iPhone 14 Plus review Key Takeaways
The smartphone market has long offered a trade-off: the biggest, brightest screens usually came with the biggest, brightest prices.
- The iPhone 14 Plus offers the largest display in Apple’s non-Pro lineup, ideal for media consumption and productivity.
- Battery life is among the best of any iPhone, lasting well over a full day of mixed use.
- While it lacks a telephoto lens and ProMotion, its value argument holds up well against the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Android competitors.
Why the iPhone 14 Plus Review Matters for Big-Screen Seekers
The smartphone market has long offered a trade-off: the biggest, brightest screens usually came with the biggest, brightest prices. Apple’s decision to offer a 6.7-inch display in a non-Pro chassis changes that equation. In this iPhone 14 Plus review, we examine whether the compromises — no telephoto lens, a 60Hz display, and last year’s chip — are worth the savings. For many users, the answer is a clear yes. For a related guide, see iPhone 15 Pro Max Review: 3 Smart Reasons to Upgrade Now.
Design and Display: The Big Screen Budget iPhone Experience
Holding the iPhone 14 Plus feels remarkably similar to holding the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It shares the same flat-edged aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, and IP68 water resistance. At 7.8mm thick and 203 grams, it is lighter than the Pro Max, which is noticeable over long sessions. The real story, however, is the display.
6.7-Inch Super Retina XDR Display
The OLED panel delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent brightness — up to 800 nits typical and 1200 nits peak HDR. Watching movies, editing photos, or reading documents feels spacious and immersive. The only missing feature is ProMotion’s 120Hz refresh rate, but for most video content and daily scrolling, the 60Hz panel remains fluid and responsive. If you are not a heavy gamer or a pro user who notices every frame, you will likely find this big screen budget iPhone perfectly smooth.
Performance and Camera: Capable, Not Cutting-Edge
Under the hood, the A15 Bionic chip runs most tasks without breaking a sweat. While it’s not the latest A16, it still outperforms many Android flagships on the market. Day-to-day usage — social media, streaming, navigation, light video editing — feels snappy.
Dual-Camera System in Real-World Use
The 12MP wide and ultra-wide cameras capture detailed, color-accurate shots in good light. Apple’s Photonic Engine improves low-light performance, and the 12MP front camera now includes autofocus, making selfies sharper. The lack of a telephoto lens means no optical zoom beyond 2x, but digital zoom up to 5x is acceptable for casual use. For most users, this camera system delivers excellent photos and 4K video without the complexity of a triple-lens setup.
Battery Life Assessment: A Full-Day Powerhouse
Battery life is where the iPhone 14 Plus truly surprises. Its large chassis accommodates a bigger battery, and the A15’s efficiency — combined with the 60Hz display — stretches that capacity further. In our test, the phone consistently reached 7–8 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage, easily lasting from morning to bedtime. Heavy users will still need a top-up by evening, but moderate users can comfortably get two days on a single charge.
Value Proposition Comparison: iPhone 14 Plus vs. The Alternatives
When comparing the iPhone 14 Plus review against its siblings and rivals, the value proposition becomes clear. The iPhone 14 Pro Max adds a telephoto lens, ProMotion, and an always-on display, but costs about $200 more. The iPhone 14 standard model has the same features in a smaller body. Android competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S23+ offer similar screen sizes and high refresh rates, but Apple’s ecosystem — iMessage, FaceTime, seamless integration with other Apple devices — remains a strong differentiator. For a related guide, see iPhone 16e Review: 5 Smart Reasons to Buy or Avoid.
| Model | Display Size | Refresh Rate | Chip | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Plus | 6.7″ OLED | 60Hz | A15 Bionic | $899 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 6.7″ OLED | 120Hz (ProMotion) | A16 Bionic | $1,099 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23+ | 6.6″ AMOLED | 120Hz | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | $999 |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | 6.7″ OLED | 120Hz | Google Tensor G2 | $899 |
3 Smart Reasons to Choose the iPhone 14 Plus Today
Based on our iPhone 14 Plus review, here are three compelling arguments for this model:
- Screen size without the Pro tax. You get the same 6.7-inch display real estate as the Pro Max for a substantially lower price. Perfect for binge-watching, reading, and multitasking.
