The iPhone 14 series, which includes the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, made its debut in September 2022. As the iPhone 16 takes center stage, the 14 series is beginning to feel somewhat outdated. This shift in focus highlights how quickly technology evolves and how consumer preferences can change.
With the introduction of the latest model, significant price reductions have been observed for the iPhone 14. Originally priced at ₦1,332,763 ($799), it can now be found for as low as ₦850,000 ($508) in various stores. This drop in price makes the device more accessible to a wider audience, especially for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.
Apple’s official discounted price for the base model of the iPhone 14 is set at a tempting $599 (₦1,001,360). This pricing strategy reflects Apple’s approach to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market while still offering quality products. It’s an attractive option for consumers who want a reliable smartphone without opting for the latest model.
The question arises: is the iPhone 14 still worth purchasing in 2024? The answer depends largely on the user’s current device and needs. For those using older models, the enhancements in camera technology, safety features, and the timeless Apple design may justify the upgrade, especially at the newly reduced prices.
However, for existing iPhone 13 users, the upgrades may not be compelling enough to make the switch. The differences between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are subtle, making it less enticing for those who already have a relatively recent model. This nuance is crucial for potential buyers to consider.
To determine if the iPhone 14 is the right choice for you in late 2024, it’s important to weigh its strengths and weaknesses. The improved camera capabilities and additional safety features are significant advantages, but they may not be enough for everyone.
In conclusion, while the iPhone 14 series may feel a bit vintage with the arrival of the iPhone 16, its price reductions and solid features make it a viable option for many. Evaluating your current device and what you value in a smartphone will ultimately guide your decision.
Key Specifications
| Feature | iPhone 14 | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 14 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
| Display | 6.1-inch | 6.7-inch | 6.1-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
| Camera | Dual 12 MP | Dual 12 MP | Triple 12 MP + LiDAR | Triple 12 MP + LiDAR |
| Design | Aluminium | Aluminium | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Colours | Midnight, Starlight, Red, Blue, Purple, Yellow | Midnight, Starlight, Red, Blue, Purple, Yellow | Deep Purple, Gold, Silver, Space Black | Deep Purple, Gold, Silver, Space Black |
| Starting Price at Launch | $799 | $899 | $999 | $1099 |
| Starting Price in September 2024 | $599 | $699 | $799 | $899 |
Design and Build
- iPhone 14/14 Plus: Aluminium frame, dual camera setup, notch, five colours
- iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max: Stainless steel frame, triple camera setup, pill-shaped cutout, four colours
- Weight: iPhone 14 (172g), iPhone 14 Plus (203g), iPhone 14 Pro (206g, iPhone 14 Pro Max: 240g
At a quick glance, the iPhone 14 may appear similar to its predecessor, the iPhone 13, with its sleek aluminium frame, flat edges, and familiar notch. However, the colour options have been refreshed, including an eye-catching blue.
While some may desire a more dramatic redesign, the iPhone 14’s good looks are undeniable. The matte finish on the sides helps prevent fingerprints, complementing the coloured glass back. It’s a lightweight and comfortable phone that feels just right in the hand, and its IP68 water resistance and Ceramic Shield protection make it durable for everyday use, though a screen protector is still recommended.
The iPhone 14 Plus, the larger sibling, offers the same technology as the standard 14 but with a more expansive screen, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy streaming movies or gaming on the go.
The iPhone 14 Pro, on the other hand, showcases more noticeable differences from the 13 Pro, such as larger camera lenses, the Dynamic Island cutout, and a switch to a heavier, more premium stainless steel frame. The colour options have also been updated, with the Deep Purple variant particularly eye-catching.
The iPhone 14’s design is not groundbreaking, but it’s a polished version of a successful formula, with some minor adjustments to maintain its appeal.
Visual and Audio
- iPhone 14: 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170, 460 ppi, 1200 nits
- iPhone 14 Plus: 6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 2778 x 1284, 458 ppi, 1200 nits
- iPhone 14 Pro: 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556 x 1179, 460 ppi, 1-120Hz refresh rate, Always On Display, 2000 nitsÂ
The iPhone 14’s display is impressive but lacks the smooth scrolling experience offered by ProMotion technology. This absence is particularly noticeable when considering that even budget Android devices come with higher refresh rates. Nevertheless, the screen still manages to provide vibrant colors, sharp details, and adequate brightness for an enjoyable HDR viewing experience.
