iPhone 14 in 2025 Review: Consider it Before Upgrade or Buy

Hey everyone,In this article, we’re talking into a topic I’ve been getting a lot of questions about: the iPhone 14 in 2025.  Yes, we’re talking a phone that’s a few years old at this point, but is it still a good buy? Is it still relevant?  That’s what we’re going to unpack in this video.

First off, a little trip down memory lane. The iPhone 14 launched back in 2022, and it was… well, it was an iPhone!  It brought some refinements, some improvements, but it wasn’t a radical departure. One of the key things that stood out at the time was the improved main camera, especially in low light.  I remember when I first got my hands on it, I was blown away by how much better the night photos were compared to my previous iPhone.  I took it on a trip and the photos I got were just incredible.  

Also, let’s not forget that the iPhone 14 series introduced Action Mode. This is a game-changer for video recording, especially if you’re someone who’s always on the move.  It’s like having a built-in gimbal for your phone.  It smooths out shaky footage, so your videos look professional, even if you’re running or jumping.  It’s perfect for capturing action shots, sports events, or even just walking around and filming.  It’s a really neat feature that I’ve found myself using a lot.  It’s meant to prevent your vids from being ruined by shaky hands. 

Now, let’s be real, I’m just a humble tech YouTuber. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I do try to give you my honest, practical perspective.  So, let’s talk the iPhone 14 in 2025.  Let’s get started.

Design

Alright, let’s talk design.  Now, I’m a firm believer that a phone’s design is more than just aesthetics. It’s about how it feels in your hand, how it integrates into your life.  And the iPhone 14… well, it feels familiar.  It’s that classic iPhone design language.  Clean lines, premium materials.  It’s like slipping into a well-worn leather jacket – comfortable and reassuring.  I remember when I first unboxed it, I was struck by how solid it felt.  No creaking, no flexing, just a sense of quality.

Technically speaking, we’re talking about an aluminum frame sandwiched between two sheets of “Corning-made glass,” as Apple calls it.  They don’t specify exactly which Corning glass, but it’s safe to assume it’s pretty darn tough. I’ve accidentally dropped my phone a few times, and it’s held up surprisingly well.  I did get a small scratch once, but that was entirely my fault.  I was hiking and it rubbed against some rocks.  

One thing that’s interesting about the iPhone 14 design is the diagonal camera layout. This is actually the same layout that the iPhone 15 uses.  This is a big plus, in my opinion, because it prevents the iPhone 14 from looking outdated.  It shares a design cue with the newer model, which is a clever move by Apple.  It’s a subtle way of saying, “Hey, I’m still relevant!”

Display

Now, let’s talk about the display.  This is where things get a little… complicated.  The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.  That’s a lot of fancy words, but what does it actually mean?  Well, it means the screen is bright, it’s sharp, the colors are vibrant, and the contrast is excellent.  Perfect for watching movies, scrolling through Instagram, or even playing games.  I remember watching netflix on this phone, and the picture quality was just stunning.  The colors popped, the blacks were deep, and the details were crisp.  It really enhanced the viewing experience.

Technically, we’re talking about the Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and 460 PPI pixel density.  That’s pretty sharp.  You’re not going to see any individual pixels unless you’re looking for them with a magnifying glass.  It also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which means you can enjoy content with a wider range of colors and better contrast.

However, and this is a big however, there’s one thing that holds this display back: the refresh rate.  It’s still 60Hz.  Now, I know what some of you are going to say: “iOS animations are so smooth, you don’t need a higher refresh rate.”  And to some extent, that’s true.  iOS does a great job of making 60Hz feel smoother than it is on some Android phones. But let’s be real, in 2025, 60Hz is a little behind the curve.  Most Android phones, even budget ones, have moved to 90Hz or 120Hz.  And the difference is noticeable.  Scrolling and animations just look smoother on a higher refresh rate display.  It’s like comparing a regular TV to one with motion smoothing – once you’ve experienced the smoother motion, it’s hard to go back.

I’ve used phones with 120Hz displays, and honestly, it makes a difference.  It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is something that I wish Apple would address, especially for their base model iPhones.  Even the iPhone 16 is still stuck at 60Hz.  I’m not sure what Apple’s reasoning is here, but I think it’s time for an upgrade.  At least give us 90Hz, Apple!  Come on!

