iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 15 Series: Differences Explained

Whenever Apple releases a new iPhone, Apple fans are faced with that age-old question: is the upgrade to the new iPhone really worth it, or are the phones similar enough that you can save money and still get most of the features with the older iPhone model? It's no different with Apple's latest release, the iPhone 15 series.

To help answer that question, we're taking a look at the similarities, differences, and notable upgrades between the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 15.

How Are the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 Similar?

While the iPhone 15 did release a few new features and improvements, many of the features stayed the same between generations. Let’s take a look at what hasn't changed first.

Display Size and Type

Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 flaunt a stunning 6.1-inch display, with a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels. This Super Retina XDROLED screen brings visuals to life with vibrant colors and crisp details.

This level of screen quality is great for watching videos, browsing photos, or playing games.

Storage Options

Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 offer storage capacities of 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. This range caters to various users, from the casual photo-snapper to the video-hoarding enthusiast. 

For most users, 128 GB is plenty of space, but you’ve got the option to upgrade if you need more. Wondering if that’s enough for you? Our guide on how many GB you need on your phone will answer your question.

Front Camera Resolution

The front cameras of both iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 have a resolution of 12 megapixels. This ensures your selfies are captured with clarity and finesse. 

RAM

Under the hood, both iPhones pack a solid 6 GB of RAM. This RAM capacity gives you the ability to switch between apps, stream content, or play games without a hitch. 

Wireless Charging

Both iPhone models support wireless charging, eliminating the hassle of tangled cords and seeking out charging ports. Just place your phone on a wireless charger, and it powers up – no cable required.

Aesthetic

Both iPhone models come with various similar color options, such as blue and the popular philanthropic product red. Just note that the iPhone 15 introduced the option of pink and green colors, which is an exciting change if you like to choose a phone based on look.

How Does the iPhone 15 Improve Upon the iPhone 14?

The iPhone 15 series brings to the table several key enhancements over its predecessor, the iPhone 14. Let’s check out what’s new.

Rear Camera

The iPhone 14 has a dual camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses at 12 megapixels each.

The iPhone 15, however, ups the game with a generous 48 megapixels for its wide lens while maintaining the 12 megapixels for the ultra-wide. Extra megapixels translate to sharper, more detailed photos, making the iPhone 15 a clear winner for photography enthusiasts.

Battery Capacity

Battery life is a top priority for many shoppers. The iPhone 14 comes with a 3,279mAh battery, which is pretty impressive. However, the iPhone 15 edges out slightly with a 3,349mAh battery. 

While the difference might not be groundbreaking, every milliampere-hour counts when you’re trying to squeeze out that last bit of juice during a busy day.

USB-C

When it comes to cables and chargers, the iPhone 15 makes a significant shift. While the iPhone 14 sticks to the tried and tested lightning cables and lightning port, the iPhone 15 now charges via the USB-C port. 

This means if you’re moving from an older iPhone to the iPhone 15, you might need to update some of your accessories. However, the transition to USB-C, a universal standard across phone manufacturers, is a welcome change for many.

Dynamic Island

One feature Apple enthusiasts have been excited about is the Dynamic Island. Previously exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro models, the iPhone 15 includes this feature across all its models. The Dynamic Island makes notifications and alerts more accessible and interactive on your phone screen, even while you’re doing something else.

Processor

The iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus both run on the capable Apple A15 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max use the Apple A16. However, the iPhone 15 steps up with the Apple A16 Bionic available on both the iPhone 15 base and iPhone 15 Plus models, promising even faster processing, better efficiency, and enhanced overall performance. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max go a step further with the Apple A17 Bionic chipset.

For the tech-savvy, this means smoother multitasking, better gaming experiences, and more efficient power usage.

Build

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about build quality. The iPhone 14 is a stainless steel construction. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, is made of titanium. This material is lighter and tougher, which is a subtle upgrade in the phone’s build quality.

The iPhone 15 series provides thoughtful improvements in key areas like camera quality, battery life, connectivity, user interface, processing power, and build quality. 

Whether you’re a hardcore Apple fan or a potential switcher, the iPhone 15 series brings enough to the table to merit consideration.

How Do the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 Series Compare in Terms of Pricing?

When it comes to choosing a new smartphone, pricing is often a deciding factor. How do the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series measure up pricing-wise? Let’s break it down.

iPhone 14 Pricing

The iPhone 14 starts at a price point of $699. This is more affordable than the iPhone 15, but still includes a lot of the great features features Apple is known for.

iPhone 15 Pricing

The iPhone 15 starts at $799, $100 more than its predecessor. 

But what does this extra hundred bucks get you? You get the Dynamic Island, a more powerful A16 Bionic chip, a much larger 48-megapixel main camera, and the convenience of USB-connectivity.

Deciding whether the iPhone 15’s higher price tag is worth it depends largely on your priorities. Are you someone who lives on the edge of tech advancements, always craving the latest and greatest? Or are you content with solid performance without all the bells and whistles? 

For the former, the iPhone 15’s price reflects its status as a cutting-edge flagship model. The iPhone 14 offers great value for the latter, keeping you mostly up-to-date without stretching your budget.

Looking for the best phone deals across providers? Try our Phone Deal Finder below to find and compare the latest offers you qualify for. 

The Bottom Line

Deciding between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series boils down to what you value most in a new iPhone. The iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus offer a reliable, cost-effective option, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus step up with more advanced features. If you’re considering an early phone upgrade, remember that both models offer compelling reasons to make the switch. 

Need help deciding or looking for the best phone deals right now? Check out our Phone Deal Finder to scope out all the best deals for new and existing customers across top carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and more. For insights on early upgrades, visit our guide to Early Phone Upgrades. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, iPhone 14 or 15?

The iPhone 15 offers some cool upgrades over the iPhone 14, like a 48MP camera, Dynamic Island on all models, USB-C charging, and a faster A16 chip. That said, both phones have a lot in common, like the same screen size, storage options, and wireless charging capabilities, so the iPhone 14 is still a solid choice if you want to save some money.

Is the iPhone 15 waterproof?

The iPhone 15 models are water-resistant, meaning they can handle minor splashes and brief exposure to water. With an IP68 rating, they’re protected from dust, water, and splashes, but they’re not built for submersion deeper than six meters or longer than 30 minutes.

Is iPhone 15 prone to overheating?

Yes, some iPhone 15 models have experienced overheating issues. A number of users have reported their phones heating up during everyday activities like charging and phone calls. Fortunately, Apple addressed the problem with an iOS 17 update to reduce overheating concerns.