In bright sunlight, however, the display may not be the easiest to read, a benefit that is exclusive to the Pro models. These models also feature a distinctive triangular camera layout along with a larger camera bump, setting them apart from the standard versions. In contrast, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus showcase a more understated diagonal camera arrangement.
When it comes to design, the Pro models introduce the Dynamic Island, which replaces the somewhat outdated notch found on the standard iPhone 14. This innovative, pill-shaped cutout enhances multitasking capabilities by seamlessly adapting to notifications and app interactions, making it a standout feature.
Overall, it’s the small details, like the ability to match sound waves with your Spotify album cover, that enhance the user experience. These thoughtful touches contribute to making the iPhone 14 Pro models a delight to use, even if the standard iPhone 14 has its own strengths.
Camera
- iPhone 14/14 Plus: 12MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide lens, Digital zoom up to 5x
The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus come equipped with a 12MP main lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, offering digital zoom capabilities of up to 5x. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro features a more advanced camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens, allowing for 3x optical zoom and digital zoom up to 15x. This distinction highlights the enhanced photographic capabilities of the Pro model.
One of the standout features of the iPhone 14’s camera is its improved low-light performance. Drawing from the larger, faster sensor inherited from the iPhone 13 Pro, the device excels in dimly lit environments, capturing details that are often lost in shadows. This advancement is particularly beneficial for users who frequently take photos in challenging lighting conditions, as it allows for clearer and more vibrant images.
The selfie camera on the iPhone 14 also sees significant enhancements, providing more accurate skin tones that appeal to selfie enthusiasts. Additionally, while daylight photography remains impressive, the upgraded sensor adds depth and a pleasing natural bokeh effect to close-up shots, making them more visually appealing. The ultrawide camera benefits as well, with improved processing that enhances usability in low-light situations.
For video enthusiasts, the iPhone 14 introduces an exciting new feature: Action Mode. Although it may not rival the stabilization of a GoPro, it offers impressive stabilization for capturing dynamic scenes. Furthermore, the ability to record in Cinematic Mode at 4K resolution opens up new creative avenues for aspiring filmmakers, allowing for high-quality video production right from a smartphone.
While the Pro models certainly offer superior versatility and advanced features, the iPhone 14 holds its own remarkably well in everyday photography and videography. This reflects Apple’s commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that even their standard models deliver an excellent user experience, making the iPhone 14 an appealing choice for many users looking for quality without the premium price tag.
Performance, Storage, Gaming and Battery Life
- iPhone 14: A15 chip, 128GB/256GB/512GB storage, up to 20 hours of video playback
- iPhone 14 Plus: A15 chip, 128GB/256GB/512GB storage, up to 26 hours of video playback
- iPhone 14 Pro: A16 chip, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage, up to 23 hours of video playback
- Battery: iPhone 14 (3,279 mAh battery, up to 20W wired charging, MagSafe up to 15W), iPhone 14 Plus (4,325 mAh battery), iPhone 14 Pro (3,200 mAh battery), iPhone 14 Pro Max (4,323 mAh battery.)
Under the hood, Apple’s decision to reuse the A15 Bionic chip in the standard iPhone 14 might raise some eyebrows. But don’t worry, this isn’t your average hand-me-down. It’s the souped-up version from the iPhone 13 Pro, packing a bit more graphical punch. In real-world use, it’s still a speed demon. Games run smoothly, apps open instantly, and there’s no hint of lag. Sure, the A16 in the Pro models might edge it out in benchmarks, but the difference is barely noticeable in everyday life.
Now, about that heat. It’s no secret that both the standard and Pro models can get a bit toasty, especially during intense gaming sessions. Apple’s thermal management system seems to be struggling to keep up with the demands of those powerful chips. But hey, at least you’ll have warm hands on those chilly days, right?
On the storage front, it’s business as usual for the standard models, while the Pro versions now start at a generous 128GB and go all the way up to a whopping 1TB for the digital hoarders out there.
