Whether you're thinking about upgrading from iPhone 14 to iPhone 15, or you have an entirely different phone and can't decide which of these devices best fits your needs—we can help. While each new generation of iPhone comes with a host of stunning upgrades, the newest model isn't always the best fit for everyone. This in-depth guide can help you compare these two popular devices—so you can find the right phone for you!
Design
While the overall size of iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 are the same, you'll notice a big difference in the design. The standard-model iPhone 14 looks pretty much the same as its most recent predecessors, whereas iPhone 15 gets an overhaul, bringing along with it the ultra-cool Dynamic Island (which was previously only available by upgrading to the Pro or Pro Max versions). While both iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 feature a gorgeous aluminum and glass design, the color-infused glass on iPhone 15 is definitely eye candy for tech lovers. Plus, one particular color has everyone talking. Let's take a closer look:
- Dynamic Island: As mentioned, the iPhone 15 brings Dynamic Island along for the ride and—unlike its predecessor— there's no need to upgrade to a Pro or Pro Max model to get it. Dynamic Island is a pill-box shaped design feature that bubbles up alerts and Live Activities—so you never miss a thing. You'll be able to see who's calling, check the weather, track your ride share, and more. iPhone14 features the original notch, which is that small rectangle of black space that has traditionally appeared at the top of iPhone since the introduction of iPhone X.
- Color-Infused Glass. While both phones feature super-strong Ceramic Shield that's water and dust resistant, as well as a stunning aluminum and glass design, iPhone 15 now boasts gorgeous back glass that has color infused throughout the material.
- Pretty in Pink: For those longing for a pink iPhone, this may be reason enough to upgrade to iPhone 15. This gorgeous soft pink is definitely a showstopper and it's not available on iPhone 14.
Design: Key differences
iPhone 14
- What we love most: For those who really loved the traditional design of iPhone, minus the much-ballyhooed Dynamic Island, the good news is that not much has changed on iPhone 14. While it doesn't come in pink, it offers plenty of nice color options to choose from. The phone also has a 12MP camera with tons of features that the average user will be more than happy with.
- Other considerations: Dynamic Island is a useful tool for displaying relevant information in an easy-to-view location—so those who opt for iPhone 14 might miss out. In addition, if you love pink, or are longing for that new color-infused back glass, you're out of luck unless you upgrade to iPhone 15.
iPhone 15
- What we love most: iPhone 15 brings you Dynamic Island— so you never miss a thing. The color-infused back glass and aluminum design is also easy on the eye. Plus, if pink is your thing, this is the phone for you.
- Other considerations: Some people are perfectly happy living without Dynamic Island, plus both phones offer beautiful and eye-catching designs. So, if colored glass (or the color pink) isn't important and you don't need to keep every notification front-and-center, iPhone 14 may be a great fit for a little less money.
Display
At first glance, the 6.1" Super Retina XDR displays on both phones appear identical. For those who love an extra bright screen, however, iPhone 15 boasts the brightest of the two, in fact, it's about 2x brighter in the sun compared to iPhone 14. Here's a closer look:
iPhone 14
- Size: 6.1" Super Retina XDR
- Brightness: Peak HDR brightness of 1,200 nits.
iPhone 15
- Size: 6.1" Super Retina XDR
- Brightness: Peak brightness of 2,000 nits outdoors, about double that of iPhone 14.
Display: Key differences
iPhone 14
- What we love most: iPhone 14 remains one of the brightest phones around, both indoors and outdoors.
- Other considerations: If you work outside a lot or find yourself squinting to see your screen in the great outdoors, you may want to opt for an even higher peak brightness.
iPhone 15
- What we love most: At 2,000 nits, the iPhone 15 is among Apple’s brightest phones, and those who frequently use their phone on the go are bound to notice a difference.
- Other considerations: If you're an indoor person, you likely won't notice a difference between iPhone 14 and 15 when it comes to the display.
Charging & Battery
As for charging up your devices, iPhone 15 gets a game-changing upgrade! While iPhone 14 comes with Apple's proprietary Lightning port, iPhone 15 is equipped with USB-C charging, the universal standard. Why is that significant? USB-C means you can now charge all your go-to devices, from your iPhone 15 to your Nintendo Switch, even your AirPods and Apple Watch, with the same cable. Aside from that monumental change, the battery on both phones is identical.
iPhone 14
- Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium‑ion battery, MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, fast-charge capable, and up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed) and up to 18 hours of audio playback.
