iPhone 14 pro versus 15 pro

By Brian, 25 September, 2023

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

Disclaimer: apologies if this is in the wrong forum.

When I first heard about the iPhone 15, it sounded absolutely amazing. For someone currently using an iPhone SE second generation model, the phone sounded like it would be a really wonderful upgrade. And I find myself in need of an upgrade, as my phone is old, and while it is in great aesthetic condition, it has definitely been through its paces. Since the release of iOS 17, there have been a plethora of posts here regarding all of the issues everyone has had with accessibility. I won't list them all here, but you all should have a pretty good idea of what I am referring to by now. I have also noticed people having issues with their brand new iPhone 15, which makes me a bit hesitant to upgrade to one myself.

I find myself with an opportunity to upgrade my iPhone to a 14 Pro. Obviously it is not the latest and greatest, but it is definitely an upgrade to my current iPhone. So my question is for anyone currently using an iPhone 14 or 14 Pro, how significant of a difference is the 14/14 pro to a 15/15 pro? Please note that I am not really asking how iOS 17 works between the two, but rather how the phones themselves are similar, and are different from one another. Obviously, the 14s will not have an action button, nor a USB-C port, but that is small potatoes in the long run.

Thanks in advance! 🥸

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Comments

By Andy Lane on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

The 14 pro will be quite a bit heavier, has sharper edges, will feel heavier when you are moving it around because the heaviest parts are the frame and thats right at the outside edge meaning the 14 has a lot of rotational inertia. The 14 pro obviously doesn’t have the action button, Battery will be similar, Processor will be similar although 15 pro is quicker. iPhones are so fast now that I wouldn’t expect to notice a difference in a single version. The processor is a 3NM fab which means it should be a little more efficient. The 15 Pro has a slightly brighter screen if that helps at all. The cameras are better on the 15 Pro and allow you to refocus the photo after you’ve taken it if it has people or animals in it, That might not be important to you. Basically I think you’ll be delighted with either but the 15 pro will obviously be a bit nicer. Oh I just remembered the 15 pro has a slightly nicer speaker but the 14 Pro’s speakers are excellent and will be a massive upgrade for you.

By Brian on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

Awesome. Exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. With regards to the refocus camera feature, that does not really concern me. As I have not had that up to this point, not having it moving forward would not really matter. Ha ha.
Regarding the screen brightness, that also does not really matter to me. Most of the time I keep screen curtain enabled, and I always, always, check the tick next to "reduce white point" in the display accessibility settings. I unfortunately have severe photophobia, so the less bright the screen, the better for my sanity. True story. Am absolutely in agreement with you that the 14 would be a very nice upgrade for me. Again, thank you much for your feedback. 🫡

By Andy Lane on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

14 Pro is muuuuch heavier, the 15 is really nice and lightweight, they have the same processor, obviously 15 loses LIDAR but so far I haven’t found a good use for the LiDAR. You’d obviously get USB C on the 15 which I’d rather get ASAp. 15 has a slightly better camera. All in all the 15 is pretty compelling.

By Brian on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

I simply have a chance to pick up a refurbished iPhone 14 pro. I was thinking more along the lines of saving money. The 14 pro I would be comfortable buying outright, whereas the 15 pro I would get as an upgrade through my cellular provider, thus raising my monthly phone bill.
Doable? Of course, but again, I was thinking along the lines of saving money. 🙂

By Andy Lane on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

The main argument is how much is it worth to get USB C and be future proof and have a noticeably lighter phone. Personally I think you’ll be absolutely delighted with the 14 Pro and just keep using the same Lightning cables you’ve been using for years.

By Brian on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

Yes, either way I am going to upgrade my iPhone. No question about that. I just had an opportunity present it self to me, and so I thought I would get some feedback here at AppleVis. 😀

By sockhopsinger on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

One reason to go 15 is that the overall trade-in value will be greater in the future should you decide to upgrade again in a year or two. I traded in my iPhone 13 for a 15 pro and got $370 at the Apple Store for the trade-in value. A 14 or other iteration of the 14 would obviously have gotten more, but the $370 helped me finish paying off my iPhone 13.

By Brian on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

My current iPhone SE second GEN is fully paid off. Wonder what I would get for a trade-in for it?

By sockhopsinger on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

You could probably Google it and get some idea.

By Saj on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

Well I have a 12 mini I’m just wondering if I would notice anything significantly different to the iPhone 15 pro and does that have lidar and because I use my Sennheiser Ambio headset to record, would I need to purchase the lightning to USB see adapter as well? as a scenario, if I went for the 15 pro, could I use my existing 20 W USB see adapter? i’ve had my 12 mini for a good three years now but just contemplating the idea of moving up to 15 pro.

By sockhopsinger on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

I imagine you could use any adapter that switches things from lightning to USB-c. As for the Ambeo smart headset, I too have it, and I suppose I will have to get one too. I actually hadn't considered that yet, so I am glad you posted this.

By MarkSarch on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

iPhone SE 2nd Generation is only worth $100 apple trade in value.
Brian I know that you going to upgrade for some refurbish device
I do not know how much is going to cost it
I live in US and I have
deep purple iPhone 14 Pro and
deep purple iPhone 14 Pro Max for sell both devices under apple warranty

By Brian on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

What are we asking on these purple pretties? Also, what is the difference between the Pro and the Pro Max?

By Andy Lane on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

There are 3 differences. Screen size, battery capacity and weight. I have the Pro Max but it’s a pretty chunky monkey. I like having the battery life but some might value lighter weight. The battery on the pro max really is incredible though, especially with screen curtain on. They are both great phones though.

By Brian on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 07:14

The weight may or may not be a deal breaker. I once had the opportunity to own a 13 Pro Max from a friend, but the catch was to be on her family plan. We both use the same provider, but I would rather not go that route.
Anywho, I recall the 13 Pro Max was a beast in my hands. Quite weighty. I suppose it's worth it though, if the battery is as good as you claim. 😃