Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone 14
The Apple iPhone 15 takes the lead with a stellar 48MP camera, compared to the 12MP on the iPhone 14. This upgrade is a game-changer for photography enthusiasts, providing sharper, more detailed shots, especially in low light. If you're looking to step into the latest iPhone ecosystem, the iPhone 14 remains a budget-friendly option worth considering in 2026. Key specs: Battery: 3349 mAh vs 3279 mAh and Weight: 6.03 oz vs 6.07 oz.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 14 are mid-range smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for mid-range features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.8★ (951 reviews) | 4.8★ (1,511 reviews) |
| Top Strength | High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop | Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem |
| Main Drawback | Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz) | Uses the older Lightning port instead of USB-C |
| Market Position | Mid-range | Mid-range |
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
Apple iPhone 14
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone 14
Apple iPhone 15
Apple iPhone 14
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 15 | Apple iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(951)Best Buy | ★4.8(1,511)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | iOS |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic) |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 6 GB (LPDDR4X) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP quad-pixel sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | 0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps |
Battery | 3349 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm) |
Weight | 6.02 oz (171 g) | 6.07 oz (172 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Ring/Silent switch; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); Ring/Silent switch |
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Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR5)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
- Bright, color-accurate OLED display (up to 2000 nits outdoor)
Cons
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
Apple iPhone 14
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR4X)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem
- Reliable A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU still performs well
Cons
- Uses the older Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 15 is the better buy for most people - its 48MP camera crushes the iPhone 14's 12MP. That said, grab the iPhone 14 if you want to save money without needing the latest camera features.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 if: you want the best camera for photography, need a brighter display for outdoor use, or plan to keep your phone for several years. (3349 mAh battery, 6.03 oz weight)
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 if: you want to save money, prefer a phone, or don't need the latest camera technology. (3279 mAh battery, 6.07 oz weight)
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,511 reviews vs 951
→ Choose Apple iPhone
High-resolution 48MP main Priority
High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Affordable entry point Priority
Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.8★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 14?
Apple iPhone 15 is the better choice if you prioritize high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop. Apple iPhone 14 wins if you value affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 14?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 15 offers high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop, while Apple iPhone 14 stands out with affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem. Consider that Apple iPhone 15 display limited to 60 hz (no promotion 120 hz). Meanwhile, Apple iPhone 14 uses the older lightning port instead of usb-c. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
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