Our biggest review yet!

Which iPhone 14 model is best for filming?

The base model and the iPhone 14 Plus shoot 4K or HD 1080p video at 24, 25, 30 or 60 fps. In HD 720p mode and in Cinematic mode (up to 4K HDR), you can shoot at 30 fps. Video stabilisation is cinema-quality, and you can activate the audio zoom for pleasant sounds. During recording, you can take 8MP photos.

The Pro and Pro Max versions offer fairly similar features. However, they can record ProRes video at 30 fps up to 4K, and you can even shoot macro video. The optical zoom range is increased to 6x.

All versions therefore offer superior video quality. However, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max offer additional features.

Which iPhone 14 model is best for taking photos?

What's new on the iPhone 14 camera? Which version performs better? All in all, the entire range is designed to guarantee sharp images.

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are limited to two 12MP sensors, including an ultra-wide-angle lens that offers a 120° field of view. They also feature up to 5x digital zoom and can take panoramic photos of up to 63 MP.

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are equipped with a triple camera. The two 12MP + 12MP modules complement a main 48MP lens. The digital zoom range has been increased to 15x. The result is improved photo quality.

Which iPhone 14 model is best for work?

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are optimised for professional use. More powerful, they offer a wider choice of storage capacities. What's more, the always-on screen lets you view your notifications without interrupting your activities.

However, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are also just as capable to meet demanding office needs.

Buy a refurbished iPhone 14 model to save more than just on price

Prices from Apple now (checked at 28/09/2023) start at £699 for an iPhone 14 and £799 for an iPhone 14 Plus. Upon release, you had to buy an iPhone 14 Pro (at the lowest storage) for £1,099, and £1,199 for an iPhone 14 Pro Max (at the lowest storage). You can no longer buy brand new from Apple the Pro versions.

Refurbished iPhone 14 series now cost up to 50% less. So they're better value for money (especially from Back Market 😉), but also you get to do your part in keeping things sustainable for the environment, all without having to compromise on quality or performance. So why buy new still? Consider a second hand iPhone 14 which has been brought back to life to perform just as good as new through our certified refurbishers.

Conclusion: which iPhone 14 model is right for which type of user?

All the models in the series are impressive for their high performance. So your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences.

but if you'd like to find out more about other devices, check out our advice on which iPhone 12 to choose also.