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2022 - iPhone 14 - Time to Upgrade already?

iPhone 14 Pro Upgrade Journey

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:

Upgrade Options

  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13 Pro

First Choice - iPhone 14 Pro

The iPhone 14 Pro quickly became my top choice. Rumored to feature a faster chip, an improved OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and various enhancements, it promised a significant upgrade from my current model. The 6.1-inch form factor remains consistent with the iPhone 11, but in almost every category—battery life, camera quality, processing power—the 14 Pro surpasses its predecessor.

Second Choice - iPhone 14 Pro Max

While the larger 6.7-inch screen of the 14 Pro Max offers great utility for streaming and gaming, I wasn't keen on its 'phablet' size. For me, it felt more like an iPad Mini than a phone.

Third Choice - iPhone 13 Pro

The iPhone 13 Pro was also an option, especially for budget-conscious buyers. It offers many features similar to the 14 Pro, such as 5G capability and an OLED display. However, I felt that opting for the previous year's model wouldn’t satisfy my desire for the latest tech.

Decision Time

Despite my history of waiting 3-4 years between upgrades, I felt this two-year cycle was justified due to the substantial improvements from the 11 to the 14 models. I anticipated keeping the 14 for at least three years, so it seemed like a solid investment.

Update - 9/10/22

By this point, I agreed that the base iPhone 14 didn’t offer much over the 13, but the 14 Pro stood out with enhancements like the 120 Hz OLED display, a smaller pill cutout for the front-facing camera, and a significant upgrade to a 48 MP rear camera.

I was slightly disappointed about the switch to eSIM and the absence of a USB Type-C port, but I decided these were minor issues.

Update - 9/17/22 - Purchase Confirmed

I officially chose the iPhone 14 Pro, finding it an easy decision against the Pro Max and 13 Pro, given the limited discounts. I also purchased the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen with cellular capability.

Initial Review

Upon receiving the phone, I was struck by the camera bump and the improved front screen design. Although my initial reaction was somewhat lukewarm—seeing it as more of an iterative improvement—I was content with my purchase at $200 plus tax.

Update - 7/20/23 - Nearly One Year In

Fast forward ten months, and the iPhone 14 Pro has exceeded my expectations. I've grown to appreciate its performance, and I foresee keeping it beyond the typical two-year cycle. The upgrade from the iPhone 11 was certainly significant, but it didn’t feel as groundbreaking as my leap from the 6s to the 11.

Having owned only four iPhone models over the years highlights how durable and relevant these devices can remain. The iPhone 14 Pro has proven to be a worthy successor, and I’m satisfied with my decision to upgrade.








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