- Exceptional battery life. The combination of a large battery and efficient chip means you rarely think about charging. For travelers or heavy users, this alone justifies the purchase.
- Solid performance that lasts. The A15 chip has proven itself across two generations of iPhones and will receive software updates for years. You are buying a phone that will stay fast and secure through 2027 or longer.
Useful Resources
For more authoritative data and comparisons, we recommend checking Apple’s official iPhone 14 Plus specifications page for the most accurate hardware details. Additionally, GSMArena’s in-depth review offers extensive real-world battery tests and camera samples that complement our findings.
Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone 14 Plus review
Is the iPhone 14 Plus worth buying in 2025?
Yes, especially if you prioritize a large screen and long battery life over the latest processor or ProMotion display. It remains a strong value in 2025, as Apple continues to support it with software updates.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus have a 120Hz display?
No. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 60Hz OLED display. Only the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max feature ProMotion with a 120Hz refresh rate.
What is the battery capacity of the iPhone 14 Plus?
Apple does not officially disclose mAh, but teardown reports indicate a 4325 mAh battery, which is one of the largest in any iPhone model.
Is the iPhone 14 Plus waterproof?
It is water-resistant to IP68 standards, meaning it can withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. However, Apple recommends avoiding intentional exposure to water.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus support MagSafe?
Yes. It has a built-in array of magnets for MagSafe accessories, including wireless chargers, cases, and wallets.
How does the iPhone 14 Plus camera compare to the Pro Max?
The iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system (wide + ultra-wide) without a telephoto lens, while the Pro Max adds a third telephoto camera. Low-light performance is slightly better on the Pro Max due to the A16 chip and larger sensor.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus have a SIM tray?
In the United States, the iPhone 14 Plus uses eSIM only and does not have a physical SIM tray. In most other countries, a physical SIM tray is included.
What chip does the iPhone 14 Plus use?
It uses the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 Pro lineup. It is a 5-nanometer chip with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU.
How much storage does the iPhone 14 Plus come with?
It is available in three storage configurations: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. There is no 1TB option.
Is the iPhone 14 Plus heavier than the iPhone 14?
Yes. The iPhone 14 Plus weighs 203 grams, while the iPhone 14 weighs 172 grams. The added weight comes from the larger battery and display assembly.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus support 5G?
Yes, it supports sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G in the United States, as well as 5G NR bands used globally. It is fully compatible with current 5G networks.
Can the iPhone 14 Plus charge wirelessly?
Yes, it supports Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W and MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W.
What colors is the iPhone 14 Plus available in?
It is available in Midnight, Starlight, Purple, Product(RED), Blue, and Yellow.
Is the iPhone 14 Plus good for gaming?
Yes. The A15 Bionic handles most games at high settings without issue. However, the 60Hz display means you will not get the same fluidity as 120Hz screens on Pro models or many Android competitors.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus come with a charger in the box?
No. Apple stopped including a charger or EarPods with new iPhones. The box contains only the iPhone, a USB-C to Lightning cable, and documentation.
How long will the iPhone 14 Plus receive software updates?
Apple typically provides five to six years of iOS updates. The iPhone 14 Plus will likely receive updates until at least 2028.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus have a headphone jack?
No. Like all recent iPhones, it does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users need Lightning or Bluetooth headphones.
Is the iPhone 14 Plus worth upgrading from the iPhone 12?
If you want a significantly larger display and better battery life, yes. The leap from the iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch screen to 6.7 inches is dramatic, and performance improvements are noticeable.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus have a LiDAR scanner?
No. LiDAR is exclusive to the iPhone Pro models. The iPhone 14 Plus relies on standard phase-detection autofocus.
What is the official release date of the iPhone 14 Plus?
The iPhone 14 Plus was released on October 7, 2022, alongside the iPhone 14 lineup. It remains available new through various retailers.
