ITCHING for a new Apple phone? But unsure whether you should opt for the iPhone 14 or the shiny new iPhone 15?
Well, we’ve got you covered having compared both models, from their cameras to how much they’ll set you back – read on for our verdict.
- Apple iPhone 14 (2022), £649 – buy from Amazon
- Apple iPhone 15 (2023), £799 – buy from Amazon
Apple’s fleet of smartphones is highly sought after, and after much anticipation, the iPhone 15 joined its ranks in September.
But if you’re anything like us, you might find yourself in a bind over whether to upgrade to the latest model or to save by opting for its older predecessor.
Making the decision harder this year is the fact that the newest model received plenty of worthwhile upgrades.
To help simplify that choice, we’ve compared both handsets, considering all aspects of their design and new specs to make the decision smoother sailing.
And if you’re looking for an in-depth breakdown, be sure to read our tech editor Sean Keach’s hands-on iPhone 14 review and iPhone 15 review.
You can also discover the best prices on all models in our roundup of the best iPhone deals to save on whichever model catches your eye.
Top Deal: iPhone 14
Black Friday may have passed, but there are still some great deals around, like the iPhone 14 with Unlimited data for just £36p/m from Buymobiles.
- Apple iPhone 14, Unlimited data, £36 per month,
£49£0 upfront on Three – buy here
Top Deal: iPhone 15
In another risidual Black Friday deal, you can quadruple your data on the iPhone 15 for just £39p/m and £19 upfront from Affordable Mobiles.
- Apple iPhone 15,
100GB400GB data, £39 per month, £19 upfront on Vodafone – buy here
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15: at a glance
Similarities:
On the face of it, the iPhone 14 and the flagship iPhone 15 appear almost identical, sharing plenty in common.
They are both base models for their generations, featuring a 6.1-inch Super Retina display. You’ll also find they share an identical 60Hz refresh rate, which is standard on all of Apple’s base handsets.
Both models feature an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, meaning the iPhone 14 and 15 can survive up to 30 minutes in 6 metres of water.
At first glance, you might not notice it, but the iPhone 15 boasts a softer bezel, which makes it more comfortable in the hand compared to its predecessors.
Differences:
Now, let’s dive into their differences, as the iPhone 15 comes with some major changes that will influence your decision on which of these iPhones is right for you.
The base model of the iPhone 15 boasts an impressive 48MP main camera lens, a significant upgrade from the 12MP lens featured in the iPhone 14.
But arguably the most significant differences between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 are the addition of the Dynamic Island and USB-C ports to all iPhone 15 models.
Our expert, Sean Keach, got a first look at the iPhone 15 on its release and found there’s a major design change that gives you the perfect reason to upgrade.
Other than that, there is the upgrade to the A16 Bionic chip on the iPhone 15, something only the iPhone 14 Pro models earned on the previous generation.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15: Camera
To get straight to the point, let’s dive into the focal feature of every iPhone: the camera.
The release of the iPhone 14 series in 2022 introduced significant upgrades, which remain as impressive today as they were then. Notably, the Pro models featured a 48MP camera.
Now, with the iPhone 15, the impressive 48MP camera has been extended to all models — a significant distinction between the two base models that’s worth considering.
Of course, if you’re eyeing that 48MP camera, you will find it more affordable on refurbed iPhone 14 Pro models- which our tech writer Matt Breen has a handy refurbished guide to.
But considering these two base models, there’s no denying that the iPhone 15 has the edge over the 14.
Thanks to the sophisticated A16 Bionic chip and Photonic Engine, the iPhone 15 can now produce 24MP stills, surpassing the 12MP capability of all iPhones beneath it until now.
Admittedly, the camera of the iPhone 15 is superior, but the camera of the iPhone 14 remains on par with the iPhone cameras we’ve experienced to date.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15: Design
There are only so many times Apple can reinvent the wheel, so the iPhone 15 will look and feel very familiar.
Both base models follow the same blueprint, with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and a 60Hz refresh rate.
