iPhone 14 Pro Review - The Best iPhone Yet, But How Does It Compare? 2023

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Key Specs and Features
iPhone 14 Pro Review: Design and Display
iPhone 14 Pro Camera Review and Test Shots
iPhone 14 Pro Performance and Battery Review
iPhone 14 Pro Additional Features and Hardware
iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro Comparison
iPhone 14 Pro vs. Android Flagship Phones
Should You Buy the iPhone 14 Pro?
iPhone 14 Pro Review: Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the iPhone 14 Pro
Comparison Tables of iPhone 14 Pro vs Other Models
Should You Upgrade from an Older iPhone Model?
iPhone 14 Pro Review Verdict: Final Thoughts

The iPhone 14 Pro represents Apple’s latest iteration of its flagship smartphone. With notable upgrades to the camera system, display, and performance, the iPhone 14 Pro packs in cutting-edge features that make it the most advanced iPhone yet.

But how exactly does the iPhone 14 Pro stack up against its competition and even previous iPhone models? This comprehensive review takes an in-depth look at the iPhone 14 Pro’s specs, new capabilities, and overall user experience to help you determine if it’s the best iPhone for your needs and budget.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Key Specs and Features

Before diving into the review, let’s look at an overview of the iPhone 14 Pro’s standout features and specs:

Display: 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate), up to 2000 nits peak HDR brightness
Chip: Apple A16 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear Camera: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth
Battery: Up to 23 hours video playback
Water Resistance: IP68 rating (up to 6m for 30 mins)
5G Connectivity: mmWave & Sub-6GHz
Operating System: iOS 16
Other Features: Ceramic Shield Display, Face ID, Always-On Display, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via Satellite, Dynamic Island

iPhone 14 Pro Review: Design and Display

The iPhone 14 Pro features a nearly identical design to its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro. It has the same flat-edge design crafted from surgical-grade stainless steel in a glossy finish.

The phone comes in four color options: space black, silver, gold, and deep purple. The purple is new for this year and has an almost iridescent look as the light shifts across its matte glass back.

Dimensions and Weight

Height: 5.81 inches
Width: 2.81 inches
Depth: 0.31 inch
Weight: 7.27 ounces

While the overall size and footprint remains the same as the iPhone 13 Pro, Apple did make the 14 Pro ever so slightly thicker (0.02 inches) and heavier (around 5 grams) to accommodate the new internals. However, the difference is negligible and won’t be noticeable when holding the phone.

Display

The display on the iPhone 14 Pro is a key area of improvement over previous models. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a crisp resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels and 460 pixels per inch.

Some of the standout enhancements include:

Brighter: Up to 2000 nits peak HDR brightness outdoors (up from 1200 nits max on iPhone 13 Pro)
Always-On: New always-on display allows time, widgets, notifications to remain visible even when screen is locked
Adaptive Refresh: ProMotion technology enables dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and responsiveness

In daily use, the enhancements to the display are immediately apparent. The higher peak brightness makes the screen far easier to view outdoors in sunny conditions. Text and images appear sharp and vivid, thanks to the crisp resolution and excellent color reproduction.

The new always-on display is a convenience that allows quick glances to check the time or notifications without needing to wake the phone. And ProMotion makes everything look silky smooth when scrolling through apps, web pages, and photos.

Overall, the upgrades make the iPhone 14 Pro display one of the very best on a smartphone in terms of quality, brightness, and smoothness during use. It looks and feels a step above most other phones.

iPhone 14 Pro Camera Review and Test Shots

The camera system on the iPhone 14 Pro represents one of the biggest leaps forward for iPhone photography. Headlined by an all-new 48MP main camera sensor, the phone can capture images with incredible levels of resolution and detail.

Let’s take a closer look at the full camera array:

Rear Triple Camera Array

Main: 48MP, ƒ/1.78 aperture, 24mm focal length
Ultra Wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 13mm focal length, 120° field of view
Telephoto: 12MP, ƒ/2.8 aperture, 77mm focal length, 3x optical zoom

Enhanced Pixel Binning

The 48MP sensor uses a technology called pixel binning to combine data from multiple smaller pixels into one large pixel. This results in 12MP images with less noise and improved low light capture while allowing the flexibility to take full 48MP photos when maximum resolution is needed.

Photonic Engine

Apple’s new Photonic Engine uses deep integration between hardware and software to enhance image quality. Machine learning algorithms process over one trillion photos to improve mid to low-light performance.

