When looking for a new iPhone, the question arises whether it always has to be the latest generation or whether the previous model is sufficient. The answer: It depends. The guide explains what exactly.
Apple’s tradition has always been innovation. AirPods, iPod, iMac, iPad
iPhone 13 vs. 14: These versions exist
Before we lose track of iPhone 13 Mini, 14 Plus and the Pro versions, let’s get an overview of which models are out there. In the 13th generation, Apple launched the iPhone 13 Mini and the iPhone 13. Technically, the models are the same, but differ in size. In the 14th generation, the manufacturer stamped the mini versions of its iPhones and turned the shoe. Instead of a smaller version, the iPhone 14 Plus is now a larger one, which is technically identical to the normal version.
A similar picture in the pro area. In the 13th and 14th generation there are two Pro versions that only differ in size and price. They are called iPhone 13 or 14 Pro or Pro Max. Compared to normal iPhones, the Pro versions offer interesting features, such as a triple camera on the back or a more powerful processor.
iPhone 13 vs 14: The exterior
If you put the iPhone 13 and 14 side by side, they are almost indistinguishable from each other. An obvious difference is the colors: With the iPhone 13, buyers have the choice between blue, rose, midnight, polar star, green and red. With the iPhone 14, rose gives way to purple, the iPhone 14 does not come in green at all, blue and red are in place significantly brighter. Midnight and North Star stayed the same. In the star test of the iPhone 14, it was also noticed that its camera bulge is higher than that of its predecessor. This should only be noticed by trained eyes. On the other hand, it is more annoying that the old protective covers of the iPhone 13 do not fit on the new iPhone 14.
The Pro versions of the iPhones traditionally wrap themselves in a slightly different guise than their standard brethren. Again, Apple changed the colors. The dark green called “alpine green” disappeared completely. The same happened to “Sierrablue”. Silver, gold and space black, on the other hand, remained in the 14th generation, although the color tones differ compared to the 13th generation. The “dark lilac” is new. Unfortunately, the Pro versions of the iPhone 14 are no longer really colorful.
iPhone 13 vs. 14: Das Display
The display of the iPhone 13 and 14 did not differ in the normal versions. Due to the slightly different sizes, the resolutions between the different models – i.e. Mini, Normal and Plus – naturally differ. However, this is so small that most people will not notice whether the iPhone display is 476 pixels per inch (iPhone 13 Mini) or “only” 458 pixels per inch (iPhone 14 Plus). The notch (indentation for the selfie camera) and the refresh rate of 60 Hertz are the same for both models.
A different picture emerges when comparing the Pro versions. Both the 13th and 14th generation deliver a refresh rate of 120 Hertz. However, the resolutions of the models differ, albeit slightly. The reason for this might be the notch on the 13s. In the latest generation of Pro versions, Apple exchanged them for the “Dynamic Island”. As in the notch, the selfie camera is located in the island. However, it is also an additional control element on the display. In the star test of the iPhone 14 Pro, for example, the Dynamic Island displayed music or incoming calls.
Another new feature of the iPhone 14 Pro is the “Always On” display. That means nothing more than that the display stays on almost all the time. It still doesn’t drain the battery because the brightness and refresh rate are automatically reduced. The iPhone 14 Pro also recognizes whether it is in a pocket or on a desk. In the bag, of course, the display turns off completely. The same applies if users activate the “sleep” mode. With 2000 nits of maximum brightness, the iPhone 14 Pro is also significantly brighter than its predecessor. The iPhone 13 Pro manages a maximum of 1200 nits.
The Cameras
One of the main selling points for iPhones is their cameras. Yes, other manufacturers trump each other with megapixels, but when it comes to smartphone photography, it’s not just the lens that counts, but also the software that processes the data. And Apple is constantly improving this in addition to the hardware. When comparing the iPhone 13 and 14, it is noticeable that although both main cameras have a resolution of 12 megapixels, the sensor of the iPhone 14 has become larger. The aperture is also slightly wider open.
Both improve the photo quality in low light. In the star test, the iPhone 14 performed almost as well as the iPhone 13 Pro. The ultra wide-angle camera of the iPhone 13 and 14, on the other hand, remained the same. The situation is similar with the selfie camera. Both generations have a resolution of 12 megapixels. However, the aperture on the iPhone 14 is a little wider and the selfie camera now offers autofocus that recognizes multiple people. By the way, the most important innovation in video recording is the action mode. This is a software solution that is intended to compensate for camera stutters, for example when filming while running.
With the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple improved the camera even more. Instead of a main sensor with 12 megapixels like in the iPhone 13 Pro, Apple has donated a main camera with a whopping 48 megapixels to the latest generation. With an opening of f/1.78, its aperture is slightly more closed than the 12-megapixel lens of the iPhone 13 Pro. However, this has no effect on the photo quality in low light, as the star test of the iPhone 14 Pro shows. Because the sensor is significantly more light-sensitive than its predecessor, the camera triggers in night mode after just one instead of two seconds. As a reminder: the less light falls on the sensor, the longer the shutter has to stay open. If the photographer has a shaky hand, the photo will quickly blur in low light.