That being said, the iPhone 15 does have a refreshed appearance and, if you look closely enough, is distinguishable from its predecessor.
Starting with the backs of the iPhones, although they appear identical, the iPhone 15 has a marginally larger camera bezel to accommodate the larger main camera.
Given this, you won’t be able to repurpose your old iPhone 14 case if you decide to upgrade.
On the flip side, the two models can be told apart instantly by the Dynamic Island – which was only included on the 14s Pro models and is now a welcome feature on all iPhone 15s.
The iPhone 15 also comes with slightly softened edges to make it more comfortable to handle, compared to the return of the clean-cut lines of the 14.
Read more on phone comparisons
- iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14
- iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 13 vs iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 6
- iPhone SE (2022) vs iPhone 11
- Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6 vs Google Pixel 7
- Samsung M13 vs A13
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15: Features
In terms of features, it’s clear Apple wanted to take things up a gear with the iPhone 15, and in many ways, the Dyanamic Island is the main testament to that.
Though controversial when it first appeared, like most innovations, it’s grown on users (myself included).
There’s no doubt it makes full use of the screen, displaying features such as music controls, Face ID unlocking, Apple Pay payments, and even incoming phone calls.
Aside from the changes Apple wanted to make, there were also changes it was forced to make, namely the retirement of the Lightning cable in favour of USB-C charging.
This change was one that the EU strong-armed Apple into, but while the Lightning port was beloved by many, the shift to USB-C means you’ll only need one cable to charge everything from your earbuds to your laptop and now, your iPhone.
Of course, these days, Apple doesn’t include chargers with its devices, so it’ll be an additional cost if you don’t already own a USB-C cable.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15: Battery
Apple’s batteries usually get a boost with each new generation, but the jump from the iPhone 14 to 15 isn’t a major one.
Under the hood of the iPhone 14, you’ll get a 3279mAh battery, while the iPhone 15 gets a modest 70mAh upgrade to 3349mAh.
While these stats may not hold much significance for most of us, they translate to approximately 24 hours of moderate use on the iPhone 15 and roughly 20 hours on the iPhone 14.
As ever, avoid relying solely on these numbers as a deciding factor. While they provide helpful insights, they are ballpark figures and may not always be as impressive in practice as they appear on paper.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15: Price
It’ll come as no surprise that the iPhone 15 comes at a premium. It is Apple’s current flagship priced at £799, and will hold that title until next September.
That’s good news for the former title holder, the iPhone 14, which has seen significant price drops since it was knocked off the top spot.
You’ll find both models on Amazon, with the iPhone 14 now an impressive £150 cheaper at £649.
- Apple iPhone 14 (2022), £649 (save 7%) – buy from Amazon
- Apple iPhone 15 (2023), £799 – buy from Amazon
If you’re looking for a pay-monthly plan, you’ll still find the iPhone 14 a more affordable pick, but the iPhone 15 is cheaper than you may expect, largely due to residual Black Friday deals (so act fast).
You can pick up the iPhone 14 with Unlimited data for just £36 per month on the Three network, with the upfront cost slashed to zero.
While the iPhone 15 can be picked up on the Vodafone network with 400GB data for £39 per month, and £19 to pay upfront – just a £3 disparity in the monthly tariff.
Here are all the retailers that offer both handsets:
- Affordable Mobiles
- Buymobiles
- Mobiles.co.uk
- Fonehouse
- Carphone Warehouse
- Mobile Phones Direct
- Vodafone
- Three
- Virgin
Should I buy an iPhone 14 or an iPhone 15: The verdict
Choosing between these two models is a tough call, as, while the iPhone 15 brings welcome upgrades, the iPhone 14 remains a solid choice.
Ultimately, it comes down to how useful the latest features of the iPhone 15 will be to you day-to-day.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you determine whether upgrading is the right choice for you, but here is what we suggest:
Choose the iPhone 14:
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- You want to keep the Lightning cable.
- You’re content with the notch.
Choose the iPhone 15:
- You want the Dynamic Island.
- You want a higher-spec camera.
- You want the new USB-C port.