Buying a new iPhone isnt easy.
But lets pretend you only want to pick up the newest smartphone Apple makes.
How much is the iPhone 14?
Theyre not cheap, and they certainly are an iterative update.
Still, therearenew features here.
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
But wait!
None of that is to say the iPhone 14 will bebadonce the iPhone 15 is out.
But maybe you need a new iPhonetoday, not in September.
Heres everything you oughta know about all four of these smartphones.
Whats the deal with the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus?
Lets start with the standard iPhones: This year, Apple dropped the mini variant, which is disappointing.
However, its a trade-off.
While weve lost the ability to scale down, weve gained the ability to scale up.
We now have the usual 6.1-inch iPhone 14, but also a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus.
This iPhone is the first to offer the larger form factor in a non-Pro equipment.
Thats why Apple brought back the Plus moniker for this iteration (RIP my iPhone 8 Plus).
Lets talk more about those displays.
Like last year, theyre both OLED.
They both reach 800 nits of brightness normally, but when viewing HDR content can reach 1,200 nits.
The 14, by comparison, gets 20 hours of video playback.
When it comes to performance, however, Apple took a controversial approach with the 14 and 14 Plus.
These devices use the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 lineup.
Thats a first from Apple.
Even when a new iPhoneseemsidentical to the previous year, the chip was always new.
Thats what youre paying for.
While the A15 chip might be the same, the camerasareimproved.
The 14 also comes with the Photonic Engine, which kickstartsDeep Fusionearlier than ever.
That means it takes in more data, which it then uses to produce more detailed images.
Apple also improved low-light performance, which is always a welcome change.
My favorite camera addition, however, is to the selfie cam, as Apple finally added autofocus.
Speaking of video, Cinematic Mode now supports 24 fps.
Its all eSIM now, which,as weve covered, is a good thing.
Crash Detection contacts emergency services, shares your location, and alerts your emergency contacts on your behalf.
Anothergreatsafety feature isEmergency SOS via Satellite, which runs your Emergency SOS communications through satellites rather than cell towers.
Thats huge in areas with low to no cell service.
How much is iPhone 14 Pro?
Rumors had Apple raising the prices on the Pros this year, but thankfully, thats not the case.
They also come in four color options: Deep Purple, Gold, Silver, and Space Black.
Not only do they sport most of the great features mentioned above, they improve upon them.
Well, youd expect them to if Apple decides to slap the Pro name on them.
Heres what makes these new iPhones tick.
Right away, the biggest change is in the TrueDepth camera.
No longer is there a notch.
At least, it does until it shifts into different alerts and notifications.
Im not going to lie: I really like this feature.
Plus, the Dynamic Island can split intotwoareas when needed, giving you even more information at a glance.
These displays arebright, reaching 1,600 nits typically, and a whopping 2,000 nits with HDR content.
Dont forget to wear your sunglasses.
This year, Applefinallyadded anAlways-On display to the Pros.
In effect, the whole display stays on, just dimmed.
Maybe thats because Apple rates the Plus at 100 hours of audio playback and the Pro Max at 95?
Again, Apple being Apple.
Oh, whats this?
A new iPhone, with a new chip?
Well, isnt that just…normal.
This chip features 16billiontransistors, and is Apples first to be made with a four nanometer process.
In short, the thing blazes.
As is the case with each new Apple silicon chip, its the best SoC ever in an iPhone.
But its the cameras where these Pro iPhones really shine.
The 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max feature a 48MP main camera with a /1.78 aperture and quad-core sensor.
Apple ProRAW is now available at 48MP, as well.
So, which new iPhone should you get?
Im normally one to recommend the cheapest iPhone you might stomach.
And that thinking still holds true here: The iPhone 14, as is, will serve you well.
However, I have to say, the Pros this year are good.
They might cost more, but you get more for that money.
If your budget allows, I would cautiously point you toward the 14 Probutonlyif your budget allows.
If you only have $800 to spend on an iPhone, the 14 will be a great choice.
Of course, these recommendations are predicated on you needing to be an iPhonetoday.
If youcanwait, I strongly suggest you do.
Evaluate whatever Apple reveals the iPhone 15 lineup to be against the discounts retailers place on the iPhone 14.
