By this time subsequent week, cellphone customers on the hunt for the finest iPhone are going to have a call to make — should they upgrade to any of the iPhone 14 fashions anticipated to seem subsequent Wednesday on the Apple September 7 occasion? It is a trickier selection than you may assume. Whereas new iPhones definitely ship new options, homeowners of current fashions might want to determine if these enhancements are sufficient to justify the price of a brand new cellphone.
It is much more of a query this 12 months, with rising costs straining budgets to the purpose the place ponying up for a brand new cellphone won’t be within the offing. If current iPhone homeowners are going to be satisfied that it is time to upgrade, the brand new iPhone 14 fashions should introduce enhancements that fill in options and capabilities current gadgets do not ship.
We will not say for sure what the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Professional will ship till Tim Prepare dinner takes the stage subsequent Wednesday to point out off Apple’s newest telephones. However sufficient particulars have leaked in regards to the 4 telephones reportedly popping out this month that we go into the September 7 occasion with a reasonably good concept of what to anticipate from this batch of iPhones.
Any determination on whether or not to upgrade from your current iPhone to the iPhone 14 should wait till after the brand new fashions transfer from rumor to actuality. However utilizing these rumors, we are able to let you know what to search for in subsequent week’s bulletins in an effort to be able to make a transfer as soon as iPhone 14 preorders start.
We will have a look at the final three years of iPhones, itemizing what every mannequin has to supply and the place the iPhone 14 might enhance upon what you have already got. For the needs of this train, we’re excluding the iPhone SE (2022), reasoning that when you purchased this explicit handset since its spring launch, you are not out there for an upgrade. We’re additionally excluding telephones launched in 2018 — the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max — or later. In case your handset is 4 years or older, any upgrade goes to be a step up by way of total efficiency and digital camera capabilities; at that time the one motive to stay together with your current system is as a result of your finances merely would not permit for an upgrade to a brand new flagship.
With all that in thoughts, this is a have a look at who should be excited about an upgrade to the iPhone 14 as Apple prepares to launch its new telephones.
First launched: September 2021
Greatest options: Greatest-in-class efficiency, shiny show, superior cameras
What’s lacking: No fast-refreshing show, slower charging than rival flagships
What to search for with iPhone 14: The times of upgrading your cellphone yearly are lengthy gone for most individuals, and the iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 13 variations are more likely to illustrate that completely. The iPhone 13 stays a wonderful cellphone in its personal proper, and no matter enhancements the iPhone 14 delivers are more likely to be extra incremental than revolutionary.
Begin with the chipset contained in the iPhone 14, which is more likely to be the identical A15 Bionic silicon that the iPhone 13 makes use of. Apple might improve the quantity of RAM on this 12 months’s mannequin, however that is not going to ship the type of efficiency increase to justify an upgrade. Whereas we might count on new digital camera options, we might guess the digital camera {hardware} is staying the identical, save for a rumored enchancment to the entrance digital camera on the iPhone 14.
The most important space the place the iPhone 14 might leap forward of the iPhone 13 entails the refresh price of the cellphone’s show. The usual iPhone 13 stays locked at 60Hz whereas Professional fashions take pleasure in an adaptive 120Hz price. The iPhone 14 is not more likely to match that functionality, however there’s a probability Apple boosts the show refresh price to 90Hz for smoother scrolling.
Upgrade outlook: Except there is a actually compelling new characteristic, you’ll be able to persist with the iPhone 13 with out struggling from extreme FOMO.
First launched: September 2021
Greatest options: The very best current cameras in a smartphone, brighter shows, A15 Bionic efficiency
What’s lacking: Quicker charging
What to search for with iPhone 14: We’re combining the 2 iPhone 13 Professional fashions which — aside from their totally different display and battery sizes — basically sport the identical options. And since we declared that the iPhone 13 Professional Max was a “virtually excellent cellphone,” that leaves this 12 months’s fashions with a excessive bar to clear.
