iPhone 14 arrives with minor changes – it’s even powered by the same chip as its predecessor. But one new addition could save your life
What We Love
- Crash Detection Could Save Lives
- Satellite Texts Are Impressive
- Great Photos
- Epic Battery Life
- Tough, Drop-Resistant Design
What We Don’t
- Price Rise Very Unwelcome
- No 120Hz ProMotion Screen
- No Always-On Display
- Camera App Is Very Busy
- Same Chip As Last Year
iPhone 14
If you’re happy with your existing SIM-only deal, you can buy the iPhone 14 outright to pair with any SIM. iPhone 14 usually retails for £849, but we’ve rounded up the latest SIM-free prices
Honestly, the iPhone 14 is a bit of a mixed bag.
The newest iPhone enjoys some clever and possibly life-saving new features, including sending texts to emergency services when you don’t have any phone signal or are unconscious after a car crash. It’s also slightly more powerful than last year’s handset (we had no issues with the performance in our iPhone 13 review) and features improved rear and selfie cameras. Plus, there’s still some epic battery life and that tough Ceramic Shield technology to protect against broken screens.
However, looking through that list (and having an iPhone 14 in our pockets for this review) it’s clear that while these are all solid features …we can’t help feeling a little underwhelmed by this new handset.
The display on iPhone 14 remains stuck at 60Hz, which doesn’t offer the same buttery-smooth scrolling (and gaming) found on 120Hz high refresh-rate panels.
It also lacks any of the blockbuster upgrades found on the iPhone 14 Pro, which boasts a redesigned notch to supercharge multi-tasking, a new 48-megapixel camera, speedier A16 Bionic chip, a telephoto lens for lossless 3x zoom in your photos, and an always-on screen.
Six months after the initial launch, Apple has expanded the colourways to include a new yellow variant. For our money, this bright and friendly colour is a great new option. Yellow is exclusive to iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, with Pro users missing out on the sunshine shade.
Despite the smaller list of improvements for the iPhone 14 …it’s now more expensive than ever, with prices starting from a pretty hefty £849 for the standard 128GB model – that price rises to over £1,170 for anyone wanting the 512GB version. Ouch.
If you want this phone, you’ll need to make sure you hunt out the best iPhone 14 deals.
Don’t get us wrong, this is still a great smartphone that offers oodles of power, a tough design that’s built to last, and a fuss-free camera that snaps great images no matter how much of an amateur photographer you are. It’s just a shame that it feels identical to the (now much cheaper) iPhone 13. In fact, it even looks pretty similar to iPhone 12.
That said, having the iPhone 14 in your pocket might just save your life and that alone might be enough to convince you that you need to upgrade.
Get AirPods (3rd Gen) for FREE with iPhone 14
View Deal
Virgin Media is bundling free AirPods (3rd Gen) with any iPhone 14 model. Plans start from £33.50 for 2GB of 5G data, rising to £36.50 for 25GB
Stream endless Sky Go at no extra cost
View Deal
Stream endless TV shows, sports, and films from Sky Go without using any of your mobile data allowance with any iPhone 14 deal from Sky Mobile. Prices start from £26 for 100MB of 5G data, rising to £36 for 20GB
Get Prime Video and Apple Music for FREE
View Deal
When you order an iPhone 14 from O2, you’ll get six months of Apple Music at no cost, and six months of your choice of Prime Video, Disney+ or Audible. You’ll also get access to O2 Priority for early-bird ticket sales and EU roaming for free! Prices start from £46.73 for 30GB of 5G data
JUMP TO…
iPhone 14 review
iPhone 14 might not have the longest list of all-new features, but is it still a worthy upgrade for those with a much older iPhone in their pockets? And with an exciting new yellow colour option released six months after the initial iPhone 14 launch date, there’s never been a better time to upgrade to this new Apple handset.
We’ve put the iPhone 14 through its paces to determine whether it’s worthy of your time (and hard-earned money). Scroll down for our full iPhone 14 review, or click the links to jump to a specific section to read about specific features.
• Check out the best iPhone 14 deals
It’s worth noting that this review is only for the iPhone 14.
The new iPhone 14 Plus boasts an expansive 6.7-inch screen and the longest battery life. If you’re interested in that phone, check out our in-depth iPhone 14 Plus review. And of course, if you’re looking to compare the iPhone 14 with the pricier Pro phones, our iPhone 14 Pro Max review has everything you need to know about the priciest variant available in the Apple Store.
