When Apple unveiled the iPhone 14 lineup, many were surprised to see the iPhone 14 Plus take the place of the mini model. Positioned alongside the iPhone 14 Pro, it begs the question which of these two is the better choice? Let’s break it down in a side-by-side look at the iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 14 Pro to help you figure out which one suits your needs best.
Design & Display: Size Isn’t Everything
At first glance, the iPhone 14 Plus and 14 Pro differ primarily in design materials and display technology. The 14 Plus comes with an aluminum frame, which makes it surprisingly lightweight for a phone of its size. It’s even lighter than the smaller 14 Pro, thanks to the Pro’s stainless steel build. Both have glass fronts and backs and feature IP68 water and dust resistance.
In terms of display, the iPhone 14 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the 14 Pro sticks with a smaller 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED but boasts ProMotion a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a higher peak brightness of 2000 nits. Not to mention the standout Dynamic Island, a new feature exclusive to the Pro series.
So, while the Plus offers more screen real estate, the Pro wins on display quality, smoothness, and brightness.
Performance: Is Newer Always Better?
Surprisingly, the iPhone 14 Plus carries the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 13 Pro models. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro houses the newer A16 Bionic chip, which is built on a 4nm process. The A16 offers modest performance improvements and better efficiency.
In benchmarks, the Pro edges out the Plus. But in everyday use browsing, social media, even gaming most users won’t notice a massive difference. Unless you’re editing videos or working with demanding apps, the A15 is still more than capable in 2025.
Camera System: A Clear Pro Victory
If photography is a top priority, the iPhone 14 Pro is the clear winner. It sports a triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, 12MP telephoto lens, and 12MP ultra-wide camera. You also get access to ProRAW, ProRes video recording, and a LiDAR scanner features targeted at creators and professionals.
In contrast, the 14 Plus uses a dual 12MP system one wide, one ultra-wide and lacks advanced features like telephoto zoom and LiDAR. Photos are still sharp, colorful, and very Apple-like, but not quite at the Pro level.
Battery Life: The Plus Has the Edge
Here’s where things get interesting. Apple touted the iPhone 14 Plus as having the longest battery life in any iPhone. And it’s not just marketing the Plus really holds up. Thanks to its larger size, less demanding 60Hz screen, and efficient chip, it delivers up to 100 hours of audio playback and 26 hours of video playback.
The 14 Pro offers 23 hours of video playback and 95 hours of audio still excellent but not quite as enduring as the Plus. The always-on display and higher refresh rate do take a toll, though disabling them can close the gap.
Software & Experience: Pro Gets More Features
Both devices run iOS 18 and support features like Face ID, Apple Pay, MagSafe, and satellite SOS. However, the Pro’s Dynamic Island is a more immersive notification and multitasking experience that adds to the premium feel. The Plus, while functional, doesn’t offer this.
Additionally, bugs and battery drain issues reported post-launch were more prevalent in the Pro models, likely due to early adoption of features like the Dynamic Island and always-on display. Though most issues have since been resolved, it shows that cutting-edge sometimes means cutting stability.
Pricing & Value
The iPhone 14 Plus comes in cheaper, starting at around $439 (as of mid-2025), compared to the 14 Pro’s $584. That’s a notable difference, especially for users who just want a large screen, great battery, and solid performance.
However, if your needs involve photography, display quality, or having the latest features, the Pro’s higher price might be justifiable.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy What?
- Choose the iPhone 14 Plus if you want:
- A larger screen for media consumption
- Longer battery life
- A lighter feel in hand
- A lower price point
- Go for the iPhone 14 Pro if you value:
- Superior camera quality
- Dynamic Island & 120Hz display
- The latest Apple silicon (A16)
- A more premium build and feel
At the end of the day, the choice between the iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 14 Pro comes down to your priorities. Power users, creatives, and those who want top-tier features will feel more at home with the Pro. Everyday users who prioritize screen size and battery life without breaking the bank will be perfectly happy with the Plus.
FAQs
Is the iPhone 14 Pro better than the 14 Plus?
Yeah, in terms of camera, display, and chip it’s got the edge. But it costs more too.
Does the 14 Plus have Dynamic Island?
Nope. That feature’s only on the Pro models.
Which one has better battery life?
The 14 Plus actually lasts longer fewer power-hungry features help it go the distance.
Is the camera difference really big?
If you’re into photos and video, yes. The Pro’s 48MP cam and extra lens make a big difference.
Are both phones the same size?
Not exactly. The 14 Plus is bigger, but the 14 Pro is a bit thicker and heavier because of its build.
Do they both support iOS 18?
Yep, they run the same iOS version just with a few more features on the Pro.
Follow Phoonomo to never miss an update