The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus announced at Apple’s Far Out event are familiar.

You’d be forgiven if you think there’s little to no change under the hood from last year’s iPhone 13, even with a glance at the sequel’s spec sheet. While the battery (reportedly 26 hours long) and cameras (49% more light captured) have received noteworthy upgrades, little else has changed. The iPhone 14 has the same notch, the same 60 Hz display (a crime at $799), and most importantly, the same A15 Bionic chip.

Well, almost the same A15 Bionic.

The iPhone 14 borrows its guts from last year’s premium iPhone 13 Pro, an A15 Bionic with an extra GPU core (5 in total) for an extra boost in graphics performance. Thanks to a less power-hungry screen and hardware optimizations, it’s no surprise that the base iPhone 14 offers better battery life than its pricier 14 Pro sibling.

But the iPhone 14 Pro gets a real upgrade, complete with new cameras, the A16 Bionic processor, and a pill-shaped notch on its silk-smooth 120 Hz display. While the $999 price tag is a hard pill to swallow, the 14 retains the $799 price of its predecessor with little to show for it.

But here’s why an old processor isn’t a bad idea.

The iPhone 14‘s old A15 Bionic chip is still a powerhouse

Apple isn’t the first manufacturer to rehash an old processor. It’s a trend that has been growing in the Android space for a while. But while Android smartphone makers like Xiaomi have been using yesteryear’s chips to offer flagship performance at midrange prices, Apple doesn’t quite go that route. That’s because Apple’s old chips can still give Qualcomm’s latest a run for their money.

Case in point, a vague graph Apple showed at its event. I’m kidding.

Thank goodness benchmarks are a thing.

And the numbers don’t lie. Last year’s A15 Bionic packs a punch, edging out new chips like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, found in most of 2022’s Android flagships. Apple’s tight integration between its hardware and software means that the iPhone 14 could chug along for years alongside rival phones. And while I’m worried about the number of updates it’ll receive, the move might also mean that last year’s iPhone 13 will remain relevant for a while.

Performance isn’t the only criterion though. Pricing is just as important.

A year of optimized design makes the A15 Bionic easier to make

This is the first time Apple isn’t updating its iPhones to a new processor since 2008's iPhone 3G. While I’m not going to draw parallels between the present and 2008's economic slowdown, things aren’t great in 2022 either.

With inflation driving up prices for both manufacturers and customers, it’s a miracle that Apple has managed to hit the same price points as last year’s iPhones. A part of that win can be attributed to Apple’s decision to mass-produce a chip it already has experience with, the A15 Bionic. And with the silicon shortage far from over, it’s a wise move from Apple that guarantees its ability to meet demand this holiday season.

While I remain skeptical of the tech giant’s confidence when it comes to pricing, Apple tried its best to stay competitive among its premium rivals.

Sure, the iPhones lack folding displays and novel camera tech. But in the reliability department, none can contest the Cupertino giant’s advantage.

The A15 Bionic is still speedy enough for just about anything you throw at it.

Apple decided to upgrade components that would offer the greatest value to the majority of its customers. Battery and camera upgrades are definitely a smart choice. And getting the larger 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus for $899 is an option Apple hasn’t provided in years.

People still love the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” design of the iPhone 14. The iPhone 4-esque flat screens and aluminum rails remain just as compelling in 2022. I just wish the iPhone 14 didn’t stay the same on the inside as well.

Don’t Be Alarmed, Apple’s iPhone 14 Is Sticking To Last Year’s Chip was originally published in CodeX on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

“There’s an app for that.”

With a touch-screen interface that put phones with keyboards to shame, the iPhone was nothing short of revolutionary back in 2007. While Steve Jobs’ vision had its fair share of critics, it’s nigh impossible to predict what smartphones would have looked like today without the iPhone. Not every iteration set the world ablaze but the iPhone’s legacy is undeniable.

Combining an iPod’s ability to play music with a smartphone’s connectivity set the stage for something far more compelling.

While Apple’s flagships had their share of flaws, bold choices and bolder price points changed the face of the smartphone industry. Here’s a look at the 15-year-long journey of the iPhone, from strength to strength:

iPhone (2007) [6 million sold]

The first iPhone felt like the future in the palm of your hand. Sure, it had a bulky frame and didn’t have an App Store. A 620 MHz processor, 4 GB of storage and 128 MB RAM don’t sound inspiring either. But using the first operating system built around a touchscreen felt like an invitation to become greater.

