iPhone 14 Pro: early adopter island

There are more beginnings of big ideas in the new iPhone 14 Pro than we’ve seen in an iPhone for a long time including Apple’s latest A16 Bionic silicon, the dynamic island, and an always-on display. And it may be the first glimpse of an entirely new kind of iPhone, but that doesn’t mean all these things are perfect yet.
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[@TheVerge]

Do you think the island is useful enough for how noticeable it is? -Nilay

[@TheElectroclassic]

I think it is.

[@Deebofreebo]

I’m sure they’ll update its features in a couple of point-ohs and then once again in a couple of years.

[@TGF31]

Not that useful but still more than the useless notch!

[@Homoeopathy1]

No....Island is even more intrusive than notch...And its ridiculous when phone is used in horizontal way...

[@dngajjar007]

Ganta Useful

[@industryrule-4080]

The ability to critically examine products, especially from Apple, and even compare them to the competitors is something I’ve really enjoyed from The Verge’s reviews. Particularly in the age of KZbin reviewers who only act as mouthpieces for Apple PR for fear of losing access to review products.

[@mrwilliams8623]

They might get black listed after this one this was to negative...lol not really though.

[@Fohox]

What a way to bury the integrity of KZbin reviewers. If they don’t hate the thing you hate it’s gotta be because they’re scared to lose access to Apple products? Maybe they just have a different opinion than you…

[@Fohox]

What a way to bury the integrity of KZbin reviewers. If they don’t hate the thing you hate it’s gotta be because they’re scared to lose access to Apple products? Maybe they just have a different opinion than you…

[@semirhuskic8028]

when the S10+ review was out the reviewer was highly negative about the phone and comparing it with the ihpne(which he likes) and the video got over 13000 thumbs down so i see the Verge always biased-favored towards Apple, but Patel is excellent i enjoy his reviews they amongst zhe best and critical.

[@guynumber20]

The verge is filled with clowns

[@AliveCS]

you described dynamic island perfectly, they unified various status indicators into a permanent widget

[@abdsalamelkhamlichi6677]

That are hard to reach one hand 🥲

[@Johnnygga]

Which is brilliant and creative, with iOS’s smooth animations and the OLED display having those pixels turning off in true black, to match the pill and look seamless. This is no easy task to do, they’ve been developing this for a few years it seem. If it’s hard to reach the top, how on earth was everyone able to swipe down control center and notifications all these years? I feel like people are whining just to whine lol

[@soberanisfam1323]

Effectively making the iPhone a two handed device

[@soberanisfam1323]

@@Johnnygga those disappear; the pill island is always there

[@Johnnygga]

@@soberanisfam1323 the scenario was “it’s hard to reach”. Yet, Notification Center and Control Center are even harder to reach, yet people managed fine? A swipe down from the top corners is more difficult than taps on the top center IMO

[@HarjotShah]

Welcome back Verge, this is the kind of review we expect from you. It's appropriately energetic, enthusiastic and fun. Well done, keep it up 👍🏻

[@samuelwillis]

amazing review. Who is that camera reviewer? I want to watch more of them haha

[@HarjotShah]

@@samuelwillis that's Becca and she's one of the most fun reviewers to watch. She usually does cameras 👍🏻

[@espirituvalentino]

And how about winning for yourself or for your family and friends crazy giveaways of your choice only on Super RC’s KZbin channel!

[@JDelta87]

I've watched the Verge's iPhone reviews annually for years now. This one hit a little a harder than those of the past for some reason. Critical, yet balanced with facts and feedback.

[@JJyND]

Yea. I couldn’t agree more. They really had me contemplating getting a 13 Pro Max. And I probably would’ve if I didn’t preorder the 14.

[@DioneMohammed]

but still didn't beat the intro they made for the 11 Pro

[@MisterCoffeeis]

Dang, this might be the best verge iPhone review in a long time - even though I upgraded, I appreciate the critique and the valuable information about this new itereration!

[@mrnino5086]

you a clown for upgrading before watching this review.

[@davedvdy4946]

​@@mrnino5086 Why? You feel they need this review to make up their own mind for them? Real world personal use and a return policy--that's the best way to fully judge and using your own brain.

