iPhone 14 Pro Review

Apple's top-tier smartphone, released as a part of the iPhone 14 series, is the iPhone 14 Pro. It represents the sixteenth iteration of the iPhone range and replaces the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. On September 7, 2022, Apple held an event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, where they formally unveiled the iPhone 14 Pro and its variations.

The iPhone 14 Pro's revised display cutout, known as "Dynamic Island," which takes the place of the conventional notch design used on earlier iPhone models beginning with the iPhone X, is one standout feature. By reducing screen intrusion, Dynamic Island offers a more immersive viewing experience.

Furthermore, the iPhone 14 Pro comes with bidirectional satellite connectivity, allowing customers to get in touch with emergency services even when Wi-Fi and cellular networks are down.

The iPhone 14 Pro, along with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, no longer supports physical SIM cards in the United States; it is crucial to remember. Accordingly, these devices differ from earlier iPhone models in that they don't have a slot specifically for a SIM card.

Design Specifications

There are four color options available for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max: Silver, Space Black, Gold, and Deep Purple. Sierra Blue, which was available on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, has been replaced with a new color option called Deep Purple with the release of these models.

1) Chipset

The A15 Bionic system on a chip (SoC) seen in the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro range, the third generation iPhone SE, and the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus has been replaced by the new A16 Bionic SoC found in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, which was constructed using TSMC's N4 production process.

2) Camera

The primary and ultra-wide cameras of the iPhone 14 Pro contain new camera sensors and lenses. A new 48-megapixel quad-pixel sensor, which is 65% larger than its predecessor on the iPhone 13 Pro, has been added to the primary camera. By default, it uses a method known as pixel binning to take photographs at a resolution of 12 megapixels. However, by turning on the ProRAW option, users can fully utilize the sensor's capabilities.

On the other hand, the ultra-wide camera has a bigger 12-megapixel sensor with 100% focus pixels. A larger aperture and improved optical clarity have been added to the lens.

The iPhone 14 Pro introduces a new "Photonic Engine" in its camera system to significantly improve image and video quality. The top right corner of the screen now has access to an Action Mode that offers video stabilization as part of the video capabilities. Additionally, users have the freedom to alter the resolution of their images.

Added enhancements to the TrueDepth camera include focusing and a bigger aperture. It can now focus on many subjects at once, improving the photography experience as a whole.

3) Display

The Super Retina XDR OLED displays of the iPhone 14 Pro have a typical maximum brightness of 1,000 nits. However, when watching HDR videos, the brightness may go as high as 1,600 nits. When used outside, it can even go as high as 2,000 nits. The display uses LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology and offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The Pro Max model of the iPhone 14 Pro has a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels with a density of 460 pixels per inch (PPI), whereas the standard model has a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels in order to preserve battery life when in "always on" mode, both models have an "always on display" function with an adaptive ProMotion 120 Hz refresh rate that can reduce to as low as 1 Hz.

Both models take a fresh approach to the front-facing camera area's design, which was formerly described as the "TrueDepth camera array" or simply the "notch." The "Dynamic Island," a brand-new layout, has a pill-shaped cutaway that is marginally separated from the top of the screen. Apple moved the Face ID hardware components as well as some sensors, including the proximity sensor, flood illuminator, and ambient light sensor, beneath the display to achieve this design. Through integration, the hardware and software may work together more easily. Software elements have also been added so that the pill shape can dynamically alter dependent on the app and any visible messages or alerts.

4) Battery

A 3200 mAh battery powers the iPhone 14 Pro for up to 23 hours of movie playing and 20 hours of streaming video.

5) Connectivity

The iPhone 14 Pro now provides the capability to employ satellite connectivity for emergency needs in addition to the currently available connectivity alternatives. Users are given the option to phone or text in an emergency thanks to the "Emergency SOS" function. It makes use of the ITU Radio Regulations-designated L and S bands of the mobile satellite services spectrum. An orbiting satellite run by Globalstar receives an Emergency SOS request and transmits it to the appropriate location. The message is subsequently transmitted by the satellite to ground stations all across the world.

In low-Earth orbit as of November 2022, Globalstar is in charge of a constellation of 24 satellites, and it has ambitions to grow this network in conjunction with Apple.

