- Prices start at $1,099
- The perfect size for most iPhone fans
- Prices start at $1,249
- Best choice for photos and videos
Apple’s base model iPhone 14 doesn’t feature a lot of noteworthy upgrades, but its larger sibling—the iPhone 14 Plus—does. This year Apple dropped the ‘mini’ model and opted for a larger alternative with more battery life and a higher price tag. But, who is for?
We evaluated the differences between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus and who benefits from each variation. Find your perfect iPhone 14, then check out the best deals from over a dozen different wireless carriers.iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus Summary
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iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus: Performance
Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus use last year’s A15 Bionic CPU, but they have slight upgrades over the base model iPhone 13. Just check out all the hardware these two models have in common.
- Apple A15 Bionic CPU with 5-core GPU and 6GB RAM
- Dual 12MP rear cameras and 12MP selfie cam
- 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Lightning port
- Fast charging, MagSafe and Qi wireless charging
- Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR 10, Dolby Vision, 800 nits display with Ceramic Shield
- Emergency SOS via satellite
Apple keeps the three 12MP camera sensors but adds autofocus to the selfie cam, Photonic Engine for improved image processing, and Action mode for exceptional stabilization while shooting video. The 5-core GPU supports these features and improves gaming performance.
One of the biggest feature upgrades to the iPhone 14 family is Emergency SOS via satellite. Through Apple’s innovations, this revolutionary feature enables the device to communicate with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites when the situation is dire and cell service is non-existent.
Winner: Tie
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus: Price and Value
The smaller iPhone 14 is cheaper than the iPhone 14 Plus by $150 across all storage options. Major networks like Bell, Rogers, and Telus will likely charge an extra $6.25 monthly on two-year contracts for the larger model. However, you’ll need to pay that $150 difference upfront with smaller carriers like Fido, Koodo, and Virgin Plus, as they only allow you to finance up to $800.
In our experience, the cheapest model of any smartphone—including the iPhone 13 mini and Samsung Galaxy S22—gets the biggest discounts on a two-year contract. The larger models—like the iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra—are unlikely to get such attractive offers. The iPhone 14 is our choice for the best value at launch, but expect pricing to get even better as carriers entice new customers with limited-time deals.
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus prices
| iPhone 14 | iPhone 14 Plus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | Outright | 2-year contract |
Outright | 2-year contract |
| 128GB | $1,099 | $45.79/month | $1,249 | $52.04/month |
| 256GB | $1,249 | $52.04/month | $1,399 | $58.29/month |
| 512GB | $1,519 | $63.29/month | $1,669 | $69.54/month |
While the standard iPhone 14 display isn’t a massive upgrade over the iPhone 13 model, the Always-On display and Dynamic Island features of the 14 Pro and Pro Max are exciting enough to give the 14 series the win here.
Winner: iPhone 14
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus: Size and Weight
Many Apple fans appreciated the pocket-sized iPhone 13 mini, but there weren’t enough sales to keep the profile alive. The smallest iPhone 14 model sports a 6.1-inch display, but it’s probably more compact than you realize. Anyone still using a classic iPhone model with the Home button should hold an iPhone 14 in their hand for a moment. At 2.82 inches wide, it’s about a quarter of an inch wider than the iPhone 8 and weighs just 16% more. That’s still compact and light enough to fit in your pocket.
Alternatively, the iPhone 14 Plus is over three inches wide and weighs over 200 grams, making it bigger and heavier than Samsung’s Galaxy S22+. Consider the perfectly-sized iPhone 14 unless you normally carry your phone in a purse or backpack.
Winner: iPhone 14
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus: Display
The iPhone 14 Plus offers a massive 6.7-inch display to those who enjoy the extra screen real estate. Apple fans will appreciate the display size without the need to break the bank on a pricey iPhone Pro Max. The standard 6.1-inch display on the base model iPhone 14 is good, but if you spend a lot of your phone time looking at photos and watching videos, it’s worth springing for the larger display.
