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iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14 – what’s new?

The older or newer iPhone iteration - that is the question

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on January 2, 2024
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14 - hero image
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Ever since it was released, the iPhone 14 has gained widespread popularity among iPhone lovers. It came with some new features lacking in its predecessors. However, with the arrival of the iPhone 15, the iPhone 14 may likely lose its popularity amongst iPhone users. We consider this with our iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14 overview.

On September 12, 2023, at Apple’s Wonderlust event, Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 15 smartphone lineup alongside the new Apple watch. In this article, we will be looking at the new features or upgrades on iPhone 15 that are absent on iPhone 14.


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iPhone 15 overview

A Quick Overview of the iPhone 15 Standard Model, which is easier to compare away from the likes of the maxes and pro models.

The iPhone 15 comes with a 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch display. It should feel nicer in the hands and has smoother edges thanks to the aerospace-grade aluminum enclosure. In addition to being dust and water-resistant, the ceramic shield makes the phone’s screen glass more durable. The battery contains 100% recycled cobalt and 75% recycled aluminum.

The new iteration also welcomes the dynamic island as standard across iPhone 15 models – not just for the Pro variants, like with the iPhone 14 Pro. That means more uses for it are sure to emerge from developers.

DetailiPhone 14iPhone 15
Display6.1-inch OLED (standard, Pro)
6.7-inch OLED (Plus, Pro Max)
6.1-inch OLED (standard, Pro)
6.7-inch OLED (Plus, Pro Max)
Refresh rate60Hz (standard, Plus)
120Hz (Pro, Pro Max)
60Hz (standard, Plus)
120Hz (Pro, Pro Max)
CPUA15 Bionic (standard, Plus)
A16 Bionic (Pro, Pro Max)
A16 Bionic (standard, Plus)
A17 Pro Bionic (Pro, Pro Max)
Internal Storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB (all models)
1TB (Pro, Pro Max)
128GB, 256GB, 512GB (all models)
1TB (Pro, Pro Max)
Rear cameras12MP main/12MP ultrawide (standard, Plus)
48MP main/12MP ultrawide, 12MP 3x telephoto (Pro, Pro Max)
48MP main/12MP ultrawide (standard, Plus)
48MP main/12MP ultrawide, 12MP 3x telephoto (Pro)
48MP main/12MP ultrawide, 5x periscope telephoto Pro Max)
Front Camera12MP48MP
Charging portLightningUSB-C
Battery lifeAppx 26 hours video playbackAppx 26 hours video playback
PriceStandard, from $699
Plus, from $799
Pro, from $999
Pro Max, from $1199
Standard, from $799
Plus, from $899
Pro, from $999
Pro Max, from $1199
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15 specs

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14 camera

Moving on to the iPhone 15 camera. With a quad-pixel sensor and 100% focus pixels, the 48MP main camera’s 26mm focal length allows for quick autofocus. The iPhone 15 offers a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and the main camera has a 4x optical zoom range.

Continuous zoom for framing is also available in 4K cinematic mode, while portrait mode offers deeper colors and excellent low-light performance. A better bokeh effect will also be possible with zero shutter latency. 

Smart HDR features are used by the TrueDepth front selfie camera to provide brighter highlights and richer mid-tones. It appears to have a fantastic camera and real advancements over the iPhone 14 in that regard.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14 chip

For the chip, it uses an A16 Bionic chip. It has a 16-core neural engine, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 50% greater memory bandwidth. Longer battery life should also be possible with a larger battery that uses more efficient technology.

USB-C

The iPhone 15 is confirmed to have a USB-C port! The adoption of USB type-C automatically means goodbye to the Lightning connector. MagSafe is also making a comeback, and leather alternatives are being replaced by FineWoven cases and AirTag accessories.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14 pricing

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus prices start at $699 and $799, respectively. So, the new model’s upgrades (and probably inflation) have added an extra $100 to the latest iteration at the base level. You can add $100 to each for the Plus versions, but the Pro pricing is a further $200 on top for the iPhone 14 Pro, and $100 for the iPhone 15 Pro, at $999 each. The Pro Max has also remained consistent at $1199.

Which should you go for?

“Should I still go for the iPhone 14 now that iPhone 15 is already out?” This is one question that will be running through the minds of many iPhone lovers right now, especially those who may have been planning to buy the iPhone 14. 

The truth is that both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 are top devices. And from the announcements made at Apple’s Wonderlust event, there aren’t any big surprises as regards the iPhone 15; it’s just like an upgraded version of the iPhone 14.

In terms of performance, the iPhone 15 will have an edge over the iPhone 14. This is because the iPhone 15 uses an A16 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU, while the iPhone 14 uses an A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU. So, if what you are most concerned about is performance, it will be better to go for the iPhone 15 – as is usually the way, later is better.

In terms of camera, the iPhone 14 comes with dual 12MP cameras. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 features a 48MP camera. Also, the iPhone 15 has a 4x optical zoom range, while the iPhone 14 only has a 2x optical zoom range. Therefore, if you are very particular about camera, you should go for the iPhone 15.

As regards pricing, the iPhone 14 is less expensive than the iPhone 15. However, this depends on the storage capacity of the iPhone 14 you are buying.

In terms of battery power, the iPhone 14 battery has up to 26 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 15 also has up to 26 hours of video playback. Finally, the iPhone 14 uses Face ID just like the iPhone 15.

PC Guide view

While the iPhone 14 shares similar features with the iPhone 15, it is less advanced compared to the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 standard model comes with better performance and camera, which gives it an edge. The Pro variants even come with better features.

Pre-orders for the new iPhone 15 will begin on September 15, while they launch in stores on September 22.

Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.