This service was made available to the general public on November 15, 2022. In December 2022, Apple also plans to expand the service to France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK.

Reviews

Price

Despite costing the same as their American counterparts, Apple has launched the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max in India at costs that are more than those of their predecessors. For both versions, there are 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage options. The costs of the iPhone 14 Pro's various storage sizes are Rs. 1,29,900; Rs. 1,39,900; Rs. 1,59,900; and Rs. 1,79,900. Each model's price has increased by Rs. 10,000.

Notably, the package's meager components continue to be devoid of a charger or headset. The only items in the box are a Lightning cable and a SIM eject pin. Even if you already own a 20W or greater USB Type-C converter from a previous iPhone, you will still need to buy one separately if you want quicker charging.

The Gold and Silver options are still available; however, Space Black has taken the place of Graphite as the darkest color option. Additionally, the Deep Purple color of the iPhone 14 Pro is distinctive and reveals various tones both inside and outside. A new color option might be available around March of next year if this trend continues since Apple has previously added new color options in the midst of product cycles for the last two generations.

Design

Dynamic Island, a mix of hardware and software capabilities that maximizes the use of the camera hole, is one of the distinguishing features of the iPhone 14 Pro. This capability was created exclusively by Apple, giving them a competitive advantage over other Android-based businesses. Competitors may not attain the same degree of functionality or integration as Apple.

The iPhone 14 Pro keeps a similar appearance to earlier models in terms of overall design. The device has a flat stainless steel band with rounded corners encircling all sides and a flat stainless steel back, which is required to enable Apple's MagSafe accessory ecosystem. The ergonomics of the phone are not the best, especially without a case, and this is more obvious with the larger iPhone 14 Pro Max. The two types each weigh 206g and 240g, respectively. Notably, the screen boundaries seem a bit narrower than in earlier editions.

Inside, the iPhone 14 Pro's Deep Purple color option appears subdued and greyish in tone. But when the display is illuminated, a rich plum color with a hint of metallic tone is seen. Although they are prone to smearing, the metal rings and stainless steel bands that surround the camera lenses match the color of the rear panel. Without a case, the raised camera island's clear glass construction can feel unsettling.

Apple continues to use toughened glass for the rear and Ceramic Shield for the display, giving durability. The iPhone 14 Pro and all other current-generation iPhones have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. eSIM technology has replaced physical SIM trays in the US, while iPhones made in India continue to accept one Nano-SIM and one eSIM. Those anticipating a switch to USB Type-C, which might not happen until next year, are disappointed by the device's continued use of the Lightning port at the bottom.

It should be noted that the iPhone 14 Pro's stainless steel frame is prone to smudges and needs to be cleaned frequently to keep its beauty.

Dynamic Island, a solution for the notch offered by the iPhone 14 Pro, offers special hardware and software integration. The Dynamic Island stretches into the area around the camera holes to show data and control elements. It serves as a second screen, displaying additional app icons and contextual information. The content in most apps begins below the island and takes up space at the top of the screen. Thus the island's size can feel odd.

The device also has an always-on display option that dims the screen while maintaining the visibility of wallpaper and lock screen widgets. In order to conserve battery life, several widgets and notifications reduce their refresh rate. The device's automatic unlocking when the user's face is detected makes the always-on display unsettling and can result in unintentional interactions, even if it can be advantageous in some situations.

Overall, the iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island and always-on display are interesting innovations, albeit it might take some time to get used to them.

Software

The new A16 Bionic SoC, which powers the iPhone 14 Pro, offers notable performance enhancements, particularly in picture and video processing, graphics, and power efficiency. It has a 16-core Neural Engine for AI and machine learning activities, along with two performance cores, four efficiency cores, a five-core integrated GPU, and two efficiency cores. Despite Apple withholding this information from the public, the gadget has 6GB of RAM. Although the iPhone 14 Pro's battery size is not listed, third-party teardowns lead one to believe that it features a 4,323mAh battery.

The iPhone 14 Pro can charge at a maximum of 27W, which is less than the current norms for Android devices. For wired data transfers, it continues to use the Lightning connector, which keeps the transfer speed at USB 2.0. With MagSafe attachments, wireless charging is supported at up to 15W, but there is no reverse wireless charging function.

