Is it time to go (iPhone) Pro?
Without the A16’s performance upgrade in the standard iPhone 14 models, Apple is giving little reason to not just stick with the iPhone 13 or 13 Pro. What’s more, only the Pro models are expected to get an upgraded 48MP main camera, an always-on display, a redesigned pill-shaped notch, and more. This year, it looks like Apple is making a big push to further widen the gap between its Pro models and standard models, with a recent rumor from analyst Mark Gurman stating the iPhone Pros are also expected to come with bigger batteries. The A16 processor is tipped to move to a 4-nanometer process from the current 5nm process, meaning a larger performance jump. A Macworld article attempted to quantify it and came up with a 15% CPU boost, a 25-30% GPU jump, and the most dramatic change a 50% increase in memory bandwidth. That’s all well and good for those opting for the Pro, but those eyeing up the iPhone 14 are left with the same performance as the 13 Pro. Not that we need that performance bump. As you’ll find in our Galaxy S22 vs. iPhone 13, Pixel 6 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro, and other face-offs, the A15 chip wipes the floor when it comes to performance by a long shot. Even the A14 chip in the iPhone 12 and A13 in my iPhone SE (2020) continues to shine. Still, this is another reason why many should skip the iPhone 14, and maybe go from the iPhone 14 Pro (even though that $100 price hike seems to be a lock). Nothing is set in stone, however, and it won’t be much longer until we get full details at the Apple event tomorrow. Oh, and don’t forget about the Apple Watch Series 8 and possible AirPods Pro 2 announcement.
