The Plus name for Apple's iPhone models has not been used since 2017, but was reintroduced in 2022 with the launch of the iPhone 14 Plus. This new model features a larger screen size compared to the standard iPhone 14, but has similar technical specifications. It occupies a unique market position between the more affordable iPhone 14 and the higher-end Pro model. However, it's worth considering whether there are compelling reasons to buy the iPhone 14 Plus.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Specifications
- Release date: 2022, September 07
- Colors: Midnight, Purple, Starlight, Blue, Red
- Dimensions: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm.
- Weight: 203 g.
- Screen: 6.7" in, 1284 x 2778, Super Retina XDR OLED
- Camera : Dual, 12MP
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
- CPU: Hexa-core (2x3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard)
- Memory: 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM
- Battery: 4323, Li-Ion, non-removable
- Network: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
- Operating system: iOS 16
- Sensors: Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Apple iPhone 14 Plus Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Design
The iPhone 14 Plus has a larger screen, weight and dimensions compared to the iPhone 14, the only size that is the same is the thickness of 7.8mm. It is made of aluminum and glass, which is why it is lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro.
Realistically, the difference in weight between the two is only 3 grams.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Display
The iPhone 14 Plus is designed for users who want a large screen but don't want to pay the price of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, HDR support, Apple's True Tone feature and a notch at the top. However, if you're looking for a phone with Apple's new Dynamic Island feature, it's only available on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.
When comparing the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro displays while streaming a 2160p YouTube video, there are no major differences. Both phones have a beautiful warm tone, deep blacks and high contrast levels. Both phones also get very bright, but the iPhone 14 Plus doesn't have the same increase in brightness in sunlight as the iPhone 14 Pro. This is not a particularly big problem, but when it comes into action, it can be a big advantage.
If the video quality is the same, what sets the iPhone 14 Plus screens apart from the more expensive Pro models? The main difference is the refresh rate. The iPhone 14 Plus doesn't have Apple's 120Hz ProMotion technology, instead it has a 60Hz refresh rate.
The refresh rate on the iPhone 14 Plus isn't as smooth as the Pro models, and the frame rate between animations is more obvious. However, this does not make the phone uncomfortable to use and does not cause an increase in eye fatigue. While ProMotion is a feature that makes the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max more desirable, it's no reason to avoid buying the iPhone 14 Plus.
Watching video and playing games on the iPhone 14 Plus is a pleasant experience, thanks to the large, bright screen and excellent viewing angles. Speakers also contribute to this experience, they add depth to games and bring emotion to videos. They are much better than the speakers on most other smartphones, regardless of the price. The iPhone 14 Plus is an excellent multimedia smartphone.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Camera
The iPhone 14 Plus has the same 12MP primary camera and 12MP wide-angle camera as the iPhone 14. Up front, there's another 12MP selfie camera. Both the main and front cameras are upgraded from the iPhone 13, with larger apertures and autofocus for the front camera. The wide-angle sensor is the same as the one on the iPhone 13.
The main and wide-angle cameras have consistent performance, the color balance is natural and there is plenty of detail when shooting during the day. While the camera may tend to overexpose to brighten scenes, it's not distracting unless compared to cameras that don't have that tendency, like the Pixel 7.
The camera app on the iPhone 14 Plus is fast and full of features. It can shoot video at up to 4K resolution and 60 frames per second (fps) and has great optical image stabilization when using the main camera. Video quality is smooth and stable during the day, and recorded stereo audio is clear and crisp.
The iPhone 14 Plus cameras perform well in low light, but require at least some light to achieve good results. When the ambient light is low, the level of detail decreases, but the iPhone 14 Plus still performs well. The front-facing camera also performs well during the day, with accurate skin tones and color balance. In low light, however, photos become grainy and less appealing.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Software
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max have the latest A16 Bionic processor, while the iPhone 14 Plus (like the iPhone 14) has a slightly updated version of the A15 Bionic processor. It has one extra core for the graphics processing unit (GPU), but is otherwise similar to the one used in the iPhone 13 series.
The iPhone 14 Plus runs smoothly and has enough speed for games like Asphalt 9: Legends which runs extremely well. Combined with iOS 16, it is easy to use.
Apple also fully supports its smartphones with new software updates for many years, and while they don't provide an official time frame, it can be expected to receive new versions for the next five years. This longevity is crucial as it keeps your phone protected and updated with new features. Only Google and Samsung come close to Apple's update plan, although the timing is not as clear.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Battery
The iPhone 14 Plus easily lasts two days of use before the battery drops below 10%, which is a positive indication that with more conservative use it can last up to three days.
For example, playing Asphalt 9: Legends for 30 minutes with the screen at maximum brightness consumes only about 5% of the available battery power. That's significantly less than expected, which is around 10% on most Android phones. There's no indication of a performance slowdown and the phone doesn't even start to heat up, suggesting that the GPU upgrades have significantly improved performance.
The iPhone 14 Plus battery charging process is similar to the iPhone 13, with a maximum of 20 watts from a compatible charger that can charge up to 50% in 30 minutes. A full charge with Apple's 29W charger and USB Type-C to Lightning adapter takes about 85 minutes. The phone also supports MagSafe wireless charging at 15 watts and Qi wireless charging at 7.5 watts. This charging method is comparable to that of other brands such as Google and Samsung, but not as fast as the OnePlus 10 Pro or OnePlus 10T.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Price
The iPhone 14 Plus comes in three options: 128GB for $899, 256GB for $999, and 512GB for $1,199. In the UK it costs £949 for 128GB, £1059 for 256GB and £1279 for 512GB. Note that the iPhone does not include a MicroSD card for storage expansion, and additional storage can be purchased through iCloud.
The iPhone 14 Plus, with a starting price of $899 for the 128GB model, sits between the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, which start at $799 and $999, respectively. Considered the best of the bunch, the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max offers the large screen of the 14 Plus and all the extra features of the 14 Pro, and starts at $1,099.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Conclusion
In summary, the iPhone 14 Plus offers a larger screen and longer battery life than the iPhone 14, but comes at a higher price and is larger and heavier in size. The camera and software are the same as the iPhone 14, and the design, materials, durability and build quality are also similar. The main advantage of the iPhone 14 Plus is its battery life, which may make it a better choice for those looking for a phone with longer battery life. Overall, the iPhone 14 Plus is a great device, but whether it's worth the extra cost over the iPhone 14 is a decision that depends on the user's specific needs and preferences.
The iPhone 14 Plus is a great phone, but its position in the iPhone 14 lineup makes it a tough choice for many users. The larger screen and longer battery life may appeal to some, but the $100 price increase over the iPhone 14 may not justify the lack of upgrades in other areas such as camera and performance.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus video review
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Apple iPhone 14 Plus and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Apple.
