With the iPhone 16 now on store shelves, the spotlight has shifted to Apple’s latest smartphone, but that doesn’t mean the older models are obsolete. The iPhone 14 Proand iPhone 15 Pro still hold a strong appeal for those looking for a budget-friendly entry point into the iOS ecosystem.
Both devices offer robust features, solid performance, and sleek designs, making them worthy options for shoppers interested in a premium experience. However, there are some major differences between the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro that could influence your buying decision — especially with the holiday season just around the corner.
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For example, the iPhone 15 Pro is 9% lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro, houses Apple’s most capable phone processor, the A17 Pro, and is the first in the iPhone family to feature a USB-C port. There are other great features as well like a longer battery life and enhanced camera quality, but before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s dive into all the differences to help you make the right choice.
Specifications
|
iPhone 14 Pro |
iPhone 15 Pro |
|
|
Display |
6.1-inch OLED with 120Hz (460 ppi) |
6.1-inch OLED with 120Hz (460 ppi) |
|
Weight |
206g/7.27 oz |
187g/6.6 oz |
|
Processor |
A16 Bionic chip |
A17 Pro chip |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB with 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 8GB with 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Battery | 3,200mAh with 20W charging | 3,600mAh with 20W charging |
| Camera | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP front | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (2x), 12MP telephoto (3x), 12MP front |
| Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) |
| Price | Unlocked and renewed for $520 on Amazon | Unlocked and renewed for $690 on Amazon |
You should buy the iPhone 14 Pro if…
iOS 18 on iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
1. You want the cheaper option
Shortly after Apple announced the iPhone 15 lineup, iPhone 14 prices saw a deep discount. You can expect all previous iPhone models to be several hundred dollars cheaper moving forward. If you want the closest thing to an iPhone 15, you can purchase the iPhone 14 Pro. Aside from an upgraded chip and a few cosmetic upgrades, the iPhone 14’s internal components are very similar to its successor.
Review: iPhone 14 Pro packs a lot more innovation for the same price as last year
Apple typically discontinues older Pro models shortly after announcing a new iPhone lineup to avoid interference with the new device’s sales. So, if you want to buy an iPhone 14 Pro, you’ll have to consult third-party vendors like Amazon, Best Buy, or your cell service provider while supplies last.
2. You’re not ready to give up your Lightning cable(s)
With the launch of the iPhone 15, Apple decided to ditch Lightning ports and embrace USB-C inputs instead. The switch to USB-C is mostly important to iPhone users outside of the US, since it resulted from a law passed by the European Parliament mandating all electronic devices be USB-C compatible by the end of 2024.
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However, most iPhone users in the US and other countries aren’t being pressured to get rid of their Lightning charging cords. If you have an Apple Watch, AirPods, Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, iPhone 14, or Magic Trackpad, you probably have plenty of Lightning cords lying around. If you want to stick with the Lightning cable, buy the iPhone 14 Pro.
3. You’re a fan of gold-colored iPhones
Apple first debuted gold-colored iPhones in 2013 with the release of the iPhone 5s. This design decision was heavily influenced by Asian consumers who associate the color gold with wealth and luxury. Shortly after, Apple only offered gold iPhones in “Plus” and “Pro” models, signaling to consumers that to acquire a gold iPhone, they’d need to pay extra for it.
But that all changes with the iPhone 15 Pro, which is now available in Titan Gray, Blue, Silver, and Space Black — Gold not included. So, if you want to get your hands on a golden smartphone, you’ll have to buy the iPhone 14 Pro.
You should buy the iPhone 15 Pro if…
1. You just have to have the Action Button
The Action Button, first introduced on the Apple Watch Ultra, is a button that performs a specific action when pressed. On the iPhone 15 Pro, the Action Button replaces the mute switch but can still act as a mute switch if you configure it.
Also: iPhone 15 review: Why I recommend this model even to ‘Pro’ users in 2024
You can toggle between actions that can interact with Dynamic Island, like Voice Memos and Camera, and run shortcuts created in the Shortcuts app. Instead of a switch, the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action Button looks like the volume up and down buttons.
2. You want USB-C charging
The iPhone 15 Pro is in the first generation of iPhones to utilize USB-C charging. The USB-C charging port is very common among almost all non-Apple consumer tech products. So if you have a non-Apple tablet, pair of headphones, or smartwatch, chances are you have a small collection of USB-C cables.
Also: I used my iPhone 15 Pro without a case for a year. Here’s how it looks now
Additionally, the iPhone 15 USB-C cables are color-coordinated with the iPhone color you purchase. So, not only do you now have universal charging, but you also have a matching cable. Cute.
3. You want better performance
In traditional Apple fashion, any device followed by the “Pro” modifier is guaranteed to have premium, pro-level features. The iPhone 15 Pro has Apple’s upgraded A17 Pro chip under its hood, which offers increased efficiency and performance.
Couple the new chip with increased RAM, and iPhone 15 Pro users should experience smoother multitasking as apps can run in the background longer without crashing or lagging.
FAQs
Both phones feature a 48MP camera, but the iPhone 15 Pro is slightly upgraded, with improved software processing and additional flexibility with the zoom. For example, iPhone 15 Pro users can change the camera’s focal length, choosing from 24, 28, or 25mm options, and set 24MP as the default option.
The iPhone 15 Pro also has improved computational photography features, specifically in the Focus and Depth Control departments. With the iPhone 15 Pro, users no longer need to worry about selecting “Portrait Mode” before taking a picture. The phone can automatically detect a subject and change the camera mode to Portrait.
Additionally, users can change a picture’s subject after taking a photo. If there are two subjects in a photo, iPhone 15 Pro users can decide which subject should be in the foreground and which should be in the background.
The short answer: No.
The long answer: There are a few cosmetic differences between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro that make iPhone 14 Pro cases incompatible with the iPhone 15 Pro.
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First, the iPhone 15 is slimmer than its predecessor. It also sports curved edges instead of flat ones, and has replaced the mute switch for an Action Button. So, if you try to squeeze your iPhone 15 Pro into your iPhone 14 Pro cases, you’ll encounter some minor fit issues, and you might damage your new phone.
The short answer: No.
The long answer: The iPhone 15 Pro won’t perfectly fit iPhone 14 Pro screen protectors for the same reason it won’t fit iPhone 14 Pro cases. The iPhone 15 Pro has thinner borders and curved edges, which will make the iPhone 14 Pro screen protectors ill-fitting on the newer phone.
If you buy your new iPhone 15 from Apple, you can trade in a multitude of devices to receive a credit. If you want to buy your new iPhone in full, you’ll want to trade in your old (fully paid off) phone and purchase the new one at Apple. This is because once Apple evaluates your device’s condition, Apple will refund your traded device’s value to your original form of payment.
If you trade in your device with your mobile carrier, you won’t receive a refund, but you’ll receive a credit. You can only use the credit toward your phone bill or for other devices sold by your mobile carrier.