The iPhone 14, released in September 2022, might not be Apple’s latest model in 2025, but it’s still a strong contender for those looking for a solid, modern smartphone. In this detailed iPhone 14 review, we break down its performance, camera quality, battery life, and whether it’s still worth your money today.
iPhone 14 Highlights
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Chip: A15 Bionic (5-core GPU version)
- Camera: Dual 12MP rear cameras with improved sensors
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours video playback
- Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
- OS: iOS 17 compatible
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 14 continues Apple’s refined flat-edge design. It looks nearly identical to the iPhone 13 but is slightly lighter and made with aerospace-grade aluminum. The Ceramic Shield front offers top-notch durability, and the water resistance (IP68) remains excellent for accidental splashes or dips.
Performance: Upgraded A15 Bionic
While Apple didn’t jump to the A16 chip on the standard iPhone 14, it did include the more powerful 5-core GPU version of the A15 Bionic used in the iPhone 13 Pro. This makes a real difference in gaming and graphics-intensive apps.
Everyday tasks like multitasking, video editing, and using AI features in iOS 17 run buttery smooth — a testament to how future-proof this chip still is in 2025.
Camera Improvements: Subtle but Noticeable
The iPhone 14 offers two 12MP rear cameras: a wide and an ultra-wide lens. While it may look similar on paper to the iPhone 13, Apple upgraded the sensors and added the Photonic Engine — a new image processing pipeline that boosts low-light performance dramatically.
- Sharper night photos
- Improved dynamic range
- Smoother skin tones and color accuracy
Video recording is still top-notch with 4K 60fps and Dolby Vision. New in the iPhone 14 is the Action Mode for gimbal-like stabilization — a favorite for vloggers and sports filming.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 14 offers up to 20 hours of video playback and comfortably lasts a full day on moderate to heavy use. Even in 2025, if the battery is in good condition, it performs on par with many mid-range and even flagship phones.
Charging is still limited to Lightning, though wireless MagSafe charging is supported. If you’re used to fast USB-C charging, this might be a drawback.
New Safety Features
- Emergency SOS via Satellite: Lets you send messages to emergency services even without cell coverage (great for travelers and hikers).
- Crash Detection: Automatically contacts emergency services if you’re in a car crash — a potentially life-saving feature.
iOS 17 Experience
The iPhone 14 runs iOS 17 beautifully. New features like enhanced lock screen customization, live voicemail, and AI-suggested photos in Messages elevate the user experience. Expect Apple to continue updating this model through iOS 20 or beyond, making it a safe long-term investment.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 13: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re coming from the iPhone 13, the upgrades are modest — better low-light photos, slightly improved GPU, and new safety features. But for users upgrading from an iPhone 11, XR, or earlier, the difference is massive: faster chip, brighter display, 5G, and better cameras.
Price and Availability in 2025
In 2025, the iPhone 14 is widely available both new and refurbished. Prices vary based on region and condition but expect ranges like:
- Refurbished: AU$830–AU$1,000
- New: AU$1,050–AU$1,300
With these price points, it’s a strong alternative to the iPhone 15 or budget Android flagships.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent display and durability
- Great camera system with improved low-light
- Fast A15 Bionic performance
- New safety features (Crash Detection, Satellite SOS)
- Good battery life and MagSafe support
- Still gets iOS updates
Cons:
- Still uses Lightning port
- No 120Hz ProMotion display (only on Pro models)
- Similar design to iPhone 13
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a powerful, reliable smartphone with strong camera features, fast performance, and Apple’s software support — the iPhone 14 is still a fantastic buy in 2025.
It’s ideal for anyone upgrading from older models or switching to iOS without needing Pro-level features. With falling prices and wide availability, the iPhone 14 hits the sweet spot between value and performance.