Both models use the same display technology, including OLED, 800 nits max brightness (1200 nits with HDR), and True Tone display. The larger iPhone 14 Plus matches its smaller sibling in pixel density by using more pixels to fill the big screen. No matter which model you choose, the display is beautiful—but the bigger iPhone 14 Plus is our choice to watch the next bingeable Netflix series.
Winner: iPhone 14 Plus
Does the iPhone 14 support SIM cards in Canada?
Yes, the iPhone 14 models sold in Canada support physical SIM cards. In the U.S., Apple’s iPhone 14 lineup only supports eSIM—a software version of the SIM card. All international models—including iPhone 14 devices released in Canada—support a physical SIM card in addition to eSIM.
Adding a second phone line to your iPhone at home or abroad is possible when you subscribe to a carrier that supports eSIM. All iPhone 14 models released in Canada are carrier unlocked, letting you switch to a different carrier at any time and keep your phone number.
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus: Battery Life
By building the hardware and software in all iPhone models, Apple optimizes performance and battery life. Both models support 20W wired fast-charge, adding up to 50% battery life in about a half-hour. You can charge either model with a universal Qi wireless charger at up to 7.5W, but we recommend using a MagSafe charger which does the job 2x faster at 15W.
Despite consuming more power for a larger screen, the iPhone 14 Plus features one of the largest batteries ever used in an iPhone. It gets about 25% more battery life than the base model iPhone 14 when watching videos, streaming music, or gaming. With a big difference like that, picking a winner is easy.
Winner: iPhone 14 Plus
Recap: Should I Buy the iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus?
Canadians who want Apple’s most refined iPhone should choose the base model iPhone 14. While it’s not as compact as last year’s iPhone 13 mini or the low-cost iPhone SE, the diminutive dimensions of the iPhone 14 make it a pocket-friendly device. It also costs around $150 less than comparable iPhone 14 Plus models, and your savings may be even greater on two-year carrier contracts.
On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Plus is a great value for consumers who spend a lot of time watching videos. That extra-large display—and a bigger battery—once restricted to $1,500+ models, is now available for an affordable premium. The iPhone 14 Plus is the best model for the average consumer who keeps their phone in a purse or backpack..
Winner: Tie
What about the iPhone 14 Pro? The iPhone 14 Pro costs more, but it uses the A16 Bionic CPU. It supports ProRAW photos and ProRes video, and uses the Dynamic Island interactive element replacing the once pervasive “notch.” With the iPhone 14 Plus reducing the gap between the consumer-friendly model and the iPhone 14 Pro, you may consider upgrading if you prefer creating content more than viewing it.
Our methodology: Evaluating iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
When comparing the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, we reviewed price, size and weight, display, and battery life. We also considered other factors, including performance and features, but the two models tied in these categories. Finally, we considered the importance of all features in different usage scenarios, such as when consumers value an immersive experience over portability. WhistleOut watches the mobile market and will update these ratings as necessary.
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus: FAQ
When is the iPhone 14 Plus coming out?
The iPhone 14 Plus hits store shelves on October 7, 2022. Preorders began alongside the other iPhone 14 models on September 9. The iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are on sale as of September 16, 2022.
What’s the difference between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus?
The iPhone 14 costs less (about $150), weighs less, and fits in your pocket more easily than the iPhone 14 Plus. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Plus features a larger display and much longer battery life. Which one is right for you depends on your budget and phone use. Read our full comparison to learn which model is right for you.
What size is the iPhone 14 Plus?
The iPhone 14 Plus features a 6.7-inch display. Its dimensions are similar to the premium iPhone 14 Pro Max but 15% lighter. In almost every other way (but price), the iPhone 14 Plus offers the same features and performance as the base model iPhone 14.
Did Apple release an iPhone 14 mini?
No, there is no iPhone 14 mini this year. Apple was not impressed by sales of the iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini, so the company decided to make the 6.1-inch iPhone the cheapest model this year. A larger 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus joined the device lineup as well.
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