Apple anticipates success with the iPhone 14 Plus

 

Even though I thought favorably of Apple's iPhone small series, I didn't anticipate it to become the company's best-selling product when it was originally unveiled.

In the back of my mind, I reasoned that this very particular audience would still be very limited despite the strong demand for a smaller iPhone from many on social media. The 5.4-inch tiny series is largely dead by 2022 (Apple still sells the iPhone 13 mini, for now), so maybe I was right after all.

 Everything I said in my recent assessment of the Phone 14 applies to the new Plus, including the similar general design to the iPhone 13, the excellent display that lacks a 120Hz refresh rate, and the camera that only slightly improves upon the previous model. The new "Dynamic Island," an extra zoom lens, or even the A16 chip are still not included. The only difference between the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone 14 is its greater size.

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus aren't horrible smartphones; in fact, they're some of the most reliable smartphones available, but they're also not particularly interesting, especially if you intend to upgrade from an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13.

 Anecdotally, I am aware of at least five people who have been waiting for Apple to release a budget-friendly 6.7-inch iPhone and who intend to purchase the Plus. Whether Apple's iPhone 14 Plus, which launches on October 7th, a few weeks after the rest of the iPhone 14 line, finds an audience remains to be seen.

I recently switched from the Pro Max to the Pro, but Apple's large smartphones have a number of advantages. The larger display enhances the enjoyment of watching TV, watching movies, and playing games. The Plus' 6.7-inch screen is excellent for everything, including reading and online browsing. More screen space is generally beneficial for tasks of all kinds.

 When I have to put the phone in my pocket or hold it for an extended amount of time, the large boi phone experience suffers for me. My hands are probably quite normal in size, and I find it much less comfortable to handle the iPhone 14 Plus for more than a few minutes than the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro. Additionally, it just about fits in my jeans pockets. Despite this, the Plus weighs 203g as opposed to 240g for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The weight difference between the two smartphones is immediately apparent when holding them side by side in your hands.

The cost of the iPhone 14 Plus should also be taken into account. It costs $300 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max ($1,249), which makes it a good option if all you want is a large display but don't want to spend the extra money on the Max or aren't interested in its more expensive features.

On the other hand, I imagined that was the case when Apple initially debuted its diminutive smartphone, and here we are. I can't help but think Apple has market research to support the discontinuation of the mini and the arrival of the Plus. If the somewhat oddly called iPhone 14 Plus finds a large enough audience for Apple to keep it around, only time will tell.