From the iPhone 14 Professional rumors, Apple is definitely sport to attempt. The brand new Professional fashions are anticipated to get an A16 Bionic chip, which should prime the efficiency of the A15-powered iPhone 13 Professional editions. The primary digital camera is getting an upgrade to 48MP, rumors declare, and we have doubtless seen the final of the notch on the iPhone 14 Professional shows. One of many ares the place the iPhone 13 Professional falls behind rival telephones — charging velocity — is about to enhance as nicely, with the iPhone 14 Professional fashions tipped to get 30W wired charging help.
Our iPhone 14 Professional vs. iPhone 13 Professional face-off goes into higher element on potential enhancements.
Upgrade outlook: When you actually cannot stand the notch, want quicker charging speeds or assume enhancements to the extensive and ultrawide digital camera will make the finest digital camera telephones even higher, you could possibly make the soar from the iPhone 13 Professional or Professional Max to their iPhone 14 Professional equivalents. Simply bear in mind that you simply’re more likely to pay extra for this 12 months’s fashions, as each the Professional and Max are anticipated to see $100 value hikes.
First launched: September 2021
Greatest options: Stellar efficiency with A15 Bionic and glorious cameras
What’s lacking: Battery life — whereas improved from iPhone 12 mini — nonetheless lags common smartphones, charging restricted to 20W
What to search for with iPhone 14: When you opted for the iPhone 13 mini when it shipped final 12 months, it is doubtless as a result of the cellphone’s compact measurement and 5.4-inch show appeals to you. The iPhone 14 lineup would not sound like it may scratch that individual itch, with Apple rumored to be dropping the mini from its new spherical of gadgets. As an alternative, the cellphone maker goes the other way, with a super-sized iPhone 14 Max (or iPhone 14 Plus, relying what identify Apple goes with).
Leaping from a 5.4-inch cellphone to at least one with a 6.7-inch display is not one thing most mini homeowners are more likely to do, so the cellphone to keep watch over is the usual iPhone 14. It isn’t anticipated to characteristic huge adjustments from the iPhone 13 mini, even utilizing the identical A15 Bionic chipset, in accordance with rumors. The iPhone 14 might see a bigger battery, if the iPhone 13 mini’s longevity on a cost bothers you, however quicker 30W charging is predicted to be restricted to the costlier Professional fashions.
Upgrade outlook: Hold on to that compact iPhone 13 mini with all of your may, as a result of Apple seems to be performed with small telephones in the meanwhile.
First launched: October 2020
Greatest options: 5G help, glorious cameras, MagSafe-compatible design
What’s lacking: Lengthy battery life, a number of storage within the base mannequin
What to search for with iPhone 14: With the iPhone 12 about to rejoice its second birthday, it could be time to think about an upgrade, because the iPhone 14 will characteristic a number of the identical iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12 enhancements, plus just a few rumored additions that should make for a greater cellphone expertise. You possibly can count on modest enhancements from the A15 Bionic chip more likely to energy the iPhone 14, and all of Apple’s new telephones are anticipated to get an enhanced entrance digital camera. (This is our iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 12 comparability for a have a look at all of the potential upgrades.)
You will seen a good larger soar ahead by upgrading to an iPhone 14 Professional mannequin, which is predicted to learn from a quicker chipset and improved extensive and ultrawide cameras. Even when you persist with the usual iPhone 14, you may get extra storage within the base mannequin than the iPhone 12 supplied — Apple not begins its flagship telephones with 64GB of storage — and we might count on higher battery life due to the larger energy pack doubtless slated for Apple’s new telephones.
Upgrade outlook: Based mostly on rumors, the iPhone 14 figures to supply sufficient adjustments from the iPhone 12 to make an upgrade value your whereas, particularly with Apple rumored to stay with the $799 beginning value for its base mannequin. When you wished to squeeze yet another 12 months out of your iPhone 12, although, an upgrade to iOS 16 should hold your cellphone feeling recent sufficient till subsequent 12 months’s new iPhones roll alongside.
First launched: October 2020
Greatest options: Terrific cameras, strong efficiency, sturdy design
What’s lacking: No fast-refreshing show, not a long-lasting cellphone, some unique iPhone 12 Professional Max digital camera options
What to search for with iPhone 14: We preferred the iPhone 12 Professional rather a lot when it debuted two years in the past, however Apple made some enhancements with the iPhone 13 Professional launch, and people are more likely to proceed with the iPhone 14 Professional.
