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Whether it’s worth updating your iPhone to the latest model is a common question whenever a new family of Apple handsets hits the market. So, in a showdown between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, which one comes out on top? Let’s take a look.

If you decide to stick with the older handset, make sure you have iPhone 13 insurance to protect your trusty tech. From accidental damage and loss, to theft and breakdown, iPhone 13 insurance arranged through is definitely worth adding to your 2022 shopping list. 

What’s different about the iPhone 14?

Since the very first iPhone was introduced to phone buyers all the way back in January 2007, Apple has prided itself on unveiling big technological changes in its handsets every year. But with the arrival of the iPhone 14 in September 2022, this seems to have slowed down somewhat.

For the first time ever, the new iPhone 14 carries the same processor as the previous model, has mostly the same cameras, and almost exactly the same design. Indeed, what changes you’ll find are almost so subtle that some reviewers have remarked it should be called the iPhone 13S instead!

Unfortunately to get the new and more powerful A16 chip, a more capable camera, and clever features like the Dynamic Island and an Always-On display, you’ll need to opt for the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro series instead. Something which some tech commentators suggest might be behind the reason for the slightly underwhelming update.

So, if you do normally like to upgrade each year, what exactly is new about the standard iPhone 14 when compared to the iPhone 13? And should you even consider upgrading?

Higher starting price

Unfortunately for iPhone fans in Europe and the UK, the new iPhone 14 received quite a price bump when it was first released in September. The iPhone 14 currently retails at £849 for the 128GB model on the Apple website.

If you want the iPhone 14 Plus with its larger 6.7-inch display then prices start at £949.

This is in marked contrast to the starting price of the iPhone 13 when it was released in 2021. At launch, the iPhone 13 sold at £779 for the 128GB model, so 2022 has seen a substantial step up in terms of starting prices.

On Apple’s website the iPhone 13 with 128GB storage is currently selling for £749. While the iPhone 13 Mini with its 5.4-inch display is selling for £649.

With the iPhone 14 selling for £100 more than its predecessor, is it really worth an upgrade?

Slightly thicker body and small weight loss

There is really very little to differentiate the design of the two standard iPhones. The 6.1-inch form factor, display notch and the flat-sided design remain unchanged, as does the diagonal configuration of the dual camera array on the back.

That said, if you get your tape measure and weighing scales out then you will notice two small differences. The iPhone 14 is ever so slightly thicker at 7.8mm (0.31 inches), compared to the iPhone 13 at 7.65mm (0.3 inches). Making a new phone case an essential purchase if you do decide to upgrade.

In terms of weight, the iPhone 14 is 172g while the iPhone is just 2g heavier at 174g. All in all, the iPhone 14 really does look and feel almost exactly the same as the iPhone 13 model.

Subtle camera improvements

With dual 12MP sensors (made up of a standard wide and ultra-wide lens), in many ways the camera setup of the iPhone 14 is almost identical to the iPhone 13. But there are a number of key differences, which see the iPhone 14 make some improvements on its predecessor.

So, let’s have a look at the hardware tweaks and software improvements that could make a big difference to your mobile phone photography. As we all know, when it comes to technological advancements even small changes can make a big difference to your experience.

First, the main camera has a larger 1/1.65" sensor with 1.9-micron pixels and a larger f/1.5 aperture, making it a worthy rival to the iPhone 13 Pro. This translates to even better detail and performance improvements in low light situations when compared to the iPhone 13.

Apple claims you’ll get around 2.5x and 2x better low‑light photos on both the main and Ultra-Wide cameras respectively.

Second, Apple has introduced so-called Photonic Engine tech to the whole range of iPhone 14 handsets. Essentially this is an expansion of the Deep Fusion image processing technology from previous iPhones. But this time applied earlier in the image process.

Apple says this will produce a giant leap in performance to produce even more sensational shots in mid-to-low light situations. Helping to capture even more detail and enabling features such as the new Foreground Blur in Portrait Mode.

Not only will pictures be better but you also won’t have to hold the phone steady for so long when taking that photo.

When it comes to stabilisation, the new Action Mode for video will produce smooth, handheld videos even while you’re moving fast. Great for creating videos of your latest run or chasing your toddler around the park. For more on Action Mode and what it’s capable of, read this interesting article from The Verge.

Another change to be welcomed by those budding filmmakers among us is to do with Cinematic mode. As you’ll probably know by now, Cinematic mode automatically shifts focus to the most important subject in a scene, in a similar way to how Hollywood movies are shot.

The iPhone 14 Cinematic mode now lets you record in 4K HDR at 30 fps. Compared to the iPhone 13 which only lets you use cinematic mode to record in 1080p at 30 fps. A development that will surely deliver the highest quality videos in a smartphone.

And finally, there have also been changes to the 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera on the front of the phone. This has been updated with technology from the iPhone 13 Pro to include autofocus and a larger f/1.9 aperture. This gives you 2x better low light photographs.

While it would have been nice to see even more development in this area, it’s clear the iPhone 14 camera system is as excellent as you would expect from Apple.

5-core GPU and better graphics performance

If you’ve been following phone news for a while now then you’ll be aware of Apple’s controversial decision to use the A15 Bionic chipset in the standard iPhone 14. Meanwhile the iPhone 14 Pro range got the cutting-edge A16 Bionic.

But don’t let that put you off the iPhone 14 completely. While the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 share the A15 chip, they’re not exactly the same.

In fact, the A15 in the iPhone 14 has an additional GPU core and boasts up to 25% better graphics performance. Making the iPhone 14 more similar in processing power to the iPhone 13 Pro than the standard iPhone 13.

Benchmarking tests by MacWorld and others have proved the iPhone 14 even outperforms the iPhone 13 Pro. While everyday users might not notice a huge difference, keen online gamers or those who use other graphics-intensive apps will.

Apple also claims an updated internal design means better thermal efficiency for the iPhone 14. So, if you do take part in lengthy gaming sessions then you should be able to keep going for even longer.

How long does the iPhone 13 battery last compared to the iPhone 14?

When the iPhone 13 launched last year, many reviewers welcomed the huge jump in battery life compared to previous iPhone generations. So, it’s good to see that Apple has continued those improvements with the iPhone 14.

Apple claims the iPhone 14’s battery can now provide up to 20 hours video playback, up to 16 hours streamed video playback, and up to 80 hours audio playback.

In contrast, the iPhone 13 can provide up to 19 hours video playback, up to 15 hours streamed video playback and up to 75 hours audio playback.

According to PhoneArena, the iPhone 14 contains a 3,279mAh battery compared to the iPhone 13’s 3,227mAh battery. And while an extra hour of battery life and an ever-so-slightly larger battery aren’t going to get anyone too excited, they’re welcome nonetheless.

Perhaps of more importance is how long the batteries take to charge. Unfortunately, there’s no change there with both achieving a 50% charge in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter.

Big RAM upgrade

Apple has ensured there are plenty of reasons to opt for the more expensive Pro models over the standard iPhone 14. But there is one specification where all the new handsets are the same - they all have 6GB RAM.

This compares favourably to the iPhone 13 that had just 4GB RAM. So, if RAM is a key technical specification for you, then the iPhone 14 could be the phone to go for.  

Faster, more energy-efficient modem

Another upgrade worthy of recognition is the iPhone 14’s brand-new modem. Apple has upgraded to a custom-made, low-power 5G modem based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X65, which offers up to 10Gbps download speeds.

Bluetooth 5.3

The iPhone 14 boasts the latest Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity standard, whereas the iPhone 13 has Bluetooth 5.0.

Satellite connectivity for SOS messages

A potentially life-saving development is the new ability to make an emergency call via satellite. So, if you’re in trouble and have no signal to call for help then you should still be able to alert the emergency services to your situation.

This could prove very important in a whole range of situations. Although it’s currently only available in the US and Canada, hopefully it will arrive on our shores soon.

Crash Detection

Another game-changing safety feature we hope never to need to call upon is Crash Detection. The iPhone 14 can actually detect if you are in a car accident and will contact the emergency services if you can’t do so.

The tech is seriously impressive, with the iPhone feeling, hearing and measuring the crash like this:

• Using a new high G‑force accelerometer it detects sudden shifts in speed.
• A high dynamic range gyroscope detects abrupt changes in car direction.
• An internal barometer can detect cabin pressure changes caused by deploying airbags.
• The microphone monitors for the sound of a collision.

The Crash Detection feature is also available on all of the 2022 edition Apple Watches. Just make sure you’ve got gadget cover to complement your phone .

From iPhone 13 insurance to gadget insurance, here at Gadget Cover we can sort out all your tech cover needs.

