Choosing Between iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro: Which Model is Worth the Upgrade?

During this year’s annual hardware event, Apple announced the iPhone 15 lineup, consisting of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you’re eyeing the iPhone 15 Pro, you probably value “Pro” features, such as longer battery life, enhanced camera quality, and a more capable processor. There are some major differences between last year’s iPhone 14 Pro model and this year’s new iPhone 15 Pro, and those differences will certainly influence your buying decision.

For example, the iPhone 15 Pro is 9% lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro debuted with an A17 Pro chip, the most capable iPhone processor, we’ve found. Additionally, the iPhone 15 lineup is the first iPhone family to feature a USB-C port.

You should buy the iPhone 14 Pro if you want the cheaper option. Shortly after Apple announced the iPhone 15 lineup, iPhone 14 prices saw a deep discount. If you want the closest thing to an iPhone 15, you can purchase the iPhone 14 Pro. However, Apple typically discontinues last year’s Pro models shortly after announcing a new iPhone lineup to avoid interference with the new iPhone’s sales. So, if you want to buy an iPhone 14 Pro, you’ll have to consult other vendors like Amazon, Best Buy, or your cell service provider while supplies last.

You should also buy the iPhone 14 Pro if you’re not ready to give up your Lightning cable(s). The latest iPhones ditch the Lightning ports and sport a USB-C port instead. If you have an Apple Watch, AirPods, Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, iPhone 14 or older, or Magic Trackpad, you probably have plenty of Lightning cords lying around. If you want to stick with the Lightning cable, buy the iPhone 14 Pro.

Furthermore, if you’re a fan of gold-colored iPhones, you should stick with the iPhone 14 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro is now available in different colors, but gold is not included. So, if you want a gold iPhone, you’ll have to choose the iPhone 14 Pro.

On the other hand, you should buy the iPhone 15 Pro if you just have to have the Action Button. The Action Button, first introduced on the Apple Watch Ultra, is a button that performs a specific action when pressed. On the iPhone 15 Pro, the Action Button replaces the mute switch but can still act as a mute switch. You can toggle between actions that can interact with Dynamic Island, like Voice Memos and Camera, and run shortcuts created in the Shortcuts app.

Additionally, if you want USB-C charging, the iPhone 15 Pro is the first generation of iPhones to utilize USB-C charging. The USB-C charging port is very common among almost all non-Apple consumer tech products. Additionally, the iPhone 15 USB-C cables are color-coordinated with the iPhone color you purchase.

Lastly, if you want better performance, the iPhone 15 Pro has Apple’s upgraded A17 Pro chip under its hood that offers increased efficiency and performance. Coupled with increased RAM, iPhone 15 Pro users should experience smoother multitasking as apps can run in the background longer without crashing or lagging.

In conclusion, the choice between the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro depends on your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize price, Lightning compatibility, or gold color, the iPhone 14 Pro may be the better option for you. However, if you value the Action Button, USB-C charging, and better performance, the iPhone 15 Pro may be worth the upgrade.