At Wonderlust event 2023, Apple unveiled iPhone 15, succeeding iPhone 14, boasting improved battery life, enhanced cameras, and the A16 bionic chip, previously exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro & Pro Max. The base variant, iPhone 15, priced from $799 for the 128GB model, garners significant attention for its affordability compared to the “Pro” versions and its superior features over iPhone 14.
Like the iPhone 13 and 14, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 share most features and have almost the same design, except for the Dynamic Island and the all-new USB type C charging port. So, should you consider sticking to the iPhone 14 to save money or upgrading to the iPhone 15 to experience new features? Let’s compare the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: Specs
| iPhone 15 | iPhone 14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799 (128GB) | $699 (128GB) |
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Resolution | Super Retina XDR OLED (2556×1179) | Super Retina XDR OLED (2532×1170) |
| Processor | A16 Bionic chip | A15 Bionic chip |
| Rear Camera | 48MP main (f/1.6); 12MP ultrawide (f/2.4) | 12MP main (f/1.5); 12MP ultrawide (f/2.4) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth camera (f/1.9) with Autofocus | 12MP TrueDepth camera (f/1.9) with Autofocus |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours video playback | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Dimensions | 5.81 inches x 2.82 inches x 0.31 inch | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches |
| Weight | 171 grams | 172 grams |
| Available Colors | Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Black | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and (Product) Red |
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: Design
Apple typically maintains consistent iPhone designs, as seen with the iPhone 14 mirroring the iPhone 13’s build. However, the iPhone 15 introduces a notable change with its color-infused glass back. Apple highlights that the iPhone 15 marks the first instance of color being embedded within a single piece of durable glass.
Unlike the iPhone 14 series, the iPhone 15 features a pill-shaped Dynamic Island on its front, previously exclusive to Pro models. The device retains the Ceramic Shield for durability, as seen in its predecessor. Nevertheless, iPhones remain vulnerable to accidental damage from drops, necessitating the acquisition of top-tier iPhone 15 cases, akin to those safeguarding iPhone 14.
Another notable addition is the USB-C port, supplanting Apple’s Lightning port. However, the iPhone’s USB-C port comes with limitations, elaborated in the subsequent section.
On the rear, iPhone 15 shares the design of iPhone 14, featuring dual vertical stacked camera lenses. It comes in 5 colors: Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Black.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: Display
Once again, the non-pro iPhone model boasts a 6.1” Super Retina XDR display. iPhone 15’s display supports HDR with 1600 nits brightness, compared to iPhone 14’s peak brightness of 1200 nits.
Similar to the iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 offers the option for a larger display with iPhone 15 Plus, providing a 6.7” screen, akin to iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple has now transitioned from Notch to Dynamic Island with iPhone 15, previously exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro models.
Despite everything else, I still believe Apple should have opted for a higher refresh rate in the iPhone 15, as seen in the Pro models, rather than sticking to the 60Hz refresh rate.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: Cameras
Regarding cameras, the iPhone 15 offers significant upgrades compared to the iPhone 14. It incorporates the iPhone 14 Pro’s 48MP sensor with ƒ/1.6 aperture, alongside a 12MP ultra-wide snapper. Additionally, Apple has enhanced Night Mode, resulting in sharper details and more vibrant colors with the new camera sensor.
Furthermore, the iPhone 15 boasts improved detection of individuals within frames and provides richer depth information in photographs.
On the iPhone 15, the front camera matches that of the iPhone 14, except for Smart HDR 5 support.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: Performance
Prior to the iPhone 14, a new iPhone typically meant a new chipset. However, Apple altered this pattern, reserving the new chipset solely for Pro models. This trend continues with the iPhone 15 series; the iPhone 15 is equipped with an A16 Bionic chipset, mirroring the configuration found in the iPhone 14 Pro models.
The A16 Bionic boasts a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 16-core neural engine. Consequently, the performance gap between the iPhone 15 and 14 widens compared to previous years. In terms of performance, the iPhone 15 models should align with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max (albeit lacking features like high refresh rates and Pro camera technology).
Built on the 4nm architecture, the A16 Bionic chip outperforms the 5nm A15. Simply put, it utilizes more transistors in the same space, boosting performance and efficiency. Apple claims the A16 uses 20% less power than the A15, enhancing battery life.
The iPhone 14 packs ample power, but switching to the iPhone 15 offers ultimate performance.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: Battery Life and Charging
Planning to upgrade to iPhone 15 from iPhone 14? The biggest draw might be its USB-C port. Besides this change, battery life remains unchanged according to official specs. Yet, note that iPhone 15’s USB-C port supports USB 2 charging standard, offering equivalent speed to Lightning port. Charging speeds in iPhone 15 remain unaltered despite the USB-C port.
According to Apple, the iPhone 15 offers up to 24 hours of battery life, lasting a full day with moderate usage. The iPhone 14 provides 20 hours of video playback, 16 hours of streamed video, and 80 hours of audio playback. Apple has pledged the same battery life for the iPhone 15, indicating no change from the iPhone 14. We will conduct our standard battery tests upon receiving the iPhone 15 unit.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15: Pricing
Now, let’s delve into the crucial aspect of comparing iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 – pricing. The base variant of the iPhone 15, offering 128GB, starts at $799. In contrast, the iPhone 14 currently starts at $699, having launched at $799 last year. Therefore, the iPhone 15 is $100 more expensive than the iPhone 14.
iPhone 15 Vs iPhone 14: Bottom Line
The update from iPhone 14 to iPhone 15 is dramatic. Last year, we saw incremental changes from one Pro model to the next.
Apple has been generous with upgrades in the iPhone 15. The Dynamic Island, 48MP camera, improved chipset, and USB Type C port distinguish it from the iPhone 14. At the same launch price, there are no drawbacks compared to the outgoing model.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
