iPhone 14 Vs iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 14
iPhone 14
Starting at

Refurbished price:292.00

Versus €759.00 new

See options
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:559.00

Versus €979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14, released in September 2022, and the iPhone 16 Plus, launched in September 2026, represent different generations within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the iOS platform, the iPhone 16 Plus introduces a larger display, an updated camera system, and enhanced internal components, reflecting four years of technological advancements. This comparison will highlight the practical differences between these two models, helping users understand which device aligns best with their needs.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 14 was released in September 2022, making it an established model. The iPhone 16 Plus, released in September 2026, benefits from being a much newer device, offering a longer period before it reaches the end of its software support cycle.
  • Software Longevity: Both iPhones receive regular iOS updates, ensuring access to new features and security patches. The iPhone 14 launched with iOS 16 and is compatible with iOS 26. The iPhone 16 Plus launched with iOS 20, providing a longer expected duration of official software support, typically extending for several years beyond its release.
  • Durability Features: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, offering protection against everyday elements. The iPhone 14 utilizes an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, while the iPhone 16 Plus also features an aluminum design.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from launching applications to managing multiple processes simultaneously.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 14 is powered by a capable processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 16 Plus features a newer generation processor, which provides a noticeable improvement in speed and efficiency, particularly for demanding applications and advanced computational tasks.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 14 will experience fluid navigation and app switching. The iPhone 16 Plus, with its more advanced internal components, offers enhanced responsiveness and greater headroom for future software updates and more intensive workloads.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations, typically ranging from 128GB to 512GB, allowing users to choose based on their storage needs for apps, photos, and videos.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct differences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 14 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 16 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a more expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both displays offer a sharp resolution of approximately 460 pixels per inch, ensuring clear text and detailed images. The iPhone 14 has a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits, peaking at 1200 nits for HDR content. The iPhone 16 Plus offers higher brightness levels, with a typical maximum of 1000 nits, peaking at 1600 nits for HDR, and an impressive 2000 nits for outdoor viewing, enhancing visibility in bright conditions.
  • Interactive Elements: The iPhone 16 Plus incorporates the Dynamic Island, an interactive area at the top of the display that adapts to alerts, notifications, and ongoing activities. The iPhone 14 retains a traditional notch design.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography and videography capabilities are key considerations for many smartphone users, and both devices deliver strong performance with notable advancements in the newer model.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 features a dual 12MP camera system, including a main wide-angle lens with a f/1.5 aperture and an ultra-wide lens with a f/2.4 aperture. The iPhone 16 Plus steps up with an advanced dual-camera system, featuring a 48MP Fusion Main camera with a f/1.6 aperture that can also provide a 2x telephoto effect through cropping, alongside a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a f/2.2 aperture.
  • Computational Photography and Video: Both models benefit from advanced image processing, with the iPhone 14 utilizing Photonic Engine and Smart HDR 4. The iPhone 16 Plus features Smart HDR 5 and introduces Spatial Video recording, allowing for immersive video capture. Both support 4K video recording with Cinematic mode.
  • Front Camera: Both devices include a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, suitable for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 16 Plus further enhances this with next-generation portrait features.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both iPhones support 5G cellular connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3. The iPhone 14 uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 16 Plus adopts the more universal USB-C port and supports the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering faster wireless speeds compared to the iPhone 14's Wi-Fi 6.
  • Physical Design and Controls: The iPhone 14 has a compact form factor, weighing 172 grams. The iPhone 16 Plus is larger and slightly heavier at 199 grams, due to its bigger display. The iPhone 16 Plus also introduces an Action Button, offering customizable shortcuts, and a dedicated Camera Control button for enhanced photography interaction.
  • Security and Other Features: Both models rely on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The iPhone 14 includes Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection. The iPhone 16 Plus also features these safety capabilities and integrates Apple Intelligence for enhanced user assistance.

Weight

172 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C (USB 2)

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 16 Plus cater to different user priorities, largely due to their generational gap. The iPhone 14 remains a solid choice for users seeking a capable and reliable smartphone with a comfortable 6.1-inch display and strong camera performance for everyday use. Users often praise its consistent performance and robust build quality. Some common feedback for the iPhone 14 includes its 60Hz display, which some users might find less fluid compared to newer devices, and its battery life, which is generally good but can vary with heavy usage.

The iPhone 16 Plus, on the other hand, is well-suited for users who prioritize a larger, more immersive display, cutting-edge camera technology, and the latest performance enhancements. Its larger screen is ideal for media consumption and productivity, while the upgraded camera system, including the 48MP main sensor and spatial video recording, appeals to photography and videography enthusiasts. The inclusion of the Action Button and USB-C port also offers modern conveniences. Users considering the iPhone 16 Plus will benefit from its extended software support and advanced features, making it a more future-proof option.

Ultimately, users prioritizing a more compact device with proven performance will find the iPhone 14 a suitable option. Those who value a larger screen, advanced camera capabilities, and the latest technological innovations will likely lean towards the iPhone 16 Plus. For those looking for an eco-friendly alternative, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice without compromising on functionality.

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