CallsiPhone 15got the same response that many people get when new iPhones hit the market: “It's the same asiPhone 14!” But while this was especially true for the iPhone 14 compared to the 13, this is not really the case with the iPhone 15.
Surprisingly, the iPhone 15 is a pretty meaningful upgrade over the iPhone 14. From the tweaked design and Dynamic Island to the new processor and USB-C port on the bottom, there's a lot to talk about.
Of course, they're not wildly different iPhones and share the same basic experience. You might be wondering whether you should buy a shiny new iPhone 15 or save a few bucks and go for the iPhone 14. Let's break down the differences and see which one suits you best.
If you're not looking for the power plantiPhone 15Prothe iPhone 15 is a compelling upgrade over previous iterations, thanks to its USB-C port, next-generation portrait photography, and Apple's nifty Dynamic Island feature.
If you just want a great phone at a great price, or if you're still tied to the Lightning ecosystem, the iPhone 14 remains a great buy, especially now that it's cheaper than ever.
Similar design, different colors
iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 look quite similar. They both come in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes, with aluminum rails and glass backs, and it's easy to confuse them if you don't know what you're looking for.
That said, there are some key differences that keep the iPhone 15 from feeling like just another recycled version ofiPhone 12's design, which is basically what the 14 was. The rear glass is now one-piece for a sleeker look, while the edges have been slightly contoured to feel more comfortable in the hand. The edges are also slightly thinner, making the iPhone 15 look more modern.
The iPhone 15 series (left) is much paler than the iPhone 14 series (right).
Apple is also offering a different range of colors with the iPhone 15, which will probably take some getting used to due to how pale they are. You get pink, yellow, green, blue and black finishes, while the iPhone 14 is available in blue, purple, yellow, midnight, starlight and product red. The latter's colors are much more vibrant and saturated, so if you want a yellow or blue iPhone that really stands out, get the iPhone 14.
TL; DR: Aside from a few tweaks that help modernize it (and some subtle new colors), the iPhone 15 looks a lot like the iPhone 14, which means you're getting a nice phone no matter which one you choose.
The dynamic island versus the notch
If you saw the dynamic island last yeariPhone 14 Proand thought to yourself "I want this on a normal iPhone", you'll love the iPhone 15.
Apple brought the feature back to baselineiPhone 15 in 15 Plus, replacement of the notch. It's a pill-shaped cutout that houses all the sensors needed to make Face ID work, and around it is a special layer of software that makes the cutout come to life. You can use Dynamic Island to control music playback, track timers, follow sports scores with live action, and more. It's also a great interface for phone calls, expanding from the top of the screen when you receive one.
The iPhone 14, meanwhile, sticks with the more traditional notch to store all the Face ID sensors. It doesn't come alive or anything and it makes the 14 feel a bit dated. That said, you may prefer the more casual nature of the notch, and if that's your thing, the older iPhone is a no-brainer.
TL; DR: The iPhone 15 gets Dynamic Island, which is a nice improvement, but if you still drive the best car, get the iPhone 14.
The iPhone 15's cameras are a big improvement over the 14
If you want the best camera, the iPhone 15 is the clear winner.
Apple has upgraded its main lens to a new 48-megapixel sensor, four times the megapixels of the iPhone 14's primary lens. This delivers more accurate colors, improved performance at night, and sharper images, as you can take full 48-megapixel photos (if you you want). In addition, the central 12 megapixels of the sensor allow you to zoom in without loss of quality, which is very useful to have.
Plus, you also get an improved 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with less lens flare, better images in portrait mode, and 4K video support in cinematic mode.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 14's camera setup is much simpler. It has a 12 megapixel main camera and a 12 megapixel ultrawide, both of which are taken fromiPhone 13, so they're getting a bit old. Photo and video quality are reliably good, and you'll probably be impressed with the results, but they're far from the most capable photographers Apple sells. You won't benefit from the extra resolution on the iPhone 15's cameras, along with the new portrait mode features.
