iPhone 14 Plus Vs iPhone 15

iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£238.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options
iPhone 15
iPhone 15
Starting at

Refurbished price:£325.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Plus (2022) and the iPhone 15 (2023) represent two distinct paths within the smartphone market. While the iPhone 14 Plus focuses on providing a larger display and extended battery life, the iPhone 15 introduces significant design updates and internal hardware improvements in a more compact form factor. Both devices operate on iOS, ensuring a consistent user experience with access to the same ecosystem of apps and services. The primary choice for users involves weighing the benefits of a larger screen against the newer features and connectivity standards found in the more recent model.

Scores

Durability

Choosing between these models often comes down to how long you plan to keep the device, as their release dates influence their long-term software support. The iPhone 15, being a year newer, is expected to receive software updates and security patches for an additional year compared to the iPhone 14 Plus.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 15 is likely to support iOS updates until approximately 2030, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus may see its final major update a year earlier, making the newer model a slightly better option for those seeking maximum software relevance.
  • Internal Design: Both models feature a glass-back design that is easier to remove than previous generations, which simplifies common repairs like battery replacements or screen fixes and contributes to a longer functional lifespan.
  • Long-term Reliability: Users can expect both phones to remain functional and responsive for several years, though the newer hardware in the iPhone 15 provides a slightly longer runway for future software demands and app updates.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both phones handle daily tasks with ease, they offer different strengths regarding power management and processing efficiency for multitasking and gaming. Both devices are available in various storage capacities to suit different user needs for photos and applications.

  • Battery Endurance: The iPhone 14 Plus features a larger physical footprint, allowing for a higher-capacity battery that typically lasts longer during heavy media consumption or navigation compared to the standard-sized iPhone 15.
  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 utilises a more efficient internal processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking with slightly more fluidity, though both devices remain very fast for everyday use.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: Both models manage background apps effectively, ensuring that switching between social media, email, and web browsing feels instantaneous without frequent app restarts or lag.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience differs significantly due to the physical size of the panels and the way the front-facing sensors are integrated into the display. Both use high-quality OLED technology for deep blacks and vibrant colours.

  • Screen Real Estate: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a 6.7-inch display, providing more room for watching videos or reading text, while the iPhone 15 features a more compact 6.1-inch screen that is easier to use with one hand.
  • Display Innovation: The iPhone 15 replaces the traditional notch with the Dynamic Island, an interactive area that displays alerts and live activities, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus retains the classic notch design.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 15 reaches higher peak brightness levels, making the screen significantly easier to read under direct sunlight compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, which is a practical benefit for outdoor use.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography enthusiasts will notice a shift in detail and processing capabilities between these two generations, particularly in how they handle resolution and zoom. Both devices provide excellent video recording and clear audio for calls.

  • Image Detail: The iPhone 15 features a high-resolution main sensor that captures significantly more detail in everyday photos, allowing for clearer crops and better large-scale prints than the 12-megapixel sensor on the iPhone 14 Plus.
  • Zoom and Portraits: The newer sensor on the iPhone 15 enables a virtual 2x zoom that maintains high quality, providing more versatility for portraits and close-up shots without needing a dedicated third lens.
  • Low-Light Performance: Both devices excel in dim environments, but the updated image processing in the iPhone 15 helps reduce noise and improve colour accuracy in challenging lighting conditions.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily use is influenced by the physical dimensions and the type of cables required for charging and data transfer. Both models support 5G connectivity and include advanced safety sensors.

  • Charging Standards: The iPhone 15 adopts the universal USB-C port, allowing users to use the same cable for their phone, laptop, and other modern electronics, while the iPhone 14 Plus uses the proprietary Lightning connector.
  • Ergonomics and Weight: The iPhone 14 Plus is noticeably larger and heavier, which may appeal to those who want a substantial feel, whereas the iPhone 15 is lighter and fits more comfortably in smaller pockets.
  • Build Materials: Both devices feature durable aluminium frames and glass backs, with the iPhone 15 introducing a colour-infused back glass that has a smooth, matte finish compared to the glossy finish of the 14 Plus.

Weight

203 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C (USB 2)

User feedback from various community forums highlights a clear divide based on individual priorities. Many users praise the iPhone 14 Plus for its exceptional battery life, often noting it can easily last through a full day of heavy use without needing a midday charge. Conversely, the iPhone 15 receives high marks for its modernized design, specifically the Dynamic Island and the convenience of USB-C charging, which many find simplifies their daily tech setup. Some users have noted that while the iPhone 14 Plus feels like a larger version of a familiar design, the iPhone 15 feels like a more significant generational leap in terms of camera quality and display technology.

Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is a sustainable choice that reduces electronic waste while providing a device that functions like new. Users who prioritise a massive screen for gaming or movies and want the longest possible battery life will find the iPhone 14 Plus fits their needs perfectly. On the other hand, users who prefer a more pocketable device with the latest camera technology and universal charging will likely lean toward the iPhone 15. Both smartphones are excellent examples of modern engineering, and opting for an eco-friendly alternative through refurbishment ensures you get a high-performing device while supporting a circular economy. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value screen size and battery endurance over the latest design features and camera resolution.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons