iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14 series;
It’s that time of year again! Apple just unveiled the iPhone 15 at their annual September event. This latest iPhone packs some exciting features: a fantastic camera, the inclusion of the Dynamic Island for everyone, and, drum roll, a USB-C port!
While the iPhone 15 series brings some significant improvements over older models, deciding whether to upgrade can be tricky. I’ve tested the iPhone 15 as my main phone for a few weeks now, and I must say, it’s a noticeable improvement from my three-year-old iPhone 12. However, if you already have a fairly recent iPhone like the 13 or 14, it might be a good idea to hold off and see what next year’s model has to offer.
What’s new in the iPhone 15 series?
First of all, good news for girls, the iPhone 15 series is available in Pink color. For many users, this could be the perfect reason to consider an upgrade, and we completely understand and appreciate that choice.
The iPhone 15 models for 2023 come in different versions, each with its own set of specifications and features. Similar to the previous year’s lineup, there are significant distinctions between the Pro and non-Pro models, providing consumers with good reasons to invest in the higher-end iPhones. Among the standout features of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the impressive new camera capabilities, the convenient Action button, and the upgraded A17 processor. These enhancements make the Pro models especially appealing.
The brand-new iPhone 15 lineup offers some exciting choices: the iPhone 15 starts at $799, the iPhone 15 Plus at $899, the iPhone 15 Pro at $999, and the top-tier iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,199. These options are definitely worth considering. All of them come with better performance and improved cameras. Plus, they now have a USB-C port instead of the old Lightning port we’ve been using for over ten years.
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14. What’s different?
For iPhone 15 you have three storage capacities including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The pricing starts from 128 GB (less price for less storage iPhone). Meanwhile the 256 GB and 512 GB demand more price ( iPhone 15 Pro/Max models also feature 1TB storage). Additionally, you can select from a variety of vibrant colors, including blue, pink, yellow, green, and black (look at the picture below). So, select your
On the other hand, you can easily find the iPhone 14 at your preferred store. Three storage options are available here i.e. 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, (nothing changed from iPhone 15). One interesting thing about the iPhone 14 is that it is now more affordable since the iPhone 15 was introduced. So, you have plenty of choices and better prices to consider!
Display comparison
The screens on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 are quite similar, which is actually a good thing. When we reviewed the iPhone 14, we were impressed by its display, describing it as a top-notch panel with vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. However regrettably, the regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 are both limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the faster refresh rates are reserved for the Pro models.
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 sport 6.1-inch OLED screens with HDR capabilities and a similar resolution, roughly around 2556×1179 pixels. However, the most significant contrast in their displays lies in their peak brightness. The iPhone 14 offered a peak brightness of 1200 nits, whereas the iPhone 15 boasts a brighter peak of 1600 nits and an impressive outdoor peak brightness of 2000 nits.
iPhone 15 Pro/Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro/Max;
There aren’t many changes when it comes to the LTPO OLED display technology in the iPhone 15 Pro. Again the size of the screen is the same 6.7 inches for Pro Max models, and the display will continue to offer an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120Hz. So, not much has changed in this department for the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature titanium frames that make them lighter yet incredibly durable. They also come with a fresh brushed titanium finish, which is a great addition. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro’s stainless steel frame, while attractive, tends to smudge quickly due to its shiny finish.
Both devices sport nearly identical screens, featuring 120Hz OLED panels with the Dynamic Island cutout at the top and a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. You might not always need that level of brightness, but Apple includes it to ensure that HDR videos and photos look great regardless of your surroundings.
The screen’s other specs remain unchanged, with a 6.7-inch size, a resolution of 1290×2796, and a smooth 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. Apple seems to have found a formula that works well and is consistent across these devices.
Chipset and performance
Apple iPhone 15 came in the market with the remarkable A16 bionic chipset. This advanced 6-core CPU is faster than the previous as per Apple’s claim it is 20 percent more powerful.
iPhone 15 graphics are also outstanding, so you can enjoy high-profile games like PUBG and Asphalt with the most loveable graphic quality. After testing the iPhone 15 for a week, I felt it features overall more stable working and smooth performance.
No doubt iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are efficient in terms of non-pro iPhones, still, the difference between iPhone 14 and 14 Plus is negligible. So, you can still rely on the iPhone 14 if you do not have a sufficient budget yet.
iPhone 15 vs. 14 (Pro models):
Coming to the Pro models, there’s always a new processor inside them. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max boast the Apple A17 Pro chip, bringing USB 3 file transfer speeds and a GPU equipped with ray tracing. This chip also packs 10% faster CPU cores and uses machine learning to enhance high-resolution gaming graphics. The iPhone 15 Pro model due to the A17 Pro chipset stands out as the first smartphone chip made using a super tiny 3 nm process (incredibly small). It accommodates a whopping 19 billion transistors and delivers 18% more operations per second compared to the A16 Bionic found in the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Although, I haven’t purchased an iPhone 15 Pro/ Max until now. But, yeah! I have tested for a week, and the results are really impressive.
