Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Makes Ditching Android More Tempting Than Ever

Before we get into this, it is best to know that that is my first time reviewing an iPhone. I’ve lengthy established myself as “the Android girl,” as a result of I began my smartphone journey with that cellular platform and ultimately grew to desire it over my preliminary expertise with the iPhone. The final time I wielded one among Apple’s telephones as my every day driver was the iPhone 4S. It’s been some time.

You can think about my conflicting feelings having fun with my expertise with Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro. I’ll get into particulars later, however what struck me nearly instantly about this telephone is how a lot simpler it’s now to trip between iOS and Android with out lacking a lot. And whereas there are some variations in utilization between the 2 working methods, like the way you swipe across the interface or return a web page inside an app, the function parity feels nearly one-to-one now.

Android might have all of the bragging rights relating to Google integration and folding smartphones, however Apple retains it easy by sticking to its tried-and-true formulation and enhancing upon it with each iteration. The iPhone 14 Pro isn’t a right away improve for these with final yr’s iPhone 13. But its nighttime photograph taking pictures capabilities, one of many options that make Google’s Pixel smartphones most compelling, may be one thing you lastly quit Android to strive.

Note that this evaluation doesn’t cowl the concurrently launched iPhone 14, which begins at $799 for the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and $899 for the iPhone 14 Plus. That mannequin options final yr’s A15 Bionic chip, barely tweaked, together with the 14 Pro’s crash detection and Emergency SOS capabilities. Apple additionally guarantees higher battery life on its extra reasonably priced mannequin. We’ll have a full evaluation of that lineup coming quickly.

Deep into the brand new purple

The iPhone 14 Pro is available in two variations: Pro and Pro Max. The Pro model has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR show made with OLED expertise, whereas the Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display screen with a barely bigger decision. Both Pro fashions have the Dynamic Island instead of a dull notch, and each function Apple’s ProMovement expertise, which permits the adaptive refresh charge to skate between 1 Hz and 120 Hz (for battery life). I’ll get into how that works within the subsequent part. For continuity’s sake, I ought to word that I wrote this evaluation based on my expertise with the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Apple does promote a most brightness of 2000 nits outdoor. But just like the Android telephones that do the identical factor, it solely goes that prime if you happen to’re exterior on a sunny day and activate adaptive brightness mode. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max normally high out at round 530 nits if you happen to manually enhance the brightness.

If selecting between the Pro and Pro Max, take into account whether or not your way of life requires the larger display screen. The Pro Max is healthier for studying every thing from Reddit to digital papers, however it’s much less wieldable one-handed for these with smaller fingers. I discovered thumb-typing tough with out cradling each side of the machine, and it was laborious for my dominant proper hand to achieve the left-placed again button on some apps. If you continually depend on that one-handed use case, take into account the smaller iPhone 14 Pro.

Apple despatched me the Pro Max in Deep Purple, and I’m in love. Several occasions, I’ve commented that that is the smartphone colour for goth girls worldwide. It’s not as purple because the pictures I’ve included right here depict it being. It’s extra of a subdued violet in comparison with, for instance, the lavender-purple casing on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. The different accessible colours are Gold, Silver, and Space Black. Apple despatched over the smaller iPhone 14 Pro in that latter colour, which seems remarkably noir in individual—even the aluminum edges are black. Apple additionally bundled in a MagSafe Leather Case in Ink that matches the outside chassis fairly properly on the Pro Max, however I feel you’ll be able to obtain a cooler impact with one thing see-through.

You’d be proper in pondering that the iPhone 14 Pro isn’t a lot of an replace in comparison with its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro, relating to design. The bottom nonetheless exhibits a triple-camera array, with the LED flash proper above the third digital camera lens on the appropriate—although the flash module has been improved with 9 new LEDs—plus all of the requisite aspect buttons. The solely obtrusive distinction is that there’s no SIM slot on the iPhone 14 Pro, as Apple has opted solely for the brand new eSIM customary, which guarantees to be seamless and safer than bodily SIM playing cards. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to port over a quantity and take a look at the method, however onboarding with the community entry Apple supplied was turnkey. Here’s to hoping everybody else has the identical expertise (and if not, please e-mail me to let me know).

A distinct type of always-on show

I scoffed a bit after I heard Apple added an always-on show to the iPhone. I mentioned, “Ha! That’s something Android’s had for a while.” And whereas it’s true that I first fell for the thought of the AOD, because it’s abbreviated, on Motorola’s 2013 launch, the Moto X, the iPhone 14 Pro and its customizable Lock Screen make me want Samsung and Google have been doing a bit extra with their respective variations of the tech.

