iPhone 14 Canadian Review

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The iPhone 14 features improvements to several features—like a larger camera sensor, Action mode, a brighter display, and the A15 Bionic from the iPhone 13 Pro—make the iPhone 14 an improvement on its predecessor. Buyers can also expect all-day battery life to support the improved screen and cameras.

But is it worth the price tag? 

Read on to learn more about the iPhone 14 and whether it’s right for you.

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current deals

Telus and Rogers are each offering trade-in deals on the iPhone 14.

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Why We Recommend
the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro

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Anyone who owns a recent iPhone will recognize the look and feel of the iPhone 14 along with its strengths. What the iPhone 14 lacks in breakthrough features, it makes up for with simple, intuitive use and reliable performance.

What we like: Camera improvements

The camera system is one of the iPhone 14 lineup’s biggest advantages over its predecessors. Camera performance will improve in all settings thanks to the larger light sensors.

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus camera improvements

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus feature identical dual-camera systems. They include the main shooter from last year’s iPhone 13 Pro, which delivers excellent photos in all settings. You should see a big difference in low-light conditions thanks to the larger sensor letting in more light.

Camera improvements for all new iPhones

The standard iPhone 14 and Pro models feature new selfie cameras. In a world where TikTok and short-form video content are so prevalent, the selfie camera has become more important than ever. Apple is providing a better front-facing camera with a larger aperture for more detail, leading to fantastic photos and videos. 

Both series of new iPhones also include videography improvements. One of the coolest features is recording up to 30 fps in 4K with Cinematic mode, similar to what you see in professional films. This feature blurs the background or foreground for extra emphasis on your subject. Previously Cinematic mode was limited to 1080p. The introduction of Action mode will also be great for many customers. This mode, which you toggle on and off in the camera app, allows you to take videos with significantly less shakiness while recording things like athletic events, children, or hiking on a trail.

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max camera improvements

For the first time since the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus debuted in September of 2015, the new models feature an increased megapixel count for the primary sensor. Now sporting a 48MP shooter, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max can capture more detail than any other iPhone camera. Combining this new, larger main camera with a bigger and better ultra-wide lens provides Pro users with the tools necessary to capture everything from macro shots to landscape photos.

What we like: Battery life

Image credit: Apple

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have remarkable battery life, despite using the year-old A15 Bionic CPU. iPhone 14 users should comfortably get through a full day of use. Picking up the iPhone 14 Plus could get you almost two full days of use, thanks to the larger battery and the lack of a high refresh rate. However, you would need to avoid games, videos, and other battery-draining activities, 

Getting a new chip for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max means more efficiency, too. The A16 processor should help deliver all-day performance, relieving any battery anxiety you might have with an older phone. I was already comfortably getting a day’s worth of use from my iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max also has an impressive battery life, so I wouldn’t be shocked if the iPhone 14 Pro Max has the best battery on any smartphone. 

What we like: Display improvements

iPhones have had great displays for years, and that’s no different on this year’s models. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus offer a screen with1,200 nits of peak brightness. Likewise, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max can now reach up to 2,000 nits in outdoor conditions.

Always-On display

The biggest change, and arguably my favourite overall, is the Always-On display the iPhone 14 Pro models include. This feature allows your phone to dim itself and reduce the refresh rate from 120Hz to 1Hz, showing you important information on your Lock Screen without needing to unlock the device. Former Android users will immediately recognize and appreciate this feature.

What we like: iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island

There is a noticeable change on the front of the device: Apple introduced Dynamic Island. We’ll dive deeper into this below, but in short, this pill-shaped cutout replaces the notch. It then uses the OLED display to “shrink” and “enlarge” the look of the pill shape to show context-sensitive information like timers, music controls, and how far away your Uber is.

What stayed (mostly) the same: iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro design

If you’ve seen the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 before, then the iPhone 14 will look very familiar. It features the same sharp edges all the way around with a dual-camera system adorning the back. The camera bump on the new models is a bit larger, thanks to larger sensors inherited from the iPhone 13 Pro. Similarly, the new iPhone 14 Plus model looks identical to the iPhone 14, just bigger. Notably, the camera system on the Plus model is the same as the standard model, which looks a bit strange on the larger phone.

Apple’s Pro lineup is also reminiscent of previous models when viewing them from the back. The camera bumps are larger, thanks in part to the new 48MP main sensor, but the general look and feel are identical to that of the iPhone 13 Pro.

What we don't like: Processor differences

Processing power is where the first big difference between the regular and Pro models becomes apparent. Under the hood of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, you’ll find last year’s A15 Bionic chip. This CPU is still powerful and surpasses most Android models, but you won’t see big performance jumps unless you pick up the 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max with the brand-new A16 Bionic. Apple promises better power and efficiency with this chip, and we’re excited to test it against other phones on the market. We recommend picking up an unlimited data plan or 5G plan to get the most out of either processor’s capabilities while you’re on the go. 

iPhone 14 features

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Despite a slight lack of new performance features, the iPhone 14 lineup still has several noteworthy additions to the operating system, its safety technology, and introduces the Dynamic Island (Pro models only).

iOS 16

The iPhone 14 models come with Apple’s iOS 16. It includes a handful of small tweaks and refinements to stock apps like Apple Maps and Messages, but the biggest thing you’ll notice is the change to the Lock Screen. 