Design and Display
If you were hoping for a major design refresh this time around, you are going to be disappointed. The iPhone 14 looks identical to the iPhone 13 (it’s also pretty similar to the iPhone 12 for that matter…) with the same flat edges, toughened Ceramic Shield glass, and a dual-lens camera that sits in a diagonal pattern on the rear case.
There is a slight refresh to the choice of colours – the subtle glossy Blue model we’ve been testing looks really nice – but that’s about it.
The standard iPhone gets a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR screen which looks just as good as before with colours appearing punchy and bright. Blacks are also rich and you’ll have no issues enjoying a Netflix binge or watching movies on disney+.
If that display sounds a bit diddy for your needs don’t panic. A 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus version is launching next month so it might be worth waiting for that launch before investing.
It really feels like this should have been the year, the entry-level iPhone enjoyed the same 120Hz display found on the Pro lineup
This is a solid screen that’s also covered in Apple’s Ceramic Shield technology which makes it less likely to smash if you drop it on the floor.
Our only real gripe with the iPhone 14 is that it really feels like this should have been the year it got a 120Hz display. The iPhone 14 Pro and almost all Android phones in this premium price range now feature that speedy technology which makes scrolling feel much smoother and completely stutter-free.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the look and feel of the iPhone 14 but it doesn’t move things on from last year and that’s a real shame.
Speed and Battery Life
Just like the design, the iPhone’s power is also very similar to its predecessor. Unlike the new Pro models, which now get Apple’s latest A16 Bionic chip, the standard iPhone 14 uses last year’s A15 Bionic processor.
This is a pretty unusual decision from the US tech giant as its most recent launches have all seen its best and newest chip being placed inside every model of its latest iPhones. For example, the iPhone 12 range all got the A14 processor and every device in the iPhone 13 lineup received the A15 brain. That’s not the case in 2022 and if you want the fastest iPhone on the market you’re going to need to splash out and go Pro.
Luckily, it’s not all disappointing news for those wanting the cheaper option with the iPhone 14 getting a slight boost thanks to an updated 5-core GPU that enables smoother graphics for video apps and better gaming.
That’s actually the very same brain that powers the iPhone 13 Pro Max and we’ve had no complaints with that device over the past year. As a reminder, the iPhone 13 also relied upon the A15 Bionic chipset, but one of the GPU cores was disabled making it ever-so-slightly less powerful than the new iPhone 14.
It’s a terrible shame that this new flagship isn’t getting the latest and greatest A16 Bionic chip. That said, the iPhone 14 is still hugely powerful and we doubt you’ll find anything this handset can’t cope with.
If battery life is your main concern then there’s good news with Apple’s latest phones easily getting you through a day and beyond.
We’ve had no issues while testing the iPhone 14 for this review, although it’s worth noting that iPhone 14 Plus has much, much longer battery life. For anyone who wants as many stress-free hours away from the plug as possible, that’s the model to choose.
Life-Saving New Features
Although the design and processor haven’t changed there are some new hidden features that you won’t find on the iPhone 13.
Tucked under the shell is new satellite technology which lets you send texts even when there’s no mobile signal. This could really help those in far-flung places keep in touch. It’s only available in the United States and Canada at launch but with any luck, more countries worldwide will be added to the list.
The iPhone 14 also gets Crash Detection. This feature alerts the emergency services after an accident and even sends an exact GPS location so you can be found quickly.
Apple has explained that this function works via sensors in the phone that can feel forces felt during a smash with the device instantly kicking in and sending directions to your location.
Thankfully we’ve not tried Crash Detection and hope we never need to but it could genuinely save your life.
The New Camera
Although there’s no huge change when it comes to performance, users should expect much better images when shooting photos and videos on iPhone 14.
Apple has fitted its new handsets with a dual-camera system made up of an ultra-wide lens and a new 12-megapixel main camera with f/1.5 aperture and sensor-based stabilisation. That tech enables something called Action Mode, which smoothes out your video footage as you jog or sprint …like using an accessory like a gimbal or an action-focused camera, like GoPro.
Pictures we’ve shot on the device look pin-sharp and packed with detail and things are also improved when taking photos in low light with the new lens offering much better night photography.