The iPhone was also the first phone that wasn’t controlled by wireless carriers. It was exclusive to AT&T ($199 on contract; $499 without) until the iPhone 4 arrived but Apple set the terms: no more poorly designed bloatware apps.

With the iPhone, Apple’s vision of putting computers in people’s hands took on a whole new meaning.

iPhone 3G (2008)

Apple’s second generation of the iPhone brought many noteworthy improvements to the table.

GPS and 3G connectivity rounded off the $599 smartphone’s toolset. The iPhone 3G switched the metal back of its predecessor with polycarbonate. It would take Apple another year to introduce staple features like multitasking and changing your home screen’s wallpaper.

Mind you, this was before in-app purchases existed.

iPhone 3GS (2009) [35 million sold]

The S in 3GS stood for speed.

Reportedly twice as fast as the iPhone 3, the iPhone 3GS sported a higher resolution camera and improved video performance. Voice control, a crude predecessor to Siri, also made its debut. 16GB of storage wasn’t great but it was twice as good as the iPhone 3.

The 3GS was also the first phone to feature an oleophobic coating, keeping fingerprints off its glass panel.

iPhone 4 (2010) [50 million sold]

The thinnest smartphone at the time (9.3 mm), the iPhone 4’s steel frame sandwiched between layers of glass remains an iconic piece of engineering.

Its design elements continue to influence the smartphone industry. The iPhone 4 introduced the world to the Retina Display, a notable leap in quality from its predecessor.

The iPhone 4 was also the first iPhone to feature a front-facing camera, making its debut alongside Apple’s FaceTime video chat feature. The phone was released alongside the iPad, the tablet that would spark yet another revolution.

Unfortunately, the iPhone 4 was infamous for its antenna issues, now known as Antennagate.

iPhone 4S (2011) [60 million sold]

I’ll never forget that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs lost his struggle against a pancreatic tumor the day after the iPhone 4S was revealed. His efforts pushed us into a new era of computing and the world will forever be indebted to him.

The $649 iPhone 4S added an S for Siri, Apple’s brand-new voice assistant. Bumping the processor to an A5 and the camera to an 8-megapixel lens with 1080p recording helped the iPhone 4S retain its flagship throne.

The 4S was the last iPhone that featured Apple’s 30-pin connector.

iPhone 5 (2012) [146 million sold]

The iPhone 5 replaced the aging 30-pin connector with the Lightning port, a core tenet of the modern iPhone.

While fans cried foul over having to purchase new accessories, it’s a decision that Apple has stuck with to this day. The 10-year-old port’s days are numbered though, with the EU pushing for USB-C adoption.

Its nearly 16:9 aspect ratio and a redesigned aluminum frame made for a striking appearance. The return to metal from the 4S’ glass back was a welcome one. LTE support was added to the iPhone 5, in addition to a faster A6 processor.

With over two million pre-orders in 24 hours, the iPhone 5 built on Apple’s ability to smash sales records. It was also one of two iPhones (alongside the 4S) that offered users five major iOS updates.

iPhone 5S and 5C (2013) [164 million sold]

Sure, the first 64-bit processor in a smartphone sounds impressive. Its M7 motion co-processor now tracked fitness activity. But the iPhone 5S’ real gift to the world was Touch ID, a fingerprint recognition system that changed smartphone security as we know it.

On the other hand, the $549 iPhone 5C was effectively an iPhone 5 in a colorful polycarbonate frame. Some consider it a predecessor to the iPhone SE and XR.

Apple also launched the EarPods, wired earphones included with the iPhone 5S at no cost. The iPhone 5S and 5C launched with iOS 7, a divisive update that traded the timeless skeuomorphic look of earlier iterations for flat and vivid elements. iOS 7 also brought with it AirDrop, a WiFi sharing tool that remains a core part of the Apple ecosystem.

The iPhone 5S had incredible staying power thanks to six major iOS updates.

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2014) [224 million sold]

Apple’s eight-generation iPhones took aim at the success of Samsung’s Note series.

With larger 4.7 and 5.5 inch displays (a jump from 4 inches), the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were no longer minuscule. The rest of the spec sheet received modest boosts too, with speedier processors, better cameras and a new NFC-based payment system.

The Retina Display began to show its age, especially with sharper displays offered by the iPhone’s rivals. Its svelte frame was prone to bending, dubbed “Bendgate” by critics. But that didn’t stop the iPhone 6 and 6S from becoming the most successful iPhones to date in terms of sales.

10 million over a launch weekend remains an incredible feat.

iPhone 6S and 6S Plus (2015) [174 million sold]

The first course of action for Apple’s new iPhones was to adopt a stronger aluminum alloy to evade “Bendgate.”

In addition to the regular host of improvements, the 6S and 6S Plus showed off 3D Touch, a new pressure-sensitive input system. While the feature made its way to Macbooks later, 3D Touch was eventually dropped from Apple’s iPhones.

Seven major software updates meant that the 6S and 6S Plus were in for a long ride. Its mediocre battery life didn’t hold it back from garnering widespread appeal. 13 million devices flew off virtual shelves during the 6S and 6S Plus’ launch weekend.

A small portion of iPhone 6S users experienced faulty batteries, an issue that Apple quickly remedied with free battery replacements.

iPhone SE, 7 and 7 Plus (2016) [160 million sold]

Apple’s tenth set of iPhones dropped something integral to the iPhone experience: the Home button. Sure, a static home button is better than no home button. But 3D Touch couldn’t revive the tactile feel of its predecessors.

And that’s in addition to an even bigger change: the lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack. While a Lightning-to-3.5-mm adaptor alleviated the wound, the decision would cause ripples across both consumers and manufacturers. Case in point, the wireless Bluetooth earbuds Apple launched alongside the iPhone 7: the AirPods.

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus brought home the usual bunch of improvements along with optical image stabilization and a telephoto lens exclusive to the 7 Plus. Water and dust resistance was a nice touch, one the industry was quick to borrow.

The iPhone lineup now started with 32 GB of storage instead of 16 GB. But the $649 7 and $769 7 Plus weren’t the only phones in Apple’s lineup. The affordable iPhone SE was effectively an iPhone 6S in a 5S body. And yes, this $249 phone retained the headphone jack.

iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, X (2017) [124+63 million sold]

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were minor iterations, only adding a glass back and wireless charging in addition to the now-standard improvements in performance. They were also the last iPhones to feature the Home button, if only a static one.

The iPhone 6’s design was getting old in the tooth so Apple did what it did best. It created an even more premium and divisive device: the iPhone X. Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the iPhone, the iPhone X featured a stainless steel body and drastically reduced bezels. The first OLED display in an iPhone also featured the now-instantly recognizable notch that housed the sensors necessary for Face ID, Apple’s new facial recognition tech.

The lack of a home button and a screen with minimal bezels led to a new gesture-based navigation system. Its $999 price tag for the base 64 GB variant was hard to swallow but Apple was just getting started. The iPhone X didn’t sell as well as traditional iPhones but it didn’t need to. It sent a message, that innovation always had a home at Apple.

iPhone XR, XS and XS Max (2018) [151 million sold]

Dual-SIM support, finally.

Apple’s twelfth-generation iPhones all shared the iPhone X’s recognizable notch alongside the expected bunch of improvements.

Like the iPhone 5C, the new $749 iPhone XR came in a variety of colors. This time, it featured the same processor as the XS and XS Max. But the XR didn’t step up to an OLED display and stuck to the old LCD Retina Display of yore.

The $999 iPhone XS (now starting at 64 GB of storage) and $1099 XS Max had their fair share of flaws.

Known as “Chargegate,” the first complaint referred to the new phones unable to charge when the screen was turned off. Users also faced LTE and WiFi connectivity problems until they were resolved with an iOS update. The phone’s cameras also performed erratically at times, resulting in skin being smoothed over, dubbed “Beautygate.”

iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max (2019) [159 million sold]

While the new phones from the Cupertino giant didn’t look too different this time (minus a few neat colors), the iPhone 11 lineup received some powerful upgrades under the hood.

For instance, the incredible A13 Bionic chip and ultra-wide cameras. The 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max were the first iPhones to feature the Pro moniker. They featured a new tri-lens camera system and a frosted matte glass finish.

While the notch still served a purpose, critics began comparing it to the punch-hole cameras that were becoming commonplace. The $999 entry point was becoming a bitter pill to swallow.

iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, and SE 2nd gen (2020)

Apple was quick to appeal to fans who wanted smaller and affordable iPhones. The iPhone $699 12 Mini and $399 SE 2nd gen (iPhone 11 in an iPhone 8 body) were efforts in that direction.

The new iPhones finally shook things up in the design department with flat edges, a callback to Apple’s earlier iPhones. While the bezels were shrunk even further, it would take another year for Apple to cut down on the size of the notch. Apple also paid attention to durability, with ceramic-hardened front glass in addition to the existing Dual-Ion Exchange strengthened glass at the back.

The 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max added a LiDAR sensor and the ability to capture photos in the lossless ProRAW format. The Pro models also stepped up to 128 GB storage as the minimum. All iPhone 12 models featured the first ARM-based 5 nm processor, the A14 Bionic.

Apple also introduced MagSafe, a magnetic connector for accessories like chargers and cases. The iPhone 12 also had access to 5G communication.

The iPhone 12 lineup was the first set of iPhones that ditched the power adapter and EarPods. They now came bundled with only a USB-C to Lightning cable. Adding insult to injury was “OLED-gate,” an issue where the iPhone’s black pixels didn’t shut off completely while displaying black hues.

iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, and SE 3rd gen(2021/2022)

The fifteenth generation of iPhones did little to build over their predecessors besides a smaller notch. Surprisingly, the $429 iPhone SE (3rd gen) that launched a few months after the iPhone 13 borrowed its A15 Bionic processor.

The iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max now had 120 Hz displays, a feature now common among rival smartphones. Bigger batteries coupled with adaptive refresh rates helped the Pro models achieve even better battery life. While a higher refresh rate isn’t the best way to segregate the iPhone lineup, it certainly boosted sales of the Pro variants.

While the impact Apple’s phones have had on the industry is irrefutable, some fans are skeptical of the Cupertino giant’s ability to innovate.

iPhone 14? (2022)

With an EU mandate on USB-C looming, it’s only a matter of time before Apple drops the reliable Lightning port standard.

And with smartphones getting better cameras and processors all the time, Apple needs something different for its 15-year anniversary. Something divisive like the iPhone X. While the iPhone X’s notch was ridiculed at launch, it’s a recognizable design element proudly shown off by millions today.

Is a phone with a flexible display too much to ask for?

Here’s to more surprises from the company that shaped a generation of smartphones and phone users. Despite being critical of their pricing, I appreciate Apple’s attention to detail and its dedication to delivering the very best. Industries need companies like Apple to push the baseline forward.

Here’s to Apple being different.

Year 15 Of The iPhone: A Quick Recap was originally published in CodeX on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Here’s a Superjump collab piece featuring Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom (2002)

The good writers at Superjump decided to highlight games that deserve more love. Here’s my pick.

Here’s my Techradar debut on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

Spec Ops needs a revival. My brother and I could use some more nail-biting co-op encounters. Head over to Techradar to learn more.

Here’s my Superjump piece on Metal: Hellsinger

Fighting demons while using your weapons to the heavy metal beat? Head over to Superjump to learn more.

Here’s my Superjump piece on New Barcelona from Lionheart(2003)

Lionheart: Legacy of the Crusader (2003) wasn’t a glorious successor to Fallout and Baldur Gate. But it featured an uncut gem: the city of New Barcelona. Head over to Superjump to learn more.

Need a smartphone guide? I’ve got you covered.

Here’s why I made this phone guide checklist

If you don’t follow my work, here’s an intro. I’m that dude you approach for tech recommendations.

Smartphone buying doesn’t have to be restricted to recommendations from salespersons or tech enthusiasts. My dad assembled a computer in front of me as a child. When I set out to buy my first graphics card, I picked one with a green dragon on its packaging.

I don’t want anyone to make decisions like that. Ever.

Here’s a simple checklist that covers the basics with respect to smartphone hunting. The guide splits your decision into:

1. Design (Build|Display|Camera)
2. Performance (Battery|OS|CPU|RAM&Storage)

Here’s what you need to look for in a smartphone

First, pick a couple of phones with potential and get their spec sheets.

Build -

1. Decide on the size (dimensions) and material. Both size and weight depend primarily on the screen size. A Gorilla Glass back/front further helps with durability.
2. Look out for the phone’s security system. Apple’s Face ID is a step above most Android implementations but one can’t go wrong with a fingerprint sensor, be it under the screen or on the power button.
3. Most Android phones have USB-C ports while iPhones opt for a Lightning port. Look out for a 3.5 mm jack and/or an IR emitter if you need them. GSMArena has great speaker tests.
4. Check if the phone has multiple SIM slots and if it supports the necessary 4G/5G bands if you’ll be traveling to a different country.

Display -

1. Pick the right screen size (inches). Large screens are great for consuming content but can be difficult to handle with one hand. Screen resolution doesn’t matter beyond 1080p for most users and refresh rate (60/120 Hz) determines how smooth animations and scrolling feel.
2. AMOLED displays offer better contrast and brightness than their LCD rivals. Use reviews for metrics like brightness (nits) and HDR support.

