Apple’s all-new lineup of iPhone 14 models are set to be released on Friday, with the exception of the iPhone 14 Plus. However, the iPhone 14, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max are all hitting store shelves soon, and you might be wondering whether you should upgrade, or just want to enjoy some hands-on content. Thankfully, you’re in luck, as three out of the four new iPhone models have been in the hands of members of the media, and the reviews are starting to roll in. Today, we’re taking a look at the different iPhone 14 review articles and videos that have been released so far.
“If you’re the sort of person who’s willing to accept some rough edges to be on the bleeding edge, you’re going to have a lot of fun with the iPhone 14 Pro — in many ways, you’ll be figuring it out right alongside Apple. But if you’re happy with your current phone, it might be worth holding out for another year to see how some of these things work out.”
Verdict: 8 / 10
Peter McKinnon – iPhone 14 Pro Max
MKBHD – iPhone 14 Pro
“There definitely isn’t any flashy or any crazy design or hardware innovation happening here. There is nothing folding in half. But This is a refined update. The truth is if you have an iPhone 11 or later, then the new iOS 16 update pushing out to your phone right now is gonna make just as big of a difference to the user experience of using your phone as getting the new phone probably would. You should get it if you either want the latest and greatest and best of a smartphone camera available right now or if you’ve just got $1,000 hole in your pocket burning away, and you just have to haver the latest and greatest Pro iPhone.”
The Verge – iPhone 14
“When you shift to new technologies in a product line, you have to put a stake in the ground somewhere: one product will be The New Thing, and another will be old. The 14 is on the “old” side of that dividing line. The “old” was good, and so is the iPhone 14. But in the broader landscape of good phones you can buy right now — iOS or otherwise — it’s hard to see an argument for the 14.”
Verdict: 7 / 10
Wall Street Journal – iPhone 14, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max
TechCrunch – iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro
“This year’s iPhone models deliver a strong series of upgrades across the spectrum of hardware and software. Itt’s increasingly difficult to recommend that anyone get the new iPhone every year. This year the safety and camera options might be the tipping point for those early early adopters – but if that’s you you’ve probably already pre-ordered anyway. However, for anyone who has held off for two or three years, this is probably the easiest upgrade now recommendation I’ve been able to give in years.”
“From the outside, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max don’t look dramatically different from their predecessors, aside from the Dynamic Island. But thanks to the Always On Display and crisis-preparedness features like crash detection and Emergency SOS, the iPhone 14 Pros feel potentially more useful in unforeseen circumstances. Sure, the camera updates feel less significant than I expected. But anyone upgrading from an older phone will appreciate what Apple has to offer.”
“Long story short: the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are winners. But we’re also in (or close to) a recession; everyone should spend their money wisely. If like me, you’ve got an iPhone 12 or older — perhaps it’s slow or damaged or both — and you’re sticking with iPhone, the iPhone 14 Pros are superb. You’ll love all of its new features and have zero FOMO because you’re getting Apple’s best iPhone.
iPhone 13 users — maybe. If you’ve got a regular iPhone 13 / 13 mini and you’re feeling the Dynamic Island, better camera system, and always-on ProMotion display, then yes. Otherwise, you could totally make it another year and wait for the iPhone 15. iPhone 13 Pro users might not see enough to upgrade here. You could probably live without the Dynamic Island; the always-on display is nice, but not a must-have; and unless you plan to take 48-megapixel photos all the time or shoot a ton of video with Action Mode on, the iPhone 13 Pro camera is still right up there.”
“Even if you have an iPhone 13 Pro or 13 Pro Max, the new notch and user experience makes this at least worth a look, and even more so a purchase with the competitive trade-ins. If you’re after a Pro iPhone, the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max don’t disappoint — same goes if you’re after a flagship smartphone. Just choose your screen size and hop onto the island.”
“The iPhone 14 Pro Max isn’t just the most powerful phone around. It’s a joy to use, thanks to the clever new Dynamic Island for displaying notifications and live activities. Apple’s largest Pro model also delivers fantastic cameras — including a new 48MP main shooter — an always-on display, compelling Action mode for video and obscene battery life. It’s pricey, but it’s also the best phone money can buy.”
“Powerful phone with a bright screen, daylong battery life, and great build quality. Features are the same across both sizes. Dynamic Island is fun. Finally has an always-on display. The camera system is great overall. Camera enhancements aren’t as huge as Apple suggests. eSIM doesn’t easily transfer to Android phones.”
“The iPhone 14 Pro is the sweet spot for the best of Apple’s iPhone technology. This 6.1-inch device isn’t too big, and its front has been transformed with the new Dynamic Island and an excellent always-on display. It maintains the performance lead or rivals with a faster and more efficient A16 Bionic chip, and the updated camera array should please all but the most demanding smartphone photogs. If, however, you need the biggest iPhone screen available, paired with the performance of this phone, you’ll want to go for the pricier 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max.”
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.
Write a Comment