The Apple iPhone 14 Plus arrived as Apple's answer to buyers who wanted a big-screen iPhone without the Pro price tag. In 2026, it sits in an unusual sweet spot: still officially sold, still receiving iOS updates, but noticeably discounted compared to launch. This review pulls together Apple's official specifications, expert coverage from major tech outlets, and real user threads from Reddit and community forums to help you decide whether it deserves a place in your pocket today. We cover specs, pricing, real experiences, pros and cons, buying timing, and alternatives.
Quick Answer: Yes, if you want the longest battery life on any 6.7-inch iPhone, clean iOS 18/19 support, and a lower price than a Pro Max. No, if you need 120Hz ProMotion, the Dynamic Island, telephoto zoom, or the very latest A-series performance.
1.1 Core Specs
1.2 What's in the Box
Note: no charger or EarPods are included in the box, matching Apple's post-2020 packaging policy.
1.3 Technical Highlights
2. Price & Value Analysis
2.1 Current Pricing
The iPhone 14 Plus launched at $899 for 128GB. As of September 2026, Apple's official refreshed pricing sits around $699, while carrier deals, refurbished channels, and third-party retailers frequently push it into the $549-$629 range for the base model. 256GB configurations typically land near $749, and 512GB near $899. Refurbished units in Excellent grade often dip below $500 during major sales events. You can compare prices across major retailers on ShopFox to see today's best offer.
2.2 Is It Worth Buying?
For buyers prioritizing battery life and screen size over headline specs, the iPhone 14 Plus remains one of the strongest value picks in Apple's lineup. Its A15 chip still handles iOS 19 comfortably, its cameras produce reliable results in good light, and its estimated software support window through 2028 or beyond means several more years of secure updates. The catch: at MSRP it competes uncomfortably with the newer iPhone 15 Plus, which adds USB-C, the Dynamic Island, and a newer chip for a modest premium. At discounted pricing, however, the value tips firmly in the 14 Plus's favor.
Track pricing history, cashback and coupons in one dashboard. See the iPhone 14 Plus price history on ShopFox and set a drop alert.
3. Real User Experience
3.1 Video Reviews Summary
Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) framed the iPhone 14 Plus as "the iPhone that shouldn't have been a Pro Max first," praising the two-day battery life and lighter-than-Pro-Max feel but calling out the aging 60Hz display and identical camera hardware to the smaller iPhone 14. Dave2D echoed similar sentiment, highlighting that the Plus fills a real gap for users who want a big screen without paying flagship prices, though he criticized the lack of a telephoto lens. iJustine focused on everyday practicality, emphasizing that the phone "just keeps going" during travel days with heavy camera and streaming use.
3.2 What Reddit Users Are Saying
Threads across r/iphone and r/apple show a consistent picture. One highly upvoted long-term review after 18 months of ownership highlighted "1.5 to 2 full days of use even with 40% brightness and heavy Instagram", calling it the best battery iPhone the poster had owned. Complaints cluster around the 60Hz refresh rate feeling dated when scrolling next to a friend's Pro model, and the notch feeling old compared to Dynamic Island phones. A recurring theme in r/AppleHelp is that users who bought during a carrier promotion feel they got "Pro Max battery for mid-range money."
3.3 Key User Feedback Themes
4. Performance & Everyday Use
The A15 Bionic in the iPhone 14 Plus is the same chip that powered the iPhone 13 Pro, and it remains capable in 2026. Daily tasks like messaging, video streaming, photography, and social apps run smoothly on iOS 19. Gaming performance is strong in titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at medium-to-high settings, though sustained sessions produce noticeable warmth near the camera module. Face ID unlocks quickly, and Wi-Fi 6 plus 5G connectivity feel current. The larger 6.7-inch chassis makes typing more comfortable, and stereo speakers are loud enough for casual viewing. Its main daily weakness is the 60Hz refresh rate, which feels less fluid than 120Hz devices during scrolling.
Editor scores are research-based, not user ratings.
5. Pros & Cons
- Large, bright 6.7-inch OLED display
- Excellent build quality with IP68 rating
- Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite
- Strong long-term iOS update support
- Reliable dual-camera system with Photonic Engine
- Still uses Lightning port instead of USB-C
- No telephoto lens or Dynamic Island
- Charging speed capped at 20W wired
- Heavy at 203 g for one-handed use
6. Best Time to Buy
6.1 Historical Price TrendsSince launch, the iPhone 14 Plus has followed Apple's typical price curve: a $100 official cut with each new generation, plus retailer-driven discounts around holiday season. The steepest drops usually appear roughly 12-15 months after launch, with the 128GB model regularly hitting the $600-$650 range at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Refurbished pricing accelerates the decline further. Reviewing the full price history on ShopFox is the easiest way to see whether today's deal is genuinely competitive.6.2 Upcoming Sales Events
Expect the biggest discounts around Amazon Prime Day (July and October), Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Back-to-School promotions, and carrier trade-in events tied to new iPhone launches every September. Setting a price alert before these windows typically yields savings of $80 to $150 off the current street price.
7. Top Alternatives
iPhone 15 Plus
Best UpgradeAdds Dynamic Island, USB-C, the A16 Bionic chip, and a 48MP main camera. Roughly $100-$150 more than a discounted 14 Plus but with a longer support runway.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Best RefurbAdds 120Hz ProMotion, telephoto zoom, and LiDAR at similar refurbished pricing. Loses Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Best AndroidFor non-iOS buyers, the S24 FE offers 120Hz AMOLED, telephoto zoom, and Galaxy AI features at a competitive price point.