Battery life gets a boost across the board, thanks to those optimised processors. The standard iPhone 14 comfortably sails through a day of moderate use, while the Plus model stretches things even further. And with the Pro models boasting even longer battery life, you might finally make it through a whole weekend without scrambling for a charger.
Speaking of charging, you’ll still need your own plug, and while wired charging is the fastest, it lags behind some Android rivals.
Overall, the iPhone 14 series delivers solid performance, even if it’s not a groundbreaking leap forward. But with the Pro models pushing the boundaries of heat and power, it makes you wonder if Apple finally cracked the code on thermal management in the iPhone 15 and 16. Or will we just have to get used to carrying around a pocket-sized hand warmer? Only time will tell.
Software
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
- Operating System: Launched with iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 18.
- UI Features: Focus modes, Live Text, redesigned notifications, and lock screen customization.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Operating System: Launched with iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 18.
- UI Features: Dynamic Island, ProRAW, ProRes video recording, and all iOS 16 enhancements.
The iPhone 14 series, which debuted with iOS 16, will benefit from the forthcoming iOS 18 update, showcasing Apple’s commitment to long-term software support.
While iOS 16 may not be a revolutionary leap, it introduces welcome refinements. The revamped lock screen, featuring customizable widgets and dynamic wallpapers, is a standout feature, particularly for the always-on display on the Pro models. The integration of Dynamic Island enhances the user experience with increased interactivity.
iOS 16 also improves notifications, messaging, and privacy. Features like enhanced Focus modes and AI-powered Visual Lookup are exciting additions.
For the Pro models, the LiDAR scanner enables precise measurements and immersive AR experiences, valuable for professionals and creatives.
What we appreciate about the iPhone 14
- Innovative and effective safety enhancements.
- Impressive battery longevity.
- Primary camera upgrade is dependable.
- Autofocus improves selfie quality.
- Action mode operates seamlessly.
- Exceptional, industry-leading performance.
Things to consider
- Year-over-year improvements are negligible.
- eSIM may be inconvenient for some.
- Ultrawide photos exhibit a decline in image quality.
- Charging speed is relatively slow.
Is the iPhone 14 worth purchasing in 2024?
The iPhone 14’s allure has diminished with the release of the iPhone 15 and 16. For users of the iPhone 13 or newer, upgrading may not be necessary. However, for those with older models, the reduced price, enhanced camera capabilities, and safety features make it a worthwhile purchase, even if it means missing out on the latest advancements.
For anyone seeking top-notch performance, the iPhone 14 Pro is an excellent choice. It boasts a ProMotion display, a versatile camera system, an always-on display, and the innovative Dynamic Island feature. These enhancements make it a standout option for users who prioritize premium features.
If a larger screen is what you desire, consider the iPhone 14 Plus or Pro Max. These models provide an expansive display, perfect for media consumption and productivity tasks. They cater to users who appreciate a bigger viewing area for their apps and content.
For those who require superior zoom capabilities or extra power for gaming and multitasking, the Pro models remain the best options. They are designed to handle demanding tasks, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.
Ultimately, it’s essential to consider your personal needs when deciding on a new device. Weighing the pros and cons of each model will help clarify which iPhone suits you best. Take into account the features that matter most to you and how they align with your usage habits.
Lastly, don’t forget to factor in your budget. The cost of upgrading can be significant, so it’s important to find a model that offers the best value for your investment while meeting your requirements.
Pricing and Availability in Nigeria
The iPhone 14 series remains available through Apple stores, online retailers, and authorized resellers. Following the launch of the iPhone 16, prices have dropped considerably. The base iPhone 14 model now starts at an appealing $599 (₦1,001,360), with some stores offering it for even less at $508 (₦850,000).
Here’s a brief summary:
- iPhone 14: From ₦850,000 / $508
- iPhone 14 Plus: From ₦870,000 / $520
- iPhone 14 Pro: From ₦940,000 / $562
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: From ₦1,150,000 / $687
Remember, these prices can fluctuate depending on the retailer and specific configuration, so it’s always a good idea to compare offers before making your final decision.