Apple’s always-on show is way more delicate than what you’d get with the Galaxy Z Fold 4, which I’ll use for example because it’s the Android telephone I’m carrying round as of late. Whereas Samsung enables you to select between completely different clock faces and graphics to match the remainder of your interface, Apple dims the Lock display screen wallpaper you’ve in impact. Your personalization comes by slightly than having to decide on one thing particular to show. Sflippantly extra colour friends by the 1 Hz refresh charge on the Lock Screen, too, which resulted in cases the place I didn’t even notice that the always-on show was on.

You will want iOS 16 to get entry to that Lock Screen coolness. Any widgets you place on the Lock Screen may also come by within the AOD, in addition to notifications and media playback controls. And when you have an energetic app within the background, like a timer, you’ll see that on the Lock Screen because the iPhone 14 Pro dips out and in of its always-on show mode.

Take a trip to a Dynamic Island

I’ve handy it to Apple for determining the right way to flip the notch into one thing helpful. The Dynamic Island elicited a couple of chuckles when introduced at Apple’s Far Out keynote. But I’d slightly have the notch do one thing if it’s going to take up area from the display screen.

Dynamic Island is actually a software program answer for getting some utility out of the a part of the iPhone 14 Pro housing the front-facing digital camera and Face ID sensor. It makes use of the Now Playing and CallKit APIs already utilized by iOS builders to reduce sure apps to that a part of the display screen. This means devs aren’t instantly scrambling to make their apps work with this iPhone 14 Pro-only functionality. So far, the apps that may use the Dynamic Island are media playback apps like Spotify, Pocket Casts, and Apple Music, plus utility apps just like the telephone and timer. Later this yr, Apple says you’ll be capable to use ride-sharing apps or peep sports activities scores within the Dynamic Island.

You can concurrently entry two apps at a time from the Dynamic Island. Simply faucet to broaden it. The course of is sort of fluid, and it’s good to not fear about swiping down when making an attempt to entry one thing, as I’d on an Android machine with its notification shade. You may use it to find out if one thing is taking part in within the background or by your headphones.

Would I like Apple to determine the right way to shrink that a part of the display screen so there’s nothing there? Absolutely. Remember, I come from the land of hole-punch cameras, so I’m used to seeing a lot of the display screen after I’m scrolling vertically. When utilized in panorama mode, apps like YouTube will letterbox the video in order that the Dynamic Island doesn’t block out a part of the view. But in portrait mode, the pill-shaped island is extraordinarily apparent. If that is one thing that perpetually bothers you, keep in mind that what you get in trade is FaceID, which works practically flawlessly in comparison with my experiences with competing Android units.

Nighttime pictures have improved

As with each new mannequin of the iPhone, Apple has improved the first digital camera capabilities of its Pro-level flagship machine. Whereas final yr’s iPhone 13 Pro was outfitted with a 12-MP triple-camera system, this yr’s expands on that by adopting a quad-pixel sensor. This works equally to the nona- and tetra-binning expertise in Samsung’s respective units and Google’s Pixel sensor. In Apple’s case, the expertise tries to optimize mild seize by grouping 4 pixels right into a quad-pixel sensor to usher in extra mild and element. This form of expertise has grow to be the established order for smartphone cameras at present available on the market, and also you’ll discover it utilized in most flagship and pro-level units.

The main digital camera on the iPhone 14 Pro is a 48-MP shooter. But as I discussed, it sometimes shoots at 12-MP with that quad-pixel expertise enabled. If you need all megapixels engaged, you’ll be able to swap to Apple’s ProRAW mode from the settings panel and shoot pictures on the full 48-MP decision for tinkering later in knowledgeable photograph enhancing suite. Apple says the digital camera sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro is 65% bigger than its predecessor and makes use of a second-generation sensor-shift OIS to assist help in clearer pictures when your topic is in movement. That bigger sensor additionally brings in additional mild, which is how the iPhone 14 Pro boasts its f/1.78 aperture.

The second digital camera on the iPhone 14 Pro is a 12-MP Ultra Wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and 120-degree area of view, which might be aggressive with a few of your photograph topics if you happen to don’t correctly body the shot. You can see an instance of it within the embedded digital camera samples.

The third digital camera is a 12-MP Telephoto lens with an analogous aperture as the first digital camera. The telephoto can zoom in as much as 6x optically and as much as 15x digitally. I didn’t get an opportunity to check the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s zoom capabilities to these of the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which boasts so-called “Space Zoom.” But I used to be in a position to evaluate it to the Pixel 6 Pro’s built-in 20x digital zoom and was impressed on the 14 Pro Max’s skill to sharpen topics from distant. I took two 15x pictures of windmills from miles away with the 14 Pro Max and the Pixel 6 Pro. Both pictures got here out pretty sharp, sufficient that I might inform what the buildings have been within the distance. The solely obtrusive distinction between the 2 pictures was the colour tuning. It’s attention-grabbing to see how Apple tones its pictures in comparison with Google.

