In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the battle between Android phones and Apple iPhones continues to rage. The latest contender from Apple’s corner is the Apple iPhone 14 Pro, a device that has been making waves in the tech world for its impressive features and upgrades.
This Apple iPhone 14 Pro review aims to delve into the details of this new device, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and how it stacks up against the competition.
Design and Display: A Symphony of Elegance and Innovation
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro, like its predecessors, is a testament to Apple’s commitment to design excellence. The device boasts a stainless steel frame, available in a range of colors including a deep purple and a sophisticated space black. The Ceramic Shield front cover and the pill-shaped cutout for the Face ID components add to the device’s robust and premium feel.
The display size is a comfortable 6.1 inches, making it neither too big nor too small. The Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology is a huge upgrade from the standard iPhone 14. The always-on display, a new feature that Apple calls “Dynamic Island,” is a game-changer. It shows a minimalistic lock screen with the time, date, battery life, and important notifications, all without fully lighting up the screen. This feature, common in many Android phones, is a first for iPhones and is a welcome addition.
The display engine ensures peak brightness of up to 1200 nits in HDR, making the screen easily visible even in bright sunlight. The Pro models, including the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max, also offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and more responsive touch input, a feature that was missing in previous Apple iPhone models.
Screen Size: Striking the Perfect Balance
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. This screen size strikes a balance between usability and immersion. It’s large enough to provide an immersive experience when watching videos or playing games, but not so large that it becomes unwieldy or difficult to use with one hand.
The ProMotion technology, offering adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, ensures that everything on the screen looks smooth and responsive, whether you’re scrolling through a webpage or playing a fast-paced game.
Direct Sunlight: No Problem for the iPhone 14 Pro
One of the challenges of using a smartphone outdoors is seeing the screen in direct sunlight. The iPhone 14 Pro tackles this problem head-on with its Super Retina XDR display, which can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits in HDR.
This means that even in bright sunlight, the screen remains clear and easy to see. Whether you’re checking your messages at the beach or navigating a map on a sunny day, the iPhone 14 Pro has you covered.
Always-On Screen: A Welcome Addition
The Always-On Screen is one of the most significant new features of the iPhone 14 Pro. This feature, which has long been a staple on many Android phones, is a first for iPhones.
The Always-On Screen shows a minimalistic lock screen with the time, date, battery life, and important notifications, all without fully lighting up the screen. This means you can glance at your phone to check the time or see if you have any notifications without having to wake the device, saving battery life in the process.
Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro is powered by the A16 Bionic chip. Apple claims that this chip offers faster processing and better energy efficiency than its predecessors, and in our testing, the device indeed performed admirably. Whether it was multitasking between heavy apps, playing graphics-intensive games, or streaming high-definition videos, the iPhone 14 Pro handled it all with ease.
The operating system, iOS 15, brings several new features to the table. The redesigned notification center does a better job of sorting and presenting notifications, and the Focus mode allows users to customize their notification preferences based on their current activity or time of day.
The iOS update also introduces a new feature called “Crash Detection,” which can automatically call emergency services in the event of a severe car accident.
Battery Life: Going the Distance
One of the standout features of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro is its stellar battery life. Apple has increased the battery capacity in the Pro models, and the efficient A16 Bionic chip further enhances battery performance.
In our testing, the iPhone 14 Pro easily lasted a full day of heavy usage, which is impressive for a device with an always-on display and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device also supports fast charging with a Lightning cable, although the cable and the charger are not included in the box.
Camera: A Quantum Leap in Smartphone Photography
The cameras on the iPhone 14 Pro are where Apple has made some of the most significant upgrades. The Pro Camera system includes a 12MP Wide camera, a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, and a 12MP Telephoto camera. The main camera now has a slightly wider aperture, allowing for better low light performance and sharper images in bright light.
The Ultra Wide camera features a new autofocus system and a larger aperture, which Apple claims improves low-light photography and adds a new dimension to the iPhone’s camera module. The Telephoto camera offers 3x optical zoom, a step up from the 2x zoom on the standard iPhone 14.
Night mode and Smart HDR 4 are now available on all cameras, and the introduction of Photographic Styles allows users to customize the look of their photos while still benefiting from Apple’s multiframe image processing. The ProRAW mode offers more flexibility for professional photo editing, and the ProRes video features are a boon for anyone serious about smartphone video production.
Perhaps the most talked-about new feature is the Cinematic mode. This feature, available on both the rear and front cameras, allows for automatic changing of focus and depth of field while recording video, creating a depth effect that was previously only possible with professional-grade cameras. This, combined with the improved dynamic range and pixel binning technology, makes the iPhone 14 Pro a formidable tool for mobile photography and videography.
Portrait Mode: Creating Professional-Looking Photos
Portrait Mode has been a popular feature on iPhones for several years, and it continues to impress on the iPhone 14 Pro. This feature uses the device’s multiple cameras and advanced machine learning to create a depth-of-field effect, blurring the background and putting the subject of the photo into sharp focus.
With the iPhone 14 Pro, Portrait Mode is even better, thanks to the improved cameras and the new Photographic Styles feature, which allows you to customize the look of your photos while still benefiting from Apple’s multiframe image processing.
Ultra Wide Camera: Capture More of What You See
The Ultra Wide camera on the iPhone 14 Pro is a powerful tool for capturing stunning photos and videos. With a 120-degree field of view, it allows you to capture much more of the scene than a standard wide camera.
This is great for landscape photos, group shots, or any situation where you want to capture as much of the scene as possible. The Ultra Wide camera on the iPhone 14 Pro also features a new autofocus system and a larger aperture, which Apple claims improves low-light photography and adds a new dimension to the iPhone’s camera module.
Sharp Focus: A Photographer’s Dream
The camera system on the Apple iPhone 14 Pro is designed to deliver sharp, detailed photos in any lighting condition. The main Wide camera features a larger ƒ/1.5 aperture and 1.9µm pixels, allowing for better low-light performance and sharper images in bright light.
The new sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) helps to keep your shots steady, resulting in sharper images. The Telephoto camera offers 3x optical zoom, allowing for sharp focus even on distant subjects. Whether you’re shooting in bright sunlight or low light, you can expect the iPhone 14 Pro to deliver sharp, detailed photos.
Connectivity: Staying Connected
The iPhone 14 Pro supports mmWave 5G, which offers faster speeds than sub-6GHz 5G. It also includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast and reliable wireless connections. The device has a physical SIM tray and also supports eSIM, allowing for dual SIM usage.
Always-On Display: A Game-Changer
One of the most significant new features of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro is the Always-On Display. This feature, which has long been a staple on many Android phones, is a first for iPhones. Apple has implemented this feature in a way that is both visually appealing and power-efficient.
The Always-On Display shows a minimalistic lock screen with the time, date, battery life, and important notifications, all without fully lighting up the screen. This means you can glance at your phone to check the time or see if you have any notifications without having to wake the device, saving battery life in the process.
Face ID: More Secure Than Ever
Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition system, has been a part of the iPhone lineup since the iPhone X. With the iPhone 14 Pro, Face ID is faster and more accurate than ever before. The pill-shaped cutout on the front of the device houses the advanced TrueDepth camera system necessary for Face ID, allowing the device to create a detailed depth map of your face. This makes Face ID one of the most secure facial recognition systems in any smartphone, capable of working in almost any lighting condition and even recognizing your face if you’re wearing glasses, a hat, or most masks.
New Features: Pushing the Envelope
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro introduces several new features that set it apart from its predecessors. One of the most talked-about is Cinematic Mode, a feature that allows for automatic changing of focus and depth of field while recording video. This creates a depth effect that was previously only possible with professional-grade cameras.
Another notable new feature is Photographic Styles, which allows users to customize the look of their photos while still benefiting from Apple’s multiframe image processing. These features, combined with the improved dynamic range and pixel binning technology, make the Apple iPhone 14 Pro a formidable tool for mobile photography and videography.
Differences Over iPhone 14 Pro Max
While the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max share many features, there are a few key differences. The most obvious is the screen size.
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro has a 6.1-inch display, while the Pro Max features a larger 6.7-inch display. This difference in screen size also affects the overall size and weight of the devices, with the Pro Max being the larger and heavier of the two.
Additionally, due to its larger size, the Pro Max has a slightly larger battery, which can result in longer battery life. However, in terms of performance, camera capabilities, and most other features, the two devices are identical.
Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade?
