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Which storage capacity should you choose for your iPhone 14/Plus/Pro/Pro Max?

Updated on 14 August 2024

So, you've decided to buy an iPhone 14? There are now three key decisions you need to make. Firstly which model (14/14 Plus/14 Pro/14 Pro Max), secondly, which colour, and thirdly, which size storage capacity. In fact, the storage capacity may even dictate the model. And whilst we all know our favourite colour, deciding on how much storage you need requires a bit of careful thought. The price difference between storage capacities is not insignificant and you don't want to pay for storage that you simply don’t need. Having said that, the last thing you want is to find out you don’t have enough storage on your new or refurbished iPhone 14. Let’s have a closer look at the storage options and see what these differences actually mean for the user.

The different storage capacities of the iPhone 14 models

128GB

256GB

512GB

1TB

iPhone 14

√

√

√

X

iPhone 14 Plus

√

√

√

X

iPhone 14 Pro

√

√

√

√

iPhone 14 Pro Max

√

√

√

√

Who is the 128 GB storage capacity for?

A phone with 128 GB storage is actually the best choice for the majority of users. Especially if you are buying a phone for a child or teen. 128 GB storage has been the smallest option since the launch of the iPhone 13, but before this the smallest size was actually the 64 GB. In fact, going back just to the iPhone 6, 128 GB was the largest storage option, whilst 16 GB was the smallest! A 128 GB phone just about provides enough space to download a film or two but you will need to delete things you have watched in order to make space for new downloads. It's generally better suited to those who stream. A phone with 128 GB storage is perfectly fine for someone who is good about keeping an eye on their storage, and regularly deletes unwanted data and apps. If you use iCloud to store videos and photos, a phone with 128 GB of storage space is perfectly adequate.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of 256 GB of storage capacity?

This size is ideal for those who want to be able to download a few movies or shows at a time. It also allows space to store quite a few videos, photos and music without the need to use iCloud. Serious content creators and obsessive photo-takers may still need to use iCloud, however. A phone with 256 GB is perfect if you like to have multiple apps and plenty of games on the go, without having to delete other games/apps. Price wise it'll cost you more than a 128GB, but the price increase isn't too eye-watering.

512 GB is ideal for full storage of your photos, movies and videos, but more expensive

A phone with 512 GB offers plenty of space to store a large amount of downloaded movies, as well as photos and videos without using iCloud. It means you never really have to think about deleting data, or checking file sizes. If you like to have loads of apps on your phone at once, then you won't have to give it a second thought with this much capacity. This really is a lot of data space, far more than the average phone user will ever need. That makes it perfect for those who use their phone in a professional capacity. However this increase in storage comes at a price. Cost-wise it's a much more significant jump from the 256 GB to 512 GB, than it is from the 128 GB to 256 GB.

Why should you choose 1 TB of storage capacity on your iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max?

There’s only really a few kinds of users who require this much