iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$622.00

Versus A$1,749.00 new

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iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$714.00

Versus A$1,399.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Pro, released in September 2022, and the iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, represent different approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 14 Pro offers a more compact form factor with advanced display technology and a versatile camera system, the iPhone 15 Plus provides a larger screen and extended battery life, inheriting the powerful processor from the previous year's Pro model. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 14 Pro was released in September 2022, making it a year older than the iPhone 15 Plus, which launched in September 2023. This difference means the iPhone 15 Plus will likely receive software updates for one year longer than the 14 Pro, extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest iOS features and security patches.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides 5-6 years of major iOS updates for its devices. Given their respective release dates, the iPhone 15 Plus is expected to maintain software compatibility for a longer duration.
  • Build and Repairability: Both models feature Ceramic Shield front covers for enhanced durability and are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, indicating good protection against environmental elements. The iPhone 14 Pro features a stainless steel frame, while the iPhone 15 Plus uses an aluminum frame with a color-infused glass back.

Release year

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus deliver robust performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, powered by the same advanced processor.

  • Processor Capabilities: Both devices are equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, which was first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro. This processor handles demanding apps, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive games smoothly, providing a responsive user experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 15 Plus generally offers significantly longer battery life, often lasting more than a full day of heavy use and sometimes extending to two days for moderate users. The iPhone 14 Pro provides reliable all-day battery life for most users, though very heavy usage might require an evening charge.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 14 Pro is available with storage capacities up to 1TB, offering more space for extensive media libraries and applications. The iPhone 15 Plus offers storage options up to 512GB.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant and clear, though there are distinct differences in display technology and size.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 14 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone 15 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both displays provide deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPhone 14 Pro includes ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content. The iPhone 15 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both models feature high peak brightness levels, reaching up to 2000 nits outdoors, ensuring good visibility even in direct sunlight. Both also incorporate the Dynamic Island, a dynamic area around the front camera that displays alerts and background activities.

Resolution

1179 x 2556

1290 x 2796

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems for capturing photos and videos, with some key distinctions in their hardware and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 Pro features a triple-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a dedicated 12MP 3x telephoto lens. The iPhone 15 Plus has a dual-camera system, featuring a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. It achieves a 2x optical-quality zoom by cropping the main sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The 48MP main sensors on both phones capture detailed images, with the iPhone 14 Pro offering more versatility due to its dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom at 3x. The iPhone 14 Pro also supports ProRes video recording, which is beneficial for professional video workflows. Both perform well in various lighting conditions, with improvements in low-light photography.
  • Front Camera and Video: Both devices include a 12MP front-facing camera with autofocus, suitable for selfies and video calls. Video recording quality is strong on both, with excellent stabilization.

Main camera

48 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two iPhone models.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 for modern wireless connectivity. A notable difference is the charging port: the iPhone 14 Pro uses the Lightning port, while the iPhone 15 Plus has transitioned to a USB-C port. The USB-C port on the 15 Plus operates at USB 2.0 speeds.
  • Build Materials and Handling: The iPhone 14 Pro features a stainless steel frame, contributing to its solid feel and slightly higher weight (206g). The iPhone 15 Plus uses an aluminum frame, making it lighter for its larger size (201g). Some users find the 14 Pro's weight noticeable.
  • Sensors and Security: Both models include Face ID for secure authentication and a range of sensors for various functionalities, such as a barometer, gyroscope, and ambient light sensor.

Weight

206 oz

201 oz

Screen size (in)

6,1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C (USB 2)

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus each offer compelling features tailored to different user preferences. Users often praise the iPhone 14 Pro for its compact size, advanced ProMotion display, and dedicated telephoto camera, making it a strong choice for those who value a premium visual experience and photographic versatility in a smaller form factor. Some users, however, note its weight and the battery life, which, while good, may not match the larger Plus models for extended heavy use.

The iPhone 15 Plus is frequently lauded for its expansive display and exceptional battery life, often cited as one of the best among iPhones. Its larger screen is ideal for media consumption and productivity, and the transition to USB-C is a welcome change for many. Criticisms sometimes point to the standard 60Hz refresh rate, which some users accustomed to higher refresh rates might notice.

Users prioritizing a smoother display experience and a dedicated telephoto camera in a more compact device may find the iPhone 14 Pro better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a larger screen, significantly longer battery life, and the convenience of USB-C connectivity will likely prefer the iPhone 15 Plus. Both devices represent robust choices, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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