The iPhone 14 series was announced last week as a new variant of the smartphone from Apple. There are four different models introduced and one of them is the iPhone 14. True, there is no more mini branding this time, instead the iPhone 14 is the most basic model in this new series. However, its introduction has been criticized by a few users because this latest smartphone does not seem to bring significant changes compared to the previous model.
It became even hotter when it also received sarcasm from the son of the late Steve Jobs through a meme update on his Instagram. In principle, Apple really did not make big changes with small changes to the internal components. But the question that needs to be answered is whether the small changes given by Apple can make this phone worth buying? This is our first look at the iPhone 14.
Brief Specifications
Apple iPhone 14
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, 2532 x 1170 pixels, (460ppi), 60Hz
Apple A15 Bionic processor
Avalanche 2-core chip
4-core Blizzard
5 Core GPU Graphics Chip
RAM 6GB LPDDR5
128/256/512GB NVMe Internal Storage
Main Camera 12+12 Megapixel f/1.5+f/2.4, Photonic Engine
Selfie Camera 12 Megapixel f/1.9, AF, Photonic Engine
3279 mAh battery
20W wired charging
15W MagSafe charging
7.5W wireless charging
SIM/Nano Telephony/5G
NFC Yes
No Audio Jack
Waterproof IP68
Face ID Face Scanner Scan System
Sale Price RM 4199 (128GB)
RM 4699 (256GB)
RM 5699 (512GB)
The first thing we noticed about this new generation, the design has not changed significantly following the same mold as an iPhone 13 can still be felt. In general, it inherits the same size as the iPhone 13 through a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a screen brightness of 1,200 nits.
Along with it, it also supports the True Tone Display color control system to ensure accurate color display on the screen at all times. In person, this screen is not only beautiful and bright, but also able to offer vivid colors.
Attempting to use the device outdoors also performed well. The bezel design with the same thickness and some rounded sides managed to make it look neater. A solid screen is matched with good screen scrolling capabilities. It certainly feels smooth and fast even though it isn't loaded with high refresh rate capabilities. A short test showed no lags occurring with good animation transitions. This is the experience we can expect from an iPhone device.
Next, the flat and boxy sides of the body that have been used since the iPhone 12 series are still maintained. We think Apple's decision is not a big issue because the same initiative is also used among other manufacturers at the moment. Through it, the device remains beautiful without sacrificing ergonomic features.
Then the metal frame on the side makes the device feel very comfortable and neat in the hand. Combined with the matte finish that dominates the back of the device, the user experience is much more practical.
Also retained is a large notch at the top of the screen intended to accommodate the selfie camera and Face ID system. Meanwhile, for those who might ask about 'Dynamic Island'. Its existence is only available on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models only. You can read more about it through the iPhone 14 Pro Max first look article that has been published before.
Read – Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max First Look – Is It Still Good When Holes Replace Notches?
In addition, the standard button layout is still maintained on the same space and is easy to reach. A large power button with the ability to call Siri is placed on the right side. It is then followed by an audio adjustment button, a device mute switch and a SIM slot on the left side.
The quality of buttons on iPhone devices year after year never disappoints. A lighting port can be found on the bottom flanked by two stereo speakers. As usual, there is no 3.5mm audio jack included.
Moving on to the 3279 mAh battery which is slightly larger than the 3227mAh on the previous iPhone 13. Through it, it is advertised to be able to operate for up to 20 hours for video playback, while audio playback can reach up to 80 hours. The 20W charging system is also supported by a device that according to Apple can charge up to 50% in 30 minutes.
This charger, however, needs to be purchased separately for those who have just purchased an iPhone device for the first time. This is not a new thing as Apple no longer includes a charging head in the purchase box of the device since the previous iPhone 12 series. Not to be left out, wireless charging through Qi and MagSafe is also supported by the device.
Another interesting feature that is also loaded on the iPhone 14 is Crash Detection. It is a feature that allows the device to detect violations and an emergency call will be made after 10 seconds of no response. But it should be emphasized that the violation referred to here is the result of a traffic accident. Otherwise, the device will not be able to detect.