When you caught with the iPhone 12 Professional, you missed out on the adaptive refresh price Apple launched to the iPhone 13 Professional lineup; that characteristic is all however sure to return with the iPhone 14 Professional. An even bigger battery within the iPhone 13 Professional meant improved battery life over this mannequin, and the iPhone 14 Professional’s battery can also be anticipated to see a rise in measurement. The iPhone 12 Professional additionally lacked a few of the digital camera options discovered within the iPhone 12 Professional Max, resembling an even bigger fundamental digital camera sensor and a extra highly effective zoom, which is why we’re separating this mannequin from the Professional Max.
With the iPhone 14 Professional more likely to see some substantial adjustments like enhancements to the principle and ultrawide lenses, the cameras determine to be an enormous step up from what iPhone 12 Professional customers take pleasure in. The A16 Bionic chip slated for the iPhone 14 Professional should ship a efficiency increase as nicely, and the shortage of a notch on the iPhone 14 Professional fashions may attraction to some individuals.
Upgrade outlook: Of all of the iPhone 12 fashions, the Professional is the one which figures to see the largest adjustments by upgrading to a comparable iPhone 14 Professional mannequin. That is not simply due to the brand new options rumored for Apple’s upcoming telephones, but in addition due to the iPhone 13 Professional upgrades you missed out on final 12 months.
First launched: November 2020
Greatest options: High cameras, glorious battery life, stellar efficiency
What’s lacking: Quick-refreshing show
What to search for with iPhone 14: The iPhone 12 Professional Max was simply the gem of the iPhone 12 household, and when you purchased the cellphone again when it got here out, you are still having fun with a prime system. Even with the enhancements anticipated for the iPhone 14 Professional Max — the higher processor, upgraded cameras and lack of a notch, to call three — the iPhone 12 Professional Max will doubtless be capable of maintain its personal in opposition to Apple’s newer providing.
There may be one space the place the iPhone 12 Professional Max comes up quick, although — the refresh price of its show is caught at 60Hz. Apple did not add adaptive refresh charges to the iPhone Professional lineup till final 12 months, so upgrading to the iPhone 14 Professional Max would offer you a way more immersive display (and one which doubtless has a greater adaptive refresh price than even the iPhone 13 Professional Max).
One different potential space for enchancment is charging velocity, with the iPhone 12 Professional Max capped at 20W. A rumor claims the iPhone 14 Professional fashions will see that rise to 30W, that means your new cellphone would be capable of recharge quicker.
Upgrade outlook: If charging velocity and show refresh charges are vital to you, the iPhone 14 Professional Max is probably going to enhance on each these facets. In any other case, the iPhone 12 Professional Max will proceed to take pleasure in strong efficiency whereas including new options through the iOS 16 software program replace.
First launched: November 2020
Greatest options: Compact design, nonetheless spectacular efficiency
What’s lacking: Lengthy battery life, a number of storage within the base mannequin
What to search for with iPhone 14: iPhone 12 mini homeowners face the identical dilemma as anybody with an iPhone 13 mini, solely with a tool that is a 12 months older — there’s more likely to be no mini mannequin within the iPhone 14 lineup.
Meaning if you need a cellphone that lasts a very long time on a cost — and battery life was the iPhone 12 mini’s largest flaw after we first reviewed it — probably the most compact cellphone you can get is the 6.1-inch iPhone 14. On the brilliant facet, that system should have an even bigger battery than your current system and a chipset with higher energy administration, too. You are additionally more likely to get 128GB of storage within the base mannequin after the iPhone 13 household did away with the paltry 64GB base choice.
Upgrade outlook: iPhone 12 mini homeowners who desire a longer lasting cellphone should take into account an upgrade. But when the compact type issue of your current system is your favourite factor about it, possibly cling to the mini for one more 12 months, and hope that Apple sees the sunshine on small telephones in time for its 2023 launch.