A 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with an LTPO OLED panel is available on the iPhone 14 Pro. It features a changeable refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz with a resolution of 1179x2556 pixels. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits and the ability to temporarily reach 2000 nits when necessary, the display supports HDR. Additionally, it supports Dolby Atmos audio and several HDR standards.

The iPhone 14 Pro ships with iOS 16, which adds a number of new features like lock screen widgets, AI improvements, a fitness app that functions without an Apple Watch, and updates to default apps. Although iOS 16 adds new capabilities, some features?like the addition of lock screen widgets?might feel less natural. Overall, the 120Hz refresh rate and vivid, colorful display of the iPhone 14 Pro are HDR-capable.

Performance & Usability

With a 120Hz display, the iPhone 14 Pro provides a fluid and snappy user experience. Despite the rather slow charging speed, it works well for everyday duties. The gadget is easy to use and has a number of preset programs that may be deleted if preferred.

Playing demanding games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends on the iPhone 14 Pro is seamless and trouble-free. Older games, however, might need to be optimized for the device's screen resolution and design elements. The iPhone 14 Pro Max's larger screen and battery might appeal to avid gamers more.

While streaming apps' video playback is vivid and crisp, the Dynamic Island feature can be annoying when it tries to occupy the entire screen. The dual speakers on the iPhone 14 Pro deliver a rich audio experience.

For a flagship phone, the battery life is respectable, lasting a full day with light camera use, gaming, and video recording. There was a minimal discernible difference in battery life with the always-on display disabled. Despite the slower charging speed compared to many Android phones, it can still recharge to 50% in 30 minutes.

Overall, the iPhone 14 Pro provides dependable performance, a respectable battery life, and a pleasant user experience. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, on the other hand, might be preferred by individuals seeking a larger device.

Cameras

The camera system on the iPhone 14 Pro undergoes a considerable upgrade with the adoption of a 48-megapixel sensor with pixel clustering for better low-light performance. By switching to ProRAW mode, 48-megapixel images can be taken as opposed to the 12-megapixel pictures that are captured by default. Additionally, the device offers a 2X optical magnification that uses the sensor's center, giving users a choice between regular and telephoto images. The addition of Action Mode improves stability during video recording while also improving video stabilization.

The 48-megapixel primary camera and 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 14 Pro produce images with higher overall quality while having smaller apertures than its predecessor. These improvements come from the software optimizations and the A16 Bionic "Photonic Engine." Depending on the camera used, there are noticeable gains in low-light photography, with performance increasing by 2-3X. Additionally, the front camera now has autofocus, guaranteeing clearer shots even with artistic arrangements.

Photos taken in daylight with the iPhone 14 pro in practical situations have superb quality, natural colors, and lots of detail. Although the automatic switch to macro mode can occasionally obstruct framing, close-up images are very detailed. All cameras operate admirably, handling tricky exposures with ease. Even far-off subjects in ultra-wide photos retain definition, and the 2X zoom setting is helpful for taking detailed portraits. The depth of field from the telephoto and primary cameras is outstanding. It is best to use the 3X zoom setting for distant things. Shots taken in low light are clear and colorful, and the primary camera performs remarkably well at night.

With Cinematic Mode being the same and Action Mode for better stabilization, the iPhone 14 Pro's video capabilities are still strong. In both natural and artificial light, standard video recording yields excellent results.

Selfies have a fantastic depth of field and detail, with exposures that favor the subject over the backdrop. The 3D depth sensing hardware produces portrait effects that are comparable to those on earlier iPhone models.

Verdict

The iPhone 14 Pro has improved features, a higher-quality camera, and improved overall performance over its predecessors. The higher cost, though, might make it less affordable for many people. The Dynamic Island function offers novelty, but its actual usefulness may be inconsistent. Smaller quality-of-life enhancements made possible by the Smartphone include better low-light photography and an always-on display. The iPhone 13 Pro is still a competitive alternative at a lesser price for those using an iPhone X or earlier models, while some users may find it worthwhile to consider an upgrade. It is also reasonable to wait for developments like USB Type-C and quick charging, which could be added in later editions.