iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Did you know that the iPhone 14 sold out within days of its release?

The Far Out Launch Event on September 7th revealed the new iPhone 14 models. It showcased the new A16 chip, a 48-megapixel (MP) camera, and Crash Detection software. 

On September 16th Apple officially released its newest iPhone 14 model. It’s caused many iPhone 13 users to wonder if they should trade up. 

Before you trade up, you should know the key differences between the iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 models. 

Keep reading to learn the key differences between the two handsets.

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 Models

The first difference that consumers likely note is the model types released. Apple rolled out the iPhone 13 on September 24, 2021, with four models. 

• • iPhone 13 Mini
• • iPhone 13
• • iPhone 13 Pro
• • iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 was the best-selling model of the group, followed by the iPhone 13 Pro. This performance is what lead to Apple's newest iPhone 14 lineup, including:

• • iPhone 14
• • iPhone 14 Plus
• • iPhone 14 Pro
• • iPhone 14 Pro Max

Apple ditched the mini-series because of lower-than-expected sales. Industry experts don’t expect it to make a comeback in any new versions of the iPhone. 

Difference in Pricing

The iPhone 13 Mini was the most affordable handset in the lineup. What happens with it is out of the lineup? You should be aware of a price jump. 

The iPhone 13 series pricing is:

• • iPhone 13 Mini - $699
• • iPhone 13 - $799
• • iPhone 13 Pro - $999
• • iPhone 13 Pro Max - $1,099

The iPhone 13 pricing’s affordability shocked consumers when released. Many of them had hoped that Apple continued this pricing trend with the new iPhone 14. 

Apple bumped up the prices for the 14 and 14 Plus models, but the Pros have remained the same. Without doing a trade-in, the pricing is set at:

• • iPhone 14 - $799
• • iPhone 14 Plus -$899
• • iPhone 14 Pro - $999
• • iPhone 14 Pro Max - $1099

The updated features available in the iPhone 14 make it one of the most affordable iPhone models. 

Display Specifications

The sizing specifications for the iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 models are almost the same.

Because the iPhone 13 Mini was cut out of the 14-series one isn't available in a similar size. 

The smallest iPhone in the 14-model lineup is the standard iPhone 14 at 6.1 inches, whereas the Mini only stands at 5.4 inches tall.

The iPhone 14 Plus model replaced the Mini. 

This model stands 6.7 inches tall, identical to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. 

Battery Life Specifications

With each upgrade, Apple typically unveils a longer battery life. The tech giant provides estimates of battery life by showing how long you can stream videos. 

Apple upgraded the iPhone 13 specifications by almost two hours compared to the iPhone 12 models.

Here’s the iPhone 13’s battery life on a single charge:

• • iPhone 13 Mini - 17 hours
• • iPhone 13 - 19 hours
• • iPhone 13 Pro - 22 hours
• • iPhone 13 Pro Max - 28 hours

The iPhone 14 specifications, meanwhile, only upticked by one hour of video playback time. 

• • iPhone 14 - 20 hours
• • iPhone 14 Plus - 23 hours
• • iPhone 14 Pro - 26 hours
• • iPhone 14 Pro Max - 29 hours

These figures aren’t the groundbreaking battery life increases that consumers were hoping for. But it still provides extra usage time.

Turning on Low Power Mode is recommended to extend your battery life during long periods of use. Apple also recommends utilizing the Auto Brightness feature. This feature dims your phone screen automatically to fit the setting.

Having your display on the highest brightness all the time will drain your battery. You'll have to charge your phone more often and the battery health depletes faster.  

Maintaining your Battery Life

All of the iPhone models, and other Apple products, use an Apple Lithium-ion battery. 

Every rechargeable battery has a limited number of charging cycles. This means that you’ll eventually need to replace the battery.

You can find out your iPhone’s battery health status in Settings. Apple recommends replacing your iPhone's battery at 80% charging capacity or below. 

If you don't replace it you may need to charge your iPhone more frequently. 

Apple has some recommendations for maintaining your handset’s battery health as long as possible. 

The California-based corporation’s tips include utilizing the Battery Usage Information in your iPhone’s Settings. 

Here’s why. This step will show if you have background apps running while you’re using something else. You can also view if you have enabled multiple apps utilizing location services. 

Both of these factors are taxing on batteries and can drain them faster. Limiting the number of apps running will help your battery life last longer.

MagSafe Charging

Rumors projected that the iPhone 14 wouldn't have a charging cable port. While this status was untrue it does have wireless charging capabilities. 

There’s no differences in the wireless charging features in the 13 and 14 models, but using proper wireless charging methods can help save your battery in the long run. 

MagSafe charging is a cool feature that Apple has utilized for years, but not all MagSafe chargers are designed equally.

Research the best units before purchasing one.

Apple will likely eventually ditch the lighting cable, but for now, it's here to stay.

Available Colors

If you're a fan of the clear case trend then an iPhone's color is something to note when preparing to purchase. 

The iPhone 13 is available in six different colors.

• • Dark Green
• • Light Pink
• • Muted Blue
• • Midnight Black
• • Starlight
• • Deep Red

It's fairly common for Apple's Pro models to not be available in the same colors. This trend was no different with the release of the iPhone 13 Pro colors:

• • Alpine Green
• • Silver
• • Gold
• • Graphite
• • Sierra Blue

Apple does not typically disclose their best-selling color to the public, but sources have revealed that Sierra Blue, Graphite, and Light Pink were the top-selling colors. 

However, if you're looking to buy an iPhone 14 model the colors are slightly different. The standard iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus are currently available in:

• • Blue (similar to Sierra Blue)
• • Lilac Purple
• • Midnight
• • Starlight
• • Red (more vibrant than the iPhone 13)

Apple has offered the purple and blue colors for the iPhone 12 and 13 models. Industry experts project these colors will sell well and become increasingly popular. 

How about the iPhone 14 Pros? They followed the usual pattern of having a slightly different color scheme. Apple also unveiled fewer colors than usual and has focused on one color specifically. 

• • Deep Purple
• • Gold 
• • Silver
• • Space Black

The Deep Purple color has seemingly stolen the show for the iPhone 14 models and has thrilled many Apple fans.

Consumers have leaned toward clear cases that showcase the color of their iPhones and the trend isn't going away anytime soon. 

Sometimes Apple will release more colors after the initial release date, so stay tuned for more updates on iPhone 14 colors!

Camera Differences

With every new model of the iPhone, consumers look towards the updates on the cameras. 

The past models have introduced an ultra-wide feature and optical zoom ranges. Enter iPhone 14 rumors. They had Apple fans looking forward to the biggest camera update in years. 

Now that it's on the market, does the camera live up to the hype?

The standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models sport a similar camera as 

the iPhone 13. The biggest difference is that the new model is equipped with Photonic Engine. 

This enhancement focuses on the detail and color of photos. The front camera on the new model is also equipped with autofocus and 12- megapixels. This feature is new for Apple and available on all of the latest models. 

Tim Cook’s company has also upgraded the cinematic feature in the iPhone 14 models. On the iPhone 13 devices, it shoots in 1080p at 30 fps. Now the upgraded iPhone 14 Cinematic mode shoots in 4k HDR at 30 fps for better quality recording.

The biggest upgrade is on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models. 

The new Pro models feature a 48MP camera. This is a huge change from the previous iPhone 13 Pro models which only have a 12MP camera. 

If you're a fan of taking landscape photos, you can now capture far away scenery without jeopardizing the resolution. Apple’s incredible feat is a huge benefit when you want to buy an iPhone 14. 

Is There Still a Camera Bump?

The Camera Bump is here to stay. It's no surprise to many who follow Apple closely but some rumors projected that Apple would eliminate the camera bump on the iPhone 14 models. 

This factor is due to the wide camera lenses that the iPhone 13 and 14 both provide. With the iPhone 14 Pro models having an even better camera it wasn't a shock that the beveled edge was here to stay. 

If you're worried about damaging your camera due to how far it sticks out, look for phone cases that even out the back of the iPhone. 

It will help prevent scratched and cracked camera lenses. 

The case also helps prevent a point of impact if you drop your iPhone. 

The A15 vs A16 Chip

Apple unveiled the A16 Bionic chip at its Far Out Launch Event on September 7th. 

It has created a lot of excitement over the new iPhone 14 models, which have this new and improved chip. 

But how is it different from the A15 chip?

The iPhone 13 is powered by the A15 and it was expected that all of the new iPhone 14 models would be receiving the A16 Bionic chip. 

This is not the case, instead, the A15 chip will continue to power the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. 

The new 14 models do have a bit more power compared to the iPhone 13 models. 

This is the first time since 2008 that Apple hasn't upgraded the processor of one of its new flagship iPhones. 

This situation hasn't slowed down the excitement over the A16 chip though. The Pro's new processor is more efficient even when doing intensive tasks. It has similar specifications as the A15 including:

• • 6-core CPU, 
• • 5-core GPU
• • 16-core Neural Engine

While it is similar in design, Apple claims it has better cores making it more efficient.

But why didn't all of the iPhone 14 models receive the new and improved chip?

Back in March Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted that the Pro models would be the only iPhones to receive the new chip. 

Other reporters have been predicting that this event would happen for months as well due to the ongoing chip shortage. Utilizing a tried and true chip would help Apple meet the demand for the new iPhone 14s. 

Crash Detection Software

Apple announced that all of the iPhone 14 models would be equipped with crash detection software. 

This feature is similar to the technology available in the Apple Watch Series 8, which could sense a crash and contact emergency services. 

This feature was expected to make an appearance in the new iPhone 14 and rumors circulated that Apple was testing the software for over a year. 

According to Apple, new software is capable of detecting G-force measurements and can detect when they are dramatically changed. Crash Detection then dials emergency services in case a user is unconscious. 

While it was no surprise, it is an incredible feature and one that many were excited about. This perk could help a lot of people and it was exciting to see Apple finally release this feature.

No More SIM Card?

