iPhone 14 Pro Review: Apples to Oranges?
Photo from @sammysays___ on Unsplash
- Why and Which Phones?
- The Mate 50
- The Pixel 7
- The Samsung Z Flip and Samsung S23
- The iPhone 14
- I went with the iPhone 14
- Apples to Oranges?
Why and Which Phones?
For a while now, I’ve been using the Huawei P30 as my daily driver for around three (3) give or take. The P30 was one of the best phones I’ve held, design was it was pretty updated, until now it manages to hold.
Recently, I’ve been eyeing on a new phone and given how tech has evolved those past years, I believe that upgrading to a much up to date phone will give me a better and smoother experience. Moreover, I believe that it is the right time to upgrade given the phone’s life cycle. Anyway, if you are curious about my picks for a new phone they would be:
- Huawei Mate 50 (Pro/Non-pro)
- Pixel 7 (Non-pro)
- Samsung Z Flip 4/5
- Samsung S23
- iPhone 14 (Pro/Non-pro)
With that said, at the time, I couldn’t really figure out which phone I wanted as all of them was good and up to date. Yet, I can’t seem to let go of my P30. In which, I’ve decided to take in consideration another flagship from Huawei, the Mate 50.
The Mate 50
Ah, the Huawei Mate 50. One of the best phones in terms of design in my opinion. It looks to me like a luxurious phone, more than the current flagships such as the ones mentioned. In terms of specs, it is pretty much up to date with every other device. Although, there are major flaws to me that made me reconsider this option.
Yes, the Mate 50 doesn’t have Google Services. Yes, the Mate 50 doesn’t have 5G. Taking those into consideration, the Mate 50 was a hard pick. Given that all the other phones in my pick had those features. Yet, it has all the bells and whistles that I use on the daily with my P30. Although, I’m guessing that it would be hard to adjust as the P30 had Google Services and this does not. Good choice, but hard pass.
The Pixel 7
The Google Pixel 7, it was one of the devices I always wanted to get my hands on. With the announcement of their features and such, it was an attractive device compared to my other choices. Why did I not consider the Pixel 7? There is a reason or two.
The Pixel 7 did not really release officially in the market. As such, you can only buy them from the gray market. While they are available, I do not want to have hard times claiming warranty. If something breaks, where do I go for repair? It was my main concern. Given that, it is not officially in the market, the carrier I use is unsupported in terms of 5G. Although, 5G is not widespread yet I will use the device I choose for a few years and as much as possible, I want it to be future proof. In addition to that, the newer features in which I am interested to use and try on, are unavailable.
I’ve decided that if I really wanted an Android device, I would want something that has Google Services, 5G, as well as good aftermarket support.
The Samsung Z Flip and Samsung S23
Photo from @imadclicks on Pexels
Samsung, a well-known Android brand. To me, it directly competes with Apple. I would also say the same for Huawei but it’s out of the market for a few years now. Great phones, great screen. What more can you ask for? Promos during pre-order? They got you covered!
You can even call it the Apple++ of the Androids. ”++”” being better. Yes, great phones, one of the best screens in the market. Great all-arounder, if you ask me. Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. Yet, I can’t find myself using a Samsung phone for whatever reason. While, both these phone meet my criteria, I can’t consider a Samsung.
P.S: I heavily considered the Z Flip 4 but I was concerned about the warranty, as it is hot and a bit humid where I am located. I am worried about the screen being more prone to wear and tear. Would I still consider one? Yes, as a backup gimmick device. As for the S23, I really have no reason other than I am not a fan of the brand.
The iPhone 14
Photo from @kafeel on Pexels
The iPhone 14, an iPhone 13 in disguised with a few minor upgrades. Despite that, I heavily considered it. As, I was a long time iOS user back in my childhood. I really loved the UI the seamlessness of everything, optimization and all that.
For reference, I switched to Android after the iPhone 6.
I wanted to know, what it was like to go back to iOS after a while. Given that I’ve used an Android longer than I’ve used an iPhone. I mainly used an iPad. I wanted experience the software and all.
Yet, as a hobbyist developer, I know that I wont be able to develop? as much as when I am using an Android device. I am giving up a lot of the freedom I have with my Androids, such as sideloading apps and all that, for testing apps and games or software that are otherwise unavailable with the main appstore or playstore.
Again, with no significant upgrades from the iPhone 13, the 14 Pro did have significant upgrades. Anddd, you also have to consider that the 14 is younger than the 13, which would give you about +1 year in the phone’s support. With that, a sale of these device further solidified my choices.
I went with the iPhone 14
Having said all that, I decided to go with the iPhone 14 Non-pro in Blue. I was disappointed as the regular 14 in Blue was unavailable. I decided to go with the iPhone 14 Pro in White. After a few days of usage, I am really happy that I did the switch. There is just something Apple does really well with their devices.
In terms of charging, I’m quite happy with the charging time. Lightning? I prefer Type-C. I could have waited for the iPhone 15, but with the rumours of a price hike. I don’t think I’ll want to shell out more. Although, to be fair, Lightning performs really well but is really rare in terms of availability. From other people, like borrowing.
Easily solvable if you’d bring your personal charger though. In terms of the device itself, it is a significant step up. With the screen, from the 60hz I was used to on my P30. 60hz > 120hz, wow, big difference. The optimization of the apps, it was really fluid. I upgraded to iOS 17 beta, there are a few hiccups here and there but nothing to major.
Apples to Oranges?
After more than a month of using the iPhone as my new daily driver. I believe that it is unfair to compare both iOS and Androids. They both have pros and cons of their own and to the usual consumer, both do the same thing. No one would bother with sideloading. No one would bat an eye with your phone’s gimmick unless it is really noticeable. Even if they do, the amazement and excitement would wear off.
If the excitement and amazement is all what you’re after. I doubt you’re in the market to use a phone until the end of its life cycle. Clearly, if you’re after the gimmicks of all the new phones, it would be better to upgrade yearly to experience the best gimmicks, features, and hardware. As most phones that are gimmicky are hard to support in terms of hardware as well as software. As a result, they lose support too quickly unless implemented well.