[@mrnino5086]

go return you iphone🤡

[@karimgreen8732]

This was a really thoughtful and thorough review. What I found most useful is comparing the iPhone 14 Pro to both past models and the current competition - rather than just saying this is “the best iPhone” as most other reviewers seem to do.

[@saadriaz1038]

Has to be one of the best verge reviews in awhile, I love mkbhd but this was so much more informative, critical, and interesting than his 14 pro review. Even your new visual design work is looking top-notch (better than anything or anyone else on KZbin). Solid work!

[@icyliciousblue]

you seriously comparing VERGE to MKBHD?

[@crypticTV]

@@icyliciousblue why not lol

[@youwantthisusername1]

Came to the comments to say exactly this. Much more detailed review than anything out there. Critical but objective with great examples. 10/10 review, the videography is top-notch too.

[@MuOhio]

Couldn't agree more, this review is absolutely fantastic.

[@disco.lemonade]

Yes, but at the same time reviews like these focus on details so small and tend to make them so big, bigger than they should be. Like they (particularly this guy) review things in a way that the phone (iPhone) should be perfect for him, and tries so hard to nit-pick on every single feature, that I'm not sure it's relevant. In this review I noticed he instead of showing the island thing how it works, he goes beyond and gives us an opinion to which he's entitled sure, of how he feels it should work, "the trade" of how useful it is, or useless... ugh anyway, it all depends on how biased one channel (person) is. Verge has never been too Apple friendly, they always work reaaaaally hard to find flaws or to see ones where there might not be. I don't find this type of reviews useful. The camera part was the worse, man he really tried way too hard to bash it, while outta of the 10 reviews I've seen so far, they all see worthy improvements and say it is best camera overall on market on a smartphone, but not for this guy. So one has to wonder...

[@TheProlificTree]

Best review I have seen yet…honest, backing up your opinions with examples and not overhyping the dynamic Island…salute

[@JaversArghoSarder]

May be this is the only review on internet that does really point out the goods and bads of the cool features. Almost everybody else said it’s new, it’s cool, what it does kinda stuff (which we already know). So I kinda like this review over the others. This actually is the better analysis of the new aspects. Good job, The Verge.

[@neptune6956]

This is easily one of the best phone reviews ive seen in a very long time! Great job!!!

[@flaviantropy]

Nilay's common man approach to review is one of the few I care about. This video saved me an upgrade by answering pragmatic questions.

[@___________no]

Nilay (and the verge team generally) are just best-in-class

[@sammyjammy6647]

It didn’t save me and I’m looking forward to getting my 14 promax this weekend I’m so excited!

[@MalcolmREBORN]

Same here. Let’s see what 2023 will bring for iPhone.

[@DubDriver17]

It all depends on what you're grading from, and what you use most

[@rayday603]

Thank you for providing a 13 pro and 14 pro photo comparison. It helps to see how they improved or changed

[@PratikDixit89]

This is the new benchmark of phone review videos for me. Content, production, writing - all top notch. And fascinating discussion about the beginnings of a new iPhone. Well done!

[@henrysboy2]

Great review Nilay and Verge Team. As you know there are many of these reviews in my stream this AM and as usual this one stands out for being professional, thoughtful and complete. Thank you.

[@adamzahr]

This was an absolutely great review. Love the slow-mo shots of the Dynamic Island. I think the insights about it and the evolution of the iPhone UI were great points. It's gotta be hard to make a review this insightful about what is ultimately a minor update but I think you did that and managed to keep it fun and engaging.

[@thinde88]

Great review Nilay. You guys managed to make Marquess review look like a B+ only this year.

[@TDDPhoto]

I found Marques' review really strange this year. It seemed kinda rushed in a way, lacking a lot of detail. He didn't even mention lowlight photography at all for example. Glad The Verge is back at it with A-tier content

[@jyotiprakash3423]

Verge have always made the best videos. Nilay and Dieter were top tier presenters and they have got a brilliant video team. MKBHD is catering to a much larger crowd so sometimes seem a bit MID.

[@CallMeVidd]

@@TDDPhoto yeah I agree something felt off

[@andresirodriguez]

@@TDDPhoto his wasn't a review?

