Which is the best model in the iPhone 14 series?

8 July 2026


9 mins read


Haziq

Tech Expert for Back Market UK, Ireland & Australia

Apple's iPhone 14 series offers four distinct models, and each one appeals to a different type of user. While they all share the same premium quality and reliable everyday performance, the differences in display size, battery life, cameras, and processors make choosing the right one more important than simply buying the most expensive device. If you're looking to compare iPhone 14 models, this guide covers everything from the standard iPhone 14 to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. We'll explain the real differences, explore value for money, and help answer the question many buyers ask before upgrading. There’s also an iPhone 15 vs 14 comparison if you’re wondering whether that upgrade is worth it.

✨TL: DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

The iPhone 14 Pro is the standout option for most users, because it offers the biggest upgrades over the standard models without the size and weight of the Pro Max. The standard iPhone 14 is also still an excellent choice if you simply want a fast, dependable iPhone at the lowest refurbished price. The iPhone 14 Plus offers exceptional battery life and a larger display, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max is best suited to users who want the biggest screen and Apple's most capable camera system. When you compare iPhone 14 models, the differences are less about speed and more about cameras, displays, battery life, and size.

Why should you trust this iPhone 14 series review?

Back Market is one of the leaders for refurbished electronics in the world, and every item goes through a rigorous checklist before being added to the site. Armed with a team of professionals and industry leaders, Back Market is perfectly poised to offer the best advice on premium tech.

This guide combines Apple's official technical specifications with real-world usage and the experience of professional refurbishers on Back Market.

Every recommendation is based on genuine differences between the devices rather than marketing claims. Cameras, battery life, displays, processors, and value have all been considered to answer one simple question.

Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone or looking for the best refurbished value, we designed this guide to make the decision easier.

How do the iPhone 14 models' specs compare?

Specification

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

Verdict

Display

6.1-inch Super Retina XDR

6.7-inch Super Retina XDR

6.1-inch Super Retina XDR ProMotion

6.7-inch Super Retina XDR ProMotion

✅ iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max

Processor

A15 Bionic

A15 Bionic

A16 Bionic

A16 Bionic

✅ Pro models

Main camera

12MP dual

12MP dual

48MP triple

48MP triple

✅ Pro models

Dynamic Island

✅ Pro models

Always-On Display

✅ Pro models

Video playback

Up to 20 hours

Up to 26 hours

Up to 23 hours

Up to 29 hours

✅ Pro Max

Storage

128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB

128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB

128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB

128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB

✅ Pro models

Build

Aluminium

Aluminium

Stainless steel

Stainless steel

✅ Pro models

Colour

Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED

Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED

Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple

Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple

N/A

SIM

Nano-SIM + eSIM (dual SIM)

Nano-SIM + eSIM (dual SIM)

Nano-SIM + eSIM (dual SIM)

Nano-SIM + eSIM (dual SIM)

N/A

Best for

Everyday value

Battery life

Most users

Power users

N/A

Is the iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus the better buy?

✨ The iPhone 14 Plus wins if battery life and screen size matter most, while the iPhone 14 is easier to recommend if you prefer a compact phone.

The iPhone 14 vs 14 Plus debate is surprisingly simple.

Internally, they're almost identical. Both use the A15 Bionic processor, the same dual 12MP camera system, Face ID, Ceramic Shield, and the same software experience. The real difference is size.

The iPhone 14 features a comfortable 6.1-inch display that suits one-handed use and fits easily into pockets. The 14 Plus increases that to 6.7 inches and offers up to 26 hours of video playback compared to 20 hours on the standard model.

If you spend hours streaming Netflix, reading, gaming, or travelling, the Plus is worth considering.

If portability matters more than endurance, the standard iPhone 14 is still the smarter purchase.

“Absolutely delighted with my reconditioned phone! It arrived super-fast and is in immaculate condition. You’d honestly think it was brand new. Delivery was really speedy and the phone looks fantastic.” - Deborah M.

Is the iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone 14 Pro the better choice for camera quality?

✨ The iPhone 14 Pro wins because its display, processor, and camera upgrades make a noticeable difference every day.

Many buyers compare the iPhone 14 Plus vs Pro because they’re both close together on the market. The Plus gives you a huge display and excellent battery life, but the Pro gives you far more than an upgraded camera, with the addition of the Dynamic Island.

ProMotion on the Pro also increases the refresh rate to 120Hz, making scrolling noticeably smoother, and the Always-On Display keeps useful information visible without unlocking the phone. Most importantly, the iPhone 14 camera specs also introduce a 48MP camera capable of capturing far more detail than the 12MP system found on the Plus.

If you want the best iPhone for photography, social media, or video creation, the Pro easily justifies the extra money.

Is the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max the better flagship?

✨ The iPhone 14 Pro is the better all-rounder, while the Pro Max is built for people who want the biggest possible display and battery.

The iPhone 14 Pro vs Pro Max comparison comes down to size rather than features.