So, the display is beautiful, it’s sharp, the colors are great, but the 60Hz refresh rate is a bit of a letdown.  It’s the one thing that keeps this display from being truly excellent.

Performance

Under the hood, the iPhone 14 packs the A15 Bionic chip.  It’s a powerful chip, even in 2025.  It handles everyday tasks with ease, and even some demanding games run pretty well.  Remember, this is the base model iPhone that already has 6GB of RAM.  That’s important, especially with the latest iOS 18 and all the apps that demand more RAM.  The iPhones below it still use 4GB of RAM, and that’s starting to show its age.  The A15, combined with 6GB of RAM, is still very capable.  Think about it, even the newer iPhone 16 uses 8GB of RAM.  So, the 14 is still holding its own.

Software Update

This is where Apple shines.  You can expect the iPhone 14 to continue receiving software updates for several years to come.  That means you’ll get the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements.  This is a huge advantage over some Android phones that only get a couple of years of updates.  Knowing you’ll have a supported device for a long time is definitely a plus.

Battery Life

Battery life on the iPhone 14 is pretty decent.  I can usually get through a full day of moderate use.  Of course, it depends on how you use your phone.  If you’re constantly gaming or watching videos, you’ll probably need to top it up.  But for everyday tasks, it’s reliable.

Camera

Camera Performance: The iPhone 14 camera system is still very competitive.  The main camera takes excellent photos in most lighting conditions.  The ultrawide is also pretty good.  Compared to the latest iPhones, the differences are subtle.  Maybe in extreme low light, or if you’re pixel-peeping, you might see a difference.  But for most people, the iPhone 14 camera is more than enough. 

Downside

Okay, let’s talk about the downsides.  First, the iPhone 14 still uses the Lightning connector.  In 2025, almost everything is moving to USB-C.  It’s a bit of a pain to have to carry around a separate cable.  It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is an inconvenience.  Second, the notch.  While it’s smaller than previous generations, it’s still there.  Apple has moved on to Dynamic Island for its newer models.  The notch does make the phone look a little dated.

And finally, this one needs to be considered, especially if you’re into the latest and greatest tech: the iPhone 14 doesn’t support Apple Intelligence.  This is a new iPhone feature that Apple introduced and only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.  Apple Intelligence, from what I’ve seen, is a suite of AI-powered features that enhance everything from photography to Siri.  

So, is the iPhone 14 worth it in 2025?  Honestly, it’s a tough call.  It really boils down to your individual needs and, of course, your budget. If you’re eyeing a flagship iPhone experience and can snag a good deal on a used or refurbished iPhone 14, it’s definitely something to think about. The performance is still snappy, the camera is pretty darn good, and you’re locked in for years of software updates, which is a big plus.

However, let’s not forget those drawbacks. The 60Hz display is a bit of a letdown in 2025, and that Lightning connector… well, it’s starting to feel like a relic.  If those things are deal-breakers, and they might be for some of you, then you might want to explore other options.

What You Should Consider

Now, here’s where things get interesting.  If you’re not in a rush to buy a new phone right now, I’d actually recommend holding on for a little bit.  Why?  Well, rumors are swirling about the 4th generation iPhone SE.  And if the rumors are true, it could be a game-changer.

Think about it:  rumors suggest it might pack the latest Apple A18 chip.  That’s the same chip as the iPhone 16.  That means you’d get cutting-edge performance, potentially access to new Apple intelligence features, and even the ability to play some seriously demanding games.  We’re talking triple A gaming on a budget iPhone!

And the camera?  Rumors point to a single 48MP sensor with pixel binning, similar to what the iPhone 16 has. While it may not have an ultrawide lens, that 48MP sensor could potentially give you a 2x “optical-quality” zoom thanks to cropping.  That’s a pretty neat trick.

Apple usually positions the SE lineup as their budget-friendly option.  Rumors suggest the new SE could come in under $500. If that’s true, it’s a steal.  You’d be getting flagship-level performance in a compact, affordable package.

So, my advice?  If you can wait, I’d seriously consider waiting for the iPhone SE 4.  It has the potential to be a fantastic value proposition.  Of course, these are just rumors, so take them with a grain of salt.  But if they turn out to be true, the SE 4 could make the iPhone 14 a much less compelling option.

If you absolutely need a phone now, and you’re on a tight budget, then the iPhone 14 is still a decent choice.

Ultimately, the decision is yours.  Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the phone that’s right for you.