The iPhone 14 Plus, launched nearly 28 months ago, remains a compelling option in the smartphone market, especially with the recent updates to iOS 18. This review explores its features and performance considering the current landscape.

Design and Display

The iPhone 14 Plus showcases a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 2778 x 1284 pixels resolution. The screen delivers vibrant colors and excellent contrast, perfect for media consumption. Available in Midnight, Starlight, Red, Blue, Purple, and Yellow variants, the phone features Ceramic Shield glass for enhanced durability and IP68 water and dust resistance.

Operating System

Initially released with iOS 16, the device now runs on iOS 18, bringing enhanced lock screen customization, improved privacy settings, and a redesigned Messages app. The update introduces new accessibility features and better third-party app support. Apple’s commitment to five years of operating system updates since the first sale of a device ensures long-term software support.

Processor

The A15 Bionic chip powers the device with its six-core CPU (two performance and four efficiency cores) and five-core GPU. While newer models exist, this processor still handles demanding tasks and multitasking with impressive efficiency.

Camera

The iPhone 14 Plus features a sophisticated dual-camera system comprising a 12MP wide lens (f/1.5 aperture) and a 12MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.4 aperture). The wide lens excels in low-light situations, while the ultra-wide lens captures expansive scenes effectively. Recent iOS updates have introduced the Photonic Engine, significantly enhancing image processing across all lenses, resulting in brighter photos with improved color accuracy even in challenging lighting conditions.

The front-facing 12MP camera, with its f/1.9 aperture and autofocus capability, delivers high-quality selfies. Video capabilities are equally impressive, with Cinematic Mode enabling professional-looking depth-of-field effects. The Action mode stands out by stabilizing footage during movement, supporting up to 4K resolution at 60fps. Whether you’re a casual photographer or an enthusiast, the camera system offers versatility and consistent performance across various shooting scenarios.

RAM and Storage

With 6GB of RAM for efficient multitasking, the device offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, though without expandable storage capability.

Sound

The stereo speaker setup, combining bottom-edge and earpiece speakers, delivers rich audio with impressive bass and clear highs. Spatial audio support with dynamic head tracking enhances the experience when using compatible headphones.

Battery

The 4,325mAh battery provides up to 26 hours of talk time or 20 hours of video playback. Fast charging reaches 50% in about 30 minutes, while MagSafe offers convenient wireless charging.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Large, vibrant Super Retina XDR display
• Outstanding battery performance
• Powerful A15 Bionic processor
• Excellent low-light camera performance
• Advanced video features
• Durable build with IP68 rating

Cons

• No 120Hz refresh rate
• Missing telephoto lens
• No expandable storage
• Dated notch design

Market Buzz

Amazon and Flipkart users highlight the phone’s performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. While many praise the display quality, some note the absence of a higher refresh rate. The dual-camera system receives positive feedback, though some users desire telephoto capabilities.

Pricing

• 128GB: ₹56,999
• 256GB: ₹66,999
• 512GB: ₹86,999

Final Verdict

The iPhone 14 Plus offers a balanced mix of performance, camera quality, and battery life at a competitive price point. Despite lacking some premium features, it remains a solid choice for users seeking a large-screen iPhone without the Pro model premium.