iPhone 14 Plus Vs iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:321.00

Versus €879.00 new

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iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:428.00

Versus €979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Plus, released in October 2022, and the iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, are both large-screen smartphones from Apple. While they share a similar overall form factor, the newer iPhone 15 Plus introduces several key updates, including a more versatile port, an enhanced display interaction system, and a significantly upgraded main camera. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS ecosystem, offering a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are built with durability in mind, featuring a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating they can withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. [3, 4]

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 14 Plus was released in October 2022, while the iPhone 15 Plus followed in September 2023. [1, 2] This difference in release means the iPhone 15 Plus will likely receive software updates for approximately one year longer, extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest iOS features and security patches.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 14 Plus features a glass back and an aluminum design. [4] The iPhone 15 Plus introduces a color-infused glass back with a textured matte finish and contoured edges, which may offer a slightly different tactile experience and potentially improved grip. [6]
  • Software Longevity: Both devices are designed to receive multiple years of iOS updates, ensuring continued access to new features and security enhancements. The newer release of the iPhone 15 Plus provides a longer runway for these updates.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two large-screen iPhones cater to a wide range of user needs, from everyday tasks to more demanding applications. Both models come with 6GB of RAM, facilitating smooth multitasking. [2, 12]

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 14 Plus is powered by a capable processor that handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly. [19] The iPhone 15 Plus features a newer generation processor, which offers improved efficiency and slightly faster processing for intensive tasks like advanced gaming or video editing. [5, 25] While both provide a fluid user experience, the newer chip in the iPhone 15 Plus offers a modest performance uplift. [25]
  • Storage Options: Both devices are available with internal storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, videos, and other data. [3, 4] Neither model supports expandable storage via memory cards. [5]
  • Battery Behavior: Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are known for their extended battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use. [26] The iPhone 15 Plus has a slightly larger battery capacity (4383 mAh compared to 4325 mAh), but in real-world usage, the battery performance is comparable between the two models. [7, 9, 24]

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus feature expansive 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. [3, 4]

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones utilize OLED technology, providing excellent contrast and color accuracy. The iPhone 14 Plus has a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels at 458 pixels per inch (ppi). [4] The iPhone 15 Plus slightly refines this with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 ppi, resulting in a marginally sharper image. [3]
  • Brightness Levels: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. [4] The iPhone 15 Plus significantly boosts brightness, reaching 1000 nits typical, 1600 nits peak HDR, and an impressive 2000 nits peak for outdoor viewing, making it more legible in bright sunlight. [3, 6]
  • Design and Interaction: A notable difference is the display design. The iPhone 14 Plus retains the traditional notch at the top of the screen. [19] The iPhone 15 Plus replaces this with the Dynamic Island, an interactive area that fluidly displays alerts, activities, and notifications. [6, 27] Both models maintain a standard 60Hz refresh rate. [6, 35]

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though the newer model brings significant advancements to its main sensor.

  • Main Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera system with a 12MP main sensor (f/1.5 aperture) and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor (f/2.4 aperture). [4] The iPhone 15 Plus upgrades its main camera to a 48MP sensor (f/1.6 aperture) with sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which can also capture 2x telephoto-quality zoom shots. [3, 6] This higher megapixel count allows for more detailed images and greater flexibility in editing.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 15 Plus offers improved low-light performance and enhanced portrait capabilities, including automatic depth information capture for easier post-shot editing. [6] Both phones include features like Photonic Engine and Deep Fusion for improved image processing, with the iPhone 15 Plus benefiting from Smart HDR 5 compared to Smart HDR 4 on the iPhone 14 Plus. [3, 4]
  • Video Recording: Both models support 4K Dolby Vision video recording at various frame rates up to 60 frames per second. [3, 4] The iPhone 15 Plus also introduces Action mode for smoother video capture in dynamic situations. [11] The front-facing TrueDepth camera on both is 12MP, with the iPhone 15 Plus featuring Smart HDR 5 for selfies. [3, 4]

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two iPhone models.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. [4, 10] A significant change in the iPhone 15 Plus is the adoption of a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, replacing the Lightning port found on the iPhone 14 Plus. [1, 24] This change offers broader compatibility with accessories and chargers.
  • Biometric Security: Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus rely on Face ID for secure facial recognition, enabling quick unlocking and authentication for payments and apps. [3, 4]
  • Physical Characteristics: The dimensions and weight are very similar between the two. The iPhone 14 Plus weighs 203 grams, while the iPhone 15 Plus is slightly lighter at 201 grams. [3, 4] Both maintain a comfortable handling experience for their large screen size.

Weight

203 g

201 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus both offer a large-screen iPhone experience, catering to users who appreciate an expansive display for media consumption and productivity. The iPhone 14 Plus is often praised for its robust battery life and solid performance for everyday tasks. Users frequently highlight its reliable camera system and the familiar iOS experience. Some common observations include its 60Hz display, which some users might find less fluid compared to higher refresh rate screens on other devices, and the presence of the traditional notch. [19, 34]

The iPhone 15 Plus builds upon its predecessor with several notable enhancements. Users often commend its brighter display, which significantly improves outdoor visibility, and the introduction of the Dynamic Island for a more modern and interactive front-screen experience. [6, 27] The upgraded 48MP main camera is another frequently praised feature, offering greater detail and improved low-light photography. The switch to USB-C is also a significant positive for many, simplifying charging and accessory compatibility. [1, 24] However, some users note that the display still operates at a 60Hz refresh rate, similar to the iPhone 14 Plus. [6, 35]

Users prioritizing a large display and excellent battery life for general use, without needing the absolute latest features, may find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. Those who value the latest design elements like the Dynamic Island, a brighter screen for outdoor use, a more advanced camera system, and the convenience of USB-C connectivity will likely lean towards the iPhone 15 Plus. Both models represent a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the incremental improvements in display, camera, and connectivity offered by the iPhone 15 Plus align with individual user priorities.

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