Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 14
The Apple iPhone 16 clearly stands out against the Apple iPhone 14, especially with its impressive 48MP camera versus the 12MP of the older model. You'll appreciate the upgrade if you're into photography or simply want the best features available. In real-world use, the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 delivers superior performance with 8GB of RAM, making multitasking and gaming a breeze compared to the iPhone 14's A15 chip with 6GB. When it comes to battery life, the iPhone 16's 3561mAh lasts up to 22 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 14 offers 20 hours with its 3279mAh battery. If you're someone who streams a lot or uses their phone heavily throughout the day, those extra hours can make a noticeable difference in your daily routine. Key specs: Battery: 3561 mAh vs 3279 mAh and Weight: 6.00 oz vs 6.07 oz.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 16 (high-end) and Apple iPhone 14 (mid-range) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.8★ (219 reviews) | 4.8★ (1,511 reviews) |
| Top Strength | A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence | 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 | ✓Premium | Mid-range |
Apple iPhone 16
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 14
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 14
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(219)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 A18 (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 (A18) | Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic) |
RAM | 8 GB | 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); 1 nit minimum | 800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (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/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion 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 | 3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 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 25W (with 30W+ adapter); 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 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; 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 (latest generation); 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 | 6.00 oz (170 g) | 6.07 oz (172 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; 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 16
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
8 GB
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence
- 48MP Fusion camera enables optical-quality 2x telephoto crop
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 16 is the better buy for most people - its 48MP camera crushes the iPhone 14's 12MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 if: you love taking high-quality photos, want the latest tech performance, or value longer battery life. (3561 mAh battery, 6.00 oz weight)
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 if: you need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, want to stay within budget, or prefer a compact design. (3279 mAh battery, 6.07 oz weight)
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,511 reviews vs 219
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
A18 chip with Priority
A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 14 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
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 16 or Apple iPhone 14?
Apple iPhone 16 is the better choice if you prioritize a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence. 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 16 and Apple iPhone 14?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 16 offers a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence, while Apple iPhone 14 stands out with affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem. Consider that Apple iPhone 16 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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