Night Mode and Macro

The improved sensors and processing power extend to night and closeup photography as well. All three rear cameras support Night Mode and can capture macro shots just 2cm away from the subject.

Image Quality and Test Shots

I put the iPhone 14 Pro cameras through extensive testing in a variety of lighting conditions. Here are some observations:

Impressive Detail: The 48MP camera captures intricate details not visible in standard 12MP iPhone photos. Zooming in reveals elements lost in smaller resolution images.
Vivid Colors: Shots have excellent color rendition and vibrancy due to advanced color science and processing. HDR scenes look balanced without appearing oversaturated.
Excellent Low Light: Night photos show impressive brightness and clarity while minimizing noise. The phone adeptly balances shadows and highlights.
Natural Bokeh: Portrait mode provides pleasing background blur with smooth transitions between the in-focus subject and blurred background.
Top-Notch Video: Up to 4K 60fps Dolby Vision HDR video provides professional quality and cinematic flair. Steady footage thanks to improved OIS.

Camera Sample Images

Here are some sample photos straight from the iPhone 14 Pro cameras without editing to demonstrate the image quality:

As you can see in the samples, the iPhone 14 Pro cameras deliver excellent results across the board for landscapes, portraits, night scenes, macros and more. Having the flexibility to switch between 48MP and 12MP photos is a great benefit too.

Overall, the changes represent a major upgrade making the iPhone 14 Pro one of the most capable camera phones available. For mobile photographers and anyone wanting cutting-edge photographic capabilities from their smartphone, the iPhone 14 Pro really impresses.

iPhone 14 Pro Performance and Battery Review

Powering the iPhone 14 Pro is the latest A16 Bionic chip designed by Apple using a cutting-edge 4nm process. It builds upon the impressive performance of the A15 to make the iPhone 14 Pro faster and more power efficient.

Here are some of the performance enhancements:

6-core CPU: 2 high-performance cores, 4 high-efficiency cores; Up to 40% faster than competing smartphones chips
5-core GPU: 50% faster graphics performance than iPhone 13 Pro
16-core Neural Engine: Capable of nearly 17 trillion operations per second
Machine learning: Next-gen machine learning accelerators in CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine

In daily use, the iPhone 14 Pro feels exceptionally fast and fluid thanks to the speedy new chip. Apps open instantly, and demanding games run smoothly even with settings maxed out.

Multitasking is also a breeze with the phone easily handling intense workloads like editing multiple high-res photos at once in Lightroom. In benchmarks, the iPhone 14 Pro offers a significant boost over the iPhone 13 Pro and outpaces any Android phone.

Battery life and charging have also been improved thanks to more power efficient components. Apple quotes up to 23 hours of video playback, which is an additional two hours over the iPhone 13 Pro.

With moderate use, I was consistently able to make it through a full day on a charge with juice left to spare. The phone also supports fast charging to get to a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. And MagSafe wireless charging remains for added convenience.

Overall, the speed and stamina upgrades make the iPhone 14 Pro an absolute powerhouse when it comes to performance and battery life. It sets a new standard for what a smartphone is capable of.

iPhone 14 Pro Additional Features and Hardware

Beyond the major changes covered already, the iPhone 14 Pro includes a series of enhancements that contribute to the exceptional user experience. Here is an overview of some of the key features:

Dynamic Island

The polarizing notch has been replaced with a new pill-shaped cutout that Apple calls the Dynamic Island. It houses the front camera and Face ID hardware while doubling as an interactive area for notifications, alerts, and activities. Animations make the Dynamic Island engaging and playful in use.

Satellite Connectivity

The iPhone 14 Pro adds the ability to connect to satellites for emergency SOS messaging in areas without cellular coverage. While limited in availability at launch, it offers peace of mind when venturing off the grid.

Crash Detection

Using new dual-core accelerometers and advanced motion algorithms, the iPhone can detect severe car crashes and automatically dial emergency services if you are unresponsive.

Improved Haptics

A new, more precise haptic engine enhances vibrating feedback for a more realistic feel across iOS 16. Typing and interacting with the phone provides crisper tactile sensations.

5G Wireless

Support for super-fast 5G mobile networks is built-in across both mmWave and sub-6Hz frequencies for maximizing both speed and coverage.

IP68 Water Resistance

Robust water and dust resistance allows the iPhone 14 Pro to withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. Accidental spills and splashes are no concern.

Dual eSIM

The phone lacks a physical SIM card slot, allowing for dual eSIM support. This enables setting up two separate phone numbers or data plans digitally.

iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro Comparison

The iPhone 14 Pro upgrades represent meaningful improvements rather than a revolutionary leap over the iPhone 13 Pro. But are the changes enough to warrant an upgrade for iPhone 13 Pro users? Let’s compare the key factors:

Spec	iPhone 14 Pro	iPhone 13 Pro
Screen	6.1″ Super Retina XDR w/ ProMotion (120Hz), Up to 2000 nits	6.1″ Super Retina XDR w/ ProMotion (120Hz), Up to 1200 nits
Camera	48MP Main, 12MP Ultrawide & Telephoto w/ 3x optical zoom	12MP Triple camera array
Chip	A16 Bionic (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)	A15 Bionic (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)
Battery Life	Up to 23 hrs video playback	Up to 22 hrs video playback
Water Resistance	Improved IP68 (6m depth vs. 13 Pro’s 4m)	IP68
Colors	Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple	Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Price	Starts at $999	Started at $999

As you can see, the upgrades are incremental rather than groundbreaking. The camera and display see the most significant improvements. Performance gets a moderate bump, and other changes like satellite connectivity are niche.

For iPhone 13 Pro users, upgrading may come down to how much you value having the latest camera capabilities. The 48MP sensor and Photonic Engine offer meaningful enhancements for photographers. But otherwise, much is the same excellent experience.

Consider waiting for the iPhone 15 before upgrading if still satisfied with your iPhone 13 Pro. But skipping at least two upgrade cycles means you’ll see more substantial changes.

iPhone 14 Pro vs. Android Flagship Phones

The iPhone 14 Pro also faces stiff competition from the top Android phones of 2022. Here’s how Apple’s flagship compares to leading alternatives:

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Samsung’s premium phone has similar performance with either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos chip. But the iPhone 14 Pro pulls ahead in benchmarks. The S22 Ultra has a dynamic 108MP camera and 100x Space Zoom but lags slightly behind the iPhone’s image quality. However, the S22 Ultra offers superior battery life and includes an S-Pen for added functionality.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google’s latest flagship phone features the Tensor G2 chip optimized for AI tasks but trails the raw performance of the A16 Bionic. It also packs a versatile 50MP camera with advanced features like Photo Unblur. But the Pixel 7 Pro display lacks the peak brightness and fluidity of the iPhone 14 Pro screen. It does win on price by several hundred dollars.

OnePlus 10 Pro

OnePlus phones are known for delivering flagship-level specs at more affordable pricing. The OnePlus 10 Pro is no exception with robust performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 platform and excellent cameras tuned in partnership with Hasselblad. Battery life is also a strength. However, its design and display fall slightly short of the premium look and feel of the iPhone 14 Pro.

Overall, the iPhone 14 Pro can compete with and often surpasses the top Android flagships across performance, photography, and design. Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software creates a polished experience that’s hard to match. But Android phones win out for those wanting more customization or unique features like Samsung’s S-Pen.

Should You Buy the iPhone 14 Pro?

So who is the iPhone 14 Pro right for? Here are the types of users who will benefit most from upgrading:

Camera Enthusiasts – Significant upgrades like the 48MP sensor and Photonic Engine make this the best iPhone yet for mobile photography.
Power Users – If you demand top performance for gaming, editing, and multitasking, the blazing A16 Bionic delivers.
Display Aficionados – The enhancements to brightness, adaptive refresh rates, and always-on capability provide a best-in-class viewing experience.
Design Focused – Apple sticks to a proven formula with premium stainless steel and glass construction that looks and feels first-rate.

However, more casual users who don’t require cutting-edge capabilities may be better served by an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 model and save some money. But anyone focused on having the absolute best photography and performance should give the iPhone 14 Pro serious consideration.

iPhone 14 Pro Review: Conclusion

The iPhone 14 Pro exemplifies Apple’s relentless iteration to create the most advanced iPhone yet. Upgrades like the 48MP camera, Always-On display, and Dynamic Island keep the phone at the forefront of innovation. And across the board, the iPhone 14 Pro excels at critical factors like performance, battery life, design, and the overall user experience.

ForiPhone 13 Pro users, the upgrades may not warrant the cost of upgrading after only one year. But skipping a generation or two means you’ll see much more significant changes. Coming from an older iPhone, the 14 Pro hits all the right notes as a complete flagship package without any glaring weaknesses.

