The Apple iPhone 14 is no match for the just-released iPhone 14 Pro, but if you ignore that, it’s one of the most effective phones around.

Great cameras, front and back, Fast performance, Good battery life, Innovative safety features

Design too familiar, Some average features

Apple has given select media outlets and YouTubers access to the new iPhone 14 ahead of when it begins arriving in customers' hands on Friday, September 16. There are two models of the ‌iPhone‌ 14, the standard 6.1-inch ‌iPhone‌ 14 and the larger 6.7-inch ‌iPhone‌ 14 Plus.

It's easy to get carried away and lose sight of just how far we've come in the smartphone world. Apple's iPhone 14 is 7.8 millimeters thick but can communicate directly with satellites, boasts photographic talents that eclipse dedicated cameras and action cams, and does so starting at just $799.

Improved low-light camera performance, Clever safety features (you hope you won't need)

Improvements feel evolutionary, eSIM may prove a headache, iPhone 13 offers much the same for $100 less

Despite some shortcomings, the Pixel 7a proves to be a definite step-up from previous A-series handsets from Google, and does enough to blur the difference between flagship and midrange devices.

The Pixel 7a comes with an improvement in display quality, boosts to performance, as well as consistently terrific mobile photography.

The Tensor G2 is still prone to heating, and other factors including battery endurance and charging speeds aren't particularly impressive.

It’s $50 more than the Pixel 6A, but some key upgrades keep Google’s A-series at the top of the midrange class.

Robust build and solid software support policy, Best-in-class camera, Improved 90Hz screen, Wireless charging

$50 more expensive than last year, Fingerprint scanner is still pokey, Camera digital zoom could use an update

The iPhone 14 comes to market with the same launch price as the previous generation. At the same time, iPhone connoisseurs were more than disillusioned after the presentation of the new smartphone. Apple leaves large parts of the hardware unchanged and does not dare to change the design.

Top performance level despite last year's chip, Very high quality workmanship, Improved image and video quality, Excellent battery life

Hardly any innovations, Charging takes too long for 2022

It’s a great handset, but the improvements are so iterative that most of you will hardly notice what’s new.

Action mode offers truly superb video stabilization. eSIM makes it easy to switch phones (with other iPhones). Satellite SOS and Crash Detection add peace of mind.

Many of the specs remain the same as on the iPhone 13. Small battery gains. Photonic Engine isn’t as revolutionary as suggested.

The Google Pixel 7a is like a gas-guzzling roadster. It's faster than it should be, looks great in photos, and needs to be refueled often along the way.

Almost as fast as the Pixel 7 Pro, Great photo capabilities and editing tools, Slick Android interface is a pleasure

Battery won't last all day, Only three years of OS update support, Too expensive given the compromises

“The Google Pixel 7a is a big upgrade from its predecessor, but it's increased price puts it in a tough spot, considering the Pixel 6a got a deep price cut and the Pixel 7 is just a little bit more.”

Most compact Pixel 7 device, Water-resistant, 64MP main camera, 90Hz refresh rate, Wireless charging, Four fun colors

Not great with low light photos, Battery life is disappointing, No reverse wireless charging, Price puts it in an odd place

Slightly better cameras but otherwise, not much of an update - buy the iPhone 14 Pro or switch to Android instead

Better low-light photography, Slightly longer battery life, Action mode gives super stabilised video

The same performance as the iPhone 13, No Dynamic Island or Always-On display, 60Hz screen