iPhone 14 review in 2026: Is it still worth it?

✨ TL: DR

The iPhone 14 was a solid device when Apple released it in 2022, but is it still a smart buy in 2026? With the iPhone 17 dominating the spotlight and the iPhone 16’s and 15’s more recent releases, let’stake a closer look at whether the iPhone 14 still holds its value or if it’s worth waiting for prices to drop further.

Why can you trust this review?

You can trust our iPhone 14 review because at Back Market, smartphones are more than just everyday tech; they’re our passion. Our team of experts spends countless hours testing, comparing, and reviewing the latest devices to separate genuine upgrades from marketing hype. With years of hands-on experience reviewing smartphone performance, our experts know what makes a device worth your hard-earned money and what features actually improve your day-to-day experience.

For this iPhone 14 review, we’ve gone beyond the tech sheet to assess how Apple’s iPhone 14 performs in real-world use. From camera quality and battery life to processing power and everyday usability, we examine whether the iPhone 14 delivers meaningful improvements over previous generations and help you choose whether it is right for your needs.

If you’re deciding between models, be sure to check out our iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 comparison, which breaks down the key differences and helps you determine whether the newer model is worth the upgrade. Our Samsung S25 vs iPhone 16 comparison gives you a broader picture of the smartphone landscape.

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: What’s changed

✨The iPhone 14 delivers slight upgrades to the iPhone 13, with better low-light photography, a minimally stronger GPU, and some new safety features, but it keeps the same design and 60Hz display, making it a refinement rather than a reinvention.

What are the iPhone 14's technical specs?

Here are the iPhone 14 technical specs in more detail: Body

• Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm

• Weight: 172g

• Build: Glass front and back, aluminium frame

• IP Rating: IP68 dust/water resistant

• SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM (International)

• Colours: Midnight, Purple, Starlight, Blue, Red, Yellow

Display

• Size: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED

• Resolution: 1170 x 2532 px, 19.5:9 (~460 ppi)

• Brightness: 800 nits (typical) / 1,200 nits peak (HDR)

• Protection: Ceramic Shield glass

Performance

• Chip: A15 Bionic

• CPU: 6-core

• GPU: 5-core (Apple-designed)

• RAM: 6 GB

• Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB

Camera

• Main: 12MP f/1.5 wide + 12MP f/2.4 ultrawide

• Features: Dual-LED flash, HDR, Panorama

• Video: Dolby Vision HDR up to 4K at 60fps

• Front: 12MP f/1.9, PDAF, SL 3D sensor

• Front Video: 4K at 60fps, Cinematic mode

Battery

• Capacity: 3,279 mAh (non-removable)

• Life: Up to 20 hours video playback. In real-world use, the iPhone 14 typically delivers 6–7 hours of active screen time, competitive with the iPhone 13 but behind the iPhone 15's 8+ hours, which benefitsfrom greater chip efficiency.

• Light use: messages, Spotify, short calls – 8-9 hours.

• Moderate use: camera, social apps, maps, some video – 6-7 hours.

• Heavy use: gaming, 5G streaming, long camera sessions – 4.5 - 5.5 hours.

Features

• Face ID, Barometer, Gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity & ambient light sensors, Stereo speakers (no headphone jack)

Pricing

• New: From £599

• Refurbished (Back Market): From £247

Is the iPhone 14 better than the iPhone 15?

The iPhone 14, compared to the 13, is essentially a refined version of its predecessor, with modest improvements, particularly in the camera department. But when we compare it to the iPhone 15, the differences start to become more apparent. Read our full iPhone 15 review for the complete picture.

Price

✨ While the iPhone 14 was slightly more expensive than the iPhone 15 on initial release, you’ll now have to pay a little more for the improved iPhone 15.

Starting with perhaps the most important consideration, compared to the iPhone 15, the iPhone 14’s initial price was higher than that of the iPhone 15, slightly counterintuitively perhaps. On release, the iPhone 14 retailed at £849, £50 more expensive than the iPhone 15 at £799. Now, if you buy a refurbished iPhone 14 from Back Market, the starting price is £232.00, compared to the iPhone 15 at £309.00.

Design & display

✨ The iPhone 15 has significant design upgrades, thinner bezels, a new Dynamic Island, and a USB-C port, giving the iPhone 15 a more modern feel.

With the classic Apple design, the iPhone 14’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and Ceramic Shield front are visually appealing, as you’d expect. However, the iPhone 15’s slightly thinner bezels, new Dynamic Island, and USB-C port replacing the Lightning connector are significant improvements. Separately, these are incremental upgrades, but when taken together, the iPhone 15 has a more modern, streamlined feel and greater compatibility with accessories.

Performance

✨ The iPhone 15’s A16 chip provides a noticeable speed boost from the iPhone 14’s A15 chip, especially in graphic-heavy apps such as games and during multitasking.