An example situation is simple, the alarm sound and time alarm will start as soon as the device detects any serious car violation. Then an emergency call to the appropriate party will be made along with information about the location of the accident. A disclaimer here we haven't tried it either but this sharing is based on what Apple explained during WWDC recently.
Software & Benchmarks
The iOS 16 operating system used is the latest version offered by Apple. In general, there are no major changes to the main interface of the device as it is seen to focus more on adding features rather than reworking the interface on the system. All interface elements are still minimalistic and neat, at the same time easy to use.
An Android device-like lock screen customization feature is also offered that allows users to save a personal theme with their own font design. One thing that might disappoint is the absence of the Always On Display system that might excite some users. But not on us as we are used to this feature on Android devices. In fact, we also don't use it because it affects the battery life of the device.
The A15 Bionic chip used is the same as the previous model. However, the GPU capabilities have been improved which now has five cores instead of the previous four. This at the same time allows it to perform better, at the same time the interior design is also updated for better efficiency. Another improvement is that the memory capacity is now paralleled to 6GB of RAM for all iPhone 14 models this year compared to only 4GB on the iPhone 13.
The storage options differ depending on the type of model and the iPhone 14 is available in three variations that include 128GB/256GB/512GB. Next, the Antutu and Geekbench 5 benchmark test results also show a small gap for performance compared to the previous iPhone 13. For comparison, we've also included the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy X Fold4 alongside it.
Geekbench 5
Apple iPhone 14 – 1747/4786
Apple iPhone 13 – 1723/4639
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 1875/5469
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 – 1298/3963
Antutu 3D
Apple iPhone 14 – 845,895
Apple iPhone 13 – 816,065
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 974,941
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 – 980,346
WildLife Extreme
Apple iPhone 14 – 2,924
Apple iPhone 13 – 2,498
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 3373
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 – 2798
Camera
There is also no change in the camera sensor module and size this time. The device is loaded with two large main camera lenses in an arrangement that crosses one end with the other along with a LED Flash placed together. The problem of dangling devices does not occur with the use of a protective frame. Through it, a 12MP dual-camera for the main sensor along with ultra-wide is used with 2X optical and 5X digital zoom capabilities.
The selfie camera is also retained with a 12MP sensor. The sensor size may look the same but there are some improvements given such as video recording in Cinematic Mode which now supports up to 4K HDR/30fps. Next, a new technology called Photonic Engine was also introduced which according to Apple is very helpful in making photos look better.
In particular, photography in low light without the worry of loss of detail and darkened colors. It works depending on three things which include camera hardware, machine learning and software. It can be used on the main and selfie cameras.
At the same time, there is also an Action Mode function that is advertised as useful for video recording as if using a gimbal. Not to be left out, the selfie camera is also improved with autofocus capabilities that are useful for content creators on video sharing platforms such as TikTok, Facebook or Instagram. Through it, Apple promises sharper selfie shots with interesting color elements, in addition to twice the ability for photos in low light.
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone 14 is just an iPhone 13 with minor changes to the internal components. Among the updates given are improved GPU capabilities, larger battery capacity, a focus on better low-light recording and 6GB of RAM memory which is now standard for all models.
The recycled body design is not a big issue but manages to maintain the premium value of the device itself. It is not only comfortable in the hand but also clearly proves that the user experience is what we can expect for a device from Apple.
We just think, there is no need for an iPhone 13 series user to upgrade to this device as there are no visible significant changes. The performance of the A15 Bionic chip is also still powerful so far, but the advantage for this new iPhone is the GPU used. But to know more about its performance, we will share about it in the upcoming review article. With prices starting at RM4199, the iPhone 14 can now be pre-ordered and its availability in Malaysia will start on September 23, 2022.
Pro
Premium design & feels good in the hand.
The A15 Bionic processor is still powerful.
A camera system with built-in modes is interesting.
The selfie camera is equipped with autofocus.
Larger battery & memory capacity.
Cons.
Charging is still only 20W.
Expensive price for a small change.
Small chip performance improvement compared to iPhone 13.a
