iPhone’s new ‘Island’ is top notch
iPhone 14 Pro From €1,339 ★★★★★
Buying an iPhone used to be a straightforward process of selecting the latest model. Now the range is broader than ever – with the iPhone 12, 13 and SE still being sold by Apple, as well as the new iPhone 14 models – making it harder to choose.
However, if you need power and performance, but with a pocketfriendly 6.1” screen, the iPhone 14 Pro might be the one for you.
The textured matt glass back and stainless steel design feels and looks wonderful. We have come to expect this type of build quality and style from Apple, and it has delivered yet again.
The 14 Pro comes in four colours: black, silver, gold and, my favourite, a very warm, luscious tone of what Apple calls ‘Deep Purple’.
The entry-level model has 128GB of storage, enough for most of us. If you’re serious about photos or videos you could step up to 256GB for €130. The additional memory options of 512GB and 1TB are expensive upgrades, probably for niche professional use with the 1TB version setting you back €1,989.
In the box you’ll find Apple’s USB-C to lightning cable but no charger. The cable supports fastcharging and is compatible with USB-C power adapters and computer ports.
Apple encourages you to reuse your own compatible cables and adapters but you can buy a new Apple adapter if required.
It’s worth noting that this week the EU voted to make USB-C the eurozone’s phone-charging standard by the end of 2024. Apple probably isn’t delighted with this news, but having a common charger for phones in our homes will make life easier for consumers.
The technical specs of the iPhone 14 Pro are impressive. It’s powered by Apple’s latest A16 Bionic chip and the screen is a what Apple calls its Super Retina XDR display. This is a 6.1” OLED display with 2,556 by 1,179 pixel resolution at 460 ppi. The screen refresh rate is up to 120Hz, and Apple’s ProMotion technology adapts to change the refresh rate depending on what you’re doing or if the battery is running low. All these specifications add up to a wonderful screen that can be super-bright – even outdoors – with beautiful colours and tones.
Of course, one of the talking points about the new screen is the floating notch and Apple’s Dynamic Island.
The traditional notch for cameras that was flush with the top of the screen has moved down a little so it’s in the main screen. Instead of being dead space, Apple has turned the notch into a small notification area that changes to show activities and alerts – a Dynamic Island.
Initially I was a little dubious about this but, having used it, it’s brilliant.
It’s a feature that has to be used to grasp, but you can check notifications, music, timers in progress, directions or see caller details – and it will only become more useful as app developers create micro-notifications for it.
Cameras have also got an upgrade with a 48MP main camera system. There’s also 12MP ultra-wide and
DUBIOUS ABOUT FLOATING NOTCH… BUT IT’S BRILLIANT
TOP MARKS
FOR LOOKS, PERFORMANCE AND POWER
telephoto cameras and 12MP selfiecamera. Photo detail and performance have improved noticeably. The selfie-camera also has improved low-light performance and auto-focus, making for sharper images.
iPhone has led the market on video for some time, and this model steps that up again, with exceptional capability.
The cinematic mode now shoots in 4K HDR at 24 fps and the new action mode produces remarkably smooth footage comparable to action cams.
The strong dollar and currency markets do dent the appeal here somewhat, with our pricing out of kilter with what US buyers would pay. Also, a charger in the box would be nice, as would faster charging time.
Overall, the iPhone 14 Pro is a great device. It has better cameras, a better screen, the latest chip, the Dynamic Island is ingenious, and it really does hits the sweet-spot for looks, power and performance.