iPhone 14 Plus in 2026: is it still worth buying?

In 2026, the iPhone 14 Plus sits in a rather unusual position. It is not the newest iPhone, it is not a Pro model, and it does not have the most visible upgrades from later generations. But it still has one argument that many users underestimate: a large 6.7-inch display with excellent battery life, without stepping into the usually higher price range of a Pro Max.

That is exactly what makes it interesting on the refurbished market. The iPhone 14 Plus still ticks plenty of useful boxes: OLED display, 5G, A15 Bionic chip, MagSafe, 128GB minimum storage, solid photos, Action mode, Emergency SOS via satellite, and above all, a battery that remains one of its strongest selling points.

So the question is not whether it still works well. Yes, it works very well. The real question is more specific: is the iPhone 14 Plus still a good buy in 2026, especially when compared with the standard iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 Plus or the iPhone 14 Pro Max?

Why the iPhone 14 Plus is still interesting in 2026

The iPhone 14 Plus arrived in 2022 with a simple mission: to offer a large iPhone without forcing people to buy a Pro Max model. It was almost a return to a very practical formula: big screen, long battery life, modern iOS experience, but without the Pro extras.

In 2026, that idea still works. Many users are not necessarily looking for the best camera sensor, the most advanced zoom or a 120Hz display. They want an iPhone that is comfortable for reading, watching videos, using social media, replying to messages, taking good photos and reaching the end of the day without checking the battery every two hours.

And this is exactly where the iPhone 14 Plus still makes sense. Apple still lists it among the models compatible with iOS 26, keeping it inside the current software ecosystem. It does not get every new feature, especially those tied to Apple Intelligence, but it is far from being outdated.

What the iPhone 14 Plus still does very well

A large OLED display that still feels great

The iPhone 14 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, with a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels at 458 ppi. It is large, sharp, contrasty, bright and very comfortable for watching videos, reading articles, browsing Photos or typing with two hands.

This is probably the first reason to choose this model over the standard iPhone 14. The larger display genuinely changes the experience. You feel it in Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, Maps, Safari, emails, PDF documents — basically anywhere screen space matters.

The drawback remains the same: there is no 120Hz ProMotion. The display is limited to 60Hz. For someone coming from an older iPhone, this may not be a big issue. For someone who has already used a recent iPhone Pro, animations will feel less smooth.

Still very solid performance with the A15 Bionic

The iPhone 14 Plus uses the A15 Bionic chip, with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. In 2026, it is still more than enough for serious everyday use: apps, social media, browsing, photos, video, casual gaming, CarPlay, mobile payments, streaming and messaging.

It is no longer Apple’s most modern chip, of course, but the phone does not feel slow. The interface remains fluid, apps open quickly and the iOS experience keeps that polished feel that still makes iPhones so strong.

The real limitation is not raw power. The real limitation is access to Apple Intelligence features.

Photo and video: still very reliable every day

The iPhone 14 Plus uses a dual 12MP camera system: a main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultra wide. It also benefits from Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, Night mode and Photographic Styles.

In real life, this means a very dependable camera. Photos look clean, colors stay natural, portraits are convincing and Night mode still does a decent job. It does not have the 48MP sensor of the iPhone 15 or the telephoto camera of a Pro model, but for family use, travel, social media or everyday memories, it remains very credible.

Video is still one of its strengths: 4K up to 60 fps, Dolby Vision up to 4K 60 fps, Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR 30 fps and Action mode up to 2.8K 60 fps. That last point matters: if you record while walking, travelling or moving around, the iPhone 14 Plus is still very pleasant to use.

Battery life remains its best argument

This is probably what sets the iPhone 14 Plus apart the most. Apple rates it for up to 26 hours of video playback, 20 hours of streamed video playback and 100 hours of audio playback. Real-world use always varies, of course, but the foundation is clear: the iPhone 14 Plus was built to last.

On the refurbished market, the actual battery condition must be checked carefully. But with a healthy battery, it will generally feel more reassuring than a standard iPhone 14 on long days. It is the kind of iPhone that suits people who use Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, 5G or personal hotspot a lot.

MagSafe, 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3

The iPhone 14 Plus still feels modern in connectivity: sub-6GHz 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Apple Pay, Ultra Wideband and MagSafe.

MagSafe still has real value in 2026. Car mounts, magnetic batteries, charging stands and compatible cases are everywhere. On a large iPhone like the 14 Plus, a MagSafe battery pack or a good car mount quickly becomes genuinely useful.

The sensitive point in 2026: iOS 26 yes, Apple Intelligence no

The iPhone 14 Plus is compatible with iOS 26. That matters, because it means the phone remains part of Apple’s current software cycle.

But there is one clear limitation: Apple Intelligence is not available on the iPhone 14 Plus. Apple reserves its AI features for the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 and newer compatible models.

Is that a problem? It really depends on the user. For someone who wants a large, smooth, reliable iPhone with good battery life and a solid camera, it is not necessarily a deal-breaker. For someone who wants the latest Siri experience, smart summaries, writing tools, Genmoji, Image Playground or iOS-integrated AI features, the iPhone 14 Plus is not the right choice.

My view is pretty clear: the iPhone 14 Plus remains an excellent “classic” iPhone. But it is not an iPhone built for Apple’s new AI generation.

The hardware compromises you actually feel

60Hz: the most visible weakness

On such a large display, the lack of 120Hz is more noticeable than on a smaller phone. Everything remains smooth because iOS is well optimized, but scrolling does not have the same softness as on iPhone Pro models.

It is not a deal-breaker. But in 2026, when many mid-range Android phones offer 120Hz, this is the point that makes the iPhone 14 Plus look a little older visually.