Both phones share:

  • A16 Bionic processor

  • Dynamic Island

  • Always-On Display

  • 48MP main camera

  • 12MP ultrawide

  • 12MP telephoto

  • ProRAW photography

  • ProRes video

The biggest difference is physical size. The Pro uses a 6.1-inch display, while the Pro Max stretches that to 6.7 inches and increases video playback from 23 hours to 29 hours.

If you're researching iPhone 14 Pro Max specs, you'll find one of Apple's best battery performers and the largest OLED display ever produced when it was released in 2022.

For most people, though, the smaller Pro is easier to hold, lighter to carry, and offers exactly the same performance and camera quality.

iPhone 14 128 GB vs 256 GB: Which storage should you buy?

✨ When it comes to iPhone 14 storage options, 256 GB offers the best balance between price and long-term value.

The iPhone 14 128 GB vs 256 GB decision depends entirely on how you use your phone.

Choose 128 GB if you:

  • Mostly stream music and films

  • Store photos in iCloud

  • Rarely install large games

  • Upgrade every few years

Choose 256 GB if you:

  • Record lots of 4K video

  • Take thousands of photos

  • Download films for travel

  • Want extra space for future iOS updates

A refurbished 256 GB model usually costs less than buying new while giving you much more room to grow.

What are the pros and cons of the iPhone 14 series?

✨ iPhone 14 Pro wins overall, with the best camera and battery life compared to size, but the base iPhone 14 model is still up there with the top iPhone models for performance and reliability.

iPhone 14

✅ Pros

❌ Cons

Excellent everyday performance Lowest refurbished price Comfortable size Great dual-camera system

No Dynamic Island 60Hz display No telephoto camera

iPhone 14 Plus

✅ Pros

❌ Cons

Outstanding battery life Large 6.7-inch display Great value compared with Pro Max Same reliable A15 performance

No ProMotion No Always-On Display Same cameras as iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Pro

✅ Pros

❌ Cons

Best overall balance 48MP camera system Dynamic Island ProMotion 120Hz display Compact flagship size

Heavier than iPhone 14 More expensive than standard models

iPhone 14 Pro Max

✅ Pros

❌ Cons

Biggest display Best battery life Excellent cameras Outstanding media experience

Largest and heaviest model Highest refurbished price

Smart ways to save when buying an iPhone 14 series device

Buying refurbished is one of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of upgrading. Before buying, decide whether you really need Pro features or whether the standard iPhone 14 already covers everything you do every day.

Choosing the right model instead of the most expensive one can save hundreds of pounds while giving you almost the same experience.

What does buying a refurbished iPhone 14 in the UK mean?

A refurbished iPhone is a pre-owned phone that's been professionally inspected, tested, cleaned, and restored before being sold again. If repairs are needed, they're completed before the device reaches its next owner. Back Market only works with vetted refurbishers that meet strict quality standards, giving buyers more confidence than purchasing from a private seller. Every iPhone includes free delivery, 30-day returns, and a minimum 12-month commercial warranty, while devices are graded by cosmetic condition, so you know exactly what to expect. It's a smarter way to save money while extending the life of perfectly good technology. You can also check out how long a refurbished iPhone lasts before making a decision.

Should you trade in your old phone and save?

Back Market's trade-in programme makes upgrading more affordable by turning your old tech into cash. Simply answer a few questions about your device, receive an instant estimate, send it to a professional refurbisher, and get paid once it's been inspected. The money can help reduce the cost of an iPhone 14 series model while keeping usable technology in circulation instead of sitting unused in a drawer. Combined with professionally refurbished devices, free delivery, 30-day returns, and a 12-month commercial warranty, it's an easy way to save money while making a more sustainable upgrade.

How much does the iPhone 14 series cost?

Model

Original UK price

Back Market’s refurbished price

iPhone 14 128 GB

£849

£220

iPhone 14 Plus 128 GB

£949

£261

iPhone 14 Pro 128 GB

£1,099

£357.48

iPhone 14 Pro Max 128 GB

£1,199

£399

*Back Market prices are set by sellers and taken at the date of publication – these are subject to change.

What’s the final verdict?

After a complete iPhone 14 comparison, one model stands above the rest.

The iPhone 14 Pro gives us the best combination of camera quality, display technology, processor performance, portability, and long-term value.

The iPhone 14 is still the best budget choice.

If you’re thinking about which iPhone has the best battery life, The iPhone 14 Plus is the battery champion.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best option for buyers who simply want the biggest and most capable iPhone Apple released in this generation.

No matter which model you choose, the iPhone 14 series remains one of Apple's strongest and most balanced lineups, especially when bought refurbished.

Frequently asked questions about the iPhone 14 series

Here are some popular questions about the iPhone 14 series.

Written by HaziqTech Expert for Back Market UK, Ireland & Australia

When not fighting the good fight for environmental sustainability, Haziq loves making reviews of everything and anything tech-related.

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