New purple colour and different blue and red hues

‘What’s the best iPhone colour?’  is a question that’s open to a vast array of responses. From the ever-classy white, black and graphite colourways to the coral pink hue of the iPhone XR or the Midnight Green of the iPhone 11 Pro series, there’s a whole rainbow to choose from.

The colours on offer to new iPhone buyers are always of interest to the design cognoscenti, and 2022 is no exception. The iPhone 14 comes in a very attractive purple in addition to Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT) RED and Blue.

A further change is apparent when you look closer at the colours of the iPhone 14 next to those of the iPhone 13. For example, the iPhone 14 has a pale blue option compared to the deeper blue of the iPhone 13.

Can the iPhone 13 survive a fall as well as the iPhone 14?

As we mentioned previously, both of these phones have a very similar look and feel. And when it comes to durability and build quality there’s really nothing to choose between them.

They both feature Apple’s Ceramic Shield front, so if you drop either phone then the glass screen is less likely to smash. Both also feature the same glass back needed for MagSafe charging and an aluminium frame.

While they are both durable, they’re by no means indestructible. So, our recommendation is to fit both iPhones with a screen protector and pop them in a good-quality case. We’ve got more phone accessory ideas right here.

You’ll also be pleased to hear they are both rated IP68 for splash, water and dust resistance. Meaning they can survive to a depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes.

Both our iPhone 13 insurance policies and our iPhone 14 policies cover for liquid damage due to splashes or full immersion. But let’s not test it out!

Gadget Cover’s final verdict – should you stick with the iPhone 13?

While there are some nice updates included in the iPhone 14, this year it’s tougher than ever to recommend the latest iPhone if you already have the iPhone 13. The improved camera capabilities, Action Mode, Crash Detection, slightly faster chipset and improved battery life are all very useful.

But they might not be enough to convince anyone but the most committed Apple fan to buy an iPhone 14.

That said, if you’re coming from an older handset such as the iPhone 11 then the iPhone 14 does have more going for it than the iPhone 13. Although we would probably still opt for the iPhone 14 Pro over the standard version.

When it comes to investing in a new phone, even the most experienced of tech fans can get bewildered by all the choices on offer. If you need some help, why not read Gadget Cover’s ultimate guide to buying a mobile phone?

No matter how many times you’ve bought a new phone it’s always worth a reminder on the features to look out for, the top brands, price plans, and network choices. Not to mention how to protect your new phone with iPhone 13 insurance.

14 signs it’s time to get a new iPhone

Unless you’re one of those lucky people who grabs themselves a new iPhone every time the latest range launches, then you might be wondering whether it’s now time for a tech update.

Here are 14 signs that it might be time to say ‘goodbye’ to your trusty handset and ‘hello’ to a fresh new look. 

1. The battery is draining faster than ever.
2. You’re always exceeding your phone storage capacity.
3. You’re having call problems due to a faulty microphone.
4. The touchscreen is becoming less responsive.
5. A cracked or broken screen is making the phone unusable.
6. The phone is no longer supported by iOS updates, leaving you vulnerable to hackers.
7. You’re getting random reboots or turning on and off at random.
8. Broken buttons no longer respond.
9. You’re getting a poor connection with the charging cable.
10. There’s water and dust damage.
11. The phone overheats even during light use.
12. Photos don’t look as good any more.
13. Apps keep crashing because your phone can’t cope with their demands.
14. You’re embarrassed to get your phone out.

Other upcoming Apple products worth investing in

Even if you don’t plan on buying an iPhone 14, that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a swanky new Apple product. 2022 isn’t just about the iPhone 14 you know!

How about one of those seriously impressive Apple Watch Ultras? Or a pair of second generation AirPods Pro? Whatever you choose, it’s still worth adding gadget cover to complement your iPhone 13 insurance.

Get iPhone 13 insurance and so much more from Gadget Cover

Both the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 offer incredible performance, but at a hefty price. So, either handset needs to be well protected with the right insurance policy.

The team here at Gadget Cover will always do their best to find a policy that’s right for you and your budget.

Accidental damage, liquid damage, theft and breakdown are all covered as well as loss and unauthorised usage. But policy benefits don’t stop there.

Policies arranged through us will automatically be extended to your immediate family. While if you’re heading abroad for a holiday or work, we can protect your iPhone anywhere in the world, up to 180 days in any one year.

Get a quote for iPhone 13 insurance from Gadget Cover today.