The design of iPhones hasn’t changed much over the years.
Apple’s new iPhone lineup is now available, with the exception of the iPhone 14 Plus, which won’t ship until October 6th. One or the other might ask themselves whether it is time for an upgrade. As always, this question is not easy to answer and of course depends heavily on personal interests and budget.
The iPhone you are currently using is also an important factor, especially in what condition it is. If you own an iPhone X or older, it might be interesting to find out just how much an upgrade is really worth. The iPhone 14 brings good and new (albeit smaller) improvements, such as accident detection or the so-called Action-Modus
for smooth recording of films.
However, a look at the predecessor (iPhone 13) can also be worthwhile, especially if a smaller and handier smartphone is preferred, which Apple has completely eliminated in the current generation.
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Switch from iPhone 13, 13 Pro to iPhone 14
The iPhone 13 essentially has only minor differences compared to the iPhone 14.
iPhone 13 owners will have to look for the changes in the details of the iPhone 14. On the outside, very little has changed, at least in the smaller model. In terms of hardware, the camera makes a small leap in the 14th generation, but it is not far removed from that of its predecessor.
Apart from the cameras, the current model from Apple offers accident detection and the action mode, which supports you when filming and should enable smooth recordings. If you turn the iPhone 14, you look at the same reduced notch and the OLED display that is also installed in the iPhone 13. The integrated A15 Bionic processor is also the same and is installed in both phones.
If you absolutely want to upgrade, we recommend you switch to the iPhone 14 Pro if you are willing to put this hefty amount of money on the counter. Here you get at least a major upgrade with the Dynamic Island, the 48-megapixel main camera and the telephoto camera and a 120-hertz display.
However, our recommendation is clearly to wait at least for the iPhone next year. The gap between these two models is simply too small and, in our view, a change is difficult to justify.
Switch from iPhone 12, 12 Pro to iPhone 14
For the first time, the standard version of the iPhone 12 was equipped with an OLED panel.
The iPhone 12 is already two years old and yet not that far removed from the current iPhone generation. Like the current model, it has a very fast processor, 5G support and compatibility with MagSafe accessories.
The 12-megapixel cameras on the back are arranged vertically (instead of diagonally) and their quality is still impressive. If your iPhone 12 is still in good shape and doing its job, it should Wow!
factor in case of a change for you.
Because with the A14 Bionic processor, iOS 16 will still run smoothly and you can enjoy the customizable lock screen and other great features.
Apple iOS 16
15 hidden but useful functions
The same applies to the iPhone 13: If you have decided to buy a new iPhone this year, the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro will offer you more features, but at a very high price. If you’re just interested in upgrading to the standard model instead, next year’s smartphone might be worth more of a wait.
Apple iPhone 14: Five reasons to wait for next year’s generation
Switching from iPhone 11, 11 Pro to iPhone 14
The iPhone 11 was a very good alternative compared to the Pro model.
With this generation, we’re getting a lot closer to a meaningful upgrade. Compared to the iPhone 11, there have been several improvements, such as a brighter display based on OLED technology. An LCD panel was still installed in the 11th generation iPhone (not the Pro model).
After a change, you can expect at least double the memory, because the models now start with a capacity of 128 GB instead of the previous 64 GB of memory. In addition, you are armed with a change for the 5G age. If you are interested in the MagSafe accessories, you will get the full range with the new iPhones.
In the camera section, you get a better main camera with a larger sensora selfie camera with a night mode and Apple’s new Photonic Engine
which uses machine learning, computing power and the neural engine to get the best out of every shot.
Of course, the accident detection and the better performance thanks to the A15 bionic processor are also worth mentioning. Compared to the iPhone 11 Pro, the iPhone 14 Pro has the 48-megapixel main camera, a 3x optical zoom (previously 2x zoom) and a greatly reduced notch in the form of the Dynamic Island.
The bottom line is that switching from an iPhone 11 to the iPhone 14 is more worthwhile, but you are also well advised to go with an iPhone 13. If you tend to switch to a handy iPhone, the iPhone 13 Mini should be of interest to you.
If you are still satisfied with the existing smartphone of the 11th generation and the phone is in a solid condition, we only recommend that you download iOS 16 to breathe new life into your smart companion.
Switch from iPhone XS, XS Max, XR to iPhone 14
The iPhone XS also offered a 5.5-inch Max model.