First launched: September 2019
Greatest options: Twin digital camera setup, Night time mode, nonetheless first rate efficiency
What’s lacking: No 5G help, solely 64GB of storage within the base mannequin
What to search for with iPhone 14: The A13 Bionic powering the iPhone 11 was the quickest chip when it got here out, and you’ll say the identical factor in regards to the A15 Bionic that is more likely to discover its method into the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max fashions. (That latter model provides you a 6.7-inch show when you discover the iPhone 11’s 6.1-inch panel too proscribing however have balked at paying iPhone Professional Max costs.) Upgrading to the iPhone 14 will get you all of the digital camera upgrades you missed out on with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, although the Professional fashions are tapped to get the extra thrilling digital camera overhauls.
When you opted for the iPhone 11 at any level within the final three years, you doubtless discovered the cellphone’s shiny colour choices interesting. That is going to proceed with the iPhone 14, which is on observe to get an attention grabbing purple colorway along with black, white, crimson and (doubtlessly) inexperienced or blue.
This is a have a look at potential iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 11 adjustments.
Upgrade outlook: Three years is a very long time to go between iPhone upgrades, so when you make the transfer to the iPhone 14, you may profit from the anticipated A15 processor, larger battery and digital camera enhancements rumored for the brand new telephones.
First launched: September 2019
Greatest options: Shiny OLED display, triple digital camera setup, nonetheless strong efficiency
What’s lacking: Storage in base mannequin is skimpy, iPhone 11 Professional display is fairly small
What to search for with iPhone 14: As with the iPhone 11 above, simply the common adjustments Apple has launched within the final two upgrade cycles would mark an enchancment over the on a regular basis expertise of iPhone 11 Professional and iPhone 11 Professional Max customers. Throw within the rumored upgrades to the method, cameras, battery measurement, charging velocity and design of the iPhone 14 Professional fashions, and an upgrade figures to be an enormous leap ahead.
As a result of the iPhone 11 Professional featured a 5.8-inch display, homeowners of that system should have one other choice to upgrade with out paying iPhone 14 Professional costs. The iPhone 14 Max figures to have a 6.7-inch cellphone for a rumored $899, and its processor can be a step or two forward of the A13 Bionic contained in the iPhone 11 Professional. You might save one other $100 by turning to the iPhone 14, since its 6.1-inch display will nonetheless be bigger than the iPhone 11 Professional’s.
Upgrade outlook: When you’re keen to pay up for the iPhone 14 Professional fashions — a problem given their anticipated value hikes — you could possibly be in for a night-and-day expertise from what you are used to with the iPhone 11 Professional or Professional Max. Quicker efficiency, improved cameras and quicker charging are anticipated to be on faucet for the newer gadgets.
First launched: April 2020
Greatest options: Low value, good digital camera, wi-fi charging help, compact design
What’s lacking: Ultrawide lens, Night time mode, 5G compatibility
What to search for with iPhone 14: If the iPhone SE (2022) did not immediate you to upgrade from this 2-year-old system, possibly there’s one thing within the iPhone 14 lineup that may tempt you. It definitely will not be the small display measurement, as the brand new iPhones are more likely to ditch the mini, however in each different method, the iPhone 14 can be an upgrade over the older iPhone SE.
Pretty much as good because the iPhone SE 2020’s A13 Bionic chipset has confirmed to be, the A15 slated for the iPhone 14 will ship higher efficiency. You will additionally get an ultrawide lens with the iPhone 14, an upgrade from the lone rear digital camera on the SE. And in contrast to the newer SE fashions, all of Apple’s iPhone 14 choices will characteristic help for evening images.
Upgrade outlook: As huge a soar as it is going to be from the 2020 iPhone SE to this fall’s iPhones — each in measurement and have set — you may doubtless have to pay a minimum of $799 for a brand new Apple handset. Frugal iPhone SE 2020 customers seeking to upgrade could wish to take into account discounted iPhone 13 fashions that stay in Apple’s lineup after the iPhone 14 launch, as these 5G telephones can be a step up, too, even when they are not Apple’s newest and best fashions.