The iPhone 14 launched as Apple’s 2022 6.1-inch model that largely carries forward the flat-sided aluminum design and many internal components from previous models. It ships with iOS 16, the A15 Bionic SoC, 6 GB of RAM and a 12 MP main camera; storage options include 128, 256 and 512 GB. Review coverage at launch emphasized camera improvements and feature tweaks rather than a wholesale redesign, and Apple’s lineup that year also included Pro models with different silicon and additional hardware upgrades.
This review synthesizes published benchmark results and expert reviews: UL Benchmarks (3DMark Wild Life scores and stability), Tom’s Guide and EveryMac performance comparisons (A15 versus A16 and iPhone 13 comparisons), and hands-on observations from outlets such as CNET, CNN Underscored and BackMarket about camera behavior, display quality and repairability. Where possible I reference median user-submitted benchmark figures and direct technical specs reported in those sources.
High-level verdict: the iPhone 14 is a conservative but capable update — it delivers the A15 Bionic with 6 GB RAM for solid real-world and benchmarked performance (3DMark Wild Life ~9,395, graphics test ~56 FPS), a noticeably improved main camera and better repairability, but it also leaves some gaps compared with Pro models (no A16, no high-refresh display, no telephoto) and shows trade-offs in ultrawide image quality and low-light video.
A15 Bionic with measurable GPU strength but not flagship-class anymore
The iPhone 14 uses the Apple A15 Bionic and ships with 6 GB of RAM. Public benchmark medians show a 3DMark Wild Life score of 9,395 with a graphics test result of 56 FPS and a Wild Life stability of 82%; Wild Life Unlimited registers a score of 11,068 with 72% stability. Tom’s Guide published Geekbench-like figures for the A15 iPhone 14 (single-core ~1,727, multi-core ~4,553), which aligns with the device delivering strong everyday performance and competent gaming performance.
Those numbers mean the iPhone 14 still performs well for apps, multitasking and most games, but it sits behind the A16-powered iPhone 14 Pro models referenced in coverage. The published benchmark stability figures (72–82%) also indicate scores submitted by users vary depending on thermal and background conditions, so real-world throughput will depend on usage and device state.
6.1-inch 2532×1170 display: sharp and well-regarded, no Pro refresh rate
The handset uses a 6.1" display with a resolution of 2532 × 1170 pixels; critics consistently called the screen 'great' and noted it feels good to hold and view. The panel provides the pixel density and sharpness expected from a modern iPhone at this size.
What the iPhone 14 lacks compared with contemporary Pro models is a high-refresh-rate (120 Hz) ProMotion panel; CNET and other reviews treated the non‑Pro refresh rate as one of the areas where Apple reserved a differentiator for Pro hardware rather than including it in the standard 14.
Main camera improved, selfies benefit from autofocus, but ultrawide and low-light video lag
Multiple outlets singled out the iPhone 14’s main camera as a meaningful upgrade: reviewers reported better stills and improved low-light capture in many situations, and front-camera autofocus made selfies look better. BackMarket and CNET both highlight the improved primary camera performance compared with prior entry models.
However, CNET and other reviews also recorded trade-offs: ultrawide photos were described as a step down in image quality compared with some previous models, and video recorded in low light was judged 'just OK.' Those are consistent, real-user criticisms to weigh if you frequently shoot ultrawide or low-light video.
Familiar flat-sided aluminum design with improved repairability
The iPhone 14 carries forward the flat-sided aluminum design introduced in earlier models; reviewers commented that it 'feels great to pick up and hold.' That continuity helps with ergonomics for users upgrading from iPhone 12/13-era devices.
CNET specifically noted improved repairability over earlier generations — a practical benefit for people planning long-term ownership or expecting repairs down the line. The phone was also described as a conservative evolution rather than a radical redesign.
Battery life varies in public benchmarks; testing conditions strongly affect results
UL Benchmarks collects median battery-life results from user-submitted tests and warns those figures are sensitive to screen brightness and background activity. They recommend calibrating to 200 cd/m² for consistent results, and the public-submitted median values show wide variation as a result.
In short, expect battery-life reports to vary by test and user; controlled-lab results will differ from median public submissions. Reviewers did not identify battery runtime as a clear advantage or glaring flaw in the coverage summarized here.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ 6.1" 2532×1170 display that reviewers repeatedly called 'great' for sharpness and viewing
- ✅ A15 Bionic with 6 GB RAM: solid benchmark presence (3DMark Wild Life ~9,395; 56 FPS graphics test)
- ✅ Main 12 MP camera upgraded for better stills and improved low-light capture in many cases
- ✅ Front-camera autofocus improves selfie sharpness and subject tracking
- ✅ Improved repairability compared with earlier non‑Pro iPhone generations
- ✅ Action mode reported to be smooth in real-world use by reviewers
- ❌ Ultrawide photos were described by reviewers as a step down in image quality
- ❌ Video in low light judged 'just OK' by reviewers despite stills improvements
- ❌ No A16 chipset or ProMotion 120 Hz display — Pro models offer higher-spec silicon and features
- ❌ Public benchmark battery-life medians vary widely; UL notes results depend heavily on brightness and test conditions
How It Compares to the Competition
- iPhone 14 Pro — Offers A16 Bionic, ProMotion display and additional camera hardware not present on the standard iPhone 14.
- iPhone 13 — Shares a similar design and many internal components; the iPhone 14 uses an A15 variant and improves the main camera but is a modest year-over-year update.
- iPhone 14 Plus — Same A15 Bionic platform and camera approach as the iPhone 14 but in a larger 14-plus-sized chassis for users wanting a bigger display.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Buyers who want a dependable 6.1" iPhone with the A15 Bionic and 6 GB of RAM, a noticeably improved primary 12 MP camera and improved repairability will find the iPhone 14 a sensible choice. It’s a practical pick for users upgrading from older non‑Pro iPhones who do not require Pro-only features like a 120 Hz display or the A16 chip.
Skip it if: Skip this model if you specifically want the latest Apple silicon (A16), a high-refresh ProMotion display, or a telephoto camera — those features are exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro models. Also consider other phones if ultrawide image quality or low-light video is a top priority, since reviewers reported those areas lagged.
Search Purchase Options
Use these links to search for iPhone 14 on trusted marketplaces. The links open in new tabs; if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
* Affiliate links: you pay the same price either way.