Every September, the tech world gathers to watch Apple launch their suite of new products. And on September 12, 2023, they debuted the iPhone 15. And given the impressive features & performance of the 14, many wondered how the 15 would stack up. Perhaps Apple would finally improve the battery life or make the switch to USB-C charging? Surprise – they did both. It’s also 1 gram lighter than the 14, which took billions in R&D to make happen.
But just how do the iPhone 15 and 14 compare? Is the 15 really that much better than the 14? We broke down the major differences between the two so you can see if it’s the right time for you to upgrade. Let’s dive in.
Design and Display
Physical Appearance
The iPhone 15 marks a subtle yet noticeable departure from the iPhone 14 in terms of design aesthetics. As soon as you open the box, you’ll notice the rounded edges, something that Apple has been playing around with for years. In our opinion, it’s a sleeker look than the squared edges, and it’s simply easier to hold, especially the larger models like the Plus and Pro Max.
The back of the phone looks different too. The lightweight titanium design is complemented by a textured matte finish, giving it a more sophisticated look than the previous models, which were glossy. And when pre-orders open on Friday, September 15, you can choose from one of four colorways: black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. However, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill matte colors, these are an industry-first. The back is made from color-infused glass, which is different from the iPhone 14, which is made of “dual-ion” glass. The colorways are also different; the iPhone 14s were available in Midnight, Purple, Starlight, Red, Blue, and Yellow.
In terms of size, both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 offer 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display options, catering to users who prefer a more compact device or a larger screen for media consumption.
Here’s how the two phones compare in size. As you can see, there’s only a slight difference…
iPhone 15 Dimensions
|
Model |
Length (in.) |
Width (in.) |
Thickness (in.) |
Screen Size (in.) |
|
15 |
5.81” |
2.82” |
0.31” |
6.1” |
|
15 Plus |
6.33” |
3.06” |
0.31” |
6.7” |
|
15 Pro |
5.77” |
2.78” |
0.33” |
6.1” |
|
15 Pro Max |
6.29” |
3.02” |
0.33” |
6.7” |
iPhone 14 Dimensions
|
Model |
Length (in.) |
Width (in.) |
Thickness (in.) |
Screen Size (in.) |
|
14 |
5.78” |
2.82” |
0.31” |
6.1” |
|
14 Plus |
6.33” |
3.07” |
0.31” |
6.7” |
|
14 Pro |
5.81” |
2.81” |
0.31” |
6.1” |
|
14 Pro Max |
6.33” |
3.05” |
0.31” |
6.7” |
Apple also spent billions on R&D for the iPhone 15. And as a few people on Twitter/X pointed out, they only managed to save 1g in weight.
Obviously, there are far more differences than a single gram, but it is a bit ironic in our opinion.
Display Features
Just as they’ve done every year, Apple has set the latest iPhone 15 apart from its predecessor with a series of visual display enhancements. One of the most talked-about features is the introduction of the Dynamic Island across all iPhone 15 models, rather than just the Pro and Pro Max models of the 14th generation. This innovative design element transforms the traditional notch, making it more functional. The Dynamic Island seamlessly integrates notifications, currently playing songs, timers, and other real-time information, offering users a more interactive experience without disturbing their u sage.
Brightness is another area where the iPhone 15 outshines the iPhone 14. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, the iPhone 15's display is remarkably brighter, doubling the luminance of the iPhone 14. This gives users better visibility under direct sunlight and a more vibrant display for media consumption (don’t forget to turn on dark mode at night, though). A word to the wise… be careful using your phone in direct sunlight for too long, otherwise it will overheat!
Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 utilize OLED technology for their displays, ensuring deep blacks, vibrant colors, and sharp contrasts. Users have the flexibility to choose between two sizes: a standard 6.1-inch variant for the 15 & 15 Pro, and a 6.7-inch option for the 15 Plus & 15 Pro Max.
Performance and Chipset
iPhone 14
The iPhone 14's performance is underpinned by Apple's advanced chipset technology. For the base models (14 & 14 Plus), Apple equipped them with the A15 Bionic chip, a powerful processor that ensures smooth multitasking, efficient battery usage, and robust overall performance. This chip is a step up from previous models, offering users a seamless iOS experience and handling everything from daily tasks to more intensive applications with ease.