The iPhone 14 inherited its A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 Pro. It offers a solid, if less than lightning-fast, performance in 2026. The A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 15, however, provides a noticeable speed boost, particularly in graphic-heavy apps such as games and during multitasking. Most users won’t find much benefit in the increased performance speed in isolation, but if you rely on faster processing, the iPhone 15 comfortably wins out.

Camera

✨ The iPhone 14’s camera upgrades were a significant step up from its predecessor; however, the iPhone 15 shines brighter with a more advanced 48MP lens.

The iPhone 14 camera specs show the biggest upgrade from the iPhone 13: a 12MP main sensor with Photonic Engine that significantly improves low-light performance. Improved low-light performance and Action Mode make it the standout change between these two generations. When compared with the iPhone 15 and its more advanced 48MP camera, inherited from the iPhone 14 Pro, it provides enhanced detail and flexibility. Keen photographers enjoy the ability to shoot in ProRAW. If photography capability is your main consideration, the iPhone 15 offers greater everyday performance. See our summary of the best iPhones for photography.

Battery Life & Charging

✨ While the iPhone 14’s battery life was a slight improvement over the iPhone 13, it lags behind the iPhone 15.

The iPhone 15 offers better battery efficiency thanks to the A16 chip and comes with slightly faster charging capabilities. For those who rely on their phone all day, whether texting, doomscrolling, or streaming, the iPhone 15 offers all-day use without battery anxiety.

What are the iPhone 14's main pros and cons?

The iPhone 14's pros and cons reflect a phone that delivers solid fundamentals but falls short of a must-have upgrade. Here's the breakdown at a glance:

What do real users say about upgrading from iPhone 13 to iPhone 14?

Real Reddit users upgrading from iPhone 13 to iPhone 14 have mixed but generally positive views. Here's a summary of what Reddit commentators think about making the switch:

“Purely by the specs. Basic 14 is worth an upgrade compared to the basic 13. There's an additional 2 GB of RAM.”

“I got an iPhone 14 about a month ago. People say that 13 and 14 are the same, but that's simply not true. If you can afford to get the 14, I say you go for it.”

“Go for the 14. Yes, there is ‘not much’ difference for regular users, but the bump in specs will matter most, especially during its later years of life.”

What do Back Market customers say about the iPhone 14?

Back Market customers who've bought a refurbished iPhone 14 consistently highlight its condition, battery life, and value for money. Here's what they had to say:

“I ordered the iPhone 14, 128 GB, colour purple. I could not believe my eyes. It did not look refurbished. It looks like a brand-new iPhone, not a scratch, and came with 100% battery. I charge my battery every two days.” –Andrea L

“Great choice, very happy! I bought the iPhone 14 as a birthday present for my son, and he is absolutely delighted with it. The phone is fast, smooth, and very easy to use. The battery life is great and easily lasts all day, even with regular use for school, messages, photos, and videos. The camera quality is excellent – the photos are sharp, clear, and look amazing, even in low light.” –Karolina S

“Upgrading from an old cell to iPhone 14 was quite a jump for me, but it’s so easy. Extremely happy with my refurbished cell, battery life is great. Back Market was recommended to me, and I’ll certainly recommend it to others.” –Sandra S

What are the best alternatives to the iPhone 14?

Here are the best alternatives to the iPhone 14:

• iPhone 13 Pro: If you’re looking for a more premium experience at a lower cost, the iPhone 13 Pro is a strong contender. It offers a 120Hz ProMotion display for dramatically smoother scrolling than the iPhone 14, superior 3-lens camera capabilities with main, ultrawide and 3x telephoto vs the 14’s 2 lens system: main and ultrawide, and better build quality compared to the iPhone 14, making it a better option for most average iPhone users.

• iPhone 15: If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the iPhone 15 offers more futureproofing with its updated design, improved performance, and better camera system. Some people may find it well worth it at a similar price point as the 14.

• iPhone 16: A more modern alternative to the iPhone 14, the iPhone 16 has a newer chip, better cameras, and a longer battery life while keeping the same familiar size and clean iOS experience.

• iPhone 14 Pro: The iPhone 14 Pro is a more similar smartphone to the iPhone 15, but for a slightly lower average cost. For those who prioritise camera quality and a smoother display, a refurbished iPhone 14 Pro could be a great middle ground.

• Android smartphones: If you’re open to switching ecosystems, there are numerous Android devices that offer excellent value in 2026. Samsung’s Galaxy S23 and Google’s Pixel 7 series, for example, are strong contenders with top-tier specs and competitive pricing.

Which iPhone 14 storage size should I choose?

The iPhone 14 offers three main storage options to cater to different users: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

256GB is best for most people, it’s the safest long-term pick as it avoids storage anxiety and is the best balance in terms of price and lifespan.

If you know your usage habits are light, choose 128GB, this storage level is the best for minimalists, budget-tight users, and heavy cloud users. This level works best if you stream everything and rarely shoot long videos.

Power users and creators are better suited to 512GB, if you shoot 4k videos or have a large offline library, 512GB is right for you.