Now is the best time to buy the high-end iPhone 14 phones

The iPhone 14 series – featuring the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max—debuted in September 2022. Now, with the iPhone 16 in the limelight, the 14 series is starting to feel a little... vintage.

Naturally, Apple's latest release has triggered some serious price cuts on its predecessor. The iPhone 14, originally priced at ₦1,332,763 ($799), is now as low as ₦850,000 ($508) in some stores. Apple's official discounted price for the base model sits at a tempting $599 (₦1,001,360).

So, is the iPhone 14 still worth your money in 2024? 

It depends. While it may not offer enough upgrades to sway iPhone 13 users, for those with older models, the improved camera, safety features, and classic Apple design could make it a worthwhile upgrade—especially at this price.

Let's take a closer look at the iPhone 14's strengths and weaknesses to see if it's the right fit for you in late 2024.

Key Specifications

Design and Build

• iPhone 14/14 Plus: Aluminium frame, dual camera setup, notch, five colours
• iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max: Stainless steel frame, triple camera setup, pill-shaped cutout, four colours
• Weight: iPhone 14 (172g), iPhone 14 Plus (203g), iPhone 14 Pro (206g, iPhone 14 Pro Max: 240g

At first glance, you might play a game of "spot the difference" between the iPhone 14 and its predecessor, the iPhone 13. Apple's clearly sticking with what works; the same sleek aluminium frame, flat edges, and that familiar notch on the display. The colour options have gotten a bit of a refresh though, with a particularly eye-catching blue that's hard to miss.

While some might yearn for a more dramatic redesign, there's no denying the iPhone 14's good looks. The matte finish on the sides keeps fingerprints at bay, and it complements the coloured glass back nicely. It's a light, comfortable phone that feels just right in your hand. Plus, with its IP68 water resistance and Ceramic Shield protection, it's built to handle everyday bumps and spills. Just be mindful of those scratches, a screen protector is still a wise investment.

And let's not forget the iPhone 14 Plus, the bigger sibling that replaced the Mini. It's got all the same tech as the standard 14, just with a more expansive screen. If you're all about streaming movies or gaming on the go, that extra real estate might be just what you need.

Now, on to the Pro models. At first glance, the iPhone 14 Pro might seem like a twin to the 13 Pro. But look closer, and you'll notice the subtle differences: larger camera lenses, that intriguing pill-shaped cutout Apple calls the Dynamic Island, and a switch from aluminium to a heavier, more premium stainless steel frame. The colour palette has also been revamped with some fresh options like Deep Purple, which seems to be stealing the show.

So, is the iPhone 14's design revolutionary? Not exactly. But it's a refinement of a formula that clearly works, with a few tweaks here and there to keep things interesting. 

Display and Audio

• iPhone 14: 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170, 460 ppi, 1200 nits
• iPhone 14 Plus: 6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 2778 x 1284, 458 ppi, 1200 nits
• iPhone 14 Pro: 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556 x 1179, 460 ppi, 1-120Hz refresh rate, Always On Display, 2000 nits 

The iPhone 14's display, while certainly good, leaves a bit to be desired for those familiar with the smoother scrolling of ProMotion. It's a noticeable absence, especially when even budget Android phones are sporting higher refresh rates. Still, the screen delivers vibrant colours, sharp details, and enough brightness for enjoyable HDR content. 

Just don't expect it to be the easiest to read in direct sunlight—that's a perk reserved for the Pro models, along with their distinctive triangular camera layout and larger camera bump. In contrast, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus sport a more subtle diagonal camera arrangement.

Speaking of Pro models, they also get the exclusive Dynamic Island, replacing the somewhat dated notch on the standard iPhone 14. This interactive pill-shaped cutout is a multitasking marvel, seamlessly adapting to notifications and app interactions. It's those little touches, like matching the sound waves to your Spotify album cover, that make it a delight to use.

On the audio front, Apple once again delivers. The iPhone 14's speakers are surprisingly powerful, offering a punchy sound with even a hint of bass. It might not replace your dedicated speaker system, but it's perfect for casual listening or watching videos on the go. And of course, with Bluetooth 5.3, you can easily connect your favourite wireless headphones for a more immersive experience.

The question is, do those Pro-exclusive features justify the price jump? That's something we'll explore further in our full review.

Camera

• iPhone 14/14 Plus: 12MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide lens, Digital zoom up to 5x

iPhone 14 Pro: 48MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide and 12MP Telephoto lens, 3x optical zoom, Digital zoom up to 15x

The iPhone 14's camera is where the real upgrades shine. It inherits the larger, faster sensor from the previous iPhone 13 Pro, promising better low-light performance. And it delivers. Details pop in those tricky dimly-lit scenes, even when Night Mode isn't activated. The selfie camera also gets a boost, capturing more accurate skin tones – a win for those selfie enthusiasts.

While daylight shots remain excellent, just like its predecessor, the improved sensor adds a touch more depth and a pleasing natural bokeh to your close-ups. The ultrawide camera also benefits from the upgraded processing, making it more usable in low-light conditions.

Of course, the iPhone 14 Pro's camera setup still reigns supreme, especially with its 48MP main sensor and dedicated telephoto lens. But for everyday use and social media sharing, the iPhone 14's camera holds its own remarkably well.

