iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: Is the newest iPhone worth the upgrade?

The iPhone 14 Pro is here, but does that mean you need to upgrade? With the iPhone 13 Pro‘s release a little over a year ago, how and where do the Pro phones differ? While Apple’s event name for its new arsenal drop, “Far out,” alluded to groundbreaking innovations, the differences we see are subtle and mainly revolve around the addition of an improved camera system, an updated chipset, and some software tweaks.

The dilemma many now face is simple: are these differences impactful enough to warrant an upgrade? That depends. Here are the key reasons to make the switch to the iPhone 14 Pro or stick with last year’s iPhone 13 Pro. 

More: Beyond the iPhone: How ‘Far out’ is Apple’s next big thing, really?

Specifications

You should upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro if…

1. You want a bigger, better camera suite 

Matching the event name, the new camera suite for the iPhone 14 Pro lets you take photos far out. Going from the iPhone 13 Pro’s 12-megapixel main wide camera to a 48MP main wide camera, the larger sensor enables improved low-light shots and better autofocus (specifically in selfie mode), and keeps figures in focus while still providing details and vibrancy to the surrounding subjects. A 48MP camera rather enables better zoom and night mode or low-light capabilities than a 12MP camera, providing a sharper image even from far away or in dark conditions. Not to mention the 48MP sensor is 65% larger than the iPhone 13 Pro’s main camera. 

Additionally, the iPhone 14 Pro adds a third camera, where the previous Pro phones had a dual-camera system. Along with the main 48MP camera, the 14 Pro is equipped with a 12MP ultrawide lens and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3X zoom capabilities. The new sensor also adds a 2X telephoto option that captures detail, sharpening, and exposure from farther away — again, “far out.” theme. 

For video, the iPhone 14 Pro has a new Action Mode to help with stabilization, even when you are in the action behind the camera. For all you casual home filmmakers, Cinematic mode is also improved, with even sharper quality and detail between transitions.

Also: iPhone 13 Pro review: A trifecta of meaningful upgrades 

2. You want new lock screen display features

Probably the biggest change from the iPhone 13 Pro to the iPhone 14 Pro is the new interface, with its Dynamic Island and always-on display functions. Integrating software and hardware, Apple changed the traditional iOS home interface to mirror how we often multitask on our phones. Incorporating live widgets, the Dynamic Island allows easy and live access to controls while you are still using other apps. 

So, for example, your timer will appear at the top of the screen while you’re scrolling through Instagram so that you know exactly when to check the chicken in the oven. 

A hardware change to the display screen for the iPhone 14 Pro that works with the Dynamic Island produces the unified “pill” design at the top of the display. Rather than breaking up the center and creating the almost split-screen feel at the top of the iPhone 13 Pro’s display, the pill-shaped notch removes black space and is now the display screen for live widgets. For example, your timer or Uber update will appear along that notch. 

The updated notch space will also encapsulate the privacy indicators for the phone’s new microphone and camera and leave space for the anticipated return of the battery percentage display (thanks to iOS 16).

With the always-on-display function, notifications roll in from the bottom of the screen one by one instead of stacking on top of each other. Before the screen automatically locks or sleeps, the notifications will be on display like this for 10 seconds following the latest notification. When the phone wakes up again, the notifications will only then appear stacked on the display. So, for example, if you get a chain of texts or emails from the same sender, they will appear one at a time so you can view them individually before committing to unlocking your phone. 

Also: iPhone 14 and everything Apple announced at its Far Out event

The lock screen also features some new aesthetics, including a depth effect, always-on-display interactive features, and color changes for wallpaper. Working with the always-on-display function, the lock screen wallpaper will darken so that your notifications will be the main focus, but sharp highlights will still show the time in contrast against the dark screen. 

A hardware change to the display screen for the iPhone 14 Pro includes the unified “pill” design at the top of the display. Rather than “breaking up” the center and creating the almost “split screen” feel at the top of the iPhone13 Pro display. The “pill-like” notch gives more room for status icons, notifications, and the very anticipated return of the battery percentage display (thanks to iOS16). The new notch will also encapsulate the privacy indicators for the phone’s new microphone and camera.  

3. You want a larger battery 

Both the 14 Pro and 14 will have larger batteries, partially because of the Always-On displays and live widgets from the Dynamc Island. The iPhone 14 Pro has all-day battery life and up to 23 hours of video playback while the iPhone 13 Pro only has 22 hours of video playback. While only one hour less, that hour could make all the difference. 

The iPhone14 Pro also operates from the A16 Bionic Chip– the fastest chip on the market right now for Smartphones. 

Also: Which iPhone is right for you and how do the different models compare?

You should buy the iPhone 13 Pro if…

1. You don’t like the new design aesthetics

While the larger camera system and bigger battery are better for iPhone operation, it does mean the phone is bulkier and maybe even uncomfortable to hold. The bigger camera also does take up more space on the back of the phone, possibly making it less back-pocket friendly. 

The new “pill notch” at the top of the screen and the always-on display do enable efficiency for some, but annoyance for others. If you simply don’t like the look or want to get used to a new layout, maybe skip the pesky learning curve and stay with the 13 Pro.

The same goes for the always-on display and Dynamic Island features– while great for some multitaskers, you may think these features are unnecessary and too overwhelming to learn especially after just getting used to all the new updates on the 13 Pro. 

2. You’re content with how the iPhone 13 Pro has held up

While not the shinest new toy on the market, the 13 Pro is still a solid phone for all the same reasons as the 14 Pro: great photography options such as macro and cinema mode, good battery life, and the classic iPhone software and overall design aesthetic. In fact, if you want to save the hassle of upgrading and transferring all your data, you may be better off sticking with it for now and seeing how far out the iPhone 14 Pro really does go. 

Also: Google Pixel 6 Pro vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro: Which Pro phone should you buy?

Alternatives to consider

Open to other smartphone prospects? Consider these ZDNET-recommended devices: