iPhone 14 Plus Vs iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£236.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£344.00

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Plus, released in 2022, and the iPhone 15 Plus, launched in 2023, are large-screen smartphones from Apple's main lineup. While they share a similar form factor and the core iOS experience, the newer iPhone 15 Plus introduces several key updates, including an enhanced camera system, a more interactive display feature, and a change in charging port technology. Both devices offer a consistent user experience within the Apple ecosystem, running on the same operating system.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are built to offer extended software support and physical durability.

  • Software Support: Apple typically provides major iOS updates for approximately five to seven years from a device's release. The iPhone 14 Plus, released in 2022, is expected to receive updates until around 2034, while the iPhone 15 Plus, from 2023, is projected to receive updates until approximately 2035, offering an additional year of the latest software features and security patches.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum design with a glass back, providing robust protection against everyday wear and tear. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: Initially, the iPhone 14 Plus received a favorable repairability score due to its internal redesign allowing easier access to components. However, this score was later adjusted downwards due to Apple's parts pairing process, which can complicate unauthorized repairs. The iPhone 15 Plus is expected to face similar considerations regarding repairability due to continued parts pairing practices.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of both iPhone Plus models ensures smooth operation for daily tasks, with the newer model offering incremental enhancements.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 14 Plus is powered by a previous-generation processor, while the iPhone 15 Plus features a newer generation processor. In practical terms, both processors handle demanding applications, multitasking, and graphics-intensive games with efficiency.
  • Real-World Responsiveness: For typical daily usage, such as browsing, social media, and streaming, users may not notice a significant difference in speed between the two devices. The newer processor in the iPhone 15 Plus provides a slight edge in intensive situations, potentially offering about 10% to 20% better performance in demanding tasks.
  • Battery Behavior: Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are known for their extended battery life, capable of lasting through a full day of heavy use. Apple states that both models offer up to 26 hours of video playback or 100 hours of audio playback.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer expansive and vibrant displays, with the iPhone 15 Plus introducing a notable interactive element and improved brightness.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus feature a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The resolution is nearly identical, ensuring sharp and clear visuals on both models.
  • Brightness Levels: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone 15 Plus significantly enhances this, reaching a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits, a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, and an impressive 2000 nits for outdoor peak brightness, making it easier to view content in bright sunlight.
  • Interactive Display Feature: A key differentiator is the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 15 Plus, which replaces the traditional notch found on the iPhone 14 Plus. This interactive area fluidly expands and adapts to display alerts, notifications, and ongoing background activities like music playback, timers, and navigation directions.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both iPhone Plus models are capable, but the iPhone 15 Plus brings a significant upgrade to its main sensor.

  • Main Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera system with a 12-megapixel main wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 15 Plus elevates this with an advanced dual-camera system, including a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. This higher resolution main sensor on the 15 Plus allows for more detailed photos and offers a 2x telephoto option through a sensor crop.
  • Photography Performance: The 48-megapixel main camera on the iPhone 15 Plus captures more detail and performs better in various lighting conditions compared to the 12-megapixel sensor on the iPhone 14 Plus. Both models benefit from computational photography features like Photonic Engine and Deep Fusion for improved image processing, though the 15 Plus includes Smart HDR 5, an advancement over the 14 Plus's Smart HDR 4.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and offer Cinematic mode. The front-facing TrueDepth camera on both models is a 12-megapixel sensor with autofocus, suitable for clear selfies and video calls.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two large-screen iPhones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. A significant change in the iPhone 15 Plus is the adoption of a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, replacing the Lightning port found on the iPhone 14 Plus. This change offers broader compatibility with accessories and chargers.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus utilize Face ID for secure authentication. They include a standard suite of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, and ambient light sensor. The iPhone 15 Plus also features a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for enhanced spatial awareness.
  • Design and Dimensions: The physical dimensions and weight are very similar between the two models. The iPhone 14 Plus weighs 203 grams, while the iPhone 15 Plus is slightly lighter at 201 grams. The iPhone 15 Plus introduces color-infused glass backs and contoured edges, offering a slightly different tactile experience compared to the iPhone 14 Plus's standard glass back.

Weight

203 g

201 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

User sentiment often highlights the excellent battery life as a strong point for both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus. Many users appreciate the large display for media consumption and general use. For the iPhone 15 Plus, the Dynamic Island and the switch to USB-C are frequently praised as welcome modernizations. Some users of the iPhone 14 Plus, however, note that its performance remains highly capable for their needs, making the upgrade to the 15 Plus less critical unless specific new features are desired. Early concerns about overheating on the iPhone 15 Plus were largely addressed with software updates.

Users prioritizing the latest camera technology, a more interactive display experience, and universal USB-C connectivity will find the iPhone 15 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its enhanced outdoor screen brightness also benefits those who frequently use their device in bright environments. Conversely, individuals who primarily use their phone for everyday tasks, value robust performance, and are content with the Lightning port may find the iPhone 14 Plus continues to meet their requirements effectively. Both devices offer a reliable and feature-rich smartphone experience. Opting for a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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