The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A large phone with great battery life and good overall performance, offering a big-screen experience at a more affordable price.What's good
- Big display for entertainment
- Long battery life
- Affordable for its size
- Durable build
- Modern, repairable design
What's bad
- No high refresh rate
- Older chipset used
- Lacks always-on display
- Fingerprint-prone finish
- No telephoto camera
Design
Reviewers highlight the iPhone 14 Plus's design, emphasizing its similarity to previous models but in a larger format. "The iPhone 14 Plus is surprisingly light," notes one review, thanks to its aluminum build, which avoids the weight of stainless steel used in Pro models.
The flat edges make the phone comfortable to hold, and it retains the familiar notch at the top of the screen. Experts appreciate the vibrant color choices, which include blue and purple, though the glossy glass back tends to collect fingerprints easily.
This model offers a big-screen experience while being lighter than expected for its size. The Apple Ceramic Shield provides reliable scratch protection, and the phone is certified to withstand water and dust exposure, further enhancing its durability.
Display(s)
The iPhone 14 Plus houses a massive 6.7-inch screen that's perfect for those who enjoy immersive media experiences. This OLED display offers rich colors and clear details. Reviewers from Trusted Reviews note that it makes apps and games feel roomier and less cramped.
While it provides vibrant visuals, it maintains a 60Hz refresh rate, which some find outdated compared to modern standards. Yet, its HDR capabilities and True Tone technology ensure the screen is enjoyable to use daily.
An expert reviewer observed that the iPhone 14 Plus is ideal for consuming video and gaming content, stating, "The screen is just a much more comfortable size." This display ensures you'll see everything clearly, even in bright outdoor settings.
Performance
The phone runs on the A15 Bionic chip, the same used in the iPhone 13 Pro, ensuring excellent performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and more.
While not featuring the latest A16 chip, the A15 still handles everything with ease, making it a great option for general consumers seeking strong processing power.
"While this might be a shame for those who value specs above all, I don't think anyone will be disappointed with the performance in real-world use," experts suggest.
Software & Storage
The iPhone 14 Plus uses Apple's iOS 16, creating a user-friendly experience with its responsive design and intuitive layout. You’ll enjoy several updates, like a customizable lock screen and improved focus modes, enhancing your daily interactions.
Another perk of the iOS is its backward compatibility with existing apps and simple gestures for multitasking. You won't face a steep learning curve, which means adapting to the phone feels seamless.
As reviewers at Notebookcheck mentioned, the phone supports the latest updates, ensuring you stay connected to new features and functionalities as they roll out.
Cameras
The snapper array includes a 12MP main camera, which reviewers appreciate for its "crisp colors" and remarkable low-light prowess aided by the Photonic Engine, delivering detail and color even after dark. Users will enjoy its autofocus capabilities, especially for selfies, ensuring facial features remain sharp.
Although missing a telephoto lens, it excels in capturing wide scenes with its 12MP ultra-wide camera. Video enthusiasts will find Action Mode beneficial, providing steady video in shaky conditions but requiring ample lighting to yield clear footage.
Despite omissions compared to Pro models, like a telephoto lens or macro mode, the system produces excellent everyday shots and enjoyable video quality, marking it as a capable choice for photography lovers.
Battery
For the iPhone 14 Plus, Apple has placed a strong emphasis on enhanced battery life, marking it as the longest-lasting non-Pro iPhone to date. In everyday use, this phone easily stretches across two days, even with continuous app usage, gaming, and media streaming.
This feature greatly benefits anyone who values not having to frequently tether their device to a power outlet, a distinct upgrade over other models.
Charging also stays straightforward with options for various wireless solutions, although the provided charging speeds might feel sluggish compared to current standards, as highlighted by "Trusted Reviews." Just remember, a full 20W charge takes a little over 90 minutes using the official accessories.
Audio
The iPhone 14 Plus offers superior audio for both calls and entertainment, providing clear voice transmission and impressive sound output. Reviewers highlight the 'great' performance of the internal speakers, praising their ability to deliver clear mids and highs, significantly enhancing phone calls and audio playback.
With stereo speakers, the iPhone 14 Plus delivers sound that fills the room, making movies, games, and music a delight. Experts note the 'solid' stereo effect, ensuring you experience rich audio without distortion, even at higher volumes.
For everyday tasks like calls and multimedia, the enhanced audio quality on this iPhone ensures a rewarding experience. Whether you're chatting with a friend or diving into a movie, the audio clarity and depth transform your interaction with mobile content.
The Bottom Line
This phone provides a large 6.7-inch display, making it ideal for watching videos and playing games.
Despite not having a high refresh rate display, users can expect vibrant colors and a sharp picture.
Reviewers noted the phone's battery life which can easily last more than a day for most users. As TechAdvisor points out, "It is an unwieldy size compared to the much more pocketable iPhone 14, though the extra screen and battery are improvements that many will value."
Using last year's chip, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks. If you're a fan of big phones but want to avoid higher prices, this model offers a less costly option without many of the extras.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Leigh :) Stark, PickrWhile there are clear disadvantages for picking Apple’s less-pro big phone, there’s also a clear advantage: it’s a more affordable take on the current sizeable iPhone. Up until now, if you’ve wanted a big iPhone, you’ve had to spend much more. The big iPhones have almost always come with an advantag...
- Jason Cross, MacworldThe problem with the iPhone 14 Plus is its price. It’s a very good phone, a modest but welcome upgrade over the iPhone 13. But it doesn’t justify its $900 price tag, especially when it’s so closely priced to the Pro models that give you so much more.
- Kimberly Gedeon, Laptop MagThe iPhone 14 Plus is the standard 14’s better-looking twin with a swankier, larger display and more impressive battery life. But like its sibling, the gen-over-gen upgrades aren't particularly exciting.
- Vanshika Malhotra, BeebomThe iPhone 14 Plus offers an amazing battery life and a big display experience for under a lakh rupees, which by Apple standards is an excellent proposition. If you are looking to try out the iOS experience and get good performance, this one is a much better option. You do miss out on a newer chip,...
- DxOMarkThe Apple iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 share the same rear camera specs, as well the same chipset, so as expected, the results of the Apple iPhone 14 Plus camera were exactly the same as those of the Apple iPhone 14.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Apple iPhone 14 Plus prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Apple's suggested retail price is $899.00. You can compare iPhone 14 Plus prices from around the web here on The Informr.
Apple backs up the iPhone 14 Plus with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your iPhone 14 Plus has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Apple support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Apple's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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