The iPhone 14 Pro is there, but does that mean you need to update? With the iPhone 13 Prowas released just over a year ago, how and how do the Pro phones differ? While Apple’s event name for its new arsenal, “Far out,” suggested groundbreaking innovations, the differences we see are subtle and mostly revolve around the addition of an improved camera system, an updated chipset and some software tweaks.
The dilemma many now face is simple: do these differences have enough impact to warrant an upgrade? It depends. Here are the top reasons to upgrade to iPhone 14 Pro or stick with last year’s iPhone 13 Pro.
After: Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch Series 7: How to choose
Features
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro
Display
6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz
6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz
Cameras
48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with 3X optical zoom
12MP main, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide
RAM/Storage
6GB with 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
6GB with 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Video features
8K video recording with Action mode
4K HDR with cinematic mode
Battery
3200mAh
3095mAh
Colors
Deep Purple, Space Black, Silver, Gold and Blue
Alpine Green, Silver, Gold, Graphite, Sierra Blue
Price
From $999
From $999
You should upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro if…
Image: Apple
1. You want a bigger and better camera suite
Matching the name of the event, the new camera suite for the iPhone 14 Pro lets you take photos from afar. Moving from the iPhone 13 Pro’s main 12MP wide camera to a main 48MP wide camera, the larger sensor allows for better low-light shots and better autofocus ( especially in selfie mode), and keeps figures in focus while providing detail and vibrancy to surrounding subjects. A 48MP camera allows for better zoom and night mode or low light capabilities, delivering a sharper image even from afar or in dim conditions. Not to mention that the 48MP sensor is 65% larger than the main camera of the iPhone 13 Pro.
In addition to the 48 MP main camera, the 14 Pro is equipped with a 12 MP ultra wide lens and a 12 MP telephoto lens with 3X zoom capabilities. The new sensor also adds a 2X telephoto option that captures detail, sharpness and exposure from further away.
For video, the iPhone 14 Pro has a new Action mode to help with stabilization, even when you’re in the action behind the camera. For any casual amateur filmmakers, the cinematic mode is also improved, with even sharper quality and detail between transitions.
Also: iPhone 13 Pro review: A trio of significant upgrades
2. You would like to spend time on Dynamic Island
Image: Apple
Probably the biggest change from iPhone 13 Pro to iPhone 14 Pro is the new notch and lock screen interface, with Dynamic Island and always-on display features. Bridging the gap between lock screen widgets and home screen notifications, the new dynamic island allows easy, live access to controls while you’re still using other apps, including toggles music player, microphone indicators, etc.
For another example, your timer will appear at the top of the screen as you scroll through Instagram so you know exactly when to check for chicken in the oven.
Rather than breaking up the center with a notch like on the iPhone 13 Pro screen, the new pill-shaped notch removes some black space and now serves as responsive live widgets.
The updated notch space will also encapsulate the privacy indicators for the phone’s new microphone and camera and leave space for the expected return of the battery percentage display (thanks to iOS 16) .
Also: The iPhone 14 and everything Apple announced at its Far Out event
3. You want a bigger battery
The iPhone 14 and 14 Pro both have larger batteries, in part because of the always-on displays and Dynamic Island live widgets. The iPhone 14 Pro has all-day battery life and up to 23 hours of video playback while the iPhone 13 Pro only has 22 hours of video playback. Although it’s only an hour less, this hour could make all the difference.
The iPhone 14 Pro also runs on the A16 Bionic chip – the fastest chip on the market today for smartphones.
Also: How much faster is the iPhone 14?
You should buy the iPhone 13 Pro if…
Image: Apple
1. You don’t like the new design aesthetic
While the larger camera system and larger battery are better for some uses of the iPhone, it does mean the phone is bulkier and may even be uncomfortable to hold depending on the size of your hand. The larger camera also takes up more space on the back of the phone, which may make it less back-pocket friendly.
The new notch at the top of the display, Dynamic Island features and always-on display will be appreciated by some, especially multitaskers, but might be annoying for others. If you just don’t like the look or don’t want to get used to a new layout, and these features seem unnecessary, you might want to skip the pesky learning curve and stick with the iPhone. 13 pro.
2. You’re happy with the fit of the iPhone 13 Pro
While not the brightest new toy on the market, the iPhone 13 Pro is still a solid phone for the same reasons as the 14 Pro: great photography options like macro and cinema mode, good battery life battery, iOS software and the whole iPhone. aesthetic design. In fact, if you want to avoid the hassle of upgrading and transferring all your data, you might be better off sticking with the previous model for now and seeing how far the iPhone 14 really goes. Pro.
Also: Google Pixel 6 Pro vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro: which one to buy?
Alternatives to consider
Open to other smartphone prospects? Consider these devices recommended by ZDNET:
