iPhone 14 and 14 Plus Hands-On: Everything New to Know

This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Apple’s most popular product.

Apple dropped four new iPhone 14 models this year, including the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, which might have the buzziest new features. The Pro models lose the infamous notch and get a pill-shaped display cutout — around which Apple added what it calls a “Dynamic Island” for alerts and tracking live activities.

Probably the biggest upgrade to the non-Pro iPhone 14 is the fact that there is a second larger model with a big screen called the iPhone 14 Plus. Both the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus get a bunch of new features including a new SOS Emergency via Satellite service, a new video stabilization tool called action mode, an upgraded Cinematic mode and all the major iOS 16 features you’d expect (the new iPhone software comes out on Sept. 12).

The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are Apple’s new baseline phones for 2022.

James Martin/CNET

The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus also work with the new Apple Watch Series 8 (three models) and the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds. We break down everything announced for the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus including their price, features, colors, release date and more.

Read more: How iPhone 14 Pro’s Whopping 48-Megapixel Camera Will Change Your Phone Photography

iPhone 14 and 14 Plus price and release date

Pricing for the iPhone 14 starts at $799 (£849, AU$1,399) for a 128GB version, the same as last year’s iPhone 13 when activated on a carrier plan. Preorders begin Sept. 9 and the phone goes on sale Sept. 16.

The iPhone 14 Plus, which also comes with 128GB of base storage, starts at $899 (£949, AU$1,579) and is available on Oct. 7 — you can also preorder it Sept. 9. 

iPhone 14 colors you can buy (and one you can’t)

True to form, Apple will sell the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus in five colors:

During the few minutes I got to try the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, I noticed that the purple color is more of a soft lavender color that shifts depending on the lighting it’s under. The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max come in a deep purple finish that shifts between a matte black look under some lights to a rich deep purple like Prince.

iPhone 14 and 14 Plus features and cameras

At first glance, the new iPhone 14 might look just like the iPhone 13. Both iPhones feature outer casings similar to those of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models, which were released in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Apple also made a bunch of minor improvements and added new features. The iPhone 14 packs a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch screen.

The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus have the same A15 Bionic chip from last year’s iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. Apple says the 14 and 14 Plus are 18% faster than the iPhone 13. Only the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max will get the new A16 Bionic chip.

While Apple sold a smaller, Mini model of its main iPhone for the past two years, it did not introduce an iPhone 14 Mini on Wednesday. The iPhone 13 Mini remains on sale, starting at $599.

In terms of photos and video, both phones feature a main camera with a larger updated 12-megapixel sensor and a wide-angle lens with a faster aperture that lets in more light. The iPhone 14’s cameras have a different method for processing photos called Photonic Engine.

The TrueDepth camera on the front gets a new, faster, f1.9 aperture lens. Apple also added a new video stabilization mode, dubbed Action mode. It’s designed to keep your videos looking smooth even when you’re recording video while walking or moving around. 

Apple event: Full coverage

As rumored, Apple has removed the physical SIM card slot on the new iPhone 14 line. It also adds crash detection, a feature Apple focused on during its Apple Watch presentation, and a new satellite connectivity feature for use in emergencies. The satellite feature will launch in November and will be included for free for two years with the purchase of the iPhone 14. 

In addition to the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, Apple introduced new iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max phones with an updated design that replaces the traditional notch with a new “Dynamic Island” layout for the front camera and Face ID sensor. 

For more on Apple, here’s a full list of Apple’s new products, including the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and AirPods Pro 2. 

Here are the full specs for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus specs compared iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus Display size, resolution 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels 6.7-inch OLED; 2,778×1,284 pixels Pixel density 460 ppi 458 ppi Dimensions (inches) 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in. 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.31 in. Dimensions (millimeters) 147 x 72 x 7.8mm 161 x 78 x 7.8mm Weight (ounces, grams) 6.07 oz.; 172g 7.16 oz.; 203g Mobile software iOS 16 iOS 16 Rear cameras 12MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide) 12MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide) Front-facing camera 12MP 12MP Video capture HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps Processor Apple A15 Bionic Apple A15 Bionic Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB RAM Undisclosed Undisclosed Expandable storage No No Battery Undisclosed; Apple lists 20 hours of video playback Undisclosed; Apple lists 26 hours of video playback Fingerprint sensor No (Face ID) No (Face ID) Connector Lightning Lightning Headphone jack No No Special features 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (e-SIM) 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (e-SIM) Price off-contract (USD) $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) $899 (128GB), $999 (256GB), $1,199 (512GB) Price (GBP) £849 (128GB) £899 (128GB) Price (AUD) AU$1,399 (128GB) AU$1,579 (128GB)