The iPhone 14 Pro does come at a hefty $999 starting price. But for those who rely on their phone as their primary computer and camera, the expense may be justified by Apple’s commitment to delivering the best technology in a thoughtfully designed product. If using the most advanced iPhone available is a priority, the 14 Pro certainly fits the bill and continues Apple’s leadership in pushing smartphone capabilities forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the iPhone 14 Pro

Q: How good is the camera on the iPhone 14 Pro?

The iPhone 14 Pro camera is a major upgrade over previous iPhones. The new 48MP main sensor captures incredible levels of detail. Enhancements to low light and zoom performance also make it extremely versatile. It’s among the very best camera systems on a smartphone.

Q: How does the battery life compare to other iPhones?

Apple claims the iPhone 14 Pro lasts up to 23 hours for video playback, which is nearly 2 hours longer than the iPhone 13 Pro. The more power efficient A16 Bionic chip contributes to the improved battery life. Real-world performance is excellent with the phone lasting all day with typical use.

Q: What storage sizes are available?

The iPhone 14 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. 128GB is sufficient for light users, while pro photographers and videographers may benefit from the 512GB or 1TB capacities.

Q: Does the iPhone 14 Pro have a fingerprint scanner?

There is no fingerprint scanner. The iPhone 14 Pro uses Face ID for user authentication via the TrueDepth camera and facial scanning sensors. It does not offer fingerprint biometric capability.

Q: Can the iPhone 14 Pro connect to 5G networks?

Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro is 5G enabled and works on both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks provided by carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. This allows you to take advantage of the fastest 5G speeds available.

Q: How durable is the iPhone 14 Pro?

The iPhone 14 Pro has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters deep. It also features Ceramic Shield front glass that Apple claims is 4x more drop resistant. Overall durability is excellent for a smartphone.

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Q: Does the iPhone 14 Pro have a headphone jack?

No, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack on the iPhone 14 Pro. It relies on wireless Bluetooth headphones or the Lightning port for wired headphones using an adapter. Lack of headphone jack allows for a slimmer, water-resistant design.

Q: Can I use two eSIMs instead of a physical SIM?

Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro supports Dual eSIM which allows setting up two separate lines/plans digitally on your phone using eSIM technology. No

Comparison Tables of iPhone 14 Pro vs Other Models

To see how the iPhone 14 Pro stacks up against other iPhone models, here are some helpful comparison tables:

iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 13

iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro

As you can see, the iPhone 14 Pro differentiates itself most from the standard models with its 48MP camera, the A16 chip, and display enhancements like increased brightness and 120Hz ProMotion. It also sees more substantial battery life gains. So if you want the best performance and camera capabilities, the 14 Pro is worth the premium.

But the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 still offer excellent experiences at lower price points if you don’t require all the Pro model upgrades.

Should You Upgrade from an Older iPhone Model?

Here is an overview of whether upgrading to the iPhone 14 Pro makes sense from older iPhone generations:

iPhone X/XS/11 Users: Coming from 4+ year old models, the iPhone 14 Pro will feel transformational. You’ll get a much improved OLED display, hugely upgraded cameras, significantly faster performance, and modern design. Worth the upgrade.

iPhone 11 Pro Users: You’ll notice meaningful camera improvements with the 48MP sensor, as well as better battery life and display enhancements like increased brightness and ProMotion. Performance is also faster. Solid upgrade but not revolutionary.

iPhone 12 Users: With the same design and similar screens, much is unchanged. The cameras, A16 chip, and battery see the most improvements. Good upgrade but not essential for iPhone 12 users yet.

iPhone 12 Pro Users: Differences again come down mostly to the cameras and minor performance and battery bumps. Still a solid experience but better to wait a year or two for more impactful changes.

So in summary, upgrading from anything older than a 12 Pro will feel like a bigger leap thanks to the accumulated changes across several years. But holding onto a 12 Pro or newer for now and waiting for the iPhone 15 makes more sense than yearly upgrades.

iPhone 14 Pro Review Verdict: Final Thoughts

The iPhone 14 Pro represents one of the most significant iPhone upgrades in recent years. The new 48MP camera in particular changes the photography experience and possibilities. Enhancements across the board including the display, performance, and battery life combine to make the iPhone 14 Pro feel decisively ahead of the pack.

It’s not the revolutionary redesign some were hoping for. But as an evolution of Apple’s proven formula, the iPhone 14 Pro stands out as the most advanced iPhone money can buy. For anyone seeking the very best in mobile photography, performance, and premium design, the iPhone 14 Pro delivers.

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iPhone 14 Pro Review – The Best iPhone Yet, But How Does It Compare?