Both phones have 12-megapixel selfie cameras that should perform identically, so you'll get solid selfie quality on both phones.
TL; DR: The iPhone 14 has solid and reliable cameras, but if you want the best photography experience, get the iPhone 15.
Faster performance, better battery life and longer software updates from iPhone 15
Just like the cameras, the iPhone 15's performance should also be a lot better than the iPhone 14. Apple is including its A16 Bionic processor in its latest phone, giving you faster day-to-day performance, better graphics performance during games, and improved gain efficiency.
The A15 Bionic in the iPhone 14 is no slouch. After debuting in 2021 with the iPhone 13, it's still an absolute screamer, regularly ranking higher than most premium Android phones on the market. But those looking for the best performance from their phone will want to go for the iPhone 15.
The newer chip also means you'll get software updates for longer on the iPhone 15. It's already clear that newer iPhones will be supported by Apple for longer than their older counterparts, and the same goes for the latest lineup. While the iPhone 14 will likely max out on iOS 21 in a few years, the iPhone 15 could get iOS 22 or 23, based on Apple's history with software updates. Of course, this seems far in the future, but it is important to take into account if you plan to use your phone for several years.
Furthermore, the iPhone 15 will undoubtedly have a longer battery life than the iPhone 14. How much longer is that? We can't be sure, as we haven't had the opportunity to review the new one yet. But Apple confirmed that the batteries in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are larger than those in the 14 and 14 Plus, and combined with the added efficiency of the A16 Bionic chip - the same processor that powered last year's long-lasting 14 Pro and Pro . Max – with the iPhone 15 series you should have no problem getting through a full day, and then some.
TL; DR: If you plan to use your phone for a longer period of time, consider the iPhone 15, as it gets faster performance, longer battery life, and more software updates than the 14.
Are you a fan of Bliksem? Stick with the iPhone 14
One of the most important new features of the iPhone 15 isUSB-CPort. Apple has ditched Lightning in favor of the same connector found on iPads, MacBooks, and the vast majority of third-party devices and accessories. Granted, it doesn't do anything new - you get the same charging and data transfer speeds as Lightning - but at least you can use one cable to charge all your devices.
Of course, many people have invested years in light cables and accessories, and it can be hard to give all that up just because you want that shiny new iPhone. If so, get the iPhone 14. It keeps the same old Lightning port you know, and it works with all the stuff you've collected — without the need for Apple's expensive new $29USB-C to Lightningadapter.
TL; DR: If you've been waiting for a USB-C port on an iPhone, the 15 gives you just that. But if you're not ready to take the plunge yet, the Lightning-equipped iPhone 14 is for you.
The iPhone 14 is great if you're on a budget
Despite the differences between the iPhone 15 and 14, they share a simple iPhone experience where they are both fast, have reliable cameras, last all day, and run the latest version of iOS. Many people may be looking for these basics more than the latest model, especially those who may want to save some money.
Then the iPhone 14 is the right move. With the iPhone 15 now priced at $799, Apple has dropped the 14 by $100, bringing the starting price to $699. That's a pretty good deal for a phone with a modern design, good specs, great cameras, and an all-day battery life. Plus, you'll probably find it cheaper with holiday discounts like Black Friday, provided you can hold on for a while.
TL; DR: If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a new iPhone, then the reduced starting price of the iPhone 14 is for you.
In short
iPhone 14 was our choicebeste smartphoneSince its introduction last year, it seems like the iPhone 15 will take its place, based on the specs and our own first impressions. They share many similarities and are good choices no matter which one you buy.
But as always, the question is what is right for you. If you want the latest and greatest technologies Apple has to offer, the iPhone 15 gives you that. You get Dynamic Island, an improved processor and a revamped camera system that can make everything from landscapes to portraits of your food look spectacular.
On the other hand, if you just want a reliable smartphone that's good for the basics, go for the iPhone 14. It's a little cheaper, so it won't break the bank, and you get a lot of what the iPhone 15 has to offer. has to offer. you, only with an older chip, less impressive cameras and a notch at the top of the screen.
