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As a current iPhone 14 Pro Max user, I still feel like my three-year-old iPhone gives me everything I need from a smartphone. Sure, it may still have a Lightning Port and no support for Apple Intelligence, but I get around those very minor discomforts by using a MagSafe charger and ChatGPT. Truth be told, the Apple Intelligence features haven’t wowed me enough to make me fork over $1,000 on a newer iPhone.
Also: Apple Event live updates: Everything announced
But a few things, like the improved camera array, A19 Pro chip, and upgraded scratch resistance, make me want to upgrade to the newer model. Here’s how you can decide if it’s time for you.
Specifications
FeatureiPhone 17 ProiPhone 14 ProStarting price$1,099$470 (renewed)Display size6.3″6.1″ProcessorA19 ProA16 BionicFront camera18 MP Center Stage, Dual Capture, Tap to zoom and rotate12 MP TrueDepth, Tap to zoomRear cameras48 MP Pro Fusion Main, 48 MP ultrawide, 48 MP Fusion Telephoto 48 MP Main, 12 MP ultrawide, 12 MP telephotoBatteryUp to 33 hours video playbackUp to 23 hours video playbackStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TBMaterialAluminum unibodyStainless steel frameFinishesCosmic Orange, Deep Blue, SilverDeep Purple, Gold, Silver, Space Black
You should buy the iPhone 17 Pro if…
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
1. You want the best iPhone camera
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max appear to be exceptional tools for content creators. All three cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max have been upgraded to 48 MP, and the telephoto lens offers up to 8x optical zoom, which is the longest on an iPhone.
Also: Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Here are the main differences
Apple also refreshed its front-facing camera to 18 MP and added support for Center Stage to help you automatically frame your selfies. This uses AI to expand the field of view to include more subjects. The selfie camera’s sensor is also square instead of having a 4:3 aspect ratio, letting you take selfies in portrait or landscape mode without turning your phone.
The new camera system also supports Dual Capture, letting you record what Apple calls ultra-stabilized video from both front and rear cameras simultaneously.
2. You want more processing power
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max run on the A19 Pro chip, a new Apple processor that is the most powerful and efficient ever on an iPhone. This processor helps the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max deliver up to 40% improved performance compared to the 16 Pro. The 17 Pro’s CPU is up to 40% faster than that of the iPhone 14 Pro, while the GPU is twice as fast.
Also: Every iPhone 17 model compared: Should you buy the base model, Air, Pro, or Max?
During its iPhone 17 launch event, Apple put a lot of emphasis on how it redesigned the smartphone’s internal architecture with this latest lineup. This includes a new vapor chamber within the iPhone that has deionized water sealed and laser-welded into the aluminum chassis to dissipate heat.
Switching from titanium to aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro will also help with heat dissipation, which can enhance performance. Apple’s redesigned body gives the 17 Pro and Pro Max a larger battery, which gives the smartphones a longer battery life. Compared to the iPhone 14 Pro, the 17 Pro offers up to 10 more hours of video playback on a single charge.
3. You want top-of-the-line connectivity
The new N1 is the wireless networking chip in the iPhone 17 lineup. It supports Wi-Fi 7, an upgrade from the Wi-Fi 6-compatible iPhone 14 Pro, as well as Bluetooth 6 and Thread. With the new N1 chip, Apple also improved the reliability of the Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.
You should stick to the iPhone 14 Pro if…
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
1. You don’t mind missing out on Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence isn’t all that. Android devices are lapping the iPhone in AI features, so I wouldn’t recommend switching to a new iPhone only to access Apple Intelligence just yet. The AI features can be a pro on the iPhone 17 Pro’s column, but don’t hinge your buying decision on them alone, especially when they still leave a lot to be desired.
Apple has yet to upgrade Siri to its 2.0 version with generative AI, though the virtual assistant can access ChatGPT as needed when it feels like the AI chatbot can better handle a request. However, there are ways to add shortcuts to ChatGPT, even make it your go-to voice assistant (though it won’t handle smart home requests or personal accounts, like music apps).
Also: How to program your iPhone’s Action Button to summon ChatGPT’s voice assistant
That said, some great Apple Intelligence features are available, such as Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, Writing Tools, and more.
2. You’re okay with the Lightning Port
Apple switched its charging ports from its proprietary Lightning Port to USB-C with the iPhone 15 lineup, so the 14 is the last one to feature the Lightning Port. USB-C gives the iPhone the convenience of a universal charging port instead of making users stick to a walled ecosystem.
3. Saving money is your priority
If your iPhone 14 Pro still functions as it should, or even if you’re mostly using it to browse, text, and snap quick photos, it’s also a good idea to hold out for a future model. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max still support the latest iOS 26 release and Wi-Fi 6, have a strong 48 MP rear camera, even if it doesn’t have 8x optical zoom, and feature the Dynamic Island.