Daytime images on the iPhone 14 Pro isn’t drastically completely different from on the iPhone 13 Pro. Images are clear, whereas Portrait mode continues to impress. I additionally like that the iPhone 14 Pro can seize nonetheless photographs from a shifting topic, which was particularly useful when snapping pictures of my child on a swing set. The different factor I favored is that, even in panorama photographs, there was balanced element and sharpness all through the 14 Pro’s pictures, even when one thing seems muddled up shut.

I’ve been tuned to Google’s Pixel algorithms all this time, so it’s good to see Apple’s top-tier iPhone line as much as par with the Pixel’s Night Sight capabilities. Indeed, whereas I used to be taking pictures panorama pictures at evening, I most well-liked the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s consequence, as a result of it was much less intense than the Pixel 6 Pro’s. Google’s digital camera algorithm is aggressive compared to Apple’s. It would typically mild up elements I didn’t essentially need within the photograph. For occasion, within the preliminary evening shot under, the Pixel 6 Pro lit up the roof’s awning on the appropriate aspect of the photograph, typically mentioning the element in different elements the place mild is current. The iPhone 14 Pro Max’s result’s extra tuned to sharpening slightly than growing the publicity, so there’s extra deal with the moonlit sky than every thing else included within the scene.

But the following evening, I most well-liked Google’s consequence. I shot from a distinct angle and wished to have some distinction within the timber and shrubbery within the photograph’s foreground. The space across the moonlight is extra detailed within the Pixel 6 Pro’s consequence than the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s, which opted for extra of a silhouette impact. In each cases, I set the moon hidden within the clouds as the main target level.

At the very least, it’s good to see the Google Pixel 6 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro on the identical spectrum relating to nighttime images. The 14 Pro is likewise able to indoor evening pictures, particularly in comparison with the iPhone 13 Pro. Images should not solely a tad brighter, however they’re rather less yellow-tinged.

The iPhone 14 Pro’s video recording capabilities have additionally improved. The telephone can document 4K and 1080p video at as much as 60 frames-per-second (fps) and 720p video at as much as 30 fps. Like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 I reviewed, I used the iPhone 14 Pro to comply with round my child and favored how seamless it was to change between zooms with ease. I additionally tried on the Pro’s new Action Mode, which successfully acts like a gimble whenever you’re filming and issues are bumpy. I’m nonetheless coping with some post-COVID signs, so there was no motion from me. But I might see the delicate softening of my strolling with the digital camera with Action Mode toggled on in comparison with when it’s off. It’s particularly efficient at leveling the scene as you flip with the digital camera.

I didn’t get sufficient time to check the total skills of the front-facing TrueDepth digital camera on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s a 12-MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and built-in autofocus. It can take portrait pictures with bokeh within the background and completely different portrait lighting results. It additionally has evening mode in-built. Physically, I haven’t been feeling nice, so the self-love photoshoots have been nill. However, I did document a couple of TikTok confessionals with the front-facing digital camera, and I recognize its sharpness. And throughout FaceTime, my caller on the opposite line mentioned the video regarded crisp and clear.

Performance has additionally improved, considerably

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are outfitted with Apple’s new A16 Bionic chip. This processor is a 6-core CPU coupled with a 5-core GPU constructed on Apple’s first 4nm course of. That means it’s very smol. The A16 Bionic chip is what permits skills like Dynamic Island, excessive brightness, and the always-on show. It’s additionally the brains behind the capabilities of the 48-MP main digital camera.

As a aspect word: The common iPhone 14 has a reconfigured A15 Bionic chip, akin to the one which was within the iPhone 13 Pro. I’ll discuss extra in regards to the expertise with that one after I get to the evaluation.

Apple’s home made processors proceed to dominate our inside benchmark charts. On Geekbench 5, which we use to evaluate a chip’s relative capabilities, the A16 Bionic examined 36% greater than the Z Fold 4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and the Pixel 6’s Tensor CPU. It’s about 12% greater than final yr’s iPhone 13 Pro, which ranks alongside Apple’s promise of being 10% sooner than its predecessor. I’m ready to revisit these numbers when the Google Pixel 7 and seven Pro launch subsequent month. But if you happen to’re buying between the common iPhone 14 and the Pro mannequin, select the latter if issues like high-graphics cellular gaming and stay streaming out of your telephone is one thing you take part in.

You ought to know: the second-generation Razer Kishi lately got here out for iPhones, and it suits each the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max simply tremendous. My solely bummer is that my copy of Elder Scrolls Online exists solely by Google’s Stadia service, so there was no approach for me to attempt to play it with the brand new iPhones.

Battery life has additionally improved with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Apple doesn’t sometimes disclose the mAh dimension of its batteries publicly. But it does promise all-day battery life in its documentation: as much as 20 hours of streamed video playback on the 14 Pro and 25 hours on the 14 Pro Max.