Lightning: Apple’s old world

The iPhone 14 Plus still uses the Lightning connector. And in 2026, that is clearly a compromise. Many products have moved to USB-C: iPads, MacBooks, earbuds, power banks, Android phones, the iPhone 15 and newer models.

If you already own Lightning cables, it is not dramatic. If your whole setup is now USB-C, it becomes more annoying. This single point may push some people toward the iPhone 15 Plus.

No Dynamic Island, no 48MP camera, no telephoto

The iPhone 14 Plus keeps the classic notch. It does not have Dynamic Island, a 48MP main sensor, a telephoto lens, an always-on display or ProMotion.

So it should be bought for what it is: a large, comfortable iPhone with strong battery life, not a disguised premium model.

Compared with the iPhone 13, 14, 15 Plus and 14 Pro Max: where does it stand?

The iPhone 14 Plus sits in a clever middle ground. Compared with the iPhone 13, it adds a better front camera, Photonic Engine, Action mode, Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. The performance gap is not huge, but it makes more sense if the price is close.

Compared with the iPhone 14, it mainly wins in two areas: the larger display and battery life. Performance and camera quality are very similar, but everyday use feels quite different if you watch a lot of content or want an iPhone that lasts longer through the day.

Compared with the iPhone 15 Plus, it loses more clearly. The iPhone 15 Plus has USB-C, Dynamic Island, the A16 Bionic chip, a 48MP main camera and a more modern design. If the price gap is small on the refurbished market, the iPhone 15 Plus is the more logical choice.

Compared with the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the decision is more subtle. The 14 Pro Max has a 120Hz display, always-on display, Dynamic Island, stainless steel, the A16 chip and a true Pro camera system with a 48MP sensor. But it is also heavier, often more expensive, and its battery life will depend heavily on the condition of the refurbished unit. The iPhone 14 Plus remains the simpler, lighter and more rational choice if what you mainly want is a large screen and strong endurance.

Refurbished iPhone 14 Plus: the right way to buy it

In 2026, buying a refurbished iPhone 14 Plus makes much more sense than looking for it new. Its appeal is precisely that it offers a large-format iPhone experience at a softer price.

On CertiDeal, the iPhone 14 Plus page highlights refurbished models with a 30-month warranty and a 30-day trial period. That is exactly the kind of framework that makes this model interesting: you get a large iPhone that still feels modern, but with more reassurance than a private second-hand purchase.

The key point to watch remains the battery. On an iPhone 14 Plus, it is almost the heart of the product. A model with a healthy battery can be an excellent daily companion. A model with a tired battery immediately loses part of its appeal.

Pros and cons: iPhone 14 Plus in 2026

Pros	Cons
Very comfortable 6.7-inch OLED display	60Hz display, no ProMotion
Very good battery life	No Apple Intelligence
A15 Bionic chip still performs well	Lightning instead of USB-C
Solid photo and video quality	No 48MP sensor
Action mode and 4K Dolby Vision	No telephoto camera
Compatible with iOS 26	Classic notch design
MagSafe, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3	iPhone 15 Plus feels more modern
Good refurbished option if the price is right	Battery must be checked carefully

Who I would still recommend it to

The iPhone 14 Plus is still very relevant for someone who wants a large, comfortable iPhone without paying Pro Max money. It suits heavy video watchers, social media users, people who read a lot on their phone, or anyone who mainly wants strong battery life.

It is also a good choice for someone coming from an iPhone XR, 11, 12 or SE. The upgrade is obvious: larger screen, OLED, better battery life, stronger camera, 5G, MagSafe and 128GB base storage.

Who I would not recommend it to

I would not recommend it to users who absolutely want Apple Intelligence, USB-C or a 120Hz display. In that case, it makes more sense to look at an iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 or a newer model.

I also would not recommend it to advanced photography enthusiasts. The camera system is good, but the lack of a telephoto lens and 48MP sensor limits it more clearly in 2026.

FAQ about the iPhone 14 Plus in 2026

Does the iPhone 14 Plus get iOS 26?

Yes. Apple lists the iPhone 14 Plus among the models compatible with iOS 26.

Does Apple Intelligence work on the iPhone 14 Plus?

No. Apple Intelligence is not compatible with the iPhone 14 Plus.

Is the iPhone 14 Plus better than the iPhone 14?

Yes, if you want a larger screen and better battery life. Apart from that, the two models are very similar.

Should you choose the iPhone 15 Plus instead?

If the price is close, yes. The iPhone 15 Plus brings USB-C, Dynamic Island, the A16 Bionic chip and a 48MP main camera. If the iPhone 14 Plus is clearly cheaper, it remains very interesting.

Is 128GB enough in 2026?

For many users, yes. But if you often record in 4K, keep many photos locally or install lots of apps, 256GB will be more comfortable.

Is the iPhone 14 Plus too big?

It is definitely big. But it is still lighter than an iPhone 14 Pro Max. For small hands or for people who often use their phone one-handed, the standard iPhone 14 will be more practical.

Final thoughts

The iPhone 14 Plus may be one of the most rational refurbished iPhones to buy in 2026. It does not have the “wow” effect of a Pro Max, it does not have the USB-C port of the iPhone 15 Plus, and it does not get Apple Intelligence. But it has something else: a very large screen, solid battery life, a chip that is still more than capable and a modern iOS experience.

I see it as a comfort iPhone. Not the one you buy to get every new feature, but the one you choose because you want a big screen and reassuring battery life without blowing the budget.

If the price is well positioned against the iPhone 15 Plus and the battery is in good condition, the iPhone 14 Plus remains an excellent choice in 2026. Not the most futuristic, but probably one of the most pleasant to live with every day.