iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: What’s the Difference?
If you’re deciding between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 14, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common comparisons buyers make. Both phones offer fast performance, great cameras and Apple’s trademark design, but there are some key differences that might sway your decision depending on what matters most to you.
Whether you're upgrading from an older model or choosing between refurbished options, this breakdown will help you figure out which one fits your needs. You can also browse our refurbished iPhone collection if you want to compare prices as you go.
Design and Build
The iPhone 14 keeps Apple’s familiar aluminium frame, while the iPhone 15 introduces a smoother, rounded-edge design with a colour-infused glass back. It still feels like an iPhone, but noticeably more comfortable to hold. The Dynamic Island — previously only on Pro models — also comes to the standard iPhone 15, making the display feel more modern and interactive.
USB-C vs Lightning
This is one of the biggest differences. The iPhone 15 switches to USB-C, finally letting you charge your phone with the same cable used for most laptops, tablets and accessories. It also means faster data transfers and more compatible chargers. The iPhone 14 still uses the traditional Lightning port.
Camera Improvements
If photography is a big part of your decision, the iPhone 15 takes a clear lead. It jumps from a 12MP main camera to a 48MP sensor, giving you sharper photos, better low-light detail and more flexibility when cropping images. You also get a new 2x optical-quality zoom mode that wasn’t available on the iPhone 14.
The iPhone 14 still has a solid camera setup — especially for everyday photos — but the iPhone 15’s upgrades are noticeable if you love taking pictures.
Performance and Battery Life
The iPhone 14 uses Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 15 steps up to the A16 Bionic, previously found in the iPhone 14 Pro. The difference isn’t enormous for light use, but you’ll notice smoother performance with gaming, editing and multitasking on the iPhone 15.
Battery life sees a small improvement too, thanks to better chip efficiency and optimisations under the hood.
Display
Both phones use a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with bright colours and crisp detail. The biggest upgrade is the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 15, which replaces the notch with a responsive interface that adapts to your apps — whether you're tracking a timer, switching songs or checking directions.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want the latest design, a significantly better camera, USB-C and stronger performance, the iPhone 15 is the more future-proof choice. It’s the model that will feel modern for longer.
If you’re looking for great value, the iPhone 14 still delivers fast speeds, a great camera and a familiar feel — making it an ideal option, especially when buying refurbished. You’ll often find it at a noticeably lower price in the refurbished phone range.
Both devices are strong options — it just depends whether you’d prefer the newest features or a better deal on a still-excellent phone.
