Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Apple iPhone 14 Plus Review: Big Screen Bliss or Just Big?

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks living with the iPhone 14 Plus as my daily driver, and it's been an interesting experience, to say the least. At a starting price of $899, it slots into a peculiar space in Apple's lineup, targeting users who prioritize a larger display and, arguably, extended battery life, without necessarily needing the bells and whistles of the Pro models. My testing involved a mix of typical daily tasks – browsing, social media, email – alongside more demanding activities like gaming, video streaming, and photography. My initial impression is that it delivers on its promise of a big-screen iPhone experience, but whether that's enough in today's competitive market is a question worth exploring.

Market Context: Filling a Niche

The iPhone 14 Plus feels like Apple finally acknowledging a segment of the market that has been well-served by Android for years: those who simply want a large display without the 'Pro' price tag. Discontinuing the 'mini' and introducing the 'Plus' signals a strategic shift, and in my view, a smart one. The demand for larger screens is undeniable. However, the price point is a critical factor here. While less expensive than the Pro Max, it's still a significant investment. My personal take is that Apple is betting on brand loyalty and the desire for a big-screen experience within their ecosystem. It's positioned as the non-Pro, large-display option, hoping to capture users who might have previously considered a higher-end model but are willing to compromise on some features for a more accessible price.

Design & Hardware: Familiar and Functional

Picking up the iPhone 14 Plus, the first thing you notice is, well, its size. It's substantial, mirroring the dimensions of the Pro Max. The familiar aluminum band and glass back feel premium, as you'd expect from Apple. In hand, it feels well-built, solid, and reassuringly weighty, though perhaps a tad less dense than the stainless steel Pro models. While the size is great for media consumption, I have to point out that one-handed use can be a challenge, especially if you have smaller hands. I’ve definitely adjusted my grip and found myself relying more on two hands for navigation. Durability-wise, the Ceramic Shield front cover gives a sense of security, and the IP68 water and dust resistance is always welcome peace of mind. From my experience, it’s a handsome phone, but the design language is largely unchanged, which might feel a bit stagnant for some.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display is undoubtedly the star of the show here. My experience with it has been overwhelmingly positive. Brightness is excellent, making it easily viewable even under direct sunlight. Media consumption is truly immersive; watching videos and movies is a joy, with vibrant colors and deep blacks thanks to the OLED technology. Gaming is also a visual treat, with crisp details and smooth rendering. In my daily use, I’ve found the extra screen real estate incredibly useful for multitasking and simply navigating through apps. While it lacks the ProMotion 120Hz adaptive refresh rate of the Pro models, which some might miss for ultra-smooth scrolling, the standard 60Hz panel is still fluid and responsive.

Performance: More Than Enough Power

Under the hood, the iPhone 14 Plus packs the A15 Bionic chip, the same silicon that powered the iPhone 13 Pro models. In my testing, this translates to snappy performance across the board. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and I haven't encountered any lag or slowdowns. Gaming sessions, even with graphically intensive titles, have been smooth and enjoyable. The temperature management is also commendable; even during extended gaming, the phone doesn't get excessively hot. From my perspective, the A15 Bionic still holds its own against current flagship chips, and for the vast majority of users, the performance will be more than sufficient. It’s a testament to Apple’s chip design that last year's 'Pro' chip still feels so potent.

Camera System: Reliable and Refined

The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera system on the rear: a 12MP Main camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide. My actual photo-taking experience has been consistent with what I've come to expect from iPhones – excellent image quality, particularly in good lighting. The images are sharp, with natural colors and good dynamic range. I tested it in various shooting scenarios, from well-lit outdoor shots to more challenging indoor and low-light environments, and the results were generally impressive. Video recording is also top-notch, with smooth stabilization and excellent detail. The Cinematic mode adds a creative flair, and the Action mode provides impressive stabilization for capturing moving subjects. Comparing it with market alternatives, especially in the Android space, it might not boast the most advanced features or zoom capabilities, but for everyday use and capturing memories, the iPhone 14 Plus camera system is highly capable and reliable. In real-world usage, it’s a point-and-shoot system that consistently delivers pleasing results.

Battery & Charging: Endurance Champion

Battery life is where the iPhone 14 Plus truly shines. With its larger battery capacity, it easily lasts through a full day of heavy use for me, often with a significant amount of charge left over. My observed battery performance has been exceptional; even with hours of screen-on time, including video streaming and gaming, I haven't felt the need to constantly monitor the battery level. Charging speed, however, remains a point of contention. While it supports fast charging, the omission of a charger in the box is still disappointing at this price point. My charging speed testing with a 20W adapter showed it getting to around 50% in about 30 minutes, which is decent but not class-leading. The power management seems effective, optimizing battery usage efficiently. From my experience, the battery life is a major selling point for this phone, offering true all-day endurance.

Software: The Familiar iOS Experience

The iPhone 14 Plus runs on iOS, and the daily usage experience is the smooth, intuitive, and polished one that Apple is known for. The interface is clean, navigation is straightforward, and the ecosystem integration is seamless if you're already invested in Apple's products. The usefulness of specific features is subjective, but I appreciate the continuous updates and the long-term software support that Apple provides. My thoughts on the update policy are positive; knowing that the phone will receive timely updates for years to come is a significant advantage.

Value Analysis: A Question of Priorities

My personal take on the iPhone 14 Plus's value proposition hinges on your priorities. If a large, beautiful display and excellent battery life are paramount, and you prefer the iOS ecosystem, then it presents a compelling option. This phone is undoubtedly for users who consume a lot of media, enjoy gaming on the go, and need a device that can comfortably last through a demanding day. However, if you're seeking the latest camera technology, the adaptive refresh rate of ProMotion, or a more compact form factor, you should look elsewhere, likely towards the Pro models or even smaller Android devices. In the competitive context, Android phones at a similar price point might offer more features on paper, but the seamless integration and long-term support of the iPhone ecosystem are strong draws for many.

Conclusion: Big on Battery, Big on Screen

The iPhone 14 Plus is a solid, dependable smartphone that delivers on its core promises. My recommendation is clear: if you prioritize a large, immersive display and exceptional battery life within the Apple ecosystem, this phone is worth considering. The performance is excellent, the camera system is reliable, and the software experience is refined. While it may not be the most innovative or feature-packed phone on the market, it offers a compelling combination of size and endurance. Ultimately, whether you should buy this phone boils down to whether you value those specific attributes enough to justify the price. For those who do, the iPhone 14 Plus offers a genuinely enjoyable and long-lasting user experience.