Apple iPhone 14: Which model should you buy?

Apple is offering 4 new iPhone models to choose from – so which one is best for you?

At its Far Out event, Apple took the wraps off 4 new devices under the iPhone 14 banner.

Apple is also keeping the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini on sale, as well as the iPhone 12 and iPhone SE 2022, giving you a wide range of iPhones to pick from.

The older iPhones can be a great value option, but what if you do want to ensure longer-term viability by opting specifically for an iPhone 14? You've got some choices to make. Here's where I reckon the sweet spots of iPhone 14 value lie:

Best value overall: iPhone 14 Pro 256GB

$1,899

Why I'd pick it: There's no such thing as a "cheap" iPhone 14, with the cheapest model starting at a chunky $1,399. Comparatively, the iPhone 14 Pro starts at $1,749, but that's for a model with just 128GB of storage, which feels a little poky for a flagship phone that can't take storage expansion.

That's why the 256GB model stands out. You get all the performance of the A16 Bionic, which means you'll get a phone that should get iOS updates for just a little longer than the A15 Bionic models, along with a higher storage capacity and those sweet new Pro cameras. I'm very keen to see what Apple can do with a 48MP sensor, given how good its phones already are with 12MP models.

It's true that the iPhone 14 Pro Max has the same camera set-up and an even bigger battery, which is tempting if your budget can run to it. But at the same time, based on my extensive experience with the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, the 13 Pro is easier to use thanks to its more hand-friendly size for snapping photos. And of course, the 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max will cost you $200 more.

Best value for "big phone" fans: iPhone 14 Plus 256GB

$1,749

Why I'd pick it: Your choice on larger screen iPhones splits between the Pro and the all-new Plus models. Again, I wouldn't go near the 128GB model if I were you in either case.

However, the difference between the 2 – processors and cameras notwithstanding – is a hefty $350. To put it another way, it's not that far from a brand new shiny pair of second-generation Apple iPods Pro. If you simply want a big screen for the benefits of video watching or playing games on Apple Arcade, there appears to be a lot to like here – though you'll have to wait for my full review to be sure.

Worst value: iPhone 14 128GB

$1,399

Why I wouldn't pick it: To be clear before I'm mobbed by angry Apple fans (or get yet another enforced loop of silence from Apple's PR department), I'm not saying the iPhone 14 is, at a technical level, bad.

It's just that based on its price and what you're getting, it's pretty clearly the lowest value member of the iPhone 14 family. You don't have to spend much more to get more storage, important for a phone, or a larger screen and battery in the Plus – also important. What makes the lowest-tier iPhone 14 so particularly challenging at a value level is that Apple's keeping the iPhone 13 around as well for even less money.

If you were going to be happy with just 128GB of storage, you could grab an iPhone 13 with the exact same A15 Bionic chip on board for $1,229. You're giving up a little in camera quality terms – but then if cameras are so vital to you, I'd say buy the Pro models anyway.

If you're still trying to figure out the best model for your needs, here are the core specification differences across all 4 different iPhone 14 variants:

And here's what you'll pay for every storage variant for every iPhone 14 in Australia:

What about the iPhone 13?

If you can live with yesterday's tech, the iPhone 13 range is definitely worth considering.

We've put together a guide to the best iPhone 13 prices here. Be sure to read our reviews of the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 mini, which scored 4 stars and 3.5 stars, respectively.