The iPhone 14 Pro is undoubtedly a powerful and feature-packed device. From its elegant design and impressive display to its powerful performance and camera upgrades, it offers a compelling package for anyone in the market for a high-end smartphone.
However, it’s worth noting that many of these features come at a premium price. The Android competition offers many similar features at a lower price point, and even the standard iPhone 14, while lacking some of the Pro features, is a capable device that comes at a more affordable price.
In the end, whether the iPhone 14 Pro is the right device for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re a professional photographer or videographer, or if you simply want the best that Apple has to offer, the iPhone 14 Pro is a fantastic choice. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, other phones in the market, including the standard iPhone 14, might be more suitable.
Regardless of your choice, one thing is clear: with the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple has once again raised the bar for what we can expect from a smartphone. And we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Apple iPhone 14 pro review questions
- What is the price of the iPhone 14 Pro? The price of the iPhone 14 Pro varies depending on the storage option and the region. Please check the official Apple website or authorized retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
- What are the different color options for the iPhone 14 Pro? The iPhone 14 Pro is available in Graphite, Gold, Silver, and Sierra Blue.
- What are the storage options for the iPhone 14 Pro? The iPhone 14 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.
- How does the A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 Pro improve performance? The A16 Bionic chip is designed to offer improved performance and efficiency. It allows for faster processing of tasks, better energy management, and enhanced machine learning capabilities.
- What is the resolution of the iPhone 14 Pro’s display? The iPhone 14 Pro features a Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro support 5G? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks.
- What is the battery life of the iPhone 14 Pro? The exact battery life of the iPhone 14 Pro can vary depending on usage. However, Apple claims that it offers up to 75 hours of audio playback, up to 22 hours of talk time, or up to 15 hours of internet use.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro come with a charger in the box? No, following a trend started with the iPhone 12, the iPhone 14 Pro does not come with a charger in the box.
- What is the refresh rate of the iPhone 14 Pro’s display? The iPhone 14 Pro’s display features ProMotion technology, which offers an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz.
- How does the camera system in the iPhone 14 Pro compare to previous models? The iPhone 14 Pro features a new triple-camera system with 12MP Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses. The camera system also supports Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4, and introduces new features like Photographic Styles and Cinematic mode.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro support wireless charging? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro supports both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
- What is the IP rating of the iPhone 14 Pro? The iPhone 14 Pro is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro have a headphone jack? No, the iPhone 14 Pro does not have a headphone jack. It supports wireless audio devices and comes with a Lightning to USB-C cable for charging and wired audio.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro support dual SIM cards? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro supports dual SIM cards through a nano-SIM and eSIM.
- What is the weight of the iPhone 14 Pro? The iPhone 14 Pro weighs 204 grams.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro support Face ID? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro supports Face ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay.
- What is the operating system of the iPhone 14 Pro? The iPhone 14 Pro runs on iOS 15.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro support Dolby Vision HDR recording? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro supports Dolby Vision HDR recording.
- What is the resolution of the front camera on the iPhone 14 Pro? The iPhone 14 Pro has a 12MP TrueDepth front camera.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro support Wi-Fi 6? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).
- What is the size of the iPhone 14 Pro? The iPhone 14 Pro has a height of 146.7 mm, a width of 71.5 mm, and a depth of 7.4 mm.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro have a notch? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro has a notch that houses the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID.
- What is the material of the iPhone 14 Pro’s back cover? The back of the iPhone 14 Pro is made of textured matte glass.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro support eSIM? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro supports eSIM.
- What is the maximum brightness of the iPhone 14 Pro’s display? The iPhone 14 Pro’s display can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits in HDR.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro support ProRAW and ProRes video recording? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro supports both ProRAW for photos and ProRes for video.
- What is the frame rate for 4K video recording on the iPhone 14 Pro? The iPhone 14 Pro can record 4K video at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps.
- Does the iPhone 14 Pro have stereo speakers? Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro has built-in stereo speakers.
- How does the iPhone 14 Pro perform in terms of gaming? Thanks to the powerful A16 Bionic chip and the ProMotion display, the iPhone 14 Pro offers a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
- What are the new features in the iPhone 14 Pro compared to the iPhone 13 Pro? Some of the new features in the iPhone 14 Pro include an Always-On Display, ProMotion with up to a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, Photographic Styles, Cinematic mode for video recording, and increased battery life.