Apple iPhone 14 (128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The Expert Reviews assessment describes the Apple iPhone 14 as a solid but iterative update, offering great performance and an enhanced camera system, but lacking the significant upgrades found in the more expensive Pro models. It retains a familiar design and the powerful A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 Pro, ensuring rapid performance, but a notable drawback is its fixed 60Hz display refresh rate. The camera system sees meaningful improvements, particularly in low-light performance and video stabilization, highlighted for its ability to capture superb, detailed shots, while cons include slow charging speeds and the US model's eSIM-only shift.

WIRED describes the iPhone 14 as a safe, iterative update, focusing on refining the foundation of its predecessor rather than introducing radical changes. Key pros include excellent build quality, a bright OLED display, all-day battery life, and enhanced camera features like Action Mode. However, it lacks the 120Hz ProMotion display and the new Dynamic Island, while utilizing the previous year’s A15 Bionic chip, marking a departure from the usual processor upgrades. The review highlights the shift to eSIM-only in the US as a potential, significant drawback for users. While the device lacks major hardware leaps, it offers solid, reliable performance for users upgrading from older models, according to the analysis. The most notable improvements, such as enhanced software features via iOS 16, are emphasized over the hardware, which remains largely similar to the iPhone 13.

The iPhone 14 is described as an incremental update, sharing the same design, display, and chipset as the previous year's Pro models, which makes it feel less exciting than the Pro variants. The device offers outstanding performance, excellent battery life, a capable camera system, and improved repairability. However, the review highlights its high price for the features offered, specifically noting the outdated 60Hz display refresh rate and slow charging speeds via the Lightning port as significant drawbacks compared to competitors.

Macworld describes the iPhone 14 as a modest update best suited for users upgrading from older models, noting that while it retains the A15 Bionic chip and traditional notch, it features significant internal refinements. Key pros include improved low-light photography via the Photonic Engine, Action Mode stabilization, and safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite, alongside slightly improved battery life. Cons include the absence of the Dynamic Island, Always-On display, and A16 Bionic chip found in Pro models, the retention of a 60Hz display and Lightning port, making it a less compelling upgrade for iPhone 13 owners.

The iPhone 14 is described as an iterative update that feels nearly identical to its predecessor, possessing a capable chipset and industry-leading video recording. Cons include the lack of the Dynamic Island and always-on display found on Pro models, the same 60Hz refresh rate, and the previous year's A15 Bionic chip. The camera system features upgrades like a larger main sensor and f/1.5 aperture, contributing to improved low-light performance and cleaner details through the new Photonic Engine software. A major highlight is the improved selfie camera with autofocus, and Action Mode video stabilization, though it requires ample light and crops footage. The review notes the iPhone 14's challenging market position due to the cheaper iPhone 13 being available at launch and the new safety features not being daily use for most users. The U.S. transition to eSIM is also highlighted as a notable shift.

The iPhone 14 offers refinements like an improved A15 Bionic chip and new safety features such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. Its camera system features a larger sensor for better low-light performance and Action Mode for video stabilization. However, the device has minimal upgrades from the iPhone 13, retaining a 60Hz display and lacking features found on Pro models. The US models also exclusively use eSIM. You can find more details in the Business Insider review.

Tom's Guide describes the iPhone 14 as a safe but capable upgrade with refined features despite a familiar look. Pros include an excellent camera system with a larger main sensor and Action mode, plus strong performance from the A15 Bionic chip. Key cons are the standard 60Hz display, lack of a telephoto lens, and relatively slow 20W charging compared to competitors. Tom's Guide recommends it for users upgrading from an iPhone 11 or older but notes it offers only incremental changes over the iPhone 13, suggesting users seeking a more dramatic change might prefer the iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone 14 Pro. Apple iPhone 14£300.00& more prices4.5(38k)Apple iPhone 14 Plus£425.004.4(12k)Apple iPhone 14 Pro£405.00& more prices4.4(15.8k)

PCMag describes the iPhone 14 as a safe, iterative update, focusing on improved repairability, the A15 Bionic chip, and safety features like Emergency SOS via satellite. The device maintains a high-quality build with Ceramic Shield, while introducing a faster f/1.5 aperture and Action Mode for improved video stabilization. Key performance enhancements include the Qualcomm X65 modem for superior 5G and better low-light photography via the Photonic Engine. However, the review notes drawbacks such as the lack of a telephoto lens and the continued use of a 60Hz display, which feels dated compared to competitors. Further criticisms include the reuse of the previous year's processor and the removal of the physical SIM tray in US models. Despite these, it remains a reliable, albeit incremental, choice for users not seeking Pro-level features.

According to a CNET review, the iPhone 14 represents a minimal annual upgrade, but it remains a reliable choice for the average user, offering speedy performance from the A15 Bionic chip and introducing critical safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. The camera system provides excellent video and photo quality in bright conditions, with improvements to low-light performance and the addition of Action Mode for video stabilization, while the front camera features a faster aperture and autofocus. However, the review notes a lack of innovation compared to recent models, omitting features like the Dynamic Island or A16 chip, and highlights drawbacks such as "muddy" low-light photos and the removal of the physical SIM tray in US models.