Smartphone Awards Est. 2014 · Archive 2025 Awards →
iPhone 14 Pro review

Review · Apple

iPhone 14 Pro Review (2026): Pre-Apple-Intelligence iPhone, But Still Capable

★★★★☆ 4.0 / 5 1 runner-up finish

Now $499–$599 refurbished. The iPhone 14 Pro introduced Dynamic Island, the 48MP main camera, and the always-on display to the iPhone Pro line. But it does NOT support Apple Intelligence — a meaningful long-term limitation in 2026.

By SmartphoneAwards Editorial · Published · Updated

Pros

  • First Dynamic Island iPhone
  • First 48MP main on iPhone
  • Refurbished pricing $499–$599
  • Three+ years of iOS updates remaining

Cons

  • Does NOT support Apple Intelligence
  • Three generations behind on chipset
  • Stainless steel frame is heavier than current titanium
  • Older Lightning port (no USB-C)

What it offers in 2026

The iPhone 14 Pro was the first iPhone with Dynamic Island, the first with a 48MP main, and the first with always-on display. Three years on, all three are now standard across the iPhone Pro line — meaning the 14 Pro doesn't feel dated, just one or two refinements behind.

Display & build

6.1-inch ProMotion OLED at 120Hz. Stainless steel frame (heavier than current titanium Pro models). Lightning connector — the last Pro to ship with it.

Performance & Apple Intelligence

A16 Bionic + 6GB RAM. The 6GB RAM is the limiting factor — Apple Intelligence requires 8GB. The 14 Pro is the most recent iPhone Pro that does NOT support Apple Intelligence.

Camera

Triple 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP 3x telephoto. The 48MP main with computational pixel binning was a generational leap. Still produces excellent stills in 2026.

Battery

Real-world: 5–6 hours of screen-on time on new units; less on used. Lightning charging at 20W.

Verdict · 4.0 / 5

Buy the iPhone 14 Pro refurbished at $499–$599 only if you specifically don't care about Apple Intelligence and budget caps tightly. The iPhone 15 Pro at $599–$699 refurbished (MKBHD's 2023 Best Camera winner) supports Apple Intelligence and adds USB-C — meaningfully better long-term value.

🛒 Buy the iPhone 14 Pro on Amazon

Alternatives to consider

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone 14 Pro support Apple Intelligence?

No — only iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and all iPhone 16/17 models. The 14 Pro is one generation short of Apple Intelligence support.

Is the iPhone 14 Pro still worth buying in 2026?

Marginally. The Apple Intelligence absence is a real long-term limitation. Stretch to the iPhone 15 Pro refurbished if at all possible.

How long will the iPhone 14 Pro be supported?

Through approximately 2028–2029 — Apple typically supports iPhones 5–7 years from launch. Roughly 3 more years remaining from mid-2026.

How we rate

Our editorial score is anchored to outcomes from MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025), then refined for everyday usability. Phone of the Year winners earn 5/5; category winners 4.5/5; runners-up 4/5; otherwise we score on merit. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.