When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
- The iPhone 14 series has plenty of tempting new features, but not every iPhone owner should consider upgrading.
- Those with iPhone 12 and 13 should hold off, while iPhone 11 owners could justify moving up.
Apple announced the new iPhone 14 series on September 7, which includes the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max. The biggest question on people's minds is whether they should upgrade from their current iPhone.
The answer usually depends on your budget, as well as your needs versus wants. And, because Apple has a robust support system for iPhones dating back to the iPhone 8, upgrade cycles will vary — you may not need to update at all.
For this upgrade guide, we're looking as far back as the iPhone 11 series that was released in September 2019. We're also considering users who are thinking about upgrading; those in a yearly upgrade program have already made their choice.
The iPhone 14 series vs. any model older than the iPhone 11
Should you upgrade? Yes.
Those with iPhones older than the iPhone 11 will notice the biggest improvements in performance, features, cameras, and battery life when upgrading to the iPhone 14 series.
And, if you have an iPhone 7 or older, it's a good idea to upgrade, as Apple isn't supporting those iPhones with new versions of iOS that come with important security updates.
However, don't feel pressured to upgrade if your older iPhone is still in good condition and getting iOS updates, and you're happy with the performance and photo quality.
If you need to simply replace an iPhone but you are on a budget, don't forget about the less expensive $599 iPhone 12 and $699 iPhone 13.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 14
Should you upgrade? Pass on the iPhone 14, maybe on the iPhone 14 Plus.
Apart from the iPhone 14 Plus, there's nothing unique about the standard iPhone 14 to wholeheartedly justify an upgrade. The standard iPhone 14 models are basically slightly upgraded versions of the iPhone 13 — they run on the same processor (A15 Bionic), the upgrades to the camera system are minor, and the displays still don't support Apple's high-refresh-rate, ProMotion.
The iPhone 14 Plus, however, has a larger screen and better battery life, which are enticing enough to consider an upgrade. But, if you're looking for something more powerful and can spend a bit more, the iPhone 14 Pro models are your best bet.
iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro
Should you upgrade? Maybe.
The iPhone 14 Pro models come with the biggest updates that could tempt you even if you own a premium iPhone as recent as the iPhone 13 Pro.
The main draw is a new 48-megapixel primary camera, versus the 12-megapixel variant of previous models. Not only has resolution increased, but the sensor is also larger, which captures more light for greater detail and clarity. Those who take lots of photos and want the best camera that Apple offers — particularly those who shoot uncompressed RAW files — might find it worthwhile to upgrade. For video, Apple says it has the best image stabilization to date, and pros will appreciate the ability to shoot with more advanced settings.
The iPhone 14 Pros run on the newer and more powerful A16 Bionic processor and have a sleek design thanks to slimmer display borders and a redesigned front camera and sensor array called the Dynamic Island, instead of the notch that's been used in most iPhones since the iPhone X.
Still, it's a big "maybe." You'd really have to want the iPhone 14 Pro's upgrades to justify upgrading, but Apple's trade-in offers could make it more appealing.
iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 14
Should you upgrade? Pass.
If you didn't upgrade to the iPhone 13, you're not going to find a lot of reasons to switch to the iPhone 14, either.
However, the iPhone 14 Plus, with its larger screen and longer battery life, might be tempting if you've always wanted a bigger iPhone but couldn't justify the price of a Pro Max.
If the budget allows and you're looking to get better performance, cameras, battery life, and design, consider elevating to one of the iPhone 14 Pros.
iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro
Should you upgrade? Justified, but not necessary.
You'll get a lot of upgrades if you buy one of the iPhone 14 Pros, including better performance, better cameras, Apple's ProMotion display with smooth animations, longer battery life, and the new Dynamic Island that replaces the notch.
While there are good reasons to upgrade here, like the iPhone 13, you shouldn't feel the need to. Hang on to the iPhone 12 Pro if you're happy with it and wait until next year.
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 14
Should you upgrade? Maybe for the iPhone 14, yes for the iPhone 14 Plus.
Like the iPhone 12, if you didn't upgrade to the iPhone 13 when it came out in 2020, there's no reason to upgrade now unless there is something wrong with your iPhone 11, like poor battery retention or a damaged screen, you'd rather put the cost of fixing toward a new device.
The iPhone 14 Plus, on the other hand, offers a worthwhile upgrade if you have been holding out for a large-screen iPhone that doesn't cost as much as the Pro Max. According to Apple, the iPhone 14 Plus also has the best battery life of any model.
iPhone 11 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro
Should you upgrade? Justified, but not necessary.
Owners of the iPhone 11 Pro likely have more reasons to upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro. The performance, cameras, display, design, and battery life of the latest Pro devices are all significantly better than the iPhone 11 Pro models.
With that said, the iPhone 11 Pros from 2019 are still great phones that can easily keep up in 2022. But if you find that your iPhone 11 Pro is slower to open apps than you'd like, you have a good reason to upgrade to an iPhone 14 Pro. Other reasons to consider upgrading include poor battery retention, but you should factor in the cost of buying a new phone versus fixing the battery.