The gaming experience is quite impressive, even though it has given tough competition to the Galaxy S23 Ultra. And it is really worth upgrading to take your gaming experience to the next level.
Camera comparison:
Now just talk about the camera differences between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14. For most iPhone users including me, picture quality is a top priority.
iPhone 14 owns a dual-camera system just like iPhone 13 and 12. It features a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera on the back. For selfies, there’s a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. After clicking multiple aesthetic photos from iPhone 14 for a year, I must say its camera is quite capable. It takes nice photos with colors that look true to life. The white balance is accurate, and it consistently gives good exposure with minimal noise. It may not be the absolute best mobile camera out there, but it certainly does the job well. You can see the below pictures I took from iPhone 14.
But when it comes to the iPhone 15, there are some exciting improvements one can easily notice. This time, the iPhone 15 sports a dual-camera setup, featuring a 48MP primary camera and an enhanced 12MP ultrawide camera.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. 14 Pro Max comparison
For iPhone 15 Pro Max’s primary camera sensor remains the same, keeping the hefty 48 MP sensor from the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, the iPhone 15 introduces fresh improvements in image processing.
Apple has boosted the Photonic Engine and HDR pipelines in the iPhone 15, and this translates to improved detail, enhanced low-light performance, and more lifelike skin tones. Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro Max now captures 24 MP photos as the standard setting, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max started at 12 MP. This means you’ll get sharper and more detailed photos right out of the box with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. These cameras work quite similarly. In low-light conditions, they produce almost identical results. But when the lighting is optimal, you’ll notice that the iPhone 15 Pro Max captures slightly more realistic details, whereas the iPhone 14 Pro Max tends to over-sharpen the images.
When it comes to handling high-contrast scenes, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a more lifelike approach. It gives a smoother appearance and reveals more details from the shadowy areas. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro Max tends to create a sharper, more noticeable contrast between bright objects and dark shadows.
Not much was promised about a selfie camera upgrade, and we can’t see much difference in their real-life performance. Apple claimed in a report that the struggle is going on to improve skin tones with the new iPhone 15 cameras, so maybe further testing is needed with different complexions and lighting conditions.
Battery Comparison
Regretfully, there is no significant update in the battery of the iPhone 15 from the iPhone 14 series.
The battery sizes of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, are quite close, with the iPhone 15 having just a slightly larger one. This suggests that battery life is almost the same between the two. However, Apple claims that the A16 Bionic chip is projected to be 20 percent more energy efficient. Therefore, we must say the iPhone 15 features slightly more battery life.
Pro Max models battery comparison
It’s a bit tricky to pinpoint the exact difference in specific tasks. However, in our daily experiences, the iPhone 15 Pro Max provides ample battery life, comfortably lasting at least a day and a half, just like its predecessor, the 14 Pro Max (not a big difference).
Specs details of all iPhone 15 models
Here, is the detailed specs of all iPhone 15 models to let you know which will be fit for your personality.
| Specs | iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro MAX |
| Display size. Resolution. Refresh rate. Brightness. | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556×1,179 pixels | 6.7-inch OLED; 2,796×1,290 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556×1,179 pixels; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate | 6.7-inch OLED; 2,796×1,290 pixels; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 171 g (6.02 oz.) | 201 g (7.09 oz.) | 187 g (6.6 oz.) | 221 g (7.81 oz.) |
| Camera | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel telephoto (3x optical) | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel telephoto (5x optical) |
| Selfie Camera | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Processor/ Chipset | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A17 Pro | A 17 Pro |
| RAM/storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1 TB | 256GB, 512GB and 1 TB |
| Battery timing | 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed) | 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed) | 23 hours of video playback (20 hours streamed) | 29 hours of video playback (25 hours streamed) |
| Connector | USB C (2.0) | USB C (2.0) | USB C (2.0) | USB C (2.0) |
| US Price | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB | $899 (128GB), $999 (256GB), $1,199 (512GB | $999 (128GB, $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB) | $1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB) |
Should you upgrade your iPhone 14 to the iPhone 15 series?
It’s a bit tricky to pinpoint the exact difference in specific tasks. However, in our daily experiences, the iPhone 15 Pro Max provides ample battery life, comfortably lasting at least a day and a half, just like its predecessor, the 14 Pro Max.
Meanwhile before buying iPhone 15 Pro/ Max, If you’re already using an iPhone 14 Pro/Max right now, you’re in good shape. Upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro/Max isn’t necessary for most iPhone users, as it doesn’t bring significant improvements. Unless you strongly desire optical zoom and faster USB 3 speeds, you can stick with your current device.
But don’t take me wrong, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is truly an outstanding phone (I am saying this after weeks of tests). And if you already using older than iPhone 12, then it will be a good jump. However, if you want to be an iPhone user right now, then the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max will be an outstanding start for you. Nevertheless, if you’re simply looking to indulge in an annual upgrade, you’ll find plenty of options like Galaxy S24, Asus Zenfone 10, Google Pixel 7 and 8 series, and many more.