iPhone 14 vs iPhone 13: The best new features detailed
The iPhone 14 Series is currently available to buy, but how different is the new smartphone when compared to its predecessor?
Apple released four different models during its Far Out event, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Max. Eagle-eyed fans will notice that there was no Mini model this year, with the company instead opting to go with a Plus variation.
Looking at the base model for the new series of iPhones, we have to ask how it compares to its predecessor, the iPhone 13, and if it’s actually worth the upgrade.
We’re going to be running through all the differences between these handsets, including the battery life, specs and screen, so you can decide which model suits you best. We will also be using evidence from our own reviews, giving you an idea of how these devices handle during typical use.
Read on to find out which iPhone will come out on top.
The iPhone 13 is a year older than the iPhone 14, launching back in 2021. It is the cheaper option out of the two, which isn’t too surprising. You can see the pricing breakdown just below.
iPhone 13
128GB: £749
256GB: £859
512GB: £1079
iPhone 14
128GB: £849
256GB: £959
512GB: £1179
Camera
The iPhone 13 features a Dual camera system, including wide and ultra-wide sensors, both at 12 megapixels. The wide camera has an aperture of f/1.6, with the ultra-wide having an aperture of f/2.4.
It also has support for 2x optical zoom out and digital zoom up to 5x, with support for Night Mode, Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 4. We thought that this camera fared very well during low-light situations, with similar results to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Night Mode brings out more detail, with natural bright points and minimal noise.
iPhone 13. Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)
We did think that the 12MP front camera could do with some work, as selfies could come out flat and with a lack of nuance, especially when compared to the rear cameras.
The iPhone 14 also boasts a Dual camera system with two 12MP sensors. The main sensor has an f/1.5 aperture, with the ultra-wide sensor having an f/2.4 aperture. The optical zoom out and digital zoom are the same, with the same support for Night Mode, Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion.
iPhone 14. Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)
However, the iPhone 14 comes with a Photonic Engine, which provides better image processing. While we thought that daylight pictures were similar in quality, low-light pictures came out with more detail thanks to the improved software.
Plus, we thought that the selfie camera was improved, capturing skin tones with more accuracy. Overall, the iPhone 14 camera is an improvement over the iPhone 13, however, it is most noticeable in low-light environments, meaning that you won’t be getting massively different results in general.
Battery
Apple is not known for having the best battery life on the phone market, but there has been an improvement over the years. During our testing of the iPhone 13, we ran a looped video for 21 hours to completely deplete the battery.
Furthermore, an hour of HDR content at 100% brightness drained the battery by 9%, with an hour of Sayonara Wild Hearts gameplay taking it down by 11%.
Our review of the iPhone 14 claims that it has some modest battery improvements over the iPhone 13, with 8% battery lost after streaming HDR content on Netflix for an hour with 100% brightness. We were able to comfortably get through the day with between 20-30% battery left by bedtime.
While the battery life between the two devices isn’t massively different, the iPhone 14 does have a slight edge, which is worth considering if battery life is a top priority for you.
Screen
The iPhone 13 comes with a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display, with a resolution of 2532×1170. It has support for HDR, True Tone and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Apple claims that the screen has up to 800 nits of brightness during typical use and 1,200 nits during HDR content.
The notch on the iPhone 13 is 20% smaller than the iPhone 12, although we would have preferred if Apple went the way of most Android devices and implemented a hole-punch style cutout instead.
iPhone 13. Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)
The iPhone 14 packs the same screen, at the same size and the same resolution. It also has the same nit count, contrast ratio and support for HDR and True Tone. Our review of the iPhone 14 claims that it’s hard to tell the two phones apart, as it comes with the same notch as its predecessor, with the Dynamic Island feature being reserved for the iPhone 14 Pro and onwards.
We thought that both devices had vibrant screens that were bright enough for HDR content, with the OLED panels coming in as a plus. Unfortunately, both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 miss out on key features that the Pro models boast, such as the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, meaning that they’re not the most advanced screens available from Apple.
iPhone 14. Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)
Specs
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 come with the A15 Bionic chipset. It features a 6-core CPU (made up of 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 4-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. The iPhone 14, however, does come with a 5-core GPU, meaning that it packs slightly more power when it comes to graphical tasks like gaming or video editing.
The iPhone 14 does feature Car Crash Detection, which uses a sensitive accelerometer within the phone to call emergency services after a collision. However, other than a couple of new features, we thought that these devices handled very similarly, and we wouldn’t call out the performance as a reason to upgrade from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 14.
Both devices feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, although the iPhone 13 comes with Bluetooth 5.0, while the iPhone 14 uses Bluetooth 5.3.
If you want an in-depth look at the specifications of each device, you can check out the comparison block below.
