Apple has been making Pro versions of its smartphones since iPhone 11, but for most people, the differences between the regular and Pro versions have been minimal, unless they’re avid photographers.
But in 2022, it looks like Apple is finally learning the importance of upsells: It looks like the iPhone 14 Pro will be a marked improvement over the basic iPhone 14.
Here are the five reasons why you should consider going Pro when iPhone 14 launches in September, and check out our iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Pro preview for even more information.
The power of the A16 Bionic
This could be one of the biggest differences this time. In the past, all iPhones, from the entry-level SE to the more expensive Pro Max, have used the same A-series Bionic chip, giving them nearly identical performance.
Not this year, if rumors are to be believed. In March, analyst 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 still feature the same A15 processor used in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12. SE 3. Since then, other reports have supported Kuo’s view.
To be clear, the A15 is no slouch and is still faster than Qualcomm’s fastest Android chip. But when it comes to A16 Bionic vs A15 Bionic, there really should be no competition.
goodbye to the notch
The notch has been an Apple signature since the iPhone X in 2017, even showing up on its high-end MacBooks.
But it has never been popular with buyers who, at best, don’t care. If you want to get rid of the notch in 2022, you’ll want to go Pro, according to multiple sources (opens in a new tab).
That said, what the notch is expected to replace also seems like 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-pierced look is better than an undercut largely depends on personal preference.
A smoother display with an always-on display
While the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro both use OLED screens, only the latter has ProMotion, the 120Hz refresh rate that makes things feel a bit smoother and opens the door to games that exceed 60fps.
That difference is expected to persist with the next generation, but the iPhone 14 Pro will also reportedly have an always-on display for the first time. This has been a staple of Android phones (and, indeed, the Apple Watch) for some time, and allows details like the time and notifications to be displayed even when the phone isn’t active.
For the iPhone 14 Pro, even the always-on display is expected to include wallpapers, as the image above shows. So you can get the same iOS 16 lock screen widgets, just with a dimmer brightness.
A great 48MP main camera
Apple has stuck with 12-megapixel sensors for its rear cameras since 2015’s iPhone 6S, but the iPhone 14 Pro is reportedly set to change that with a 48MP lens.
Yes, some dispute that report, but as more CAD leaks surfaced, it’s pretty clear that the camera bump on the back of iPhone 14 Pro models is bigger than previous generations.
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will reportedly shoot 48 MP images, but will use pixel binning to offer 12 MP images for those who want to save space. Regardless, the level of detail needs to be higher. Additionally, this sensor will also reportedly enable 8K video recording, which would be a first for iPhones.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that’s to make room for the improved image sensors.
Telephoto zoom still Pro exclusive
A 3x optical zoom is another feature that has, until now, been exclusive to iPhone Pros, and there’s no indication that will change with the iPhone 14. In fact, it seems quite likely that it won’t, given Apple’s desire. to increase sales.
We haven’t heard of an improvement beyond the 3x optical zoom offered by the iPhone 13 Pro (the best camera phones offer up to 10x) which won’t be enough for some. And there are rumors that Apple will adopt a periscope zoom camera for the iPhone 15 in 2023. But if it’s deciding between new iPhones this year, it’ll be for the best.