You can browse more large-screen options in the full cell phones category on ShopFox to filter by battery, screen size, and price.
| Feature | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic Winner | A15 Bionic |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion Winner |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C Winner | Lightning |
| Battery Life | 26 hrs video Winner | 26 hrs video | 28 hrs video |
| Starting Price (2026) | ~$599-$699 Winner | ~$799 | ~$549 (refurb) |
How We Researched This Review
This review is based on Apple's official product specifications, coverage from major outlets including MKBHD, Dave2D, The Verge, Tom's Guide, and iJustine, community discussions on Reddit's r/iphone and r/apple, and publicly available pricing history across major U.S. retailers. We did not perform first-hand lab testing on this unit. Editor scores reflect our comparative judgment against similar large-screen smartphones and are not user ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 14 Plus still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if you want a large-screen iPhone with excellent battery life at a mid-range price. Apple still sells and supports it, and iOS updates are expected through 2028 or later. However, it lacks the Dynamic Island, ProMotion display, and the newer A17/A18 chip found on Pro models, so demanding users may prefer a newer generation. If you can find it discounted around $600 or lower, the value proposition is very strong.
How long does the iPhone 14 Plus battery last?
Apple rates the iPhone 14 Plus for up to 26 hours of video playback, and community reports frequently mention 1.5 to 2 days of mixed use per charge. It is one of the longest-lasting iPhones ever produced, thanks to its efficient A15 chip paired with a large 4,325 mAh battery. Heavy gaming and 5G streaming will lower these numbers, but everyday users routinely finish a full day with 40-50% remaining.
What's the difference between iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus?
The main differences are size and battery. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch OLED display versus 6.1 inches on the standard iPhone 14, and its larger chassis houses a bigger 4,325 mAh battery, delivering roughly 6-8 hours more usage. Chips, cameras, iOS features, and durability ratings are identical. If you value a larger screen and endurance, the Plus is the clear pick.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus support USB-C?
No. The iPhone 14 Plus uses the Lightning port. Apple first introduced USB-C on the iPhone 15 lineup. If USB-C compatibility with iPads, MacBooks, and third-party accessories is important to you, consider stepping up to the iPhone 15 Plus or newer. Lightning cables are still widely available and inexpensive, but this is arguably the biggest longevity concern for buying a 14-series iPhone in 2026.
How does the iPhone 14 Plus camera compare to the Pro models?
The 14 Plus uses the same dual 12MP main and ultrawide cameras as the standard iPhone 14. Pro models add a 48MP main sensor, a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, ProRAW support, and LiDAR for improved low-light autofocus and augmented reality. For casual photography and social sharing, the 14 Plus is more than sufficient; enthusiasts and content creators will notice the Pro advantages, especially in low light and zoom.
Will the iPhone 14 Plus get iOS 19 and beyond?
Yes. The iPhone 14 Plus officially supports iOS 19 released in 2025, and based on Apple's historical five-to-seven-year update pattern, it should continue receiving major updates through 2028 or later, along with security patches for additional years. This long software runway is one of the strongest reasons to still consider it in 2026.
Is the iPhone 14 Plus good for gaming?
Yes, mostly. The A15 Bionic with 5-core GPU handles demanding titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Resident Evil Village at medium-to-high settings. The 6.7-inch OLED is immersive and stereo speakers deliver good sound. The main compromise is the 60Hz refresh rate, which limits smoothness in fast-paced games compared to 120Hz Pro models. Extended sessions can also warm the frame near the camera housing.
Should I buy new or refurbished?
Apple Certified Refurbished units carry the same one-year warranty as new devices and typically sell for 15-20% less. Third-party refurbished sellers offer even steeper discounts but with more variable quality. If saving money is a priority and you're comfortable with a lightly used device, refurbished offers strong value. For maximum peace of mind, buy new during a major sale event to combine warranty coverage with discount pricing.
What accessories should I buy with the iPhone 14 Plus?
Because the box no longer includes a charger, most owners add a 20W USB-C power adapter or a MagSafe charger. A protective case is highly recommended given the 6.7-inch chassis's weight, along with a tempered glass screen protector. If you already own AirPods or a MagSafe wallet, they pair seamlessly. Skip Lightning-based headphones if you plan to upgrade to a USB-C iPhone in a few years.
Conclusion
In 2026, the Apple iPhone 14 Plus occupies a comfortable spot as the best-value big-screen iPhone in Apple's active lineup. It's not the fastest, not the flashiest, and it clings to Lightning and 60Hz, but it delivers Apple's signature reliability, one of the longest-lasting batteries on any iPhone ever, and years of remaining software updates. For students, casual users, and anyone stepping up from an iPhone 11 or older, it's a smart, affordable choice, especially at discounted pricing. Before you buy, take a moment to compare live prices, cashback, and coupons on ShopFox so you don't overpay.
The Verdict
Buy the iPhone 14 Plus if you want the longest-lasting big-screen iPhone at a mid-range price and don't need 120Hz or USB-C. Skip it and go for the iPhone 15 Plus or newer if you want future-proof USB-C, Dynamic Island, and a stronger chip.
View Price on ShopFox