iPhone 14 Plus Vs iPhone 16

iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£242.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options
iPhone 16
iPhone 16
Starting at

Refurbished price:£475.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Plus, released in October 2022, and the iPhone 16, launched in September 2024, represent different generations within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both offer a large display experience, the iPhone 16 introduces a more advanced processor, updated camera capabilities, and enhanced connectivity features. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS, ensuring a consistent software experience, though the iPhone 16 benefits from a newer version and longer support timeline.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 14 Plus was released in October 2022, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 16, which launched in September 2024. This two-year difference means the iPhone 16 will receive software updates and security patches for a longer period.
  • OS Support: Apple typically provides iOS updates for 5-6 years from a device's release. Consequently, the iPhone 16 is expected to receive software support for approximately two years longer than the iPhone 14 Plus, extending its functional lifespan.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature Apple's Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to offer enhanced drop performance. The iPhone 16 incorporates a second-generation Ceramic Shield, which Apple claims is significantly tougher than its predecessor, potentially offering improved resilience against everyday impacts. Both devices also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the iPhone 16 benefiting from a newer generation of Apple's custom silicon, leading to a more responsive and capable user experience.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 14 Plus is powered by the A15 Bionic chip. The iPhone 16 features the A18 chip, which offers a notable increase in processing speed and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more fluid performance in demanding applications and games on the iPhone 16.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 16 comes with 8GB of RAM, an increase from the 6GB found in the iPhone 14 Plus. This additional memory allows the iPhone 16 to handle more applications simultaneously and switch between them more seamlessly, contributing to an overall snappier feel.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus is known for its excellent battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use and sometimes longer. The iPhone 16 also offers strong battery performance, with efficiency improvements from its A18 chip and potentially larger battery capacities in some models contributing to extended usage times.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer large, immersive displays, but the newer iPhone 16 introduces refinements that enhance the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 16 feature a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. This size is well-suited for media consumption and productivity tasks.
  • Refresh Rate: The iPhone 14 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 16 maintains a smooth visual experience, though specific refresh rate enhancements for the standard models are typically reserved for Pro variants.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer high resolution for sharp text and images. The iPhone 16 may feature improved peak brightness levels, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions compared to the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 16 also features slimmer bezels, providing a slightly more expansive viewing area.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera systems on both iPhones deliver high-quality imaging, but the iPhone 16 brings generational advancements in sensor technology and computational photography.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual 12MP camera system, including a main wide-angle lens with a larger sensor and faster aperture (f/1.5) and an ultrawide lens (f/2.4). The iPhone 16 is expected to feature a 48MP main camera, inherited from the iPhone 15, and an improved ultrawide lens with a wider f/2.2 aperture, enhancing low-light performance.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 14 Plus introduced features like Photonic Engine for improved low-light performance and Action Mode for stabilized video. The iPhone 16 further refines computational photography, potentially offering new features like macro photography on the standard models for the first time. The iPhone 16 also introduces a new vertical camera layout and a dedicated Capture Button for easier photo and video capture.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording, including 4K resolution. The iPhone 16 may offer advancements in video stabilization and audio capture due to its newer processing capabilities.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two iPhone models.

  • Connectivity: The iPhone 14 Plus supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 16 upgrades to Wi-Fi 7, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections, and includes a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for improved spatial awareness and device location.
  • Charging Port: The iPhone 14 Plus utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port. The iPhone 16, following the iPhone 15 series, features a USB-C port, offering broader compatibility with accessories and potentially faster data transfer speeds.
  • Design and Handling: Both phones offer a large form factor. The iPhone 14 Plus weighs around 203g. The iPhone 16 maintains a similar design philosophy, though some models may see slight adjustments in dimensions or materials. The iPhone 16 also features a new customizable Action button, similar to the Pro models, and a dedicated Capture Button for camera functions.

Weight

203 g

170 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)

The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 16 cater to users seeking a large-screen iPhone experience, but they appeal to slightly different priorities. Users of the iPhone 14 Plus frequently praise its exceptional battery life, often noting it can comfortably last for two days with moderate use. Many appreciate its large display for media consumption and general usability, finding it a balanced option without the added features and weight of the Pro Max models. Some users, however, have noted the 60Hz refresh rate as a point of comparison to other devices.

The iPhone 16, as a newer model, builds upon this foundation with significant upgrades. Users often highlight its enhanced performance due to the A18 chip, which provides a smoother and more future-proof experience for demanding applications and AI features. The improved camera system, including a higher-resolution main sensor and new features like the Capture Button, is also a common point of positive feedback. While the iPhone 16 Plus's battery capacity might be slightly adjusted compared to its direct predecessor (iPhone 15 Plus), overall battery life remains strong due to efficiency gains.

Users prioritizing extended software support, the latest processing power for future applications, and advanced camera capabilities will find the iPhone 16 well-suited to their needs. Its USB-C port also offers greater modern connectivity. Conversely, users who value proven, long-lasting battery performance in a large form factor and do not require the absolute latest in processing or camera technology may find the iPhone 14 Plus to be a capable device. Both models offer a robust iOS experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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