The Apple iPhone 14 Plus arrives as a curious yet compelling addition to the 2022 iPhone lineup. Positioned between the standard iPhone 14 and the Pro models, it offers a larger display without the premium price tag of the Pro Max. For those who crave screen real estate but don’t necessarily need the advanced camera systems or ProMotion displays, the iPhone 14 Plus presents a balanced proposition. Let’s dive into what makes this phone stand out—and where it might leave some users wanting more.

Design and Build

At first glance, the iPhone 14 Plus looks nearly identical to its predecessor, the iPhone 13. Apple has stuck with the same flat-edged design, aluminum frame, and glossy glass back. It’s a familiar aesthetic, but one that still feels premium. The Plus model, however, is where the size difference becomes apparent. With a 6.7-inch display, it matches the physical dimensions of the iPhone 14 Pro Max but lacks the heft due to its lighter aluminum construction. The weight distribution is excellent, making it easier to hold for extended periods compared to the stainless-steel-clad Pro models.

The color options are typical Apple: muted yet sophisticated. You can choose from Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and (PRODUCT)RED. The IP68 rating for water and dust resistance remains, ensuring durability against accidental spills or dunks. One minor gripe is the continued use of the Lightning port instead of USB-C, which feels increasingly outdated in a world moving toward universal charging standards.

Display Quality

The Super Retina XDR OLED panel on the iPhone 14 Plus is a joy to behold. With a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels and a pixel density of 458 PPI, everything from text to videos appears crisp and vibrant. Brightness peaks at 1200 nits for HDR content, making it easy to view even under direct sunlight. However, the lack of ProMotion is noticeable. While the 60Hz refresh rate is smooth enough for everyday tasks, those accustomed to 120Hz displays on Android rivals or even Apple’s Pro models might find it a step down.

Color accuracy is impeccable, as expected from Apple, and True Tone adjusts the white balance to match ambient lighting. The Ceramic Shield front cover adds durability, though a screen protector is still advisable for peace of mind. The larger display makes multitasking more enjoyable, whether you’re splitting apps in Slide Over or watching movies.

Performance and Software

Powering the iPhone 14 Plus is the A15 Bionic chip—the same as the iPhone 13 Pro series. While it’s not the latest A16 found in the iPhone 14 Pro models, the A15 remains a powerhouse. Daily tasks, from browsing to photo editing, are handled with effortless speed. Graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact run smoothly at high settings, though the phone can get warm during extended sessions.

iOS 16 runs flawlessly, offering a seamless experience with thoughtful features like customizable Lock Screens and improved Focus modes. The lack of bloatware and Apple’s commitment to long-term software updates ensure this phone will stay relevant for years. Battery life is a standout here: the larger chassis accommodates a bigger battery, and combined with the efficiency of the A15, the iPhone 14 Plus easily lasts a full day—even for heavy users.

Camera System

The dual-camera setup on the iPhone 14 Plus consists of a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The lack of a telephoto lens is disappointing, especially at this price point, but the cameras still deliver excellent results. Daylight photos are sharp with accurate colors and dynamic range. Night mode has improved, though it still lags behind Google’s Night Sight in extreme low-light scenarios.

New this year is the Photonic Engine, which enhances mid- to low-light performance by processing images earlier in the pipeline. The result is better detail and less noise in dimly lit shots. Video recording remains best-in-class, with Cinematic mode now supporting 4K at 24fps. The front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera also benefits from the Photonic Engine, producing flattering selfies even in challenging lighting.

Battery and Charging

Apple claims the iPhone 14 Plus offers the best battery life of any iPhone to date, and real-world usage supports this. Streaming video, scrolling through social media, and even gaming are handled with ease, often leaving 30-40% battery by bedtime. Charging speeds, however, are unchanged: 20W wired charging gets you to 50% in about 30 minutes, while MagSafe wireless charging caps at 15W. A full charge takes nearly two hours, which feels sluggish compared to Android flagships with 65W+ charging.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 14 Plus is a niche device, but one that fills its role well. It’s ideal for users who prioritize screen size and battery life over cutting-edge cameras or high refresh rates. The A15 Bionic ensures top-tier performance, and iOS 16 adds meaningful software enhancements. That said, the lack of ProMotion and a telephoto lens might deter power users. If you’re coming from an older iPhone or value a large display without the Pro Max price, the iPhone 14 Plus is a solid choice. Otherwise, the iPhone 14 Pro models offer more for the money.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2778 x 1284 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate

Chipset: A15 Bionic (5nm)

RAM: 6GB

Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.5), 12MP ultra-wide (ƒ/2.4)

Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth (ƒ/1.9)

Battery: 4,325mAh (estimated), 20W wired charging, 15W MagSafe

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Lightning port

Durability: IP68 water/dust resistance, Ceramic Shield front

Operating System: iOS 16 (upgradable)

Colors: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED