iPhone 14 • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile

iPhone 14 • Unlocked
iPhone 14 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$254.00

Versus $629.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$344.23

Versus $699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 (released September 2022) and the iPhone 14 Plus (released October 2022) are part of Apple's sixteenth generation of smartphones. While they share many core features and internal components, their primary differentiators lie in physical size, display dimensions, and battery capacity. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, offering a consistent software experience across the models.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, primarily their release timelines and Apple's software support.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 14 was released in September 2022, followed by the iPhone 14 Plus in October 2022. This means both devices began their software support cycle around the same time.
  • Software Longevity: Both models launched with iOS 16 and are expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from their release, ensuring a similar duration of access to new features and security patches.
  • Physical Durability: Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum design, offering robust protection against everyday wear. They also share an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Release Year

2022

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are equipped with the same internal hardware, leading to identical performance characteristics across various tasks.

  • Processing Power: Both devices utilize a capable processor with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, which is designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. This ensures a responsive user experience for daily activities, gaming, and content creation.
  • Memory and Storage: Each model comes with 6GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking and app management. They are available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus, due to its larger physical size, incorporates a significantly larger battery (4325 mAh) compared to the iPhone 14 (3279 mAh). This translates to a noticeable difference in battery longevity, with the iPhone 14 Plus often reported to offer extended usage, potentially lasting up to two days for some users, while the iPhone 14 provides reliable all-day power for typical use.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both iPhone models is characterized by vibrant and clear displays, though they differ in size.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, delivering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, while the iPhone 14 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels. Both maintain a high pixel density, ensuring sharp visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both displays achieve a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions, including outdoors. They both feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the iPhone 14 Plus enhances the viewing experience for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks, offering more screen real estate. The iPhone 14 provides a more compact and easily manageable display for one-handed use.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both iPhone 14 models share an identical camera system, offering advanced photographic and videographic capabilities.

  • Dual Camera System: Each device features a dual 12MP camera system on the rear, comprising a main wide-angle lens with a larger sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. These cameras are enhanced by the Photonic Engine, which improves low-light performance for both photos and videos.
  • Photography Features: Key features include sensor-shift optical image stabilization for the main camera, Night mode, Portrait mode with Focus and Depth Control, and Photographic Styles. The front-facing TrueDepth camera is also 12MP and includes autofocus for clearer selfies and video calls, along with improved low-light performance.
  • Video Capabilities: Both models support 4K video recording at various frame rates, including Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30fps, which adds a shallow depth of field effect. A notable addition is Action mode, providing enhanced video stabilization for capturing smooth footage during movement.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core components, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. They continue to use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, is the primary biometric security method on both models, powered by the TrueDepth camera.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 14 measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm and weighs 172 grams, offering a more compact and lighter feel. The iPhone 14 Plus is larger at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.80 mm and weighs 203 grams, providing a more substantial in-hand feel.
  • Safety Features: Both models include Crash Detection, which can automatically alert emergency services in the event of a severe car crash, and Emergency SOS via satellite, allowing users to contact emergency services in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

Weight

6 oz

7 oz

Width

2.82 in

3.07 in

Height

5.78 in

6.33 in

Depth

0.31 in

0.31 in

Screen size (inches)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User sentiment often highlights the iPhone 14 Plus for its impressive battery life and larger display, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize extended usage and a more expansive viewing area. Many users appreciate that it offers a big-screen experience without the additional features and associated cost of the Pro Max models.

The standard iPhone 14 is frequently praised for its balanced size, making it comfortable for one-handed use while still delivering a high-quality display and capable camera system. Some common criticisms for both models, particularly when compared to the Pro versions, include the 60Hz refresh rate display and the retention of the notch design.

Users prioritizing a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, or simply a more expansive interface, coupled with significantly longer battery life, may find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who prefer a more compact and lighter device that is easier to handle with one hand, while still offering strong performance and camera capabilities, may lean towards the standard iPhone 14. Both devices represent reliable choices within the Apple ecosystem, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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