IPhone 14 Plus test: Should we fall for (real) new iPhone 

The iPhone 14 Plus resuscitates the label disappeared in 2020 with the iPhone 8. Apple gives it a major asset … its size. With its 6.7 -inch OLED screen, not Always-on And no more promotion, the iPhone 14 Plus is the iPhone 14 Pro Max for those who do not want to pay the high price, do not need the latest generation of Soc Apple Silicon, and don’t really have a big Interest for the photo on smartphone.

IPhone 14 Plus test: screen, autonomy and … price, Apple sees really big

A large entry -level iPhone is a major novelty ! The iPhone 14 Plus recycle, such as the iPhone 14, the technical platform of the previous generation. But, failing to be exciting, it is still a very good smartphone, whose autonomy is not only promising, it is colossal.

01net’s opinion.com

Apple iPhone 14 Plus

• + Design and finish
• + The size and quality of the screen
• + Performances
• + Small advances in photo
• + Exceptional autonomy

• – The efficient but recycled configuration
• – The photo partition always limited to two rear modules
• – The screen not even promotion
• – The price

Writing note

Note published on 12/10/2022

Technical sheet

Apple iPhone 14 Plus

System	iOS 16
Processor	Apple A15 Bionic
Size (diagonal)	6.7 “
Screen resolution	458 ppi

See the full file

For the third consecutive year, Apple declines its iPhone of the year in four copies. With a change, however, the iPhone 14 now occupies the entry-level, without mini in front of it to open the way, and with an iPhone 14 Plus, star of the day, above him. As if the place previously occupied by the iPhone Mini was that of the dead, nothing cursed, the iPhone 14 was this year as struck by an alignment of bad planets. However, as jettattura, A blatant lack of innovations, with the exception of a redesigned interior to make the device more reparable, an excellent but not renewed configuration that makes teeth cringe in a device at more than 1,000 euros. In short, we had the opportunity to say everything we thought about the iPhone 14. However, when testing the iPhone 14 Plus, a question is now being asked, this new big brother is struck by the same bad effects for the same effects ?

Large and light

After trying to see little for two years, Apple therefore wants its entry level. In fact, the iPhone 14 Plus displays a 6.7 -inch slab, like the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

As you can see in the table above, the two brothers have significantly identical proportions, which allows them to offer the same handling. Better worth having big fingers or two hands to use it comfortably-but it seems the price to pay to have such a large display in pocket.

However, there is a point that distinguishes the two iPhones: this is the weight. Take them both in hand and you will immediately notice that the 14 more light, much lighter. A very pleasant difference on a daily basis. These 37 grams of difference are explained by the aluminum strapping – and not in steel – which surrounds the device and forms its vertical and frank slices, pleasant to grab and keep in hand. But also by the presence of two photo modules only at the back. We will come back.

Anyway, the Super Retina XDR 6.7 -inch slab puts full eyes and ensures incredible visual comfort, by displaying … more. It also displays an average brightness of 816 cd/m2 (for 800 announced by Apple), which is a little less good than the average of smartphones to more than 1,000 euros tested in the past 12 months. But this was already the case last year … With an important difference, the iPhone 2021 was doing better compared to it, because it contributed in the category of smartphones to less than 1,000 euros, given its starting price. Anyway, to stay on the screen, it was and is always very comfortable even in direct sunlight. Moreover, the slab has under the foot since the 01LAB has measured light peaks in HDR of 1,204 cd/m2, which is much better and very slightly higher than 1,200 nits announced by Apple. The contrast is deemed infinite, since it is an OLED panel, we will not come back.

As usual, Apple manages to put an excellent colorimetry slab before our eyes. The Delta E 2000 measured by 01LAB is 3.09 in DCI-P3 and 1.9 in RGB. It’s just impeccable.

If we can understand from a marketing point of view that Apple retains the dynamic island – update the notch ! – and the always lit screen for its high -end, we will regret that the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are refused access to promotion technology. For the record, it makes it possible to vary the speed of refreshment of the display according to the contents on the screen. Thus, a game reaches 120 Hz (120 images per second), but a web page is satisfied with 10 i/s when it is static, etc. The two iPhone 14 recycle the iphone 13 pro chip … perhaps he could have recovered their slab in the same movement.

Configuration, and performance ..

Precisely, let’s talk about the embedded SoC in this new giant. Like the iPhone 14, the 14 plus is entitled to the A15 Bionic as it was present in the iPhone 13 pro and pro max. Namely a SoC with six CPU cores (two high performance, and four low consumption), five GPU cores, against four for iPhone 13 and 13 mini, and 16 hearts for the neural Engine, responsible for the execution of algorithms of machine learning. The SOC is associated with 6 GB of RAM, as on the most expensive models of last year.

Unsurprisingly, the A15 Bionic is less efficient than the A16 Bionic – if not what the generational jumps would be for ? However, this chip was excellent last year, and if it no longer offers the best, it ensures much more than the essentials.

A quick round on the Geekbench side allows us to see that the A15 Bionic still holds the road compared to the competition, even in front of smartphones equipped with the last chip produced by Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 +.

And even if the A16 Bionic does better, the uses in one year have not evolved sufficiently evolved to upset the use of a smartphone in the coming years, unless I introduce a major technology, such as Ray Tracing on mobile, for example.

In any case, “the iPhone experience” made of flexibility and fluidity is there and should be a good time. Even if we can regret that Apple did not offer him an A16 Bionic, the iPhone 14 Plus is largely powerful enough for all the uses of everyday life. The game for example derives nicely from its large screen and its GPU.

On this subject, the iPhone 14 Plus also benefited from a complete overhaul of its internal architecture, such as the iPhone 14. It makes it easier to repair, so much the better, but it is not the object here. This rearrangement of components also allows better thermal dissipation, according to Apple.

And, in fact, if we compare the results of 14 plus with those of 13 pro max (to have the same SoC and the same form factor), we note better results with the tool of Stress extreme test 3DMARK WILD LIFE. A test tool that runs a series of graphic renderings during 20 loops, which takes around twenty minutes about twenty minutes.

The iPhone 14 Plus obtains results higher than those of the 13 pro Max both for its better loop as for its worst. The proof that the chip manages to go up more in charge without heating, even if, ultimately, the stability of performance is less good. With little, since the percentage of performance stability is 78.8 for the 13 pro max and 76.7 for the 14 plus.

Now let’s push this little game of comparison and extend it to the very high-end iPhone 14 of the 2022 season. We then see that the A16 Bionic gives better performance for the best loop, but that the new Apple SoC heats up more, with a “worst” loop that gives the advantage … to the iPhone 14 Plus !

In other words, the new giant “entry -level” smartphone is less efficient, but provides more stable performance when it is asked for a long time, which make it better than the pro max … interesting for diligent players, can -be.

According to Apple, the best thermal dissipation also allows the iPhone 14 and 14 more to offer an interesting function whose iPhone 13 pro are private, it is the Photonic Engine, And here is a fully found transition to go to the photo.

iPhone 14 Plus 128 GB at the best price basic price: € 1,169

Photo: better, but still not enough

In addition to the Photonic Engine, other functions, such as 4K kinematic mode at 30 images/second, are made possible thanks to this renewal of the entrails of iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. The heat released by these intensive calculations can indeed be dissipated, which would not a priori be the case on the iPhone 13 pro.

2021 models to which the iPhone 14 Plus borrows its main camera module. Grand-angle optics, equivalent to a 26 mm, now opens up to f/1.5 against F/1.6 previously, but the change comes mainly from the associated sensor. No, this is not the 48 Mpix from which the 14 pro models benefits, and it’s a shame. We find the 12 Mpix sensor with photosites of 1.9 micrometer (against 1.7 previously) which means more light, there too, but fewer new features than we would have liked.

For Aficionados of the Egoportraits, good news, the TrueDepth Camera on the front also progresses, and wins in a focal opening (F/1.9), which assures him to capture more light. She also wins an autofocus, a first. And in fact, it saves some portraits with friends (or family) by reducing the shots and the number of fuzzy faces. Especially in the evening, when the light is sifted or the hands less safe ..

So much for the major material innovations and software. But before going into detail and saying what we think of the photos, let’s go back to a point that highlights us and that these few updates could compensate.

In a smartphone sold from 1,169 euros, we are still only entitled to two photo modules, an ultra-angle (13 mm equivalent, associated with a 12 Mpix sensor) and a large angle, which we have already given the details above. It’s very little. A third module is missing, whether to produce better portraits or to zoom more on a detail. A real telephoto lens becomes more than a luxury or a range of range. When we take the course of 1,000 euros, it seems to us a minimum, especially since the material offer has been changing little for a few years now. Unfortunately, we fear that this state of fact continues for a few more years, the pro models would have to make a considerable leap forward so that Apple plans to build more entry -level offer. But we can always hope.

That said, armed with these two camera modules, we find the usual Apple strong points, with a good exposure of the shots and a colorimetric consistency from one module to another. The slightly yellow rendering of colors and lights observed on the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 is also present. This is the effect of the “new” image processing rendered by the photonic engine, which involves Deep Fusion earlier in the process of generation of a photo, before the compression of the pictures. In full light, the shots are very pleasant to look on the screen. When we enlarged them a little, we always find a little the watercolor effect from which the previous generations of iPhone suffered, but the contours of objects, trees and buildings seem to gain detail, in precision.

At night, as by day, we appreciate that the autofocus is always so fast. We also salute the progress made for the rendering of shades and contrasts. The photos above, taken in the early morning, succeed in displaying some details in the dark areas that we barely perceived with the naked eye, while the sky is rather well rendered, with both more clarity, but also respect for nuances. The result is all the more commendable as the photos were taken in night mode, by hand.

On the front part, the selfies gain a little sharpness and especially in speed and correctness of development. The result -and we are not talking about the subject !- is rather pleasant and detailed. In full light in any case.

Frankly, the result is satisfactory in most cases. The shots are pleasant, without however being the best that a smartphone of this price may produce. It is, ultimately, the iPhone of those for whom the photo is not a crucial point.

Autonomy: the king is dead, long live the king !

The iPhone 14 Plus, with its 4,325 mAh battery, immediately promised great results of autonomy. On several occasions, cross -interlocutors at Apple had suggested that he could do better than the reference in this matter, the pro max. Our job is to doubt this kind of promise, but we can bring to their credit that the battery of 14 plus is very slightly larger than that of Pro Max. It remained to know what side the differences in sock and screen were going to tip the scales.

The case being all the less obvious since, again this year, the iPhone Pro Max has marked the spirits. At the end of his tests, he held first place in our versatile autonomy test, with 27:21 and ranked second, behind the iPhone 13 Pro Max, for autonomy in video streaming, with 10:57 p.m. Suffice to say that the task of the iPhone 14 more was not easy. To do better, he must not be good, or even excellent, but extraordinary. However, that’s what he did.

In versatile autonomy, the iPhone 14 Plus broke the record of its big brother 14 pro max almost a quarter of an hour at 27:35. This is unheard of, and it should above all give you the opportunity to keep all day, or even two days, as long as you do not abuse very greedy uses in energy. On a daily basis, according to our experience, the iPhone 14 Plus is a whole day, without incident, except navigating in GPS from morning to night, obviously, or skimming all the content of Tiktok in 5G. As part of classical use made of surfing, listening to music, reading videos, surveying social networks and mobile games, always, yes, Apple’s “more” format should give you satisfaction.

