Apple has been making Pro versions of its smartphones since the iPhone 11, but for most people the differences between the regular and Pro versions are pretty minimal unless they are avid photographers.
But in 2022, it looks like Apple is finally learning the importance of the upsell: the iPhone 14 Pro looks like it will be a definite improvement over the basics iPhone 14.
Here are the five reasons why you should consider going Pro when the iPhone 14 launches in September, and check out our iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Pro preview for more info.
The power of A16 Bionic
This could be one of the biggest differences this time around. In the past, all iPhones — from the entry-level SE to the most expensive Pro Max — have used the same A-series Bionic chip, delivering nearly identical performance.
Not this year, if we are to believe the rumours. Back in Marchanalyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that while the iPhone 14 Pro will get the new A16 Bionic chip as usual, the regular iPhone 14 models will use the same A15 processor used in the iPhone 13 and iPhone SE 3. Other reports have since a backup of Kuo’s opinion.
To be clear, the A15 is not slow, and it is still faster than Qualcomm’s fastest Android chip. But when it comes to A16 Bionic vs A15 Bionicit really shouldn’t be a competition.
Farewell to the notch
The notch has been an Apple signature since the iPhone X in 2017, even popping up in its high-end MacBooks.
But it has never been popular with buyers who don’t mind at best. If you want to get off the notch in 2022, you’ll want to go Pro, according to different sources (opens in new tab).
That said, what is expected to replace the notch also seems to be a matter of taste. We hear that the iPhone 14 Pro series will use a punch hole for the front camera and a pill-shaped cutout for Face ID technology. Whether you think a double perforation look is better than a notch, very much depends on personal preference.
A smoother screen with an always-on screen
While the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro both use OLED screens, only the latter has ProMotion – the 120Hz refresh rate that makes everything feel a bit smoother and opens the door to games beyond 60fps.
That difference is expected to persist with the next generation, but the iPhone 14 Pro will too reportedly getting an always-on screen for the first time. This has been a staple of Android phones (and indeed the Apple Watch) for a while now and allows details like the time and notifications to be displayed even when the phone isn’t awake.
For iPhone 14 Pro it is always on display: even expected to contain wallpapers, as shown in the image above. So you might get the same iOS 16 lock screen widgets – lower brightness only.
A large 48MP main camera
Apple has stuck with 12-megapixel sensors for its rear cameras since 2015 iPhone 6Sbut the iPhone 14 Pro is reportedly set to change that with a 48MP lens.
Yes a bit dispute that reportbut as more CAD leaks have sprung up, it’s pretty clear that the camera bump on the back of iPhone 14 Pro models is larger than previous generations.
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will reportedly shoot 48MP images, but use pixel binning to deliver 12MP images for those looking to save space. Anyway, the level of detail should be greater. In addition, this sensor will also reportedly enable 8K video recording, which would be a first for iPhones.
The analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says: that is to make way for the improved image sensors.
Telezoom still exclusive to Pro
A 3x optical zoom is another feature that has been exclusive to Pro iPhones until now, and there’s no indication that that will change with the iPhone 14. Indeed, it seems quite likely that it won’t, given Apple’s desire to to sell.
We’ve never heard of an improvement beyond the 3x optical zoom of the iPhone 13 Pro (the best camera phones bid up to 10x) die won’t be enough for some. And there are rumors that Apple embraces a periscope zoom camera for the iPhone 15 in 2023. But if you still have to choose between new iPhones this year, then this will be all right.