iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 15 Cost: Which Is Better for Your Money?
The latest and greatest iPhone model is certainly enticing thanks to all of its features being touted. Whether it has hubris enough to call itself a Pro or Pro Max, the devil can really be in the details regarding your next smartphone purchase.
Read: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases
You might be thinking of getting a new phone due to damage, or your current one isn’t working as effectively as it once did. If you simply want a new phone, however, you may want to do a little research to see what shelling out more money actually gets you.
Now that the iPhone 15 Pro models have been on the market for a bit, it’s time to see if an upgrade from the iPhone 14 is better for your money.
iPhone 14 vs. 15: Quick Take
Though Apple has often been criticized for not making big enough changes when launching new models, such as the case between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13, there are some marked differences. This also holds true when looking at the differences in models of each generation, as prices may vary depending on not only model, but also location and supply in general. Below are some side-by-side comparisons.
iPhone 14 vs. 15: Cost and Features
| Phone Model | Cost | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | –Cost at Best Buy: $729.99 –Monthly payment option: $20.27 per month for 36 months with Verizon Device Payments –Cost at Apple: $699.00 –Monthly payment option: $29.12 per month for 24 months |
Dual camera system that can capture photos in both low light and bright light |
| iPhone 14 Plus | –Cost at Best Buy: $829.99 –Monthly payment option: $23.05 per month for 36 months with Verizon Device Payments –Cost at Apple: $799.00 –Monthly payment option: $33.29 per month for 24 months |
6.7-inch display with all-day battery life and improved Wi-Fi calling |
| iPhone 14 Pro | –Cost at Best Buy: $899.99 –Monthly payment option: $24.99 per month for 36 months with Verizon Device Payments –Cost at Apple: N/A |
It has a 48MP main camera, Dynamic Island and Always-On Display features. |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | –Cost at Best Buy: $999.99 –Monthly payment option: $27.77 per month for 36 months with Verizon Device Payments –Cost at Apple: N/A |
Cinematic mode in 4K Dolby Vision, with up to 30 fps and action mode for smooth, steady, handheld videos |
| iPhone 15 | –Cost at Best Buy: $929.99 when you upgrade $829.99 with a new line or account –Monthly payment option: $25.84 with upgrade per month for 36 months with AT&T Installment Plan; $23.05 per month with a new line; or account for 36 months with AT&T Installment Plan -Cost at Apple: $799.00 –Monthly payment option: $33.29 per month for 24 months |
USB-C port, as well as a durable and color-infused glass and aluminum design |
| iPhone 15 Plus | –Cost at Best Buy: $1,029.99 when you upgrade $ 929.99 with a new line or account –Monthly payment option: $28.62 with upgrade per month for 36 months with AT&T Installment Plan; $25.83 per month with a new line or account for 36 months with AT&T Installment Plan –Cost at Apple: $899.00 –Monthly payment option: $37.35 per month for 24 months |
Dynamic Island alerts and Live Activities with message bubbles so you don’t miss them while you’re doing something else. With ease of use, you can see who’s calling, track your next ride, and check your flight status and more, seamlessly. |
| iPhone 15 Pro | –Cost at Best Buy: $1,099.99 when you upgrade $999.99 with a new line or account –Monthly payment option: $30.56 with upgrade per month for 36 months with AT&T Installment Plan; $27.77 per month with a new line or account for 36 months with AT&T Installment Plan –Cost at Apple: $999.00 –Monthly payment option: $41.62 per month for 24 months |
This model is forged in titanium, includes the advanced A17 Pro chip, has a customizable Action button, and a more versatile Pro camera system. |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | -Cost at Best Buy: $ 1,199.99 when you upgrade $1,099.99 with a new line or account –Monthly payment option: $33.34 with upgrade per month for 36 months with AT&T Installment Plan; $30.55 per month with a new line or account for 36 months with AT&T Installment Plan –Cost at Apple: $1,199.00 –Monthly payment option: $49.95 per month for 24 months |
This version has a strong and light aerospace-grade titanium design with a textured, matte-glass back. It also features a Ceramic Shield that’s both tough and water-resistant. It has an advanced display with Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion ramps. |
Should You Upgrade Your iPhone?
Upgrading or spending more money on an iPhone can be worth it, but it does depend on what features you need from your phone. If you are just a basic user, you may not need to get the next brand-new eligible smartphone. Here are some key takeaways to consider:
- Apple Trade-In: You can save money if you exchange your older model iPhone when purchasing and get credit toward an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro when you trade in an iPhone 11 or higher.
- APR Payment Option: If you choose to pay with Apple Card monthly installments, you are subject to credit approval but you can pay over time and those payments will be interest-free for eligible Apple product purchases.
- The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: These models will simply improve on older 14 models. This means the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are revamped and rebranded versions now labeled iPhone 15 and 15 Pro or Plus.
- Car crash detection: Any version after iPhone 14 can detect a severe car crash and call for help.
- USB-C port: One of the biggest changes is the switch from the Lightning port to the new USB-C which means your old chargers and adapters will no longer be compatible.
Final Take To GO
In today’s culture, almost everyone needs a smartphone to function in day-to-day life. However, many state-of-the-art and top-of-the-line phones aren’t even necessarily the newest model or version on the market. When debating whether or not you need an upgrade, or just a new phone in general, make sure to research the features and prices of what you are considering as you may be surprised you don’t have to pay top dollar to get everything you need.
FAQ
Still thinking about buying the iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 15? Here are some answers that may help you.
- What are the differences between iPhone 14 and 15?
- There are some marked differences between the iPhone 14 and 15 such as the following:
- One of the biggest changes is the switch from the Lightning port to the new USB-C, which means your old chargers and adapters will no longer be compatible.
- The price will vary depending on whether or not you are upgrading, where you buy it or what version you get but the iPhone 14 ranges in price anywhere from $699.00 to $999.99. The iPhone 15 can range anywhere from $799.99 to $1,999.99
- The iPhone 15 Plus has Dynamic Island alerts and Live Activities that bubble up so you don't miss them while you're doing something else. With ease of use, you can see who's calling, track your next ride, and check your flight status and more, seamlessly.
- The iPhone 15 Pro introduces the groundbreaking A17 Pro chip. It also has a customizable Action button and a more versatile Pro camera system.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a strong and light aerospace-grade titanium design with a textured matte-glass back. It also features a Ceramic Shield that's both tough and water-resistant. It has an advanced display with Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion ramps.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max also has one of the biggest changes and improvements in the new triple camera system. This system has a 5x telephoto zoom camera compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max's 3x zoom.
- There are some marked differences between the iPhone 14 and 15 such as the following:
- Is it worth it to upgrade to the iPhone 15?
- There are some features you can only get with the iPhone 15, however, these models will simply improve on older 14 models. This means the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are revamped and rebranded versions now labeled iPhone 15 and 15 Pro or Plus. The iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max will be the newest models without that refurbishing.