Along with the main camera getting a boost, the Ultra-wide option is also now more capable and anyone who loves a selfie will also be pleased to hear that Apple has fitted a new 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera, which boasts autofocus (a first for the front-facing camera in any iPhone) and the Deep Fusion image processing system for the first time. Photos of your face will never look so good!
Extras
As you’d expect, the iPhone 14 range gets fast wired charging and support for MagSafe, which lets you magnetically snap wireless chargers, car mounts, and cases to the back of the handset. This was introduced with the iPhone 12 and remains in the iPhone 14, so any existing accessories should work just fine.
iPhone 14 packs loud stereo speakers, Face ID facial recognition for speedy unlocking and authenticating contactless payments via Apple Pay, and there are fast 5G data downloads which will whizz movies to the screen at speeds in excess of 300Mbps.
It also comes with iOS 16 preinstalled with this latest operating system bringing new features such as a refreshed Lock Screen, editable messages and improved health functionality.
Price and Availability
Buying the latest iPhone has never been cheap, but this year, prices are hitting new highs for those who fancy an upgrade.
If you want to pocket the standard iPhone 14 outright, you’ll need to £849, while the forthcoming iPhone 14 Plus starts from £949. Both of these entry-level phones ship with just 128GB of non-expandable storage, which will fill up pretty fast …especially if you’re planning on filming 4K Ultra HD and Cinematic Mode videos with your new handset.
Both of these prices are an increase compared to last year. Coupled with the fact there’s no successor to the iPhone 13 Mini, which started at a lower price than the standard 6.1-inch phone, and you’ll need to really dig-deep in your current account…
Apple is offering some incentives to ease the pain, including money off when you trade-in an older iPhone and the option to pay off the cost via interest-free monthly instalments over the next few months (or years). That’s sure to things a little more affordable, but there’s still no hiding that these are very pricey devices. UK mobile carriers have also launched their best iPhone 14 deals, with freebies including six months of Apple Music and Prime Video to try to incentivise upgrades.
It’s worth noting that both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 remain on sale from Apple – and at a new reduced cost too. These handsets are definitely worth considering as they now look like a real bargain in comparison to the iPhone 14. You can read our iPhone 13 review and iPhone 12 review for everything you need to know about these phones.
Get AirPods (3rd Gen) for FREE with iPhone 14
View Deal
Virgin Media is bundling free AirPods (3rd Gen) with any iPhone 14 model. Plans start from £33.50 for 2GB of 5G data, rising to £36.50 for 25GB
Stream endless Sky Go at no extra cost
View Deal
Stream endless TV shows, sports, and films from Sky Go without using any of your mobile data allowance with any iPhone 14 deal from Sky Mobile. Prices start from £26 for 100MB of 5G data, rising to £36 for 20GB
Get Prime Video and Apple Music for FREE
View Deal
When you order an iPhone 14 from O2, you’ll get six months of Apple Music at no cost, and six months of your choice of Prime Video, Disney+ or Audible. You’ll also get access to O2 Priority for early-bird ticket sales and EU roaming for free! Prices start from £46.73 for 30GB of 5G data
Final Verdict
There’s no doubt, iPhone 14 is a solid smartphone. It arrives with the same incredible fit-and-finish that we’re accustomed to from Apple, dependable software with no glitches or crashes in sight to mar our experience, a solid point-and-shoot camera, and superb battery life.
It could also literally save your life.
Apple’s new Crash Detection feature, which monitors G-force and input from the microphone to determine if you’ve been in a collision and aren’t responding, is a brilliant addition that, with any luck, you’ll never use in the lifetime of the device. Likewise, the ability to send messages when there’s no phone signal using satellites overhead is a clever solution that could save the lives of stranded hikers.
However, it’s not the sort of thing you’ll use on a regular basis. Instead, it’s like a really comprehensive insurance policy.
Under the bonnet, iPhone is powered by the same A15 processor we praised in our iPhone 13 Pro review. That’s a little disappointing since we’ve become accustomed to Apple trotting out a speedy, shiny new chipset for each new generation of its best-selling smartphone.
That said, iPhone 14 boasts some pretty epic battery life, a decent rear camera system, and is protected in tough Ceramic Sheild glass, which can withstand a couple of accidental dings and drops. iPhone 14 is also compatible with Apple’s MagSafe charging system, which also uses magnets to snap accessories like phone holders and wallets to the back of the handset. Speedy 5G is also supported, provided that you’ve got a compatible SIM tucked inside.
This is all good stuff …but it’s nothing we haven’t seen many times before, not least with the iPhone 13 last year.
All in all, there’s a lot like with the latest iPhone, but we also can’t help feeling a bit disappointed with this very minor update to the iPhone 13.
iPhone 14 won’t let you down, but it’s not quite the upgrade we were hoping for this year
It’s been a few years since Apple debuted its sleek, modern, flat-edged design. While the iPhone 12 felt like a breath of fresh air when it arrived on shelves worldwide, that’s no longer the case. Coupled with the fact that Apple has reused the same A15 processor as last year, and the iPhone 14 starts to feel very familiar.
In 2022, we really wanted to see a new design from the crack team inside Apple, or the arrival of the buttery-smooth 120Hz ProMotion display technology found on the Pro models. Unfortunately, none of that materialised.
To make matters worse, the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro is brimming with some exciting new upgrades, including an interactive redesigned notch (known as the Dynamic Island) and an always-on display.
Apple has increased prices alongside the launch of iPhone 14, which makes this new arrival feel pretty expensive, especially when compared to the cheaper iPhone 13 and more affordable iPhone 12. The iPhone 14 certainly won’t let you down but it’s not quite the upgrade we were hoping for this year.
FREE AirPods with iPhone 14 @ Virgin Mobile
£36.50 View Deal
For a limited time, get a pair of AirPods (3rd Gen) bundled with your iPhone 14. On top of that, Virgin Media O2 doesn’t charge extra to use your texts, calls, or 5G abroad in Europe
5G: Yes | Mobile data allowance: 25GB | Free EU roaming: Yes | Upfront cost: £0 | Contract length: 24 months for mobile plan, 36 months for device | Total cost: £1,218
Stream endless Sky Go with iPhone 14 @ Sky Mobile
£36 View Deal
Sky Go, Sky Sports, and Sky News will never count towards your monthly 5G data allowance with Sky Mobile, so you can stream endless TV shows, sports, and movies at no extra cost
5G: Yes | Mobile data allowance: 20GB | Free EU roaming: No | Upfront cost: £0 | Contract length: 24 months for mobile plan, 36 months for device | Total cost: £1,176
Get Prime Video FREE with iPhone 14 @ O2
£46.73 View Deal
O2 will bundle Apple Music for free for six months and a choice of either Prime Video, Disney Plus, or Audible for six months too! O2 doesn’t charge EU roaming fees
5G: Yes | Mobile data allowance: 30GB | Free EU roaming: Yes | Upfront cost: £30 | Contract length: 24 months for mobile plan, 36 months for device | Total cost: £1,412.4
Get FREE 5G data with iPhone 14 @ Three
£24.14 View Deal
For a limited time, Three will waive the cost of your text messages, calls, and 5G data for the first 3 months of any iPhone 14 deal. You’ll also get access to Three+ for discounted cinema tickets, free food and drink!
5G: Yes | Mobile data allowance: 30GB | Free EU roaming: No | Upfront cost: £45 | Contract length: 24 months | Total cost: £1,313.04
iPhone 14 @ EE
£55 View Deal
EE boasts one of the most reliable, widespread, and fastest 4G and 5G networks available in the UK. Expect downloads to your handset at 100Mbps …for comparison, the average home broadband speed in the UK currently sits at 70Mbps
5G: Yes | Mobile data allowance: 25GB | Free EU roaming: No | Upfront cost: £50 | Contract length: 24 months | Total cost: £1,370
iPhone 14 @ Vodafone
£48 View Deal
Vodafone is the only network that will buy back your iPhone 14 for a guaranteed price if you want to upgrade next year (with at least £439 available). It also offers a free battery replacement within the first three years!
5G: Yes | Mobile data allowance: 25GB | Free EU roaming: No | Upfront cost: £19 | Contract length: 24 months for mobile plan, 36 months for device | Total cost: £1,435
MORE LIKE THIS
- Best iPhone 14 deals
- Best iPhone 14 Pro deals
- Best iPhone 13 deals
- Best iPhone 12 deals
- iPhone 14 Pro review
- iPhone 13 review
- iPhone 13 Pro review
- iPhone 12 review
- Best iPhone
Source: Read Full Article