[@JasonGreen91]

@@andresirodriguez well Marques had the word ’Review’ in the title? That is probably the clue….

[@ScottWallace5]

Excellent review, enjoyed the in-depth of the Dynamic Island also the comparisons between last gen cameras and other similar phones. Well done Verge!

[@U2haveaniceday20]

Thank you so much all have not been able to get on to watch my favorites as much as I like. I do appreciate all the hard work keeping me updated on all the new devices and things that are coming.Great job as always.Deb ✌️

[@TeabridgeX]

Great video! This is the kind of review I love, simple and clear with enough examples to illustrate the features! Looking forward to seeing where they take the DI in the future!

[@postxtito]

You're reviews are awesome, I love the verge. Keep up the great work

[@Phoun]

This is the best iPhone review from Verge. Great review and can't wait for more content from y'all.

[@whattherichardd]

Great review - especially appreciate that you have compared it a little with the Samsung and Pixel phones, these comparisons are useful for us who don't necessarily keep track of what each phone company is doing.

[@u2bdnl931]

The best iPhone 14 pro review so far. Good job the verge team.

[@shehansaverimuttu2049]

Is it me or is verge more realistic with there iPhone reviews? I felt like they were apple biased back in the day. Ex- his take on the dynamic island. No sugar coating. Great review though !

[@thobanimqadi]

The best iPhone review on the Web. Love how you guys look at every detail ♥️ (I'm writing this while obsessing over the dynamic Island portion of this review 😂)

[@thobanimqadi]

Plus - a new Verge website, I'm loving all of it.

[@crazymann3188]

I was very surprised to watch a review where a phone and it's features are looked at in a unbiased and factual way. Very informative, captivating, and thoughtful review. Really appreciate this.

[@hito157]

You all are so real with your Apple reviews, I love it! Very balanced presentation.

[@ercant.6183]

Those slow-mo close-up shots of the dynamic island animations were amazing👌🏻

[@tsizzle]

I wish you would have looked into whether they improved the cooling, phone running hot…

[@tipoomaster]

Makes me wonder if and when they'll roll out that 3x better antialiasing for *dynamic island* everywhere else in iOS, would like to see it

[@mihnealazar7039]

Same

[@u3473u]

It's possible but you'd definitely see a GPU/performance hit, and therefore a battery life hit

[@tipoomaster]

@@u3473u I mean it's already doing it on part of the screen, in a few generations the GPU advancements should make it trivial to bring everywhere. With compound gains these GPUs are already 3x better than my XS Max for instance.

[@ercant.6183]

@@u3473u Exactly, antialiasing comes with a cost

[@cunnyman]

@@tipoomaster Honestly, multitasking and overall user experience performance has been going backwards for a while now. I remember iPhone 4S able to save tons of apps in background with zero performance hit. Today, phones are 50x better, yet they cannot keep a process when you accidentally slide them out. So, with this trend, I think Anti Aliasing will impact your phone overall performance the more they apply it system wide.

[@mrnino5086]

The first review I watch is always nilay’s every year, great detail and information. He’s my iPhone guy.

[@SunilP]

The explanation for dynamic island is one of the best! Thanks!!

[@ashishdhandharia198]

Yaa seems perfect of overlay of many things as Nilay said .👍

[@DC-Peiffer]

Watched a lot of reviews, and this is the one with the most well-placed, level-headed thought process.

[@rashidr3067]

Good to see Nilay again.

[@kozad86]

It was nice to see The Verge steer away from the typical “it’s the new iPhone and yes, you should buy it” style of review this year. The 13 Pro Max convinced me to switch from Android last year, and I think I will be waiting for the iPhone 15 before I upgrade. Developers will need some time to adapt their programs to the new hardware features + Apple still has not updated the physical design of the iPhone in several years, and that might happen with the next generation. Also, where the hell is the USB Type-C port?

[@Mutio86]

Guy from Germany here. At least in Europe Apple HAS to change it to USB-C next year. Unless they are going rogue with the connector in the US you can expect the switch to USB-C next year.

[@disco.lemonade]

You new to the channel? They do that with every single Apple product, so much that sometimes it feels way too forced on trying to find flaws or selling normal functioning feats as flawed.

