The iPhone 14 Plus launched in 2022 as Apple’s answer to users craving a large-screen iPhone without the Pro Max premium price. In 2026, with newer models like the iPhone 16 series dominating headlines, the iPhone 14 Plus remains a compelling option—especially for those prioritizing battery life, a big display, and solid performance at a more accessible price point.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from Android, this review explores why the iPhone 14 Plus holds up remarkably well today.
Design and Display
The iPhone 14 Plus features a premium aluminum frame with a glass back and Ceramic Shield front. At 6.33 inches tall, 3.07 inches wide, and just 0.31 inches thin, it weighs 203 grams—lightweight for its size.
The star is the 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 2778 x 1284 resolution (458 ppi). It supports HDR, True Tone, and Wide Color (P3), reaching 800 nits typical brightness and 1200 nits peak for HDR. While it lacks the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate of newer models, the screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility.
Available in Midnight, Starlight, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED, Blue, and Yellow, it offers timeless style.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the A15 Bionic chip (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine), the iPhone 14 Plus handles multitasking, gaming, and everyday use smoothly in 2026. It runs the latest iOS 26 effortlessly, with years of software updates ahead.
Battery life is a standout: up to 26 hours of video playback, 20 hours streamed video, and 100 hours audio. Real-world users report all-day (and often two-day) usage with moderate to heavy activity—ideal for streaming, social media, or long workdays.
Camera System
The dual-camera setup includes a 12MP main (f/1.5, sensor-shift OIS) and 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.4, 120° FOV). Features like Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, Night mode, and Cinematic mode (4K HDR at 30 fps) produce sharp, detailed photos with natural colors.
Video shines with 4K Dolby Vision at 60 fps and Action mode for smooth stabilized footage. The 12MP TrueDepth front camera excels for selfies and FaceTime.
While not as advanced as newer triple-camera systems, it’s more than capable for most users.
Key Features
- Safety: Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, Roadside Assistance via satellite.
- Connectivity: 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Ultra Wideband.
- Other: IP68 water/dust resistance, MagSafe wireless charging (up to 15W), Face ID.
Price and Availability in 2026
Apple discontinued the iPhone 14 Plus, but it’s widely available refurbished or through carriers. Prices start around $300–$400 for good-condition 128GB models, with new units occasionally at $700–$800.
This makes it a budget-friendly big-screen iPhone compared to flagship prices.
Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Large 6.7-inch OLED, vibrant colors | No 120Hz refresh rate |
| Battery | Exceptional all-day+ life | Slower charging than newer models |
| Performance | Smooth A15 chip, long software support | Older than A18/A19 in iPhone 16 series |
| Camera | Reliable photos/videos, Night mode | No telephoto lens or 48MP sensors |
| Value | Affordable big-screen option | Lacks Dynamic Island, Always-On display |
How Does It Compare to Newer Models?
Compared to the iPhone 16 Plus:
- Display: 6.7″ vs 6.9″, no ProMotion/Always-On.
- Chip: A15 vs A19 Pro (better efficiency/graphics).
- Camera: Dual 12MP vs advanced 48MP triple.
- Battery: 26 hours video vs up to 39 hours.
- Features: No Action button or Camera Control.
The iPhone 14 Plus is ideal if you want value over cutting-edge tech.
FAQs
Is the iPhone 14 Plus still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, especially for battery life and a large screen on a budget. It handles modern tasks smoothly and gets ongoing iOS updates.
How long does the iPhone 14 Plus battery last?
Up to 26 hours video, 20 hours streamed—often 1.5–2 days for average use.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus have 5G?
Yes, full 5G support including sub-6 GHz and mmWave.
Is the camera good enough in 2026?
Absolutely for everyday photography and video; it excels in low light and portraits.
Should I buy iPhone 14 Plus or wait for newer models?
If you need a big-screen iPhone affordably, buy now. For latest features like 120Hz or advanced AI, consider iPhone 16 series.
The iPhone 14 Plus proves bigger can be better—offering premium experience at a fraction of flagship costs. If a massive display and epic battery appeal to you, it’s a smart 2026 pick.
The Review
Review Breakdown
- Design
- Display
- Camera Quality
- Performance
- Battery
- Build Quality
- Software Updates
- Value of Money