This development was unexpected in the release of the iPhone 14 models but US consumers will have to use eSIM connectivity.

The eSIM only affects US consumers and those in other countries will still have SIM cards. 

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module and stores the phone's number and authentication keys that carriers use.

The SIM card has been decreasing in size since its release in 1991 but it was unclear when the switch to an eSIM would occur. 

Disadvantages 

It is ultimately the same thing as the physical SIM card and will eventually make everyone's lives easier in the long run.

But it does have some hiccups that you should be aware of. 

If your device is lost, broken, or water damaged you can't just pop out the SIM card into a new phone. All of the information is stored on the device itself so it becomes a bit tricky. 

Local laws could also impact using eSIMs. In the UK carriers are not permitted to sell locked devices so they can't lock an eSIM to one particular phone. This factor could encourage people to sell lost or stolen iPhones secondhand for quick cash. 

Advantages

Because it is no longer a physical card you don't have to get a new one when you switch carriers. There's no need to wait for a new SIM card to arrive. You can do everything right on your phone. 

You also don't need to have an ejector tool. Removing a SIM card required the tool to pop out the compartment. They’re small tools and easily lost so changing out a SIM card is a hassle. 

One of the biggest advantages to progressing an eSIM is that there isn't a limit to how many eSIMs you have on your device. You can easily switch between them when traveling and you don't have to worry about losing anything. 

Switching to an eSIM seems more daunting than it is. Once more phones make the switch it should help root out any hiccups in the process. 

Protecting Your iPhone 14

If you're going to buy an iPhone 14 you'll want to protect it against drops, scratches, and busted screens. 

If you're someone who tends to drop their phone easily, look for a case with a layer of padding and a screen protector built into the case. This way you'll be protecting both sides of your iPhone. 

Hard plastic and metal cases can help prevent scuffing on your iPhone as well so look for cases with similar material. 

We're big fans of any case made with TPU material. It's a flexible polymer and wraps around your iPhone to create a barrier. This is a shock-absorbing material so if you do drop it, the TPU will lessen the damage done to your handset.

These are all great materials to look for, but where can you find one that has all three and provides the ultimate level of protection?

Where to Purchase a TPU Case

These are all great materials to look for, but where can you find one that has all three and provides the ultimate level of protection?

Our UB Pro case was the winner of the annual CNET drop test and we recommend it to anyone who wants all-around protection.

But what does the CNET's drop test prove? Testers dropped our case at over 20 feet, over 26 times.  Our UB Pro case withstood every single drop without causing any damage to the phone inside.

We recommend our UB Pro to anyone who's looking for a case that utilizes TPU, while still looking attractive. 

Key features of our UB Pro case:

• • Built-in Screen Protector
• • Inflexible Polycarbonate
• • Shock-absorbing TPU
• • Military-grade protection

Our case also comes with a built-in kickstand and rotating belt clip for easier access.

Looking for a Slimmer TPU Case?

If you're searching for a sleek and slim case that's still protective we recommend our UB Style case. 

It's important to see if a slim case provides protection for the raised camera lens. This feature is important to look for in both iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 cases. 

Our UB Style case not only protects the camera bezel but is also incredibly lightweight.

Other features include:

• • Seamless access to charging ports
• • Raised bezels for camera lens protection
• • Easy access to speakers
• • Wireless charging capabilities
• • Scratch resistant with TPU bumpers
• • 15-foot drop test certified
• • 1-year warranty

For less than $20 you can purchase a stylish, lightweight, and protective case for whatever iPhone you end up purchasing. 

Should You Buy an iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14?

While some major similarities exist in both models it really depends on what you're looking for. 

If you're looking to trade in your iPhone it might be better to do it now before your current iPhone loses too much of its trade-in value. 

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max have more upgrades than the standard iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, which is something to consider when deciding if you'd like to purchase one. 

The standard iPhone 13 and 14 both utilize the same A15 chip but the iPhone 14's runs faster. The Pro models use the brand new A16 chip to run even more smoothly without decreasing battery life as fast. 

The new 14 Pro models retail for the same price as the 13 Pro models so it might be better to invest in the newer model.

The Pro model's 48MP shooting capability is also a major upgrade for the iPhone's back camera. Many experts believe that this upgrade will lead up to the tech giant releasing its own Augmented Reality (AR) headset. 

This 'too be seen' idea could happen and the best compatibility with AR would be with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models.

The Crash Detection software is only available in the new iPhone 14 models so if that’s something that you would like to utilize you'd have to purchase the new model. 

This great feature will help thousands of iPhone 14 users.

If you're deciding between the two models, buying an iPhone 14 might be a better choice considering that it's close to the same price and has a few extra features. It depends. 

Get Protection for Your New iPhone

Regardless of which model you decide to purchase, consider investing in a case that fits your lifestyle. It's important to look for high-quality protection that will make your iPhone last as long as possible. 

SUPCASE provides the highest level of protection in every case we make, and we make them to fit every lifestyle. 

Look no further if you want military-grade protection, high-quality, and drop-test-certified cases for every iPhone.