‹ UK RRP USA RRP EU RRP CA RRP AUD RRP Manufacturer Screen Size Storage Capacity Rear Camera Front Camera Video Recording IP rating Wirless charging Fast Charging Size (Dimensions) Weight Operating System Resolution HDR Refresh Rate Ports Chipset Colours iPhone 14 £849 $799 €999 CA$1099 AU$1399 Apple 6.1 inches 128GB 12MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide 12MP Yes IP68 Yes Yes 71.5 x 7.8 x 146.7 MM 172 G iOS 16 2532 x 1170 Yes 60 Hz Lightning A15 Bionic Chip Midnight, Purple, Starlight, Product Red, Blue iPhone 13 £779 $799 €809 CA$949 AU$1199 Apple 6.1 inches 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 12MP + 12MP 12MP Yes IP68 Yes Yes 71.5 x 7.65 x 146.7 MM 173 G iOS 15 2532 x 1170 Yes 60 Hz Lightning A15 Bionic Black, Red, Pink, Blu, Starlight ›
Verdict
Overall, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 don’t differ in too many ways, and both handsets are ideal upgrades for anyone coming from an old iPhone or Android device. The iPhone 14 does feature a slightly improved chipset, camera and battery, but the differences are not massive, so you may be better off upgrading to the iPhone 13 if you want to save money.
However, we would not recommend that users with an iPhone 13 upgrade to the iPhone 14, especially since the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max pack in far more exclusive features.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: DON'T Do It! (video)
Quick Links Design Display Internals Performance Camera Conclusion
In smartphone design there's Apple and then there's everybody else, but I actually don't mean that in a good way. While Android manufacturers have mastered the art of new designs every year, Cupertino is like the automaker that holds on to it for two to three years, and yet what's interesting is how Apple gets away with it. You'd assume consumers would complain about the practice, but nope, it's really just us tech nerds. Apple's approach to build on the same design with new features has been kind of a staple, and yet, I think this is the first time this is not just an "S"-year.
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Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max If you're looking for an even bigger display than the standard iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, the 13 Pro Max has everything you're looking for, and it can even last longer thanks to the larger battery. View at Amazon View at Best Buy
iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 14 Pro is the latest large-screen premium smartphone from the brand. It features a new pill-shaped 'Dynamic Island' notch, 48MP primary camera sensors, an A16 Bionic chipset, and much more. Check out all the deals on the device using the links given below. View at Apple View at Best Buy
In one corner we have the iPhone 14 Pro Max, what Apple dubs as "Pro. Beyond." and what I'm going to call its most controversial update yet. In the other we have the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which was maybe not the best phone of its time, but certainly my favorite iPhone in a while. It is a rarity for me to make this comparison and not just tell you that they look the same and are different.
So to clarify, the iPhone 13 Pro was my favorite, not really the Max given the heft, but it's pretty much the same phone in everything else. With this larger variant, I feel Apple did an amazing job at maturing the playground with a product that had lots of power, more than enough battery life, great color options, camera features and even a smaller notch.
Design
This year might look the same from the back, but even that's slightly different. Deep Purple on the new variant has garnered a lot of praise, but I do miss Sierra Blue a lot. I feel it handles fingerprints better, and my unit aged pretty gracefully where I still don't know what to expect from this darker tone. Both phones are massive, so forget about one-handed use, but their dimensions are slightly different. The 13 Pro Max is actually a hair taller and wider, while the 14 Pro Max is a hair thicker, though both are the same weight, which means even that isn't necessarily easy to handle. Both wobble on a table if used bare, though the newer model has a much larger camera hump. They each share the same ceramic shield glass, stainless steel, so durability is about as good as it gets, and then MagSafe remains something you can use as well.
Display
Flip them around and you will see changes, but not necessarily good ones on my book. I know a lot of you hated the notch, but I can't say I like the Dynamic Island. It's lower than the notch, making it more intrusive for content, even if sure, while providing added functionality that can be cool some times. I personally still don't like it, but I'll let you be the judge. I feel that if Face ID won't die, a dynamic notch would've been just as good. The 14 Pro Max can get dramatically brighter in extreme scenarios, but then both have gorgeous panels with fantastic color reproduction, viewing angles, and variable refresh rate up to 120Hz. That said, since the 14 Pro Max can drop to an even lower rate, it enables one of the most controversial always-on displays. I happen to love it, but I won't blame you for finding it confusing to know if the phone is on or off. And as for sound quality, I think both phones are just as good at it.
Internals
A major player into how this always-on display works has to do with the upgrade in internals. Apple claimed its new A16 Bionic has a couple of extra perks that enable those levels of power efficiency, but then again, it's not like if the A15 Bionic is a slouch in any way. RAM hasn't changed in years and the same goes for all storage options. 5G capabilities remain the same, and so does Wi-Fi, but then the 14 Pro Max has a newer version of Bluetooth. Batteries are also nearly identical, and the same goes for charging protocols and IP rating.
