iPhone 14 vs iPhone 16: these are the main differences (and improvements)

The iPhone 16 is Apple’s latest smartphone, but how better is this device than the iPhone 14? These are the biggest differences between the iPhone 14 vs the iPhone 16!

iPhone 14 vs iPhone 16

In September 2024 the time had come: Apple presented the brand new iPhone 16 in a few cool colors. But besides the color, the device has also received a number of improvements and (of course) some new functions.

But what if you still have an iPhone 14? Are these upgrades worth switching? We will tell you what exactly the difference is between the iPhone 14 and 16!

Don’t see the table above? Then view the iPhone 14 vs iPhone 16 table here.

The iPhone 14 is currently on sale for €621 and the iPhone 16 for €871.99. As you can see, there is quite a difference in price. But if you look at the table, the differences between the two iPhones are not very big at first glance. Below we will take a closer look at the specifications.

These are the differences (iPhone 14 vs iPhone 16)

If you put both iPhones next to each other, you will immediately see a difference. The iPhone 14 still has a notch (the black notch at the top of the screen). This has been replaced by the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 16. The screens of the devices are both 6.1 inches, but there is a very small difference in the resolution (1170 x 2532 pixels vs 1179 x 2556 pixels). However, you will not notice this in practice.

And when you turn the iPhones over, you see something else striking. On the iPhone 16, both camera lenses are placed one below the other. On the iPhone 14 they are still diagonally opposite each other. Apple has done this so that you can also take spatial photos and videos with the iPhone 16. You can then view it on the Apple Vision Pro (and, for example, the Meta Quest).

Different colours

There is also a difference in the colors. The iPhone 16 is available in White, Black, Ultramarine, Teal and Pink. The colors of the iPhone 14 are Midnight (black), Purple, Starlight (white), Blue, Red and Yellow.

Clarity and connection

The maximum brightness of the iPhone 16 screen is higher. It has a brightness of 2000 nits. The iPhone 14 has to make do with a maximum of 1200 nits. There is also a difference in the connection, because the iPhone 14 still has a lightning connector. The iPhone 16 has a USB-C connection.

Buttons and camera controller

The iPhone 16 has an action button. This has replaced the mute button on the iPhone 14. The iPhone 16 also has a camera control for easier setting of the camera functions.

Camera, zoom and macro

At first glance there is not much difference between the two devices (besides the number of megapixels). But the iPhone 16 does have twice the optical zoom on board. The iPhone 14 does not have that option. You will also find a macro mode on the iPhone 16, for taking photos from very close up.

Chip (faster on paper)

According to Apple, the chip in the iPhone 16 is about 50 percent faster than the A15 chip in the iPhone 14. Still, we have to be honest. If you don’t play demanding games, you won’t notice much of this in practice.

Working memory and Apple Intelligence

The iPhone 16 has more RAM on board (iPhone 16 vs 14: 8 GB vs 6 GB). 8 GB of RAM is a requirement for Apple Intelligence. That is why the iPhone 16 also has support for Apple’s AI and the iPhone 14 does not.

However, we must add a comment here, because Apple Intelligence is not yet available in the Netherlands. So it’s not of much use to you at the moment. If all goes well, it will happen, but that won’t happen until sometime in 2025.

Battery (life) and charging

The battery of the iPhone 16 is also slightly more powerful and the chip is a bit more economical. According to Apple, this allows you to watch videos for about two hours longer on a full charge than on the iPhone 14 (22 hours vs. 20 hours).

Both iPhones charge about the same speed. It takes about 30 minutes to charge 50 percent. But wireless charging can make the iPhone 16 faster. The iPhone 16 can charge wirelessly with 25 watts (the iPhone 14 ‘only’ with 14 W).

Do you have to switch?

If you have an iPhone 14 and you are considering switching, the difference between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 is not very big. This is mainly because there is currently no support for Apple Intelligence in the Netherlands. You will therefore miss one of the most important improvements of the iPhone 16.

That is why it is probably smarter to wait a little longer until the iPhone 17 appears. Or you should choose one of the iPhone 16 Pro models. You then get more value for your money. An iPhone 16 Pro currently costs (€ 1,138) and an iPhone 16 Pro Max can be had for (€ 1,359).