Camera -

1. There are several types of lenses (Wide|Ultrawide|Telephoto|Periscope|Monochrome|Macro|Depth). Real-world image quality depends on imaging algorithms more than megapixels. If this sounds like work, stick to reviews with phone-specific explanations and photo comparisons.
   GSMArena and DxOMark are great places for this.
2. Look out for a good selfie camera if you need one. Value reviews and image/video comparisons over spec sheets. The latter also covers OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), slo-mo, and 4K video recording support among other niche features.

Battery -

1. Look into Battery quantity (mAh) and charging speeds (W). But trust battery life charts over them to determine battery life. GSMArena’s battery life charts offer battery estimates for a variety of use cases.

OS -

1. Besides the usual iOS vs Android debate, look into which version of Android you’d be comfortable with. While most manufacturers no longer stuff their phones with bloat, some devices are closer to the vanilla Android experience.
2. While Apple offers several updates to its phones, not every Android phone can promise the same. Updates are a luxury outside Google’s Pixel lineup and a handful of flagships.

Processor -

1. Apple’s A-series chips perform better and last longer than the chips in Android phones but the latter are still great at everything. While the midrange phones of today can handle most intensive tasks, you can still obsess over benchmarks if you’re into that sort of thing.

RAM&Storage -

1. RAM quantity isn’t a big deal these days, with even budget Android phones offering 4 GB of RAM or more. That’s more than enough unless you’re running games side by side with Chrome.
2. SD card slots are becoming rarer with basic phones offering at least 64 GB of storage. Storage speed isn’t a cause for concern as most phones today offer UFS 3.1 storage.

I hope these get you started on smartphone hunting! GSMArena’s detailed spec sheets and reviews are great resources to get started.

Drop a comment if you’d like some help with purchasing a laptop (or any consumer tech).

Here’s A Free Bite-Sized Phone Guide Checklist was originally published in CodeX on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Here’s my latest Rock Paper Shotgun piece on Age of Darkness: Final Stand

For those willing to brave its Death Nights, this game promises to meet them halfway with a ballista ballet. Head over to Rock Paper Shotgun for more.

At $449, Google’s newly launched Pixel 6A is the most affordable smartphone in its lineup.

It makes a strong case for itself with a flagship-grade Tensor chip and a potent camera setup partly borrowed from the pricier Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. But with sub-$200 phones offering smooth 120 Hz displays, the Pixel 6A’s 60 Hz OLED display is disappointing.

The $599 Pixel 6 sticks to 90 Hz, letting the $899 Pixel 6 Pro flaunt a 120 Hz display as an “upgrade.”

Google isn’t the only manufacturer guilty of this.

It’s a tactic that Apple also uses to differentiate its $799 iPhone 13 and $999 13 Pro. And while the Cupertino giant’s move is less forgivable, Google isn’t exempt from scrutiny because Android phones handily undercut the Pixel 6A on value before it’s even out in the wild.

Case in point, Realme’s Narzo 50. 120 Hz at under $200.

True, Google’s Pixel 6A offers a vanilla Android experience coupled with a potent processor and solid cameras. It also retains the visor aesthetic of its premium siblings, albeit in plastic. But at $449, a 60 Hz display just isn’t competitive like the rest of its spec sheet.

Fast charging is another omission that hurts the Pixel 6A’s ambitions.

High refresh rates are the industry standard for a reason

A refresh rate boost is a quality-of-life enhancement that can be felt by casual users and hard-core ones alike. From app surfing to scrolling through web pages, everything feels smoother on a 90/120 Hz display. Games can also take advantage of these displays to offer a silky-smooth experience.

Generational leaps in performance seldom affect real-world usage.

But a 120 Hz display makes everything feel snappier, even on a budget device.

It’s the same bone I picked with Apple’s new $429 iPhone SE. The Pixel 6A, however, isn’t in a different ecosystem like the iPhone. That means competing with everyone from Xiaomi to Oneplus.

And at $450, the Pixel 6A will have to contend with the flagships of yesteryear too.

While Pixel phones have always attracted the Android puritan crowd, a substandard 60 Hz display will give many enthusiasts a reason to pause. The rest of the package is certainly tempting. But a 120 Hz display would have rounded out the 6A’s solid spec sheet.

It’s about time Google changed with the times.

Google’s Pixels (2022) should stop treating 120 Hz displays like a luxury was originally published in CodeX on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Here’s my Superjump piece on 1997’s Lords of Magic

You haven’t lived if you haven’t sat on a dinosaur and faced patriotic seagulls in real-time combat. Head over to my latest piece at Superjump to learn more.