If you want to edit your photos, you should also use the iPhone 14 Pro, because the main sensor with 48 megapixels in RAW format captures significantly more details than the 12 megapixels of the other iPhones. By default, the iPhone processes all the photos that were taken with it. For example, it smoothes edges and tries to display colors true to the original. In RAW mode, photographers take pictures to do the work themselves when they want to add their own touch to the photo. Photos in RAW format may look a bit sadder and muddy than normal iPhone photos at first glance, but they contain all the image information. And it is precisely this comprehensive image information that is important in post-processing, because it is the only way of emphasizing certain light sources.
In addition, the iPhone 13 and 14 Pro have a telephoto lens with a triple zoom, which is not available on normal iPhones. What makes the iPhone 14 Pro unique is the double digital zoom. This is made possible again by the 48 megapixel main sensor, from whose image the zoomed area is cut out. And of course, the selfie camera of the iPhone 14 Pro also offers autofocus, which you couldn’t find on the 13th generation. There are also differences when it comes to filming. The iPhone 14 Pro records 4K at 30 frames per second in the ProREs codec. The only exception is the 128 GB version, which only manages 1080p. For the first time, the cinema mode can also be filmed in 4K at 30 frames per second. The iPhone 13 Pro can only do this in Full HD. And of course, the action mode of the 14th generation of the iPhones remains.
processor and memory
Normally, Apple always donates the latest processor to the latest generation of its iPhones. With its 14th generation, Apple is breaking with this tradition, because the same processor works in the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus with the Bionic A15 as in the iPhone 13 Pro. Compared to the normal iPhone 13, the A15 Bionic of the iPhone 14 and 13 Pro offers more in the graphics unit via a computing core. In the star test of the iPhone 14, however, this little extra computing power was not significant. Only the Pro versions of the iPhone 14 offer the new Bionic A16, which delivers measurably more performance than its predecessor.
When it comes to storage options, however, Apple has remained true to itself. With the normal versions, buyers have the choice between 128, 256 and 512 gigabytes of memory. With the Pro versions, the choice consists of 128, 256 and 512 gigabytes as well as 1 terabyte. Attention: If you buy an iPhone 13 or 14 Pro to film in the ProRes codec, you should note that the smallest version (128 GB) is only possible in 1080p. If you want to use the codec for 4K recordings, you need at least the version with 256 GB of memory.
However, there is a change in the working memory. The iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 13 only offer 4GB, while all other iPhones offer 6GB. MacRumors wants to find out. Apple itself is silent on the RAM.
security features
In its new generation, Apple also implemented a new security feature that the previous models lacked: accident detection. For example, if the iPhone 14 detects a car accident, it makes an emergency call, according to the manufacturer.
battery pack
A better camera is nice, as is more performance and security features anyway. But all this is of little use if the battery dies after half a day. Don’t worry: neither iPhone 13 nor 14 have to hide their battery life. Nevertheless, according to Apple’s own statement, it managed to improve the energy storage of its iPhones again. As the price increases, so does the battery capacity of the devices. According to the manufacturer, the iPhone 13 Mini manages 17 hours of video playback, the iPhone 13 19 hours, and the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus even 20. The Pro versions top the fun again: According to Apple, the iPhone 13 Pro lasts 22 hours and that iPhone 13 Pro Max full 28 hours. The iPhone 14 Pro, on the other hand, manages 23 hours and the iPhone 14 Pro Max even 29 hours.
Conclusion
In the 14th generation of its iPhones, Apple gave the Pro versions more of the right innovation. The only exception is the camera’s action mode. However, if you have not needed a gimbal to film with the iPhone to this day, or if you generally film little on the iPhone, the jump between the iPhone 13 and 14 is likely to be too small to spend 200 or 350 euros more. If you simply want a cheap iPhone that takes significantly better photos than an iPhone SE, you can go for the iPhone 13 Mini. The same applies to users who appreciate a handy design.
If you can do without the action mode and want a decent price-performance ratio, the iPhone 13 Pro is a good choice. In the price comparison, the devices are available in the smallest memory variant from 1105 euros. Apple no longer sells the iPhone 13 Pro on its own website. The surcharge of 106 euros for a triple camera, better battery and 120 Hertz display is worth it compared to the iPhone 14. On the other hand, it is not obvious that the iPhone 14 Plus will cost 44 euros more just because its display is 0.6 inches larger it is significantly slower.
Compared to the iPhone 13 Pro, the iPhone 14 Pro costs almost 150 euros more. The surcharge is justified here because the iPhone 14 Pro offers the faster processor, real innovation with the Dynamic Island, a significantly better camera, a better battery and, on top of that, the action mode. Fans of the complete package shouldn’t shy away from the 150 euros.
Note: This article was first published in November 2022. The prices used refer to those called by Apple. The only exception is the iPhone 13 Pro (Max), which is no longer sold on Apple.de.
Sources: Apple.de, Macrumors.com
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