[@adambenk0]

What do you love and what do you miss/hate after switching to iPhone ? And what was your previous phone ? Thanks.

[@megaprimegamer1184]

Dude you got 13 you for sure don’t need this. What do you expect from phones anymore

[@eJamZTuSic]

The interaction with the island (tap vs tap and hold) is the same as how interacting with a website link. If you tap it you go to the website, when you tap and hold you get the pop out preview.

[@dipesh_tambe]

dynamic island in 4k at 120fps was awesome..good job verge👌

[@vick11221]

Great great review verge every point highlighted clearly 👍

[@ashwinpras]

Lovely review. Nilay has eloquently phrased many of the new things worth talking about. Honestly my fav review yet of iPhone 14 pros so far.

[@hristoborislavov6578]

Thank you for the great review! I was really wondering if I should upgrade to 14 Pro Max fro my 13 Pro Max but looking at the differences between the two I will definitely wait for the 15 Pro Max. Also I really like the Green color on the 13 Pro, this year I don't like the iPhone 14 colors and really hope they will release something special in the next months.

[@rsiow2]

You guys do some of the best iPhone reviews on KZbin. Thank you

[@arpanchatterjee2559]

Brilliant review, Nilay and the Verge team.

[@aniruddhasirfanclub3535]

Best iphone review from Verge . Just loved it !!

[@WillBowers]

congrats on the big rebrand! amazing video

[@jamauai]

Thank you for explaining the anti-aliasing! Biggest question I had about the "Island"

[@JoZibi]

This video is so underrated. Excellent quality!

[@film-john]

The self-driving cars performing robot surgery bit cracked me up. Good review.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Of course I was following the Verge’s Live Blog and found out that ‘Dynamic Island’ got laughs. In principle and (hopefully) practice, it’ll be even better.

[@Bmontepeque11]

I don't know why, but to me seeing the A-Roll again and listening to Nilay review an iPhone just feels so right ✨

[@ramqashou1002]

First review I've watched that doesn't feel like an an apple ad. Thank you

[@meintime8552]

Where can i find those wallpapers they used on the iphones? They look amazing

[@adeyinkasokunbi8132]

I really love reviews from The Verge. World-class analysis!

[@fabioluizcs]

Congrats for the new the verge site. I feel old looking at it. So you guys have done a great job.

[@brightbluesmurf]

Nice review covered off the important bits camera/dynamic island well

[@Greyblueprint]

You guys do such an amazing job. Thank you!!

[@MalcolmREBORN]

This was an outstanding review. I enjoyed the show because I learned so much. Thank you.

[@adriaannobrega1379]

This is perfect. Just the important info and genuine review i needed

[@qa3byte142]

Wow this is a great review compared to other KZbin reviews. Very thoughtful and informative

[@ideasforu358]

A perfect 10 review of a product. Pro reviewed by Pros. Hats off. Thanks Verge Team.

[@guacfiend]

Fantastic review! Love this channel cause of Nilay Patel!

[@JD.TheMusician]

Excellent review. Deep and insightful.

[@antiseth3964]

I really do see Apple introducing a toggle for the tap function of the dynamic island. Almost every person I’ve talked to who knows about it says the single tap should bring up the widget, not the app. I could see them quietly introducing this in a minor release down the line.

[@CameraManDom]

Wow, skipping over the ProRaw feature was weird. A lot of photographers are upgrading solely to grab the 48MP files.

[@WokeAFMillennial]

You can raw-dog all you want with your 48MP camera phone.

[@Rocksteady72a]

3D Touch (& carried over into Haptic Touch ofc) presented short-holds and long-holds as the former being the preview of something, and longer holds being a "pop" into the application in question. I feel like that's the simplest justification for why a simple tap should enlarge the information on the Island, & have a longer hold as popping into the associated app.

[@steffmay7969]

interesting that you think the eSIM will enable easier competition because its easier to switch, is that easier than swapping a SIM card? personally I think swapping a SIM card is easier so with the carrier lock in that they're likely to enable it will get harder to switch I think

[@ebubeawachie]

Brilliant analysis of the dynamic Island. Well done Nilay 🥰🥰🥰.

