The iPhone 17 Pro has a lot to offer, but is it time to upgrade from the iPhone 14 Pro? (Image source: Daniel Schmidt)Hardly anyone buys a new smartphone every year, since most users probably wait two, or even three years. That is why we are comparing the new iPhone 17 Pro with the iPhone 14 Pro. Is it time to upgrade?
The iPhone 17 Pro has numerous technical upgrades compared to the iPhone 14 Pro, but there are also some compromises in terms of materials and usability. Among the biggest improvements is the significantly higher performance of the new A19 Pro chipset with 12GB RAM, which is noticeably faster and more efficient. This results in approximately 50% more CPU and up to 229% more GPU power compared to the A16 Bionic found in the iPhone 14 Pro.
The camera system has also been improved. The new telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom produces clearer pictures, while the front camera offers more flexibility for portraits and video chats thanks to autofocus and Apple’s so-called Center Stage feature. Furthermore, the OLED display has even higher peak brightness, excellent color accuracy and supports all common HDR standards. Faster charging times, a larger battery and modern connectivity options such as USB 3.2, WiFi 7, Qi2 and dual eSIM are noteworthy as well.
Despite these improvements, the iPhone 17 Pro also has some caveats. The iPhone 14 Pro’s stainless steel frame has been replaced by aluminum, which is rather controversial. Although the new frame is supposedly more durable, user reports suggest that it’s prone to scratches. At 7.27 oz, the smartphone has not become lighter, and the significantly larger camera bump makes the phone bulkier. Apple also stagnates in terms of audio, as it still lacks support for high-res audio via Bluetooth and Auracast, although the latter might be added via an update.
Moreover, the display still uses PWM flickering at low brightness, which may bother sensitive users. Additionally, there are some regional restrictions on iOS 26 as many AI and satellite functions are not yet available in the EU. The iPhone 17 Pro offers more performance, battery life and better cameras compared to the iPhone 14 Pro, but it’s also heavier and is made of cheaper materials. It’s a meaningful technical upgrade but may not convince users in all aspects. Therefore, anyone who still owns an iPhone 14 Pro can probably sit back and wait for the iPhone 18.
Editor of the original article: Daniel Schmidt – Managing Editor Mobile – 736 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2013
As a child I was fascinated by my Commodore 16, and this sparked my enthusiasm for computers. Using my first modem, I surfed the BTX videotext system and later the World Wide Web. I have always been captivated by the latest technologies, and this is especially true for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. I’ve been part of the Notebookcheck team since 2013 and have also on occasion written for Notebookinfo.de, and I’m looking forward to testing new innovations for our readers. I like to spend my spare time indulging in photography and barbecues and being with my family.
Translator: Enrico Frahn – Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer – 5571 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021
My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.
Daniel Schmidt, 2025-10-17 (Update: 2025-10-17)
