iPhone 14 Pro vs 15 Pro: The price difference often isn't worth it
You're faced with a choice: iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro. The price difference is significant, but the differences seem minimal. Both have the same chip. The same camera system. Even the design is virtually identical. Yet, you'll pay hundreds of euros more for the iPhone 15 Pro than for the 14 Pro . But here's the thing: for most people, that price difference is completely pointless. Because the three real differences between these phones are so subtle that you'll barely notice them in everyday use. In fact, in certain situations, the 14 Pro even outperforms its successor. Which three points determine whether you should make the extra investment? And why are more and more people consciously choosing the "older" model? Time to put the marketing talk aside.
Useful links
- iPhone 14 collection - view all available iPhone 14 models
- Leapp homepage - discover the complete range of refurbished Apple products
- iPhone collection - compare all iPhone models
The three differences that really matter
Let's be honest: on paper, the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro look almost identical. Both run on the same powerful chip, have the same advanced camera system, and share largely the same design. Yet, you pay considerably more for the newer model. Why?
1. The Screen: Dynamic Island vs. the Notch Era
The most visible difference between the two devices is the display. The 14 Pro still has the traditional notch at the top of the screen, while the 15 Pro features Dynamic Island. This oval element at the top transforms the camera cutout into an interactive part of your screen.
In practice, this means that notifications, timers, and music controls are cleverly integrated into this little black pill. Convenient? Definitely. Necessary? That depends on how you use your phone. For many users, it remains a nice extra that they forget about after a week.
Both screens have the same 6.1-inch size with ProMotion 120Hz technology. The brightness and color reproduction are practically identical. The only difference is the top of the display.
2. The call-to-action button: physical versus digital
The 15 Pro replaces the traditional mute switch with a programmable action button. You can configure this for various functions: open the camera, activate the flashlight, or create a shortcut to your favorite app.
The 14 Pro retains the familiar silent/sound switch. This works perfectly for many people—one swipe and you're sure your phone is on silent. No fiddling with settings or accidentally pressing the wrong button.
Which solution is better? That depends entirely on your preferences. Are you someone who likes to personalize everything? Then the action button is a welcome addition. Do you prefer simplicity and security? Then the classic switch might even be the better choice.
3. USB-C vs. Lightning: The Connection Question
This is where the biggest practical difference lies. The 15 Pro switches to USB-C, while the 14 Pro still uses Lightning. This has direct consequences for your daily use.
With USB-C, you can use the same cable for your MacBook, iPad, and iPhone. Convenient if you travel a lot or have multiple Apple devices. Data transfer is also faster—up to 10Gbps with the 15 Pro compared to USB 2.0 speeds with Lightning.
On the other hand: do you already have a collection of Lightning cables and accessories at home? Then switching to USB-C means extra costs. New cables, new car chargers, new power banks—it all adds up.
Performance in practice
Both phones run on the A16 Bionic chip. Yes, you read that right—the same processor. Apple has a new A17 chip for the regular 15 models, but the Pro versions share this powerhouse.
What does this mean for daily use? Apps open lightning fast, multitasking is smooth, and demanding games run smoothly. The difference in speed between the two models is imperceptible.
Camera: Marketing vs. Reality
Both phones feature a 48-megapixel main camera, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens with 3x zoom. The image quality? Virtually identical. Apple claims improvements in the 15 Pro, but in practice, you only see this under very specific conditions.
Portrait photos, night shots, videos—everything looks excellent on both devices. The differences are so minimal that you only notice them when you compare photos and zoom in.
Battery life and charging
In terms of battery life, both models score about the same: a full day of normal use. The 15 Pro charges slightly more efficiently thanks to USB-C, but the difference is negligible.
Interesting detail: the 14 Pro still supports MagSafe and wireless charging at the same speeds as its successor. The only difference is the port on the bottom.
Availability and price
Here's where things get interesting. Refurbished iPhone 14 Pro models are widely available and cost hundreds of euros less than a 15 Pro. The question is simple: are Dynamic Island, an action button, and USB-C worth the extra cost?
For most users, the answer is no. The 14 Pro offers 95% of the experience for significantly less money. You can spend that freed-up budget on accessories, a better case, or simply keep it in your pocket.
Who chooses which model?
- The iPhone 15 Pro is right for you if:
- You have already fully switched to USB-C
- Dynamic Island appeals to you as a feature
- You want the latest technology
- Price doesn't matter
- The iPhone 14 Pro is the better choice when:
- You value value for money
- Lightning accessories already at home
- The physical mute switch you prefer
- You would rather spend the price difference differently
The verdict
The differences between the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro are real but subtle. In everyday use, you'll barely notice any difference in performance, camera quality, or battery life. The choice mainly comes down to three things: screen design, physical buttons, and connectivity.
For many people, the refurbished 14 Pro is the smarter choice. You get a top-of-the-line device with all the Pro features, but for a fraction of the price. The money you save can be invested in accessories or simply saved.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you value. Both phones are excellent and will last for years. The only question is: how much are you willing to pay for those few extra features?
Conclusion: The 14 Pro is the smarter choice for most people
The choice between the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro isn't about performance or camera quality—those are virtually identical. It's about three practical differences: the screen design, the buttons, and the connectivity. For most users, these subtle improvements don't justify the price difference. A refurbished 14 Pro offers the same top-notch experience for hundreds of euros less. Unless you specifically need USB-C or the action button, the older model is simply the smarter choice . You'll save a lot without sacrificing quality.
