iPhone 14 has become the new trendy gadget since Apple introduced it on September 7, 2022. However, users were rather indifferent to the news. I say indifferent because there’s nothing different about it from the previous one at first glance. Like the saying that you don’t judge a book by its cover, iPhone 14 has some interesting features that make it stand out from the iPhone 13.
Many users are already queueing to own this phone. Pre-orders started on September 9, while the phone will officially launch into the market on September 16. So, if you’re planning to buy the phone, better hurry up and keep the money ready before a new model comes out (Oh wait, there’s also iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max, but that’s a story for another day).
For now, let’s take a look at the new iPhone 14 and the magic it carries.
iPhone 14 spec
- Dimension – 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.31 in)
- Operating system – iOS 16
- Memory – No card slot, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM
- Cameras – 12MP wide (f/1.5), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.4), 12MP front f/1.9
- CPU – A15 Bionic
- Display – 6.1 inches (2532 x 1170 pixels, 60Hz)
- Size – 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches
- Water resistance – IP68
- Weight – 6.07 ounces
- Colours – Midnight, Purple, Starlight, Product Red, Blue
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Design
iPhone 14 is not much different from the older iPhone 13. The chip is also last year’s A15 Bionic from the iPhone 13 Pro series. But there’s a new upgrade in the internal design which allows for better thermal performance. It offers a 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine.
Apple has since transitioned to eSIM after eliminating the sim slot in the United States. There are also speaker holes, microphones at the bottom of the iPhone 14, and a lightning port for charging. The camera bump at the back remains unchanged, with a diagonal lens setup, a True Tone flash, and a microphone.
iPhone 14 features a set of antenna bands on the top and sides of the phone, with a power button on the right and volume buttons, and a silence switch on the left. There’s a 5G mmWave antenna underneath the power button, but that’s only available on iPhones 14 models sold in the US.
The new iPhone is available in five colours – Midnight, Purple, Starlight, Product Red, Blue. It was rated IP68 for its water resistance. This means it can withstand a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. iPhone 14 also has a durable Ceramic Shield front cover that protects its display from bumps and drops.
Display
Apple discarded the “mini” iPhone in 2022, and the iPhone 14 comes in 6.1 size. The phone supports 5G connectivity. In addition, an accelerometer and a high dynamic range gyroscope power a Crash Detection feature that can automatically contact emergency services if you’re in a serious accident and can’t reach your iPhone.
Other features include a barometer that detects changes in cabin pressure, GPS that watches for rapid speed changes, and a microphone that can listen for car crash noises. Part of the awesomeness of the iPhone 14 is that Apple added an Emergency SOS via satellite which is an option that allows the iPhone 14 to connect directly to satellites for communication purposes in emergencies. However, the feature only works in the US and Canada and is free for two years. With satellite connectivity, you can share your location with family and friends via “Find My” if you’re in a remote area.
Camera
The new model features a new camera system that delivers better low-light performance and a faster and brighter TrueDepth camera with autofocus. There’s a new Action mode for super steady footage for the video.
Battery
The iPhone 14 battery life lasts an hour longer than the iPhone 13. It also lasts for up to 20 hours when watching a video. Meanwhile, it supports the MagSafe charging up to 15W, while fast charging over Lightning is available with a 20W or higher charger.
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Software
The iPhone 14 came with iOS 16 out of the box. This means you can customize the lock screen with widgets, photos, and more. Also, the phone can unsend texts and edit them. There are Passkeys (a replacement for passwords), a new Fitness app, and the return of the battery percentage indicator.
iPhone 14 review
The good
- The iPhone 14’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display remains one of the best screens in the price range in terms of quality.
- The photo and video quality have vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.
- Better action shots and low-light performance because the main 12MP wide camera has a larger sensor than the one in the iPhone 13.
- There’s a new computational photography feature called Photonic Engine, which helps capture brighter images.
- The chip remains in A15 Bionic form, but its 5-core GPU will give better graphics performance.
- You can have up to eight eSIMs on your phone, with two active at any given time.
- Long battery life, which will last through a day of shooting photos, video, and downloading apps and games.
- Emergency SOS via satellite and crash detection.
- Water resistance and dust resistance of IP68, which means it can withstand a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
The bad
- Carbon copy of the iPhone 13, including the notch.
- Video editing test is slightly lower than iPhone 13.
- Emergency SOS is only available in the US.
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iPhone 14 price in Nigeria
The availability status of the new iPhone in Nigeria has not been confirmed yet. However, it is expected to sell from NGN 446,600 upward in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Kano.
iPhone 14 variants
Apple unveiled four iPhone 14 models. The regular variants are two – iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 plus. On the other hand, there are the Pro models – iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The regular variants are not much different from the iPhone 13, so they are more affordable. The best features are reserved for the Pro variants, which are more expensive.
Also, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have three storage variants, while the Pro models have an extra 1TB storage variant.
Release date
Pre-orders have already started on September 9. But the official launching date is on September 16, 2022.
iPhone 14 vs 13
Similarities
Both iPhones feature the same display size, 5G connectivity, A15 Bionic chip, and design. Basically, iPhone 14 is a repackaged version of the iPhone 13.
Differences
- iPhone 14 has Faster GPU than iPhone 13.
- Better image quality in low light due to Photonic Engine software.
- Has a slightly larger main camera sensor; the front camera now has AF.
- Slightly lighter than iPhone 13, weighing 6.07 ounces and measuring 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches. iPhone 13 weighs 6.17 ounces.
- Action mode video stabilization.
- Has SOS via satellite, Crash detection features, which are not available on iPhone 13.
- Longer battery life.
In a nutshell, iPhone 14 is a carbon copy of the iPhone 13. In my opinion, it’s better to wait for a more upgraded model to enjoy better features.