For years, iPhone users have had the same generic lock screen identical to everyone else’s beyond the wallpaper you chose. iOS 16 introduces more creative customization options, including colours and fonts for your date, time, and the newly added Lock Screen widgets. You can even set the time to appear behind objects with a cool depth effect. Setting the clock behind the wallpaper subject doesn’t require a portrait mode photo, thanks to Apple’s AI. 

One of the other key additions with iOS 16 is the ability to unsend and edit iMessages. There’s a time limit for how long these actions are available to prevent edited messages from becoming problematic. 

Emergency safety features

Apple included two new safety features that it, and we at WhistleOut, hope you never need to use. The first feature is crash detection—also available on Apple Watch Series 8—which uses a combination of your accelerometer, gyroscope, and other sensors to detect when a vehicular crash has occurred. Your iPhone will then contact emergency services on your behalf unless you indicate not to.

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro devices also have limited satellite connectivity. You can only use this feature to contact emergency services when you have no connection to a cellular or wireless network. Your device will guide you through connecting to the satellite before sending a text message to the nearest emergency service department. If the emergency department cannot receive text communications, Apple has relay centres with trained specialists to handle calls and get you assistance. 

Dynamic Island

The pill-shaped cutout rumours were true for the Pro lineup, but the functionality of this change is quite impressive. The iPhone keeps Face ID and the improved selfie camera inside this little cutout, allowing you to interact with your iPhone in brand-new ways. The area around the cameras adjusts black pixels to hide the cameras as much as possible while also showing you relevant information based on the apps you’re using at any given time. 

It looks really clean thanks to OLED pixels’ ability to turn off completely, and we’re excited to see how third-party app developers use Dynamic Island. Apps like Messages, Apple Music, and the stock Clock app will work with it to start.  

iPhone 14 vs. Competitors

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Customers looking to purchase a new flagship phone will find the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S22 among the most recommended devices. They’re both very capable devices that will fly through all your daily tasks. 

iPhone 14 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22

If you’re debating between the iPhone 14 and Samsung’s Galaxy S22, you may want to choose based on your current electronic “ecosystem.” The iPhone will work seamlessly with other Apple products like a Mac or iPad, while the S22 will pair well with other Samsung or Windows devices. 

Additionally, Apple’s display trails Samsung’s in the refresh rate department, running at a constant 60Hz compared to the 120Hz that the S22 can reach. However, the high refresh rate on the S22, and the iPhone’s optimized standby time, both contribute to it falling behind the iPhone 14 when comparing battery life. The cameras on both devices are also great. Apple dominates the theoretical top-end performance, but in regular use, both will fly. You can check out our full iPhone 14 and S22 comparison for a more in-depth breakdown.

iPhone 14 vs. Google Pixel 6

Similar to deciding between the iPhone 14 and the S22, your other electronics and previous phones will likely influence your decision. The iPhone 14 is the better overall device, but if you like Pixel devices and Android OS, then the Pixel 6 is a great option. It’s cheaper, provides solid performance, a clean stock Android experience, and some of the best cameras on any Android.

iPhone 14 model comparison

While the iPhone 14 offers minor improvements over the iPhone 13, let's explore the entire iPhone 14 model lineup so you can decide which iOS device is right for your needs. Like with previous generations, Apple splits its phones into two tiers: the base iPhone and the Pro series. But Apple dropped its pocket-friendly iPhone mini in favor of the new iPhone 14 Plus.

Both the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus share virtually the same specs. The main difference is the Plus's 6.7-inch display, up from the vanilla iPhone 14's 6.1-inch screen. Most folks will love the iPhone 14's high-quality camera, blazing-fast processor, and lovely display. For even more screen real estate without breaking the bank, the iPhone 14 Plus is a good compromise.

Stepping up to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max is where spec comparisons get interesting. The Pro and Pro Max feature the same respective 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes as their 14 and 14 Plus younger siblings. You'll enjoy a fast A16 Bionic processor, plus a Dynamic Island as a virtual notification and app control area for a notch-less design. There's also an always-on display, a 48MP camera, and a 1TB storage variant. We recommend the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max for enthusiasts like serious photographers, hardcore videographers, and mobile gamers.

recap: is the iPhone 14 worth it?

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If you’re currently using an iPhone 11 or older, then upgrading will make a lot of sense. Regardless of the model you pick, you get better battery life, better cameras, a better display, more safety features, and software updates for longer. The Pro models will be extra enticing with their top-tier cameras, displays, and the new Dynamic Island feature. 

Anyone with an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 may want to hold off on an upgrade, at least not until they are on sale. While the new devices are fantastic, they’re also expensive and won’t provide a massive leap in their capabilities for most people. Photographers who use their iPhone as their primary or secondary option are among the few who would get enough out of the iPhone 14s to make it worth their hard-earned cash. 

Here’s what you get from this product:

• Industry-leading battery life
• A high-quality display
• Reliable and intuitive cameras
• Amazing performance