- Charging: Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
iPhone 15
- Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium‑ion battery, MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, fast-charge capable, and up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed) and up to 18 hours of audio playback.
- Charging: USB-C charging, the universal standard.
Charging & Battery: Key differences
iPhone 14
- What we love most: iPhone 14 has a long-lasting powerful battery and, as for the charger, many people are perfectly fine with the Lightning charger. Some may even prefer the design over USB-C.
- Other considerations: If you have a house full of varied devices and gadgets, USB-C charging is super convenient and may be enough to make some people switch to iPhone 15.
iPhone 15
- What we love most: iPhone 15 is groundbreaking in that it's the first generation of iPhone to not use the proprietary Lightning charger, making it an excellent choice for people who have a lot of devices and want the convenience offered by universal charging.
- Other considerations: With battery power being equal, USB-C charging may not seem like a big deal for some people, who already have all the chargers they need to keep their devices powered up.
Cameras
While both phones have advanced cameras, iPhone 15 gets a big upgrade. It now boasts a 48MP Main camera that shoots like a pro in super high-resolution and with amazing detail. Meanwhile, the 2x optical-quality Telephoto lets you get up-close and personal with ease. iPhone 14 only offers a 12MP Main camera and 1x Telephoto. However, both phones are packed with features like, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Night Mode, Portrait Lighting (with six effects) and more.
iPhone 14
- Camera: Dual 12MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide camera system
- Zoom: .5x and 1x optical zoom options
iPhone 15
- Camera: 48MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide advanced dual camera system
- Zoom: .5x, 1x and 2x optical zoom options
Camera: Key differences
iPhone 14
- What we love most: iPhone lovers who take a lot of selfies and love snapping pictures will find the camera on iPhone 14 to be more than enough.
- Other considerations: If you're hoping to shoot super higher-quality photos or love to capture live events where zoom is important, you may find yourself longing for the camera on iPhone 15.
iPhone 15
- What we love most: The stunning camera on iPhone 15 will be a welcome feature to professional photographers, influencers, and those who love to snap photos at night. Closer zoom could also be a powerful addition for nature lovers.
- Other considerations: For those who only snap photos occasionally, the improvements might not make much difference.
Performance
Both iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 deliver impressive performance. However, the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip on iPhone 15 is a definite upgrade. This superfast A16 Bionic chipset supports all of the phone's advanced features like computational photography, Dynamic Island, and Voice Isolation for phone calls. It also helps boost battery life. iPhone 14 is no slouch, either, boasting the A15 Bionic chipset. Both feature 5-core GPU for lightning-fast performance and superfast 5G cellular.
iPhone 14
- Chipset: iPhone 14 includes the A15 Bionic chipset with 5-Core GPU, making it a powerful chip by any standards.
iPhone 15
- Chipset: iPhone 15 got a major boost in the form of the new A16 Bionic, making it one of the most powerful of any smartphone on the market today.
Performance: Key differences
iPhone 14
- What we love most: Though it still uses the chipset found in earlier models, iPhone 14 offers plenty of power for most people.
- Other considerations: For those who crave seriously high performance, iPhone 15 overshadows iPhone 14.
iPhone 15
- What we love most: For those who want the fastest phone around, iPhone 15 is one of the leaders in the smartphone industry.
- Other considerations: Only those who are dedicated gearheads or major multitaskers are likely to notice a marked improvement.
The bottom line
For those who crave stunning design, pro-level photography and the latest gadgets, iPhone 15 has people talking. With the addition of the color-infused glass, advanced 48MP Main camera, powerful A16 Bionic chip, and universal UBS-C charging, it's clear that the iPhone 15 is incredibly exciting. The Dynamic Island is also groundbreaking, keeping all your notifications front and center.
For those of you who love a more classic iPhone design and don't mind living without a universal charger or the Dynamic Island feature—and who really don't need an ultra-advanced camera (or a pink phone!)—you'll probably be happy to pay a little less and still get an amazing phone.
Overall, no matter which phone you choose, you'll still walk away with an incredibly powerful 5G-capable device that'll keep you seamlessly connected on the go.