Choosing between the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone SE (2022) isn’t just about specs—it’s about how each phone feels in your hand, how it performs day-to-day, and whether it truly represents a meaningful step forward from your current device. For users upgrading from older iPhones like the 7, 8, or even earlier models, both phones offer compelling reasons to switch. But only one delivers the full modern smartphone experience that most people now expect.
The iPhone SE 2022 is a budget-friendly powerhouse with flagship-level performance. The iPhone 14 Plus, meanwhile, offers a larger screen, better cameras, longer battery life, and a design that aligns with today’s standards. So which one feels like a real upgrade? Let’s explore what matters beyond the price tag.
Design and Everyday Feel
One of the most immediate differences between these two phones is how they look and feel. The iPhone SE 2022 retains the classic iPhone 8-style design: a thick bezel top and bottom, a home button with Touch ID, and a compact 4.7-inch display. It’s lightweight at 144g and fits comfortably in smaller hands or pockets.
In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus features a modern edge-to-edge OLED display measuring 6.7 inches. It uses Face ID for unlocking, has slimmer bezels, and follows the flat-edge design language introduced with the iPhone 12. At 203g, it’s noticeably heavier—but that weight comes with a sense of substance and premium build quality.
For anyone coming from a recent iPhone (XR or later), the SE can feel like a step backward in design. Its small screen and outdated interface make multitasking, video consumption, and web browsing less enjoyable. The 14 Plus, however, mirrors the experience of high-end smartphones—larger text, more on-screen content, and gestures instead of buttons.
Performance: Raw Power vs. Real-World Impact
On paper, both phones are powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 13 Pro. That means both handle everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media with ease. Even demanding apps and games run smoothly on either device.
However, raw performance doesn’t tell the whole story. The iPhone 14 Plus benefits from improved thermal management and additional GPU cores (five-core vs. four-core in the SE), which results in slightly better graphics performance and sustained workloads—important for gaming or photo editing.
“Performance parity doesn’t mean parity in user experience. A faster chip in a constrained interface doesn’t always translate to a better-feeling phone.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights
Moreover, the 14 Plus supports newer technologies like Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection, which the SE lacks due to hardware limitations. These features may never be used, but their presence signals a generational gap in connectivity and safety.
Camera Comparison: More Than Megapixels
The camera is where the upgrade becomes undeniable. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single 12MP rear camera—capable in good light but limited in low-light conditions and lacking depth control. It doesn’t support Night mode on all lenses because there’s only one.
The iPhone 14 Plus, on the other hand, has a dual-camera system: a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. This opens up creative possibilities—zooming out without losing quality, capturing group shots in tight spaces, and using Portrait mode on more subjects.
| Feature | iPhone SE (2022) | iPhone 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | 1x 12MP (Wide) | 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP (with Auto-Focus) |
| Night Mode | Yes (main only) | Yes (all cameras) |
| Portrait Mode | Limited (software-based) | Full support (depth mapping) |
| Photographic Styles | No | Yes |
| Better Facial Recognition | No | Yes (via 12MP front cam) |
The 14 Plus also introduces Photographic Styles, allowing users to set custom looks across photos while preserving skin tones. Its front camera has autofocus, making selfies sharper and more consistent—especially useful for video calls.
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey
Sarah had been using an iPhone 7 since 2017. Her phone was slow, the battery barely lasted half a day, and taking photos in dim light was frustrating. When she decided to upgrade, she considered both the SE 2022 and the 14 Plus.
She chose the SE initially because of the lower price. While the speed improvement was noticeable, she quickly grew frustrated. The small screen made reading emails difficult. Video calls felt cramped. She missed double-tap to wake and struggled with Face ID alternatives after getting used to biometrics on friends’ phones.
After three months, she traded up to the iPhone 14 Plus. “It felt like I finally joined the current decade,” she said. “The screen is gorgeous, the battery lasts forever, and I actually enjoy taking pictures now.”
Sarah’s experience highlights a key truth: sometimes, the cheapest upgrade isn’t the most satisfying one.
Battery Life and Daily Usability
Battery life is another area where the 14 Plus clearly pulls ahead. Apple rates it for up to 26 hours of video playback. In real-world mixed use, most users report 1.5 to 2 full days on a single charge.
The iPhone SE 2022, by comparison, typically lasts a full day under moderate use but often requires charging by evening during heavy usage. It also lacks Always-On Display and uses a smaller battery capacity (2018 mAh vs. ~4323 mAh).
- iPhone SE 2022: Ideal for light users who charge daily.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Built for travelers, commuters, and power users needing extended endurance.
Additionally, the 14 Plus supports faster charging (up to 20W with compatible adapter) and works with MagSafe accessories—wireless charging stands, wallets, and car mounts. The SE supports basic Qi wireless charging but lacks MagSafe magnets and alignment.
Checklist: Is the iPhone 14 Plus Worth the Upgrade?
Answer these questions to determine which phone feels like a true upgrade for you:
- Do you watch videos, read articles, or browse social media on your phone regularly? → Larger screen = better experience
- Do you take photos in low light or want better portrait effects? → 14 Plus wins decisively
- Is battery life a constant concern? → 14 Plus lasts significantly longer
- Do you prefer Face ID over Touch ID? → Only available on 14 Plus
- Are you upgrading from iPhone 8 or earlier? → Both are upgrades, but 14 Plus feels modern
- Is budget your primary constraint? → SE remains the value champion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone SE 2022 run the latest iOS updates?
Yes. The iPhone SE 2022 runs the same iOS version as the iPhone 14 Plus and will continue receiving updates for several years, likely until 2027 or beyond.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus have a headphone jack?
No. Like all recent iPhones, it lacks a headphone jack. You’ll need wireless earbuds or a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter if you use wired headphones.
Is the iPhone SE 2022 waterproof?
It has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 14 Plus has a slightly better IP68 rating (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes).
Final Verdict: Which One Feels Like an Upgrade?
If your priority is saving money and you already own a small, button-equipped iPhone, the iPhone SE 2022 will feel like a performance boost. But in terms of holistic experience—design, screen quality, camera versatility, battery life, and future-proofing—the iPhone 14 Plus is the only choice that truly feels like a modern upgrade.
It embraces the current direction of smartphone evolution: large, vibrant displays; advanced computational photography; intelligent biometrics; and long-lasting batteries. For most users stepping up from older devices, this isn’t just a new phone—it’s a new way of interacting with technology.
The SE serves a niche: those who love compact phones or need maximum value. But if you’re asking which phone makes you feel like you’ve entered the present era of mobile computing, the answer is clear.
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