However, for those who opted for the Pro variants of the iPhone 14, they were treated to an even more potent chipset: the A16 Bionic. This chip, reserved for the higher-end models, provides enhanced capabilities, especially in areas like augmented reality, photography, and gaming. The distinction between the A15 and A16 Bionic chips signifies Apple's strategy to offer a tiered performance experience, catering to both the average consumer and the tech enthusiast.
iPhone 15
Just as with the 14, Apple set up tiered options for the 15 chips. The base models (15 & 15 Plus) use the A16 Bionic chip, which was previously exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro models. So if you get the newest iPhone, you’ll have a chip that’s on par with the previous year's Pro devices, handling complex tasks, graphics-intensive games, and augmented reality applications with ease.
Apple debuted their groundbreaking A17 Pro Bionic chip on the 15 Pro models, and it’s not just another incremental upgrade. Its construction is based on a 3-nanometer process. And while “nanometer” has no relation to the size of the transistors, a 3 nm chip indicates a more densely-packed chip, with greater efficiency and performance, while supposedly consuming less power – longer battery life for users (finally).
Camera Upgrades
Main Camera
Camera quality is one of the most talked about features of any new smartphone, especially in the case of Apple. The iPhone 15's camera system marks a significant leap forward, featuring a 48MP main rear camera. This is a 4x upgrade from the iPhone 14's 12MP sensor, which will result in sharper, more detailed photos.
But it's not just about the increased megapixels. The iPhone 15's camera system has been given additional features to perform in challenging light situations. Building on the foundation set by the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 offers even better low-light performance, especially when shooting in “Night Mode.”
Connectivity and Ports
Goodbye Lightning, hello USB-C. With the iPhone 15, Apple has ushered in a new era of connectivity, marking the end of the long-standing Lightning port in favor of the more universal USB-C. This shift is not just a mere change in port design; it's a significant step towards standardizing charging and data transfer protocols across the tech industry. Samsung Galaxy & Google Pixel phones already use USB-C charging ports.
And from a legal point of view, Apple had to make this change to comply with the EU common charger directive, which mandates that major consumer electronics be USB-C compatible by 2024. Ultimately, the rule works out better for everyone, including the planet, as users won’t have to purchase multiple chargers nor will there be as much annual e-waste.
The introduction of USB-C in the iPhone 15 brings with it a slew of performance advantages. For starters, users can now enjoy faster charging speeds. It also promises enhanced data transfer rates. Whether it's syncing large photo libraries, transferring 4K videos, or backing up device data, the process is now swifter and more streamlined.
And finally, which Apple enthusiasts will love, you can finally power your MacBook and iPhone 15 with the same cord.
Audio Improvements
Apple has been at the forefront of audio quality since the first iPhone. The iPhone 15 continues this legacy. With an improved speaker quality that provides a clearer and more immersive sound experience, users who frequently watch videos, play games, or listen to music without headphones will be more than impressed.
As far as audio input is concerned, the 15 deploys advanced noise reduction algorithms and AI-driven optimizations to ensure that voice recordings, video audio, and calls are crisper and free from background disturbances.
Pricing and Availability
What’s the price of the iPhone 15?
- 15 - from $799
- 15 Plus - from $899
- 15 Pro - from $999
- 15 Pro Max - from $1,199
What’s the price of the iPhone 14?
Since debuting the 15, the price of the iPhone 14 has been reduced, as is customary with Apple's product cycle. When a new model is released, the older model is re-priced to a more affordable rate. Here’s what you can expect to pay now for an iPhone 14:
- 14 - from $699
- 14 Plus - from $799
- 14 Pro - from $999
- 14 Pro Max - from $1,099
The face-off between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 reveals a series of significant advancements and refinements by Apple. From the introduction of the USB-C port, marking the end of the Lightning era, to the impressive 48MP main camera and the groundbreaking A17 Pro Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 embodies innovation. The device also showcases features like the Dynamic Island (available on all models), enhanced night mode capabilities, and a shift in design aesthetics with rounded edges and a matte finish.
If you’re considering upgrading, you’ll have the top smartphone on the market. And the top phone deserves top protection. Pick up a wood iPhone case for your new iPhone 15: