The newest addition to Apple’s arsenal, the iPhone 14 series, boasts an array of upgraded features such as a larger screen, improved internal design, and enhanced cameras. However, the question remains, should you upgrade to the iPhone 14 or wait for the next model? This article provides tips to help you make an informed decision.
Current iPhone and Budget
Before you decide whether to upgrade, consider the perplexing factors such as your current iPhone and budget. If you own a recent model like the iPhone 13 or 12, it may be prudent to hold off. Nevertheless, if you have an older iPhone, it’s essential to assess what you stand to gain from upgrading to a newer model.
New iPhone 14 Series Features
The iPhone 14 series touts an impressive array of new features, including car-crash detection, support for satellite-based emergency messaging, and upgraded cameras. Nonetheless, the iPhone 14 isn’t radically different from the iPhone 13 to justify an upgrade. However, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max offer notable upgrades, including the Dynamic Island, the new A16 Bionic processor, and a 48-megapixel main camera sensor.
Comparison with iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
If you currently own an iPhone 13 or 13 Pro, there is no urgent need to upgrade to the iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 series only brings about minimal upgrades, making it one of the least transformative year-over-year upgrades in Apple’s history.
Comparison with iPhone 12, 12 Pro
The iPhone 12 series shares numerous similarities with the iPhone 14 series, including 5G support and a fast processor. If your iPhone 12 is in good condition, consider holding off since the iPhone 14 isn’t vastly different. However, if you come across a good trade-in deal, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max bring notable changes.
Comparison with iPhone 11, 11 Pro
If you’re using an iPhone 11, upgrading to the iPhone 14 is worthwhile as Apple has made enough changes to merit purchasing a new phone. The iPhone 14 offers 5G support, better cameras, more storage, and longer battery life, among other upgrades. Furthermore, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max offer even more significant upgrades.
Comparison with iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
If you bought an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR at launch, upgrading to the iPhone 14 is worth considering. The iPhone 14 offers six additional hours of battery life, more storage, faster performance, and better cameras. Additionally, the iPhone XS generation lacks Night mode and Deep Fusion, and the front camera has a lower resolution compared to the iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 also has a larger screen size and a refreshed design.
Comparison with iPhone X
If you’re still using the iPhone X, it’s high time to upgrade. The iPhone 14 offers a newer processor, better cameras, longer battery life, a larger screen size, and more features, making it feel like an entirely new phone.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to the iPhone 14 depends on your budget, the level of expertise of your current phone, and your personal needs. While the iPhone 14 brings about some improvements, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max offer more significant upgrades. If you own an iPhone 13 or newer, there is no urgent need to upgrade, but if you own an older model, upgrading to the iPhone 14 is worth considering.
Reasons to Upgrade from iPhone 8
The iPhone 8 is over five years old now and has an outdated design. The phone’s processor is also outdated, making it difficult to use newer iPhone features that rely on machine learning. Its cameras are outdated, with no Night mode or Portrait mode on the smaller iPhone 8. By upgrading to the iPhone 14, you’ll get more storage, significantly longer battery life, support for 5G connectivity, and MagSafe accessories.
Differences in Design between iPhone 8 and iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 has a noticeably larger and higher quality display compared to the iPhone 8. The newer phones do not have a home button, allowing Apple to expand the screen without making the device feel cumbersome. If you go for the 14 Pro, you get another big change: the Dynamic Island, which transforms the notch area into an area for viewing alerts, system notifications and apps running in the background.
Bottom Line
Upgrading to the iPhone 14 from the iPhone 8 is a significant jump in every aspect, from the much larger and bolder screen, Face ID, speedier processor, longer battery life, to the upgraded cameras. If you prefer to keep the iPhone 8’s design but still want a newer iPhone, you can opt for the current iPhone SE, which has the same processor as iPhone 13, 5G compatibility, and many photography improvements in a similar body to iPhone 8.
Reasons to Upgrade from iPhone 7, 7 Plus
The iPhone 7 is over six years old now, and everything, from the processor to the camera and storage space, shows its age. The phone does not support iOS 16, making it imperative to acquire a newer device.
Upgrade Options from iPhone 7, 7 Plus
Coming from a phone this old, the iPhone 14 is a significant upgrade in almost every aspect. It has a larger, bolder, and brighter bezel-free 6.1-inch screen that still feels compact since it doesn’t have a home button. The phone runs on Apple’s A15 Bionic processor, which is better equipped to handle newer iOS features. The iPhone 14 also has a drastically improved dual-lens camera with advanced features like the new Cinematic mode for video and Night mode.
Bottom Line
If you’re still using an iPhone 7, upgrading to the iPhone 14 brings major gains in almost every aspect, including a better screen, compatibility with iOS 16, longer battery life, and more advanced cameras. Similar to upgrading from the iPhone 8, if you want to keep the home button and save some money, you can consider the iPhone SE. It gives you more recent performance upgrades while keeping a similar phone style.
In conclusion, before deciding to upgrade to the iPhone 14, it is essential to assess your current phone’s level of expertise, your budget, and your personal needs. If you own an older iPhone model like the iPhone 8 or 7, upgrading to the iPhone 14 brings major gains in almost every aspect. However, if you have an iPhone 13 or newer, there is no urgent need to upgrade unless you want to take advantage of the newer features on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
