Skip to main content

2022 - iPhone 14 - Time to Upgrade already?

Gear Review

iPhone 14 Pro Upgrade Journey

*Reflecting on a two-year leap from the iPhone 11 to the 14 Pro*

~2
Years between upgrades
3
Years planned lifespan
$200
Upgrade price
 
Section I

Research and Options

After owning the iPhone 11 since 2020, it was finally time for an upgrade. The aging 4G connectivity and lack of an OLED screen made me feel the tech was dated, so I began exploring options for a new device. With the iPhone 14 series about to be released in September, I had several choices:

  • →iPhone 14 Pro — The primary contender featuring a faster chip and improved display.
  • →iPhone 14 Pro Max — The larger variant, considered for its screen utility.
  • →iPhone 13 Pro — The previous generation model, reviewed as a budget-conscious alternative.
Evaluating the Choices
  • →iPhone 14 Pro — This became my top choice. It promised a faster chip, 120 Hz OLED display, and significant enhancements in battery, camera, and processing power while maintaining the familiar 6.1-inch form factor.
  • →iPhone 14 Pro Max — While the 6.7-inch screen is great for media, the "phablet" size felt more like an iPad Mini than a phone to me.
  • →iPhone 13 Pro — While capable, I felt that sticking with last year's model wouldn't satisfy my desire for the latest technological advancements.
Decision Note: Despite my history of waiting 3-4 years between upgrades, I felt this two-year cycle was justified by the substantial improvements from the 11 to the 14 models.
Section II

Purchase and Technical Specifications

Pre-Purchase Insights (9/10/22)

By this point, I concluded that the base iPhone 14 didn't offer enough over the 13, but the 14 Pro stood out. Key upgrades included the 120 Hz OLED display, the new pill-shaped cutout, and the 48 MP rear camera. I noted my disappointment regarding the shift to eSIM-only and the lack of a USB Type-C port, but ultimately deemed them minor trade-offs.

Final Decision (9/17/22)

I officially moved forward with the iPhone 14 Pro. Alongside the phone, I also purchased the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen with cellular capability.

FeatureConsideration
14 ProChosen for balance of features and size
14 Pro MaxDismissed due to excessive size
13 ProDismissed to ensure the latest tech
Section III

Long-term Ownership

Initial Review

Upon receiving the device, I was struck by the camera bump and the refined front screen design. While my initial reaction was somewhat lukewarm, viewing it as an iterative improvement, I was content with the $200 out-of-pocket cost.

One Year Later (7/20/23)

Fast forward ten months, and the iPhone 14 Pro has exceeded my expectations. I have grown to appreciate its performance and expect to keep it beyond my typical two-year cycle. While the jump from the 11 was significant, it felt slightly less groundbreaking than my previous leap from the 6s. Ultimately, owning only four iPhone models over the years proves how durable these devices remain, and I am satisfied with this upgrade.

A reliable successor that proves the value of long-term Apple ecosystem investment.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX-310 Series Headphones

Gear Review Budget Audio Face-off: Sony ZX Series Review Comparing the ZX-100, ZX-110, and ZX-310 for your everyday carry ~3 Models ~$10–$20 Price 2.5+ Years Longevity Table of Contents ① Build Quality ② Cost Comparison ③ Sound Quality ④ Overall Value ⑤ Upgrade Path Section I Build Quality The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads.   The Earpad Problem Over time, the earpads on the ZX-100 and ZX-110 disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310 comes with upgraded earpads that don't suffer from this problem — a clear win in the build department. Tip: If your earpads start to flake, it is a sign of material degradation; consider replacing the cushions or upgrading to a model with more durable synthetic lea...
9 comments
Read more

Casio G-Shock - DW5600e vs DW5600ue - EL vs LED

Watch Review · G-Shock The G-Shock Square Evolution DW-5600E vs. DW-5600UE 200m Water Resistance 3 Generations Compared 1987 DW-5600C Debut Table of Contents ① Overview ② The Backlight Battle ③ Comfort Out of the Box ④ The DW-5600C (Vintage) ⑤ The Verdict Overview The Gold Standard, Quietly Updated For decades, the DW-5600E has been the "Gold Standard" for G-Shock squares. It's the watch that replaced the original screw-back models in the 90s and became the definitive tool watch for millions. But recently, Casio quietly updated this legend to the DW-5600UE. I've had both on my wrist recently, and while they look nearly identical at first glance, the differences in daily wear are surprisingly distinct. Section I The Backlight Battle: EL Nostalgia vs. LED Efficiency ...
Post a Comment
Read more

MacBook Air 2017 - A1466 - Linux - Project + Install Advice

Linux · Dev Hardware · Field Notes My "New" Linux Laptop 2017 MacBook Air — $120 on eBay, Running Linux Mint $120 Per Unit (eBay) 2× Units Acquired 6–8h Battery Life 2.96 lbs I needed a portable laptop with good battery life and decent specs to write code while outside — mostly small-to-medium Python or ASP.Net projects and a few basic ML models. My HP 2016 i7 is too bulky, the HP i3 is hideous, so I replaced my old Linux laptop with not one but a pair of MacBook Airs picked up on eBay for $120 each. Why two? Originally I got the 256GB MQD42LL/A, and when pricing a 512GB SSD upgrade it was basically the cost of a whole 512GB A1466. Why pay $80 for a drive when $120 gets an entire computer? Eventually I'll get a newer M-series MacBook to fulfill my programming needs — but for $120, this is unreal value. Even after 9 years it looks modern and...
Post a Comment
Read more