Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 comparison: The most important differences

In September 2023, Apple presented the current generation of smartphones with the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 14, the devices have a number of new features. We present the most important differences between the current Apple iPhone generation and its predecessor.

Apple iPhone 15 (Plus) and iPhone 14 (Plus) in comparison

The Apple iPhone 15 is the manufacturer’s entry-level model. A lot has changed in the current generation compared to the previous year. The differences start with the price: the iPhone 15 with its small memory (128 GB) starts at 949 euros, while the iPhone 14 was available from 849 euros. In the meantime, however, the price of the smartphone has fallen significantly.

But these are by no means all the differences. The new Apple iPhones (finally) use a USB-C port for charging, whereas the iPhone 14 still used Apple’s own Lightning port.

In addition, all models now have a Dynamic Island that replaces the classic notch (the black area at the top of the display where the front cameras are located). There are also differences in the design and cameras, as well as the processor, display brightness and colors.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: The most important new features

• Processor: The iPhone 15 uses the faster A16 Bionic, while the iPhone 14 uses the older A15 Bionic.
• Brightness: The iPhone 15 is up to 1,000 nits bright, while the iPhone 14 is 800 nits. The peak brightness is 2,000 nits for both models.
• Charging port: USB-C (iPhone 15), Lightning (iPhone 14).
• Design: Rounded corners on the iPhone 15, matt glass on the back.
• Cameras: 48-megapixel main camera on the iPhone 15, 12 MP on the iPhone 14
• Portrait mode: Option to create images with a blurred background in the iPhone 15
• Colors: Five new colors for the iPhone 15 (black, blue, green, pink and yellow), polar star, product red, midnight and purple on the iPhone 14

What is the difference between Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus?

The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is simply a larger version of the iPhone 15. The Plus model has a 6.7-inch display, while the iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch display. Accordingly, the Plus is slightly heavier at 201 grams (171 grams for the iPhone 15).

The battery is also slightly larger (4,383 mAh compared to 3,349 mAh), which also increases the battery life. On average, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus should last around 6 hours longer for video playback, 4 hours for streaming and 20 hours for music playback. Both smartphones charge at the same speed. The battery is fully charged by 50 percent in 30 minutes.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: The specifications in comparison

iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 14 Plus: The specifications in comparison

Apple iPhone 15 Pro (Max) and iPhone 14 Pro (Max) in comparison

There are also some differences between the more powerful iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

For example, the new 15th generation Pro models have an action button on the side, which replaces the mute button on the 14th generation. It can be assigned various functions and can also switch on the flashlight or open the camera app, for example.

The chip in the iPhone 15 Pro models is also more powerful: under the hood is the A17 Pro, which delivers around 20 percent more performance and is even capable of playing games at the level of games consoles – such as Resident Evil 4 or Assassin’s Creed Mirage.

There are also differences in the material, as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max use a titanium frame, while the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max use stainless steel.

In addition, the new models are available in the colors titanium blue, titanium black, titanium white and titanium natural, while the predecessors were available in gold, space black, silver and dark purple. Both new smartphones can also record videos in log format, which should please ambitious amateur filmmakers and professionals in particular, as this opens up new possibilities for post-production.

• Read more: iPhone 14 Pro test: It’s all about the details

The larger iPhone 15 Pro Max has a particular advantage when it comes to cameras. It is the only Apple iPhone model that comes with a 5x optical zoom – all other smartphones only offer a 3x zoom.

Of course, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are also charged using the latest USB-C standard, which replaces the Lightning port on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro is also slightly lighter (187g compared to 206g) and smaller than its predecessor.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro: The specifications in comparison

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: The specifications in comparison

iPhone comparison: Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 – Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of similarities between the Apple iPhone 14 generation and the Apple iPhone 15 model series, but there are also some differences. In most respects, the smartphones are quite similar.

But innovations such as USB-C, improved cameras or the new action button on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max can be important for the purchase decision. The faster processor of the two new Pro models is also exciting for anyone who likes to play the latest games or edit complex videos.