The iPhone 14 sports a photo block very similar to that of the iPhone 13, with two modules aligned diagonally. We still deplore the absence of a third focal length which would have helped to differentiate it from the previous model (it is reserved for Pro models, at a much higher price). Note that Apple promises, on the wide-angle module side, the integration of a sensor with a definition still fixed at 12 megapixels, but whose pixels are announced at 1.9 μm, against 1.7 μm the last one . The associated optics opens at f/1.5 instead of f/1.6. In short, small changes that give hope for better management of low light.
On the other hand, faced with smartphones over 1000 € which compete with it, it should be remembered that the iPhone 14 lacks versatility: the telephoto lens of its competitors is reserved for Apple’s Pro models.
Wide-angle module: 12 Mpx, f/1.5, eq. 26 millimeters
The iPhone generally shines at the wide angle exercise, and it is clear that it always succeeds. It must be said that faced with a Galaxy S22 which tends to deliver noisy shots, the iPhone 14 wins here. The accentuation is a little more pronounced and increases the readability of small elements. The colorimetry also wins justice. If we compare the shots of this new iPhone to those of the iPhone 13, we see a slightly higher contrast, but not more.
the pixel grouping The Galaxy S22+ shows its efficiency against the iPhone 14. The exposure is better, the contrast more marked and the sharpness higher. The result is certainly correct, but behind the tenors of the market. We note all the same that the smartphone does a little better than its predecessor, managing in particular to offer less desaturated images.
Ultra-wide-angle module: 12 Mpx, f/2.2, eq. 13 millimeters
The ultra wide-angle of the iPhone 14 delivers daytime shots that are satisfactory to say the least. They have a high level of detail, sufficient micro-contrasts to reveal the finest elements, despite some inaccuracies in terms of colorimetry. For comparison, the shots of the Galaxy S22 (captured natively in 12 Mpx) showed less sharpness and a treatment favoring the liveliness of the colors at their accuracy.
The trend is quite different at night, where the processing carried out by Samsung makes it possible to find even more details. Apple’s photo suffers from a marked noise and, to get rid of it, it is necessary to go through a night mode requiring a long exposure… and increasing motion blur.
Front and video module
The iPhone 14 benefits, at the stage of the iPhone 14 Pro Max moreover, from a new front camera called, as always, TrueDepth and maintaining a definition of 12 Mpx. The sensor is associated with an optic opening at f / 1.9 instead of f / 2.2 and gaining a very useful autofocus. The images are well exposed, very detailed and the portrait mode retains its usual precision, with some hiccups, however, on messy hair. As for selfies, Apple is not in the race for megapixels, but allows you to achieve some of the most natural images on the market, with the added bonus of interesting lighting effects.
On the video side, the iPhone 14 films up to 4K HDR (Dolby Vision) at 60 fps. A mode that does not happen alone, because the smartphone takes advantage of the Cinematic mode (4K at 30 fps) to create a depth of field effect and concerning last year, but also of the Action mode. This stabilization promises to use the entire main sensor of the smartphone for stabilization inspired by action cams. And we must admit that the effect is rendered. Be careful, you need a properly lit scene for the mode to work, and recording is capped at 2.8K at 60 fps.