A major advantage of going iPhone is that even if the 14 Pro Max launched with iOS 16, you could access it on the 13 Pro Max a week before it was replaced. You'll have a hard time trying to find differences between them. It still isn't my favorite operating system for large displays, with lots of controls on the top, making you do a lot of juggling. There's still no split window multi-tasking, and sadly the status of apps doing Picture in Picture even today is limited. In its defense, this is my favorite implementation of a lock screen, like ever. Apple wasn't first, but these widgets and combinations are seriously awesome. Everything else, though, is more a bunch of nice little things that you'll probably forget. Seriously, iOS 16 was more about a major change to mask the insignificance of the rest.
Performance
If anything what I have heard is a ton of complaints over how the 13 Pro Max got hit in the endurance department, and I agree. I think it had far better battery life than the 14 Pro Max before I updated it, but since I did, I will say both are about the same, which is still better than others, but no longer as fantastic. Then comes controversial change number 3 with the full switch to eSIM on the 14 Pro Max vs the 13 Pro Max. This alone is enough of a deal breaker for me to not want to upgrade given how much I travel. And listen, don't get me wrong, the process to set it up was seamless on AT&T, and data connectivity on both is just as fantastic. I know you've been able to use eSIM on iPhones for years, but as of now in the US, the lack of a regular SIM means less flexibility when you travel.
Camera
So far, I know, it almost seems like the 13 Pro Max is a better phone, so the last link to defend the 14 Pro Max is the camera. This is the first time since the iPhone 6S that Apple moves away from 12 megapixel shooters, but then ups the ante even further by adding a sensor so large that even the Galaxy S22 Ultra looks small by comparison. It enables a lossless crop in 2X, matched with a brighter camera in the Ultra-Wide, even if the telephoto didn't change much.
As for results, well, I spent a good deal of time looking at these daylight photos and I'll tell you I kept double checking if I wasn't seeing the same shot twice. They are nearly identical, and where I prefer the 14 Pro Max because it has a slightly wider field of view on the primary, it then also provides the extra kick of that 2X crop which I prefer for street photography, but then I'll prefer the 13 Pro Max because it triggers Macro at a shorter distance. 3X then seems nearly the same, and the same goes to 15X which looks just as cartoony.
Once you kick into low light is where you'll notice a difference. The Ultra-wide falls apart less on the 14 Pro Max, though not by much, and I do notice the primary being faster and slightly more detailed. In the past I wouldn't recommend any other focal length in the dark, but I think the new 14 has taken that from bad to decent.
You'll notice more of the processing improvements in night selfies where the 14 Pro Max just obliterates the Pro, though once you go back to regular lighting, you'll notice differences stop being so evident, and that even extends to portraits.
Tricks now include more detail in Pro Raw on the 14 Pro Max, which I did notice, and then 4K Cinematic video, which even if slightly overdone the lower the light gets, is a dramatic improvement over what we had before. I can't say I'm much of a fan of the Motion Video (Action Mode) for the newer models given the loss in resolution and need for more light, but it's not like if regular video isn't already great at stabilization. Even in the dim scenarios I had to pull these tests off due to the weather I think both phones performed admirably in both primary and selfie video, though I do notice a slight edge from the 14 Pro Max in how much extra light it's pulling in.
Conclusion
To conclude I think this is probably the least common comparison I've ever done. Usually it's all about me showing you the new phone and how much better it is over the previous one, but that's not the case here. The camera improvements are there, but not dramatically better. I'm in this weird case where I prefer the notch over the Dynamic Island, believe it or not. Software doesn't seem any better on either, and it's not like if you'll be able to tell any sort of difference in performance. The Always-on display is cool, but not really something I'd consider indispensable.
I think you know where I'm going. This is honestly the first time I wish I didn't upgrade to the newer iPhone. The lack of a SIM Tray alone is a huge problem for me that I'll be testing soon in my first trip abroad, and which I consider unnecessary drama as teardowns have proven this space is used by nothing. I understand how Apple wants to push the market forward, but that kind of explains why I don't like this phone.
I'm not going to say it's ahead of its time, but in typical Apple Fashion, it's trying to force us to say good bye to solutions that aren't yet a standard. To a certain degree you're paying live the curse of the early adopter, and it's mainly because of this that I feel that if you have a 13 Pro Max, you might want to wait another year so that everyone else catches on.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max If you're looking for an even bigger display than the standard iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, the 13 Pro Max has everything you're looking for, and it can even last longer thanks to the larger battery. View at Amazon View at Best Buy
iPhone 13 Pro Max Vs. iPhone 14 Plus: Which Should You Buy?
