iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Plus: The breakdown
Apple has finally released the long-awaited iPhone 14 series in its live event which premiered on the 8th of September 2022. The event, called “Far Out”, saw Apple unveil the iPhone 14 line-up alongside the new Apple Watch series as well as the AirPods Pro 2.
Much has been said about the glitz and the glamour surrounding these new releases, but the focus is undoubtedly on the four new iPhones making its debut, two of which being the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. Aside from the obvious difference in size, is there anything else you should know?
In this article, we’ll give you the breakdown between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.
Side-by-Side: iPhone 14 & iPhone 14 Plus
| iPhone 14 | iPhone 14 Plus | |
| Capacity | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Processor | A15 Bionic chip, 6‑core CPU and 5‑core GPU | A15 Bionic chip, 6‑core CPU and 5‑core GPU |
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display, 2532 x 1170px resolution at 460 ppi 800nits max brightness | 6.7″ Super Retina XDR display, 2778 x 1284px at 458 ppi 800nits max brightness |
| Camera | 12MP (f/1.5) Main, with sensor-shift OIS 12MP (f/2.4) Ultra Wide, with 120° field of view | 12MP (f/1.5) Main, with sensor-shift OIS 12MP (f/2.4) Ultra Wide, with 120° field of view |
| Video | 4K (24fps / 25fps / 30fps / 60fps) Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps | 4K (24fps / 25fps / 30fps / 60fps) Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps |
| TrueDepth | 12MP (f/1.9) | 12MP (f/1.9) |
| Battery | 20 hours video playback, 80 hours audio playback | 26 hours video playback, 100 hours audio playback |
| Charging | Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes w/ 20W adapter | Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes w/ 20W adapter |
| Dimensions | 146.7mm (H) x 71.5mm (W) x 7.8mm (D) | 160.8mm (H) x 78.1mm (W) x 7.8mm (D) |
| Weight | 172g | 203g |
| Colours | Midnight, Purple, Starlight, (Product) RED, Blue | Midnight, Purple, Starlight, (Product) RED, Blue |
| Price | RM4199 (128GB), RM4699 (256GB), RM5699 (512GB) | RM4699 (128GB), RM5199 (256GB), RM6199 (512GB) |
Display and Dimensions
The iPhone 14 Plus’ 6.7-inch display is significantly larger than the 6.1-inch display on the iPhone 14. But bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Other than the disparity in size, everything else in the display seems pretty standard.
Both screen utilizes Super Retina XDR display, and have a maximum brightness of 800nits. The iPhone 14 maintains the 2532 x 1170px resolution at 460ppi which can be seen in last year’s iPhone 13. While the iPhone 14 Plus pushes the resolution to 2778 x 1284px at 458ppi. Unfortunately, neither of these models have the 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate. Apple has decided to reserve ProMotion for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
By virtue of a larger display, the iPhone 14 Plus is larger at 160.8mm (height) and 78.1mm (width), as compared to the 146.7mmm (height) and 71.5mm (width) of the iPhone 14. Both models are equal at 7.8mm thickness.
Processor
Surprisingly, Apple has decided to reserve their cutting edge A16 Bionic chip for the iPhone 14 Pro models only. Instead, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus will continue the legacy of the A15 Bionic chip.
The main thing to takeaway here is that maintaining the A15 Bionic chip is not in any way a downgrade or a sign of lackluster on Apple’s part. The A15 Bionic’s 6‑core CPU and 5‑core GPU was the best among its peers at the time of release, and there’s good reason to believe it still ranks among the best chipsets there is.
Main Camera and TrueDepth Camera
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus carries the same dual camera system, with the same diagonal layout in the rear camera housing. It is, in essence, a clone of the iPhone 13 in terms of design.
The main camera is a 12MP (f/1.5) lens with sensor shift Optical Image Stabilization, sitting next to it is the 12MP (f/2.4) Ultra Wide camera with 120° field of view. Apple still utilizes TrueDepth Camera with a 12MP (f/1.9) at the front of the iPhone, but you will miss out on the new ‘Dynamic Island’ feature available on the Pro models.
4K video recording at 60fps and Cinematic mode is available on each of these models.
Battery
Battery performance is perhaps the biggest differentiator between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. On paper, the iPhone 14 has a battery life amounting to 20 hours of video playback and 80 hours of audio playback. This is pretty decent, but pales in comparison to the iPhone 14 Plus’ 26 hours of video playback, and 100 hours of audio playback.
Do keep in mind that the figures are based solely on what Apple has put out. There are yet to be tests on the actual battery performance which might churn out different numbers. Just FYI, the iPhone 13 only has 19 hours of video playback and 75 hours of audio playback, as listed on Apple’s website.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus can charge up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter. The adapter, however, is not included in the box. Wireless charging is available.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Plus: Same same, but different?
In truth, there seems to be more similarities than differences between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. Other standard features aside from what’s mentioned above is the:
- Capacity options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB
- Colour options of Midnight, Purple, Starlight, (Product) RED, and Blue
- Rated IP68 Splash, Water, and Dust Resistance
- Face ID
- Apple’s latest iOS 16
- The upcoming Emergency SOS and Crash Detection (available only in Nov 2022)
The key difference seems to be in size and battery performance, and even that is subjective to preference and individual daily usage. The verdict, as usual, is in your hands.
