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Then and now: what’s changed in the past few years? (iPhone edition) – 2025

Then and now: what’s changed in the past few years? (iPhone edition) – 2025
Matthew T
iD Mobile Employee
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It’s always exciting when a new iPhone range drops—but what’s changed since the last time around? Whether you’re into photography, gaming, or just want a phone that feels fast, there’s a lot to explore in Apple’s latest line-up. Let’s take a look at how the 2025 models stack up against their predecessors—and what’s new across the board:

 

iPhone 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max.

 

 

If you’re upgrading from the 14 Pro or Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max might look familiar—but under the hood, it’s a whole new game.

Both models now run on the blazing-fast A18 Pro chip, bringing serious speed and on-device smarts. Compared to the A16 in the iPhone 14 Pro, this new chip crushes demanding apps, handles iOS 18’s Apple Intelligence features with ease, and feels incredibly responsive across the board—whether you’re editing ProRAW images, juggling multiple apps, or just binge-scrolling.

On the camera front, things level up again. While the 14 Pro introduced the 48MP sensor, the 16 Pro takes it further with a second-gen quad-pixel sensor and enhanced image processing. Photos are sharper, colours feel more true-to-life, and low-light shots genuinely impress. Both models also now include the upgraded 5x tetraprism telephoto lens, previously exclusive to the Pro Max, letting you zoom in close without losing clarity.

The OLED Super Retina XDR displays remain stunning, with smoother adaptive refresh rates—and now they’re even brighter in direct sunlight. Perfect for texting outdoors or editing shots on the go. Add in the durable titanium frame, improved Face ID performance, and the all-new Capture Button for easier photo and video control, and it’s clear these are pro tools for creators and power users alike.

Why upgrade? Whether you’re deep into photography, heavy on productivity, or just want Apple’s most advanced phone yet—the 16 Pro models make a noticeable leap from the 14 Pro range.

 

Check out the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max on iD Mobile.

 

iPhone 16 & 16 Plus.

 

 

Now this is where things start to feel like a proper upgrade. If you’ve been using an iPhone 14 or 14 Plus, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus build on what made them solid—and make them seriously smarter.

The camera gets the biggest glow-up. Gone is the 12MP sensor—in its place is a 48MP main camera that delivers sharper detail, improved low-light shots, and richer, more vibrant colours. Thanks to Smart HDR and computational photography, every snap looks like it’s had a quick edit (without you doing a thing).

Under the hood, these phones now rock the A18 chip, replacing the A15 from the iPhone 14. It’s quicker, more efficient, and unlocks new iOS 18 features powered by Apple Intelligence. From launching apps to gaming, everything feels smoother and more instant.

The Dynamic Island now comes standard on both models—once a Pro-exclusive, now a handy little hub for alerts, calls, music, and timers. And don’t sleep on the battery life: both phones squeeze more out of every charge, with the 16 Plus offering up to 27 hours of video playback.

Design-wise, you’re still getting a bright and colourful OLED screen with durable glass, plus a new Capture Button for fast camera access. And with USB-C, charging and accessory use just got easier.

Why upgrade? All in all, if you’re upgrading from the 14, this isn’t just a small refresh—it’s a smarter, faster, more capable iPhone that’ll last you well into the future.

 

Check out the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus on iD Mobile.

 

iPhone 16e.

 

 

This one’s a total transformation. The iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE line, and it’s honestly hard to believe they’re only a few years apart.

Gone is the older design and LCD display. The 16e now rocks a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, just like the iPhone 16, with rich colours and edge-to-edge brightness that makes everything from social feeds to FaceTime look so much better.

The A18 chip (yes, the same one in the flagship 16 models) means serious performance. Everything runs faster—Face ID unlocks instantly, apps launch in a snap, and iOS 18 features, including some early AI-powered tools, are right at home here.

Photography also jumps forward in a big way. The 16e ditches the old 12MP sensor for a sharp, detailed 48MP main camera. It’s packed with Apple’s latest imaging tech, including 2x telephoto zoom and advanced computational features that help make portraits and everyday shots look effortless.

You still get the value you’d expect—Ceramic Shield front glass, water resistance, USB-C charging, and the kind of all-day battery life that’s perfect for daily life. There’s even Apple’s new C1 5G modem inside for faster, more efficient connectivity.

Why upgrade? For anyone holding onto an SE 2, SE 3, or even an iPhone 8—this isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a total transformation at a very friendly price point.

 

Check out the iPhone 16e on iD Mobile.

 

 

iPhone 15.

 

 

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus retain the sleek design and 6.1-inch screen size, echoing the aesthetic that users love about the iPhone 13.

A key feature of the iPhone 15 is the groundbreaking “fall detection”. This new technology can sense a hard fall and automatically contact emergency services if you don’t respond within 10 seconds, significantly enhancing personal safety.

The camera system has also seen impressive upgrades. With a larger sensor and improved aperture, the iPhone 15 captures stunning photos with greater sharpness and detail compared to the iPhone 13. The front-facing camera now boasts advanced stabilization and autofocus for flawless selfies. Additionally, the introduction of “super action mode” for video recording takes stabilisation to new heights, allowing for smooth footage even during intense activities.

Why upgrade? Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 delivers unmatched performance and efficiency. Coupled with the latest software optimisations, it effortlessly handles demanding tasks and offers battery life that exceeds the iPhone 13, ensuring a seamless user experience.

 

Check out the iPhone 15 on iD Mobile.

 

iPhone 14.

 

 

The iPhone 14 shares the same design as the iPhone 12 and offers a familiar 6.1-inch size.

A standout feature of the iPhone 14 is its life-saving crash detection capability. This system can detect if you’ve been in a car crash and will sound an alarm on your iPhone. If you don’t respond within 10 seconds, it automatically contacts emergency services, enhancing personal safety.

In terms of photography, the iPhone 14 features a faster aperture and a larger sensor compared to the iPhone 12, resulting in sharper photos packed with detail. The upgraded front camera includes stabilization and autofocus for better selfies. Plus, the new video “action mode” helps eliminate shakes, allowing for smooth footage even during dynamic activities, like chasing your dog or keeping up with the kids on their bikes.

Why upgrade? The iPhone 14 is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, a significant upgrade from the A14 chip in the iPhone 12. This means better performance and efficiency, as the A15 was the fastest chip in any smartphone at its launch. Additionally, the iPhone 14 offers the best battery life yet, easily lasting all day even under heavy use, thanks to optimised software and performance.

 

Check out the iPhone 14 on iD Mobile.

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