iPhone 14 vs iPhone 13 – Discover the differences

Comparing iPhone models can be tricky, and we want to make it easier for you. Our guide below highlights the similarities and key differences between iPhone 14 and iPhone 13, so you can decide whether it’s worth spending your money on the latest upgrade. 

The camera is the first feature people look to when comparing previous and latest iPhone models. Between iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 there isn’t a comparatively large difference – both models feature a dual-camera system, but enhanced on iPhone 14, and 12MP Ultra Wide main camera. They also share a TrueDepth front camera, but iPhone 14 includes autofocus for a sharper image. iPhone 14 also offers a notable jump in the front camera’s mid to low-light performance, which Apple have dubbed the ‘Photonic Engine’, with f/1.9 aperture versus the f/2.2 aperture on iPhone 13, so you can expect improved selfies in poor lighting conditions. 

Both iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 base models operate on the A15 Bionic Chip with a 6-core CPU, meaning that there isn’t a noticeable difference in speed of performance with both models featuring a 60Hz refresh rate. However, iPhone 14 does have a 5-core GPU and 6GB RAM, compared to iPhone 13’s 4GB of RAM. So, when it comes to iOS updates, iPhone 14 will do a better job of handling new features, helping with the longevity of your device. Playback time is only marginally comparable between the models, with iPhone 14 capable of 20 hours of video playback versus 19 hours with iPhone 13. Audio playback is a more notable improvement, with 75 hours versus 80 hours. One pro is that both models are compatible with Superfast 5G, unlike older models like iPhone 11. 

Both recent models feature the same square design reintroduced with iPhone 12 in 2020. iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 base models feature a Ceramic Shield screen that Apple claims to be tougher than any smartphone glass and are cased in Aerospace-grade aluminium. The two devices share a water and dust resistance rating of IP68, with water resistance up to a depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes. In terms of design and durability, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are on par. Both devices are missing the Dynamic Island, one of the hottest new features from Apple, available only on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, iPhone 14 does include certain security features that are exclusive to iPhone 14 Series. The first new security feature is Crash Detection, recognising when you’re in a car accident and auto-calling emergency services. The second is satellite connectivity for reaching emergency services when you aren’t connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network. Despite that, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are both compatible with MagSafe cases, wallets, wireless chargers and more.

If you’re looking for major improvements in design, durability, and camera then iPhone 14 might not be the right step up for you, and you’d be better off opting for iPhone 14 Pro. However, iPhone 14 does provide better performance and longevity, so for anyone upgrading from iPhone 11 or iPhone 12, switching to iPhone 14 would get you the longest lifespan from your phone before needing to upgrade to a newer model. Plus, the added security features are a key asset to the new iPhone 14 models, and a gamechanger for Apple’s tech capability.