For autonomy in video streaming, the iPhone 14 Plus is also excellent. But, he fails to make a double. It actually holds 20 minutes less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max – we can probably see the cumulative effect of optimizing the A16 Bionic chip for the processing of videos and the capacity of the pro model screen to vary its refresh frequency. At 10:37 pm, against 10:57 pm therefore, the iPhone 14 Plus is far from demerit, and is simply third in the general classification of the most enduring smartphones behind two generations of iPhone Pro Max, that of 2021 and that of 2022. He hunts, by the way, the podium Le Galaxy Fold, from Samsung (7:10 pm), whose autonomy was measured in folded mode, with its 4.6 inch screen so.

Technical sheet

Apple iPhone 14 Plus

System	iOS 16
Processor	Apple A15 Bionic
Size (diagonal)	6.7 “
Screen resolution	458 ppi

See the full file

• + Design and finish
• + The size and quality of the screen
• + Performances
• + Small advances in photo
• + Exceptional autonomy

• – The efficient but recycled configuration
• – The photo partition always limited to two rear modules
• – The screen not even promotion
• – The price

The verdict of the test

Apple iPhone 14 Plus

The iPhone 14 Plus resuscitates the label disappeared in 2020 with the iPhone 8. Apple gives it a major asset … its size. With its 6.7 -inch OLED screen, not Always-on And no more promotion, the iPhone 14 Plus is the iPhone 14 Pro Max for those who do not want to pay the high price, do not need the latest generation of Soc Apple Silicon, and don’t really have a big Interest for the photo on smartphone.

The iPhone 14 Plus does not innovate more than the iPhone 14. It is a kind of downgraded pro max, nevertheless, he manages to arouse more interest. The promising autonomy, which is always a point to be determined by our tests and makes us reserve our final opinion, could give it more attraction, and help justify its really high pricing positioning. This is indeed the only certainty, just 90 euros less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max released last year, it is not only on the screen that Apple sees great !

Note
writing

IPhone 14 Plus test: Should we fall for (real) new iPhone ?

While the other models are in a certain continuity, the iPhone 14 Plus is a real novelty in the iPhone range. We tested it.

Posted on October 11, 2022 at 8:00 p.m

In the new iPhone 14 range, the iPhone 14 Plus is the only real “new” model. While the other three are in a certain continuity, it replaces the iPhone in mini format in the catalog.

It is therefore the first “classic” iPhone (for years) large by size, this characteristic being reserved for pro max models in recent years. But then what this iPhone 14 is worth ? Should we fall for this model rather than another ? Answer after a few days of testing.

iPhone 14 Plus 128 GB at the best price basic price: € 1,169

Yes, for its giant format

Technically, the iPhone 14 Plus is nothing more than a larger iPhone 14. It therefore has the same components (chip, camera, face id), the same materials, the same colors, the same technology etc. We will therefore not dwell on all the technical aspects of this model and invite you to consult our test of the iPhone 14.

The iPhone 14 Plus is therefore a larger model. And like all major smartphones, this peculiarity brings its share of advantages. Starting with reading comfort.

With its 6.7 ’’ screen, the iPhone 14 Plus is a model cut for multimedia. Fans of movies and series, YouTube or play videos will appreciate. But not only. A larger screen is also a set of more visible elements on the different applications, more comfort to type on the keyboard, a more comfortable reading.

So if for you the reading comfort takes precedence over the size (we will come back to this later), then the iPhone 14 Plus is a model made for you. It is the first “simple” iPhone (for a few years now) displaying such a screen diagonal, which makes it, in fact, unique in its kind.

Yes, for its monstrous autonomy

If there is only one reason to crack for the iPhone 14 Plus (apart from its size of course), it is its autonomy. Apple promised that it would be the most enduring iPhone, all ranges combined, this is the case.

With a versatile autonomy of 27:35 recorded on our tests at Lab 01lab, the iPhone 14 Plus even deths the market reference, I named the iPhone 14 Pro Max (27:21).