Are you wondering whether to buy the all-new iPhone 14 Plus or its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro Max? This article compares both iPhones, so you can know which to buy. Let’s see how they stack up.
Design and display
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Plus have similar designs. Both have flat edges with signature tactile buttons. In both, you get the volume and power buttons. However, the material is different. While the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a stainless steel frame, the iPhone 14 Plus boasts an aluminum frame. Both are durable and improve the feel and look of individual iPhones.
While the size has a minute difference, the chief difference is in their weight. The 13 Pro Max weighs 8.47 pounds, while the 14 Plus weighs 7.16 pounds. As such, the former is heavier. Again, you might not notice this subtle difference.
Both iPhones have a single and dual SIM configuration. However, the 14 Plus also has a dual eSIM model for USA-based customers. This means iPhone 14 Plus sold in the USA will not have a SIM card tray. They also have back and front Gorilla Glass that protects the phone against scratches and drops. The resolution in the 14 Plus is 1284 x 2778 pixels, similar to the 13 Pro Max.
Additionally, the front screen has a ceramic shield for improved protection. Both have a display of 6.7 inches, with 13 Pro Max being the brighter one, thanks to the 1000 nits (HBM). The iPhone 14 Plus has 800 nits (HBM).
The notch houses the front camera and is 20% smaller than the iPhone 12 series. As you’d expect, the Face ID tech in both is similar. The iPhone 14 Plus comes in Midnight, Purple, Red, Blue, and Starlight colors. You can get the iPhone 13 Pro Max in Alpine Green, Sierra Blue, Gold, Silver, and Graphite colors.
Cameras
Strangely, iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system while the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a triple-camera array. On the iPhone 14 Plus, you get a 12mp primary and ultrawide camera. That said, the main camera has larger sensors compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The 13 Pro Max has a 12 MP primary camera, 12MP ultrawide and 12 MP telephoto camera. In the iPhone 14 Plus, you get 3x optical zoom and other features such as PDAF, making its camera superior. And thanks to the larger sensors and aperture, its performance in lowlight settings is better than its predecessor.
Both phones have a 12 MP front camera for better selfies. However, there’s a 38% performance increase in the 14 Plus, which is ideal for lowlight settings. This means your face will appear brighter when making video calls. Moreover, you get the all-new Auto Focus mode for more detailed group photos.
Another improvement you’ll get in the 14 Plus is the Photonic Engine. It significantly bolsters the camera performance in low light. In fact, there’s a 2x improvement compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The Action Mode in 14 Plus mitigates the need for a gimbal, which you must use in the 13 Pro Max when recording videos.
Performance
Compared to the iPhone 12 series, both models are faster and more stable. This is thanks to the A15 Bionic chip. However, the iPhone 14 Plus has a more powerful chip than the 13 Pro Max. In fact, it has an improvement of 18%. As such, you get improved privacy, performance, and processing.
The 14 Plus runs on iOS 16, while the 13 Pro Max runs on iOS 15. You can, however, upgrade the iOS 15 to iOS 16. As you’d expect, the iOS 16 outshines the iOS 15 in performance, stability, and processing. Both have similar 5-core graphics GPUs for better image processing.
You’ll also get the 6-core CPU with two high-performance and four efficiency cores in the 14 Plus. This means it can handle simultaneous apps running more efficiently than its predecessor. The neuro engine in it also improves performance two-fold.
Both models have 16GB RAM with internal storage ranging from 128GB to 512GB. The 13 Pro Max also has a 1TB option. As you can see, the 14 Plus offers better performance than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Battery and charging
The battery life in both models is fantastic. However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max outshines the 14 Plus in most instances. For example, 14 Plus has up to 26 hours of video playback while 13 Pro Max has up to 28 hours. If streaming, you’ll get up to 20 hours in the 14 Plus and 25 hours in the 13 Pro Max.
Audio playback in 13 Pro Max is 95 hours, while in 14 Plus, it is 100 hours. That’s the only instance the 14 Plus outshines its predecessor. Both are MagSafe compatible, allowing fast wireless charging and compatible with a 15W adapter. You can also use a USB device, such as a power bank, to charge both phones.
Other features
As you’d expect, the iPhone 14 Plus has added features such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS. Crash Detection activates after a fatal crash, notifying your emergency contacts. The Emergency SOS allows you to send texts via satellite if you are in an area with no cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Conclusion
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus are undoubtedly statement-making phones. They are faster, more reliable, and technically advanced than their competition. So, which one should you choose? We recommend the iPhone 13 Pro Max as it has a brighter screen, a long-lasting battery, and a lower price.
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