Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Verdict
A feature-rich, premium phone offering smooth performance and excellent camera quality, despite a familiar design.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The Apple iPhone 14 Pro is the best iPhone Apple has made so far, as the maker just loves to point out. And it is - it has the best screen, cameras, performance, speakers and durability not only among the iPhones but across all flagship smartphones.”
“For all the noise Apple has made about these revolutionary new cameras, they're just an evolutionary step up from last year's models. Look at the multi-year picture, though, and it's crystal clear: the gains are huge over time, especially for low light. This fits into the wider story of the iPhone and other flagship smartphones over the past five or so years: Where do you go when you've more or less perfected the smartphone design? Apple is betting big on AI features, computational photography, and services, and so far, it's paying off. But since so much of the innovation is on the software and services side, there's less incentive to upgrade your iPhone every one, two, or even three years.”
“The iPhone 14 Pro is a well-made smartphone that fits well into its tailor-made ecosystem and leaves few points of attack for the competition.”
“Apple's iPhone 14 Pro offers a number of welcome upgrades over the standard model while being smaller and easier to handle than the Pro Max, but its battery doesn't last as long.”
Testing & benchmarks
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
The iPhone 14 Pro keeps its classic look with premium stainless steel edges and a glass back. It’s slightly heavier, which users notice when holding it. The new Dynamic Island is a standout feature, replacing the notch with an interactive element to display notifications, enhancing usability without adding bulk.
Reviewers remarked positively on this design, saying it keeps important information within easy reach without overwhelming the user. Despite its similarities to the previous model, the new color options like Deep Purple provide a fresh look.
Some users may miss the smaller details such as the absence of a SIM tray in the U.S., pushing towards eSIM technology. This choice by Apple creates an even more streamlined design, aligning with contemporary user demands for a sleeker experience.
Display(s)
The iPhone 14 Pro features a brilliant 6.1-inch OLED display, outshining rivals with a peak brightness of 2000 nits, making it easy to view even in direct sunlight.
The Dynamic Island, a major highlight, delivers seamless notifications and relevant info through an interactive cutout. “It’s surprisingly useful for at-a-glance information,” says one review.
The always-on display showcases a dimmed version of your lock screen, but it might seem too bright at times. This means you can glance at the time and alerts without waking your phone.
Performance
The iPhone 14 Pro offers a fast and smooth experience with the A16 Bionic chip, exclusive to the Pro models. This chip is faster than previous versions, handling multitasking with ease and running games without breaking a sweat. Reviewers note that “it feels just as smooth as if I’d had a single app open,” even with numerous applications running simultaneously.
There is notable performance improvement over older chips like the A15, with most users appreciating its responsiveness and power for everyday use and demanding tasks alike. While everyday differences between the iPhone 13 and 14 Pro might seem minimal now, the A16’s capabilities will likely shine as software evolves, ensuring the phone keeps up with future updates and apps.
Software & Storage
The iPhone’s interface brings significant updates with Dynamic Island, allowing seamless interaction with notifications and alerts. This focuses on delivering an engaging experience while keeping you aware of ongoing apps and real-time updates.
Apple has taken steps with its always-on display, featuring more vivid lock screen widgets and notifications, yet some commenters from Apple-centric forums note that it may drain battery more than expected.
Owners will find room to customize the new features to fit personal needs, although more developers need to integrate functionality into third-party apps.
Cameras
The main attraction is the new 48MP primary sensor, a significant leap in resolution Apple hasn’t ventured into for years. This high-megapixel count equates to sharper images, especially when edited in ProRaw mode and capable of capturing rich details no matter the lighting conditions.
Additionally, you’ll benefit from superior image quality in dim environments thanks to the enhanced sensors and Apple’s new Photonic Engine, which optimizes every image to offer better low-light photography. Experts from various reviews emphasize the camera’s capability to deliver a considerable improvement over its predecessors.
While the other two lenses maintain their 12MP resolution, improvements in software offer a noticeable upgrade in sharpness and low-light clarity. The wide variety of video modes, from cinematic to action, further solidifies this phone’s place as a leader in mobile photography and videography.
Battery
The iPhone 14 Pro’s cleverly optimized battery life is a game-changer for those who dread constant recharging. The improved efficiency of the A16 Bionic chip ensures you can enjoy up to 23 hours of video playback, translating into less charging stress and more uninterrupted fun.
Charging is quick, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes from empty to full with a 20W adapter, though a wireless charger can keep you topped up easily throughout your day.
A review noted that while the “iPhone 14 Pro can last a full day without a hitch,” do consider investing in a MagSafe charger for ease.
Audio
Audio quality on the iPhone 14 Pro is exceptional. Reviewers highlight its dual speakers that deliver rich, full-bodied sound during calls and when streaming media, making it an ideal choice for entertainment.
When you make a call, the built-in mics effectively reduce background noise, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly. This is particularly beneficial if you frequently take calls in noisy environments.
“The audio is impressively clear and loud,” notes an expert. With these features, whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or chatting with friends, the iPhone 14 Pro’s audio will enhance your experience.
The Bottom Line
This phone stands out with its new interactive notification area and an always-on display, adding convenience to daily use. Despite minor changes in design, its significant camera upgrade, especially in low light, makes it appealing for photography. “The Dynamic Island feels “fun and alive,” says a reviewer, highlighting its utility.
Battery life is decent but less impressive than some competitors, given the device’s high cost. Consider the price if budget matters, as the phone delivers only moderate everyday-use performance benefits.
What people actually want to know
How much does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro cost?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro launched at $999 USD. Street prices change, so see current deals.
When was the Apple iPhone 14 Pro released?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro was released on September 16, 2022.
How long does the battery last on the Apple iPhone 14 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro has a 3,200 mAh battery.
Is the Apple iPhone 14 Pro water resistant?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro carries an IP68 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro support wireless charging?
Yes, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro supports wireless charging. It supports up to 15W wireless charging.
Does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro have a headphone jack?
No, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro support 5G?
Yes, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro supports 5G connectivity.
Does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro have NFC?
Yes, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Questions & answers
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