On a daily basis, you will not have to load your iPhone every day, even if you are one of the most connected users. For versatile use, we have on average recharged the iPhone every 1.5 days or even 2 days.

In the meantime, the tests of the new pixel 7 and Pixel 7 pro (which historically have never really shone in this field), the iPhone 14 Plus is therefore the most enduring smartphone on the market, and by far.

We would have liked to say as much about his charging system. But like the other iPhone, Apple continues to play the penguins by providing not a charger and by offering an extremely slow load speed with regard to what competition offers. Damage.

Yes, because it is really new

Of the four iPhone 14 released this year, the iPhone 14 Plus is the only one that really brings a wind of novelty. This status, it owes it only in its giant format.

In previous years, consumers were forced to turn to a professional model to use a large iPhone. For standard and more affordable models, they only had the choice in an “simple” iPhone or an iPhone in mini format.

Obviously, the compact smartphone does not convince. With the iPhone 14 Plus, Apple therefore offers a “standard” iPhone for the first time with a giant format, with the advantages that this represents (comfort in multimedia, monstrous autonomy etc.)).

The other models are in continuity. The iPhone 14 is the heir to 13, the 14 pro and its Max declination are the heirs of the 13 pro and 13 pro max. Basic, simple.

No, for its price

Like all new iPhone (and even some olds), the iPhone 14 Plus displays an extremely high sale price. In its basic version, with 128 GB of storage, It is marketed at 1,169 euros. The 256 GB model is sold for 1,299 euros, and the 512 GB version at 1,559 euros.

Why such prices ? Because Apple has decided to pass inflation and variations in the euro/dollar course on the price of its new iPhone. The latest iPhone has also seen its price increase in France several months after its marketing, a first.

This pricing policy does not do the business of French consumers who must therefore pay the high price while prices in the United States do not move compared to last year. In the case of iPhone 14 Plus, this is the right operation for Apple. Because this is the first time that a standard model has been available in larger version, the manufacturer who preferred to bet on a mini format in recent years.

In summary, If you want an iPhone 14 Plus, you have to get your hands on the wallet or turn to an Android smartphone of the same size. For apple of the apple, an iPhone 13 pro max reconditioned or used can also represent a good alternative.

No, if its large size does not interest you

As its name suggests, the iPhone 14 Plus is large. Very large. Also, it will not appeal to all audiences. Even if it remains extremely light with regard to its size and the materials that make it up, it presents all the disadvantages of giant smartphones.

Do not expect to use it by one hand, Unless nature has spoiled you and you are also capable of contortion. Also expect that it does not fit in all your pockets, that it takes up a lot of space in your handbag or your bag, in short that it clogs you.

If giant smartphones are not your cam, go your way, the iPhone 14 Plus is a big one among the big ones.

iPhone 14 Plus 128 GB at the best price basic price: € 1,169

Our opinion on the iPhone 14 Plus

The iPhone 14 Plus is the most intriguing model of this new generation. For the first time in years, Apple offers a standard iPhone in giant format. Bye bye so the iPhone Mini which has obviously not found its audience.

Technically, we cannot blame the iPhone 14 Plus, just like the iPhone 14 that we tested earlier. But if the latter had little interest in relation to the iPhone 13, still in the catalog, the iPhone 14 Plus is unique by its size.

Therefore, it is difficult not to recommend it to fans of giant smartphones. Indeed, so far, consumers had to turn exclusively to an iPhone Pro Max if they wanted to enjoy a large model. This is no longer the case today.

So yes, the iPhone 14 Plus is expensive, just like the rest of the range. The purchase decision will therefore depend on several criteria. If you don’t like large models, you don’t make a drawing.

If you have an iPhone 11 or anterior and the experience of a larger model tempts you, then the iPhone 14 Plus is warmly recommended (rather than the 14 pro Max, really intended for professionals). If you have a more recent model and you feel cramped, then why not. But we still recommend waiting for the iPhone 15 which will also most certainly be offered in a version more.