IPhone 14 Plus vs. iPhone 13
Design and Display: Few Changes
The iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone 13 look much the same, with Apple's established design housing similar-looking 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR displays for bright colors and HDR support. Screens of both models reach a brightness of 800 nits (typical) and 1200 nits (peak HDR), meaning there isn't an improvement in viewing quality between the two models.
However, the iPhone 14 Plus ups the ante in screen size for those who love seeing more of what they're doing, probably for entertainment and multitasking. This alone is one of the most striking differences from the iPhone 13, which caps at 6.1 inches, unless you go for the Pro Max variant. For the differing dimensions in size, the design language stays the same: aluminum frames, Ceramic Shield on the front, almost similar weight distribution.
Verdict: If you're happy with the design and display on your iPhone 13, you won't see much of a difference beyond the 14 Plus's larger size.
Performance: Small Boosts for Gamers
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus run on Apple's A15 Bionic chip, but the version in the iPhone 14 Plus gives this a slight boost with the 5-core GPU from the iPhone 13 Pro. That means an enhancement in graphics performance of around 20-25%-something welcome for gamers on-the-go or users running more resource-intensive apps-but day-to-day, however, not a ton will feel different.
Then there's the RAM upgrade to 6GB from 4GB, making multitasking smoother when upgrading from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 14 Plus. However, since both these phones support iOS 18, the general software experience is going to be the same on both devices.
Verdict: Performance gains are there for gamers or heavy users; however, for a casual user, it is not worth an upgrade.
Battery Life: A Key Selling Point
Apple's focus has, however, been in giving the iPhone 14 Plus better battery life. In its more extensive build, there is room for a more significant battery that shall provide about 26 hours of video playback against about 19 hours on the iPhone 13. That extended battery life may be just about what seals the deal for those heavy users with their phones all day long.
It also means that both devices support MagSafe charging and 20W fast charging, but only the 14 Plus benefits from optimized battery performance owing to its larger size.
Verdict: If the battery life is of utmost importance, then the iPhone 14 Plus presents a better reason to upgrade.
Camera: A Small Step Forward
While the camera hardware between the two models is largely similar, the iPhone 14 Plus provides slight enhancements to low-light performance and processing, enabled by Apple's Photonic Engine. This usually delivers more subtle details in low light compared to the iPhone 13. Both have dual 12MP cameras, but the front camera on the new iPhone 14 Plus gets autofocus, enhancing selfies and FaceTime quality.
Moreover, the iPhone 14 Plus introduces Action Mode for smoother video stabilization, which was absent in the iPhone 13. That might be a big upgrade if you take videos quite often.
Verdict: Those minor improvements will mean something to photography enthusiasts, though casual users probably won't find much changed.
New Features: Satellite Connectivity and Crash Detection
But one of the new specific features of the iPhone 14 Plus is Emergency SOS via satellite that finally gives users connectivity even in areas where there is no cellular service. Though this feature shall be more helpful for those users who spend much time in completely remote areas, it adds an extra layer of safety. Another new feature is Crash Detection, featuring advanced sensors that detect car accidents and automatically alert emergency services.
Verdict: These new features are an absolute added value mainly for voyagers and adventurers, though not quite necessary for all. There is a --- ## Pricing and Value
The iPhone 14 Plus launched at $899, between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro Max. With newer models out, however, the prices for the iPhone 13 have dropped, and it's now far more budget-friendly. Unless you want or need that bigger display, improved GPU, or satellite features, the iPhone 13 remains an excellent value.
Verdict: If budget is a concern, the iPhone 13 does much of the same for less. However, for those who desire the latest features in concert with improved battery life, the iPhone 14 Plus might prove a worthy investment.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
The actual comparison of iPhone 14 Plus vs. iPhone 13 shows that while iPhone 14 Plus offers a boost in GPU performance, better battery life, and new safety features, all updates are relatively minor. If you already have an iPhone 13 and are comfortable with the performance, it will probably be wiser to stick with it unless you want a larger screen and longer battery life for sure.
But for those migrating from an older model-say, iPhone 12, or even older-the iPhone 14 Plus will be a much more tempting upgrade, thanks to refined features and extended battery capacity.
At the end of the day, it all depends on how you end up using your phone. If you're a gamer or a person who travels a lot, it may be worth upgrading to the 14 Plus; for everyone else, sticking with an iPhone 13 would still provide a premium Apple experience.