Video is another area where the iPhone 14 shines. The new Action Mode, while not quite GoPro-level, adds impressive stabilisation for capturing fast-paced action. And the ability to shoot Cinematic Mode in 4K opens up creative possibilities for aspiring filmmakers.

So, while the Pro models undoubtedly have the edge in terms of camera versatility and raw power, the iPhone 14 still delivers a fantastic photography and videography experience. It's a testament to Apple's continuous refinement, even in their "standard" models. 

Performance, Storage, Gaming and Battery Life

• iPhone 14: A15 chip, 128GB/256GB/512GB storage, up to 20 hours of video playback
• iPhone 14 Plus: A15 chip, 128GB/256GB/512GB storage, up to 26 hours of video playback
• iPhone 14 Pro: A16 chip, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage, up to 23 hours of video playback
• Battery: iPhone 14 (3,279 mAh battery, up to 20W wired charging, MagSafe up to 15W), iPhone 14 Plus (4,325 mAh battery), iPhone 14 Pro (3,200 mAh battery), iPhone 14 Pro Max (4,323 mAh battery.)

Under the hood, Apple's decision to reuse the A15 Bionic chip in the standard iPhone 14 might raise some eyebrows. But don't worry, this isn't your average hand-me-down. It's the souped-up version from the iPhone 13 Pro, packing a bit more graphical punch. In real-world use, it's still a speed demon. Games run smoothly, apps open instantly, and there's no hint of lag. Sure, the A16 in the Pro models might edge it out in benchmarks, but the difference is barely noticeable in everyday life.

Now, about that heat. It's no secret that both the standard and Pro models can get a bit toasty, especially during intense gaming sessions. Apple's thermal management system seems to be struggling to keep up with the demands of those powerful chips. But hey, at least you'll have warm hands on those chilly days, right?

On the storage front, it's business as usual for the standard models, while the Pro versions now start at a generous 128GB and go all the way up to a whopping 1TB for the digital hoarders out there.

Battery life gets a boost across the board, thanks to those optimised processors. The standard iPhone 14 comfortably sails through a day of moderate use, while the Plus model stretches things even further. And with the Pro models boasting even longer battery life, you might finally make it through a whole weekend without scrambling for a charger.

Speaking of charging, you'll still need your own plug, and while wired charging is the fastest, it lags behind some Android rivals. 

Overall, the iPhone 14 series delivers solid performance, even if it's not a groundbreaking leap forward. But with the Pro models pushing the boundaries of heat and power, it makes you wonder if Apple finally cracked the code on thermal management in the iPhone 15 and 16. Or will we just have to get used to carrying around a pocket-sized hand warmer? Only time will tell.

Software

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus 

• Operating System: Launched with iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 18.
• UI Features: Focus modes, Live Text, redesigned notifications, and lock screen customization.

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max 

• Operating System: Launched with iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 18.
• UI Features: Dynamic Island, ProRAW, ProRes video recording, and all iOS 16 enhancements.

The iPhone 14 series, which launched with iOS 16, will benefit from the upcoming iOS 18 update, reflecting Apple's dedication to long-term software support. 

iOS 16 itself might not be a revolutionary leap, but it brings some welcome refinements. The revamped lock screen, with customizable widgets and dynamic wallpapers, is a highlight, especially for the always-on display on the Pro models. The integration of Dynamic Island adds more interactivity to the user experience.

iOS 16 also enhances notifications, messaging, and privacy. Features like improved Focus modes and AI-powered Visual Lookup are exciting additions.

For the Pro models, the LiDAR scanner brings precise measurements and immersive AR experiences, valuable for professionals and creatives.

What we like about the iPhone 14

• New and clever safety features.
• Very good battery life.
• Main camera upgrade is reliable.
• Autofocus makes selfies look better.
• Action mode is smooth.
• Exceptional, industry-leading performance.

What you should consider

• Year-over-year upgrades are minimal.
• eSim might be a pain for some. 
• Ultrawide photos are a step down in image quality.
• Relatively slow charging speed.

Verdict: Should you buy the iPhone 14 in 2024?

It's a mixed bag. With the iPhone 15 and 16 now available, the iPhone 14's appeal has faded. If you're using an iPhone 13 or newer, it's probably not worth upgrading. But for those with older models, the discounted price, improved camera, and safety features make it a smart buy—though you'll miss out on the latest advancements.

If you're after the best, the iPhone 14 Pro is ideal, offering a ProMotion display, versatile camera, always-on display, and Dynamic Island. For larger screens, go for the Plus or Pro Max. Need zoom or extra power for gaming and multitasking? The Pro models are still your best bet.

Ultimately, consider your needs, weigh the pros and cons, and factor in the upgrades on the newer models.

And of course, there’s the budget factor. 

Pricing and Availability in Nigeria

The iPhone 14 series is still available at Apple stores, online stores and authorised resellers. With the iPhone 16 launch, prices have dropped significantly. The base iPhone 14 now starts at an attractive $599 (₦1,001,360), with some stores offering it for even less at $508 (₦850,000.)

Here's a quick rundown:

• iPhone 14: From ₦850,000 / $508
• iPhone 14 Plus: From ₦870,000 / $520
• iPhone 14 Pro: From ₦940,000 / $562
• iPhone 14 Pro Max: From ₦1,150,000 / $687

Remember, these prices can fluctuate depending on the retailer and specific configuration, so it's always a good idea to compare offers before making your final decision.