Same functionality as the iPhone 14 but on a larger screen; this is the philosophy adopted by Apple for the iPhone 14 Plus. The price is 1,179 euros. When you hold Apple’s iPhone 14 Plus in your hands for the first time, what strikes you is the width of the display and the device itself. Shapes, colors and functions are the same as the iPhone 14, including excellent build quality, thanks to materials such as glass and aluminum that offer pleasant tactile feedback.
The new iPhone 14 Plus weight is well distributed to make it seem lighter than 203 grams. To benefit from the size is also the autonomy that can count on a larger battery and can cover up to two days with moderate use, the best seen so far on an iPhone. The list price starts at 1,179 euros for the 128 GB memory cut, or 150 euros more than the basic model. Things change if we look at the market price, which places it below the threshold of one thousand euros, a good reason to prefer the iPhone 14 in the Plus version.
iPhone 14 Plus: Recognizable Design, Excellent Materials
Apple’s choice for the new iPhone 14 was to keep the same design as the iPhone 13. The Plus model represents a more extended version in which the size of the display and the battery inside change. The display comprises a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with a resolution of 1,284 x 2,778 pixels, compatible with HDR10 and Dolby Vision technologies.
The brightness equals 800 nits, with a peak of 1,200 nits, which showed good visibility when we were in direct sunlight. The infamous notch stands out on the screen, unchanged from the previous generation. Those who want the features offered by Dynamic Island will have to turn to the Pro models. The same goes for the refresh rate, which stops at the classic 60Hz, while Pro Motion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate remains a prerogative of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
The video contents are enjoyable thanks to the well-calibrated colors of the display and the resolution that enhances the details. The screen is protected by Ceramic Shield glass, while the frames are aluminum and reflect the color of the body. On the back is a second layer of glass, the Apple logo and, of course, the camera set.
The power key occupies the right side, while the volume rocker, the switch to enable silent mode, and the SIM tray is on the left side. The lower edge houses the speaker and the proprietary Lightning connector. The smartphone is IP68 certified and can withstand contact with dust and water without damage.
iPhone 14 Plus: Top Performance And Responsive System
The beating heart of the iPhone 14 Plus is the A15 Bionic processor, already seen at work on the iPhone 13, here in an updated version to offer higher performance from a graphic point of view. Apple prefers to reserve its latest processor, the A16 Bionic, only for the Pro models. This does not affect the smartphone’s performance, which always proved snappy during our test.
Video content, social networks and particularly complex games have been managed flawlessly by the system, confirming itself as a true top-of-the-range. The merit is also of iOS 16, the latest version of the tested Apple software, which has introduced a series of new features, including detecting accidents and greater customization.
In testing, we used the model with 128 GB of internal memory, enough to save files and store the most common apps. To avoid worrying about the remaining memory, we recommend the 256 GB storage version, even if the price rises to 1,309 euros. For those needing more data storage space, the 512 GB cut is also available, priced at 1,569 euros.
The connectivity side is complete, which can count on dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, lightning input and the 5G network for navigation. The autonomy is excellent, able to get us to two days with a single recharge with average use.
The greater space available has allowed Apple to integrate a larger battery than the iPhone 14, even if the fast charging technology remains stationary at a speed of 20W (the charger must be purchased separately). There is also compatibility with 15W MagSafe and 7.5W Qi wireless charging.
iPhone 14 Plus: Quality Photos And Excellent Video Stabilization
The photos taken with the iPhone 14 Plus during the test days surprised us positively. The device is equipped with a dual-sensor camera:
- A 12 MP main camera.
- Optical stabilization.
- A 12 MP wide-angle camera to which the inevitable dual tone flash LED is added.
As seen from the test images, the shots are realistic, with accurate colors and details. iPhone 14 Plus takes full advantage of Apple’s new Photonic Engine technology, making the scene bright even in low light conditions. Good results with macros that enhance every nuance of the framed subject.
The results of the portrait function are convincing, with edges cropped to perfection against the background. We have found some uncertainty in environments with little or very little light in which the photos lose sharpness, but it isn’t easy to do better with a smartphone.
The selfie camera placed on the front is 12 MP and returns excellent quality self-portraits with bright colors, while the bokeh effect has always been precise in trimming the edges. As for the video side, iPhone 14 Plus can make 4K video at 60 fps through the main camera, just like the previous generation.
The real novelty lies in the unprecedented Action mode, an optical stabilization system designed by Apple that makes videos smooth even when following a moving subject, absorbing vibrations. Once you try it, it will be hard to do without it.
iPhone 14 Plus: Who Is It For?
During the trial period, we asked ourselves several times why an iPhone 14 Plus should be purchased compared to the basic model. The answer lies primarily in the possibility of having a larger screen in your hands and, therefore, more comfortable reading news and emails, browsing and enjoying content in general.
Another valid element is the battery life, which makes the use more serene even if you have an intense workday. The device can also be a sensible purchase for those who have owned an iPhone from a few generations ago and want to upgrade by accessing the most recent functions in the Apple world.
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