The battery rundown take a look at is often the very last thing I take a look at for every evaluation, so I’ll must comply with up with the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max’s remaining numbers in our video playback take a look at. For now, I can say the iPhone 14 Pro Max has been streaming a 24-hour YouTube video at 200 nits for practically 16 hours. It’s nonetheless chugging alongside at 29%.

Giving iOS 16 an opportunity

If you need entry to the cool-looking lock screen with the always-on show, you’ll want iOS 16. It comes pre-bundled on each the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. You can use the always-on lock display screen with focus mode, don’t fear. iOS 16 additionally brings with it editable and retractable messages, and the iCloud Shared Photo Library. I previewed a few of these new options when iOS 16 was nonetheless in beta.

I’m primarily an Android person, so at any time when I swap again to iOS, I journey up a bit bit. I are inclined to panic when you take away my again and residential buttons, and I needed to relearn a few of my most-used cross-platform apps. But total, I discovered the expertise much less harrowing than I initially assumed it might be (after all, the final time I used iOS every day, it nonetheless employed skeuomorphism).

What helps is the existence of just about each single Google app within the Apple App Store, which implies I don’t must hop ecosystems to stay with the iPhone. I obtain WhatsApp chats and Android Messages by their respective net hyperlinks within the Chrome cellular browser and add all my photographs to Google Photos. I even swap between Gboard and the default iOS keyboard. The solely app I missed was Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, a sport I’ve invested years of playtime in because it launched. It doesn’t work cross-platform, and I wasn’t about to begin over with a wholly new sport on iOS.

I notably recognize how typically iOS asks me if it’s okay to do one thing. For occasion, I put in Reddit from the App Store as a result of Sister Wives is again on, and it’s after I’m most energetic on the app. But I forgot how typically the Reddit app pings you with nonsense, and so I used to be relieved when iOS 16 requested me if I wished to revoke notification entry. I consider this form of use case contributes to why people discover iOS extra palatable than Android, whilst Google has added new skills to make its cellular OS extra mainstream and clear. However, it nonetheless is determined by the person having a bit of experience in navigating the software program, whereas iOS is extra useful by way of function discovery. It’s a lot simpler to have the system remind you to maintain your privateness than to dig by the settings panel for the choice.

Emergency — paging Apple!

If you watched the Far Out Apple occasion, the corporate made an enormous deal of its new emergency options. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max have crash detection capabilities made potential by their new high-dynamic vary gyroscope, which is exclusive to this lineup of iPhones. It works like Google’s automobile crash detection function on its Pixel units: If you crash, the iPhone 14 Pro will mild up and ask if you happen to’re okay. If you don’t reply, it’ll then name out to emergency providers utilizing a voice loop of your location.

The Emergency SOS function is a bit more subtle by way of the assistance it will get you. Beginning in November, the iPhone 14 Pro will use its customized antennas to attach on to a satellite tv for pc excessive up in area, guaranteeing you’ll be able to entry stay folks no matter mobile service. Once a connection is established, Apple will route you to one among its aids through an OnStar-like name heart.

At launch, iPhone 14 house owners will get two free years to begin with the Emergency SOS service through satellite tv for pc. It’ll be restricted to U.S. and Canada at launch, and we’re nonetheless ready for particulars on how a lot the service will value when it goes stay. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how this service is obtained when it goes stay and if Google has any plans to counter with its personal choices.

Worth the improve?

The iPhone 14 Pro is the most effective iPhone you will get if you wish to get one—and if you happen to can afford the $1000 beginning worth for the Pro or $1099 for the Pro Max. If you’re on the iPhone 11 or 12, it may be time to improve units, primarily to get entry to that higher inside {hardware} and digital camera capabilities.

But if you happen to’re on the iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, there is no such thing as a motive to leap ship to this explicit mannequin (I imply, you’ll be able to justify it to your self if you happen to like— I received’t cease you.) While you get the advantages of a brand new processor and barely higher digital camera sensors, the rise in efficiency is minimal between last-gen and current-gen. And whereas the Emergency SOS and built-in security options are essential if you happen to’re the sort to enterprise out of the community or into the backwoods, the automobile crash and emergency detection options are each coming to the Apple Watch Series 8, second-gen Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra, so that you received’t want a brand new smartphone to entry them.

I can’t inform you but if the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are price switching to from an Android machine—possibly you’re one of many many disgruntled Pixel 6 users on the market and are uninterested in the Google observe. Unfortunately, we’re ready for the Google Pixel 7 and seven Pro to launch, so it stays undetermined. However, I do plan to make a side-by-side comparability of the yr’s largest flagship smartphones as soon as they’re all broadly accessible. Hang tight.