We've put the iPhone 15 range to the test to find out, look at how much you can now save if you go for the year old iPhone 14 instead and offer tips on the best way to buy.
iPhone 15 series vs iPhone 14
The iPhone 15 series lands with an array of what you might call typical series enhancements – faster processors, brighter displays, and (slightly) thinner bezels for a sleeker look. Perhaps the most notable change is the introduction of USB-C ports to replace the Apple Lightning connection across all new models – so any USB-C charger can power the device, though you'll need a 20W charger for the fastest speeds. Elsewhere, the more notable upgrades are once again reserved for the Pro series – read on to see what's changed.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15
The dynamic island has now made its way to the 'base' iPhone, housing the front selfie camera and serving up alerts and live updates to add a fresh feel to the 6.1-inch display. Apple's new A16 Bionic processor adds a bit more power but it's more notable to see a 48MP rear camera (finally) replacing the 12MP on the predecessor.
A range of other camera enhancements, like a better night mode and more editing options after you've taken shots (like shifting focus) makes the camera a bit more versatile, and the screen is brighter - 2,000 nits. Be sparing with it, though – our tests reveal what the real impact of that could be on battery life. Otherwise you'll find pink as a colour option for the first time, to accompany black, blue, green and yellow. It's also £50 less than the launch price of last year's iPhone 14 at £799 Sim-free, though as you'll see below, discounts on the iPhone 14 still make it the cheaper option.
undefinediPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 14 Plus
Like the base model, the iPhone 15 Plus now features the dynamic island. There are similar improvements elsewhere, with the larger 6.7-inch display the main difference between the two. Like the iPhone 15, the 15 Plus comes in at £50 cheaper at launch.
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro
The Pro models are where you usually see the headline upgrades in a new iPhone and there is a bit more on offer at the premium end. A new Action button in place of the Ring/Silent switch allows for customised shortcuts – there are a series you can assign, from quick camera or flashlight access to recording a voice memo.
A more powerful A17 chip (which Apple claims is up to 20% faster) should ensure no lag even with the most intensive tasks, and various camera enhancements include a better portrait mode, adjustable focal length and an anti-reflective coating to help reduce lens flare. Notably the Titanium design that's been the focus of much of the marketing debuts here – we put its durability to the test in our full review. The Pro also comes in at a discount compared to the 14 Pro's launch price - £100 less.
undefinediPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max
The 'no-compromise' Pro Max arrives with a similarly no-compromise price tag – Apple hasn't discounted it against last year's 14 Pro Max, so that eye-watering £1,199 figure is here to stay. For this you do get 256GB of storage at the entry level, so double what the 14 offered, and for the first time it's got a different camera to the iPhone 15 Pro – a 5x optical zoom telephoto camera for even clearer close-up shots. Otherwise these models are largely identical, including the option of that much lauded Titanium finish.
How to get the best deal on an iPhone
Ultimately, most people will find the improvements on the iPhone 15 to be fairly iterative, and some (such as the faster processor) you may not even notice. iPhone 14 owners will be hard-pushed to justify the upgrade, but those with older models might be more tempted. Whichever camp you sit in, consider the following before you take the plunge, and to help make sure you snag the best price.
Security updates:Shop for older models:Consider the second-hand market:Weigh up contract costs:source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/iphone-15-vs-iphone-14-aeRG85v7AdLj