[@masterblimpy]

Great review guys. Thank you

[@AdnanRashidRonny]

Please give the wallpaper link. The wallpapers shown not posted in the link given with the video.

[@matteo4413]

100% agree with the tap vs hold actions being exactly backwards. Wish they gave users the options to choose which does which

[@MegaMarlon0123]

This is a great review!!

[@shaunbee]

The iphone of old to dynamic island iphone 14 pro transition was golddd

[@underh1gh]

Agreeing on this review, but I need to get deep purple 14Pro asap too...

[@AinzBainz]

That pixel 6 pro still looks absolutely amazing...sheesh

[@karangill2198]

Best I phone review ever… As usual ! Also shot brilliantly

[@Akshayysk]

Cant wait for vergeCast for detail review and opinions

[@PritishBharti]

Good review. Great work.

[@sainteagle4426]

The whole Dynamic Island segment was amazing

[@00Mindi00]

Picking my 14 Pro Max up tomorrow, upgrade from 12 Pro Max. can't wait to play

[@nortonandreev8844]

I fully agree with the review. The behaviour of the island would make more sense if it shows the expanded view on tap instead of long-press. Curious what will happen in the next few months, especially as developers start adopting the API.

[@patrickdunlap7]

Loved the review! Anyone know what watchband Nilay is wearing? Looks slick.

[@AlessandroManuelPerezPanama]

Well done review! The best. 🎉Thanks!

[@thesteveclement]

Wallpaper? Can't find it. And a great review!

[@iRfiamwhatiam]

The only worthy review on the new iPhones so far. Kudos

[@bonedatt]

This is the first time ever that I hit the like button on a verge iPhone review. I actually watched this to the end.

[@SKITHUUK]

The battery drain can be connected with the iOS 16. I had the same issues on my 13 Pro for roughfly 2 days, until I restarted the phone. Now its perfect.

[@jjpracticingaloha]

I dont have a small hand, but not the biggest and i've had the pro max for a few years now, but not sure i can comfortably use the island with how i hold my hpone now

[@Krebssssssss]

What I took away from this is just how fricken GOOD phone cameras are now, and the differences between generations are, on the grand scheme of things, very small. And even smaller across phone brands, or from iOS and Android. Even a phone camera from two or even 3 years ago takes amazing photos. I’ll hang on to my 13 Pro this year. Not really any need to upgrade this year. But the 14 Pro is cool. Especially the Dynamic Island. Smart integration.

[@duttyvegan]

Hi, What wallpapers are on the phone when first shown please ? 👊🏾

[@huytran588]

when it comes to tech reviews, The Verge is always the best: fun, professional and entertaining.

[@nathanaelidundun]

I love how particular you can examine Apple products

[@SteeperMouse40]

This review was sooooo impressive

[@rejkee]

Jumping from 11 to 14 Pro. This is gonna be huge upgrade for me.

[@Joshuaawere]

Waiting for your 11 pls

[@ionside8959]

That it’s gonna be.

[@shinichihiroshi5328]

Might be doing the same from iPhone XS to the iPhone 14 Pro.

[@fightnight14]

You know what else is huge?

[@teryyy5052]

Yes, 11 ~> 14 Pro will be pretty noticeable difference. Welcome to OLED-land ! XS ~> 14 Pro , both on OLED so difference won’t be as big as 11->14pro but def much better camera quality, and chipset!

[@dibs6579]

Completely agree with you should be a tap and not a hold to open the widget

[@sehwagali]

That's great tech journalism right there. No need to watch another review. Brilliant!

[@Randuski]

I haven't heard anyone mention pro raw. Can you still shoot 12mp in pro raw? 48mp is cool if you have a lot of light, but i want the choice. I always shoot raw but i don't wanna be stuck with 48

[@pyrosdestiny]

Best review I have seen of the iPhone 14 pro. Fantastic!

[@JackWestrop]

Very good review, the Verge killing it

[@alvinlim96]

Where can I get your wallpaper? Couldn’t find it with the link provided in your description.

[@arunsankars]

anyway the implementation is awesome. dynamic island is not a good way for all notifications like faceid etc.. itrs more good to be in center and noticable.