The iPhone XS (Max) and the XR model from Apple are now 4 years old and one or the other should already be flirting with a change to a more current generation. If you upgrade to Apple’s iPhone 14, you can look forward to longer battery life.
Camera performance has greatly improved since the XS model, starting with the lack of image processing technology in this model Deep-Fusion
, which captures more detail and texture in low light. In the iPhone 14, this technology now bears the name Photonic Engine
the even better shots at bad
lighting conditions should allow.
Owners of an iPhone XS have not yet been able to enjoy an ultra-wide-angle camera and have to be satisfied with a 12-megapixel main camera and a telephoto lens with a 2x optical zoom. The XR offshoot only received a camera lens with 12 megapixels.
The front camera of the iPhone XS is also equipped with a 7 megapixel sensor, whereas the current iPhone comes with 12 megapixels and an autofocus. This is absolutely no Dealbreaker
and certainly more relevant to selfie lovers.
If you switch to a more up-to-date smartphone from Apple, you have to adjust to a larger form factor (with the exception of the Mini and SE series). From the 11th generation, Apple no longer continued the 5.8-inch display and finally switched to 6.1 inches, like the XR at the time. The Max version of the iPhone XS featured a 6.5-inch screen.
The iPhone 14 Plus increases the size again to 6.7 inches, similar to previous iPhones with the Pro Max
in the name of. Starting with one of these models from 2018, a change will definitely be noticeable. In view of the smaller notch, the better camera and the longer battery life, an upgrade is definitely worthwhile.
Switching from iPhone X to iPhone 14
Apple’s smartphone for the tenth anniversary of the iPhone.
In 2017, Apple introduced the unlocking method integrated into the iPhone X in addition to the notch Face-ID
a. The manufacturer has not yet introduced a Pro model or a Max version. This five-year-old iPhone was already the real one Pro
among the 8th generation of iPhones. The 9th version on iPhones was simply skipped.
Due to the older processor, this model will not support individual features of iOS 16. On the one hand, this includes the function visual lookup
, which is very similar to Google Lens. On the other hand, the new update offers a quite intuitive function for cutting out photo motifs and also requires at least the A12 bionic processor of the successor. You can get a closer look at these two features in our author Patrick’s column:
iOS 16 photo feature
One in particular stands out
Similar to the iPhone XS, this smartphone also has a dual camera and a front camera with a 7 megapixel sensor. Current features such as a night mode, deep fusion or photonic engine or control over the depth of field are missing on this model.
Apart from these camera features, the current iPhone offers a direct comparison with a 5G module, support for MagSafe accessories, accident detection and more storage in the entry-level model (also 128 GB instead of the previous 64 GB).
If you are one of those who would like to receive the new software update extensively, an upgrade from the iPhone X is necessary. In addition to iOS 16, you can expect a better overall package with longer battery life and a significantly improved camera.
If the iPhone X is still serving you well and the hardware and the cut software are enough for you, of course there is nothing wrong with waiting for the next smartphones from Apple.
The iPhone 13 also offers you a well-rounded overall package:
Switch from iPhone 8, 8 Plus to iPhone 14
The iPhone 8 still receives the update to iOS 16. Older models are no longer supported by Apple.
In addition to the more classic design from 2014 (iPhone 6), the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus also have Touch ID, which is still integrated in the current SE model. Changers to the current iPhone must therefore switch to Face ID. If this biometric authentication does not come to you, you may be interested in switching to the iPhone SE just mentioned.
This smartphone has the current A15 Bionic processor, which is also integrated in the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. In addition, this cell phone from Apple is significantly cheaper if you can do without cameras in the high-end range.
Switching from an iPhone 8 will be a noticeable upgrade for you in terms of display and performance. The smartphones of the 8th generation have a 4.7-inch or 5.5-inch display based on LCD. On the new current iPhone, you’re looking at a vibrant OLED display with better contrast.
Despite the larger display (6.1 inches), the iPhone 14 should also be more compact in the hand than the iPhone 8 Plus, since Apple uses the lack of a home button for the screen area. As with the successors, the change brings with it the latest hardware components and a significantly faster device for everyday use.
You are currently still in the Apple cosmos, but are you looking for alternatives in the Android area? Possibly Google will close the gap in compact smartphones in Apple’s new generation.
Pixel Mini: Will Google close the gap that Apple left open with the new iPhones?
Which iPhone do you currently own? Are you switching to a more current generation or are you sticking with the tried and tested? How much of a role do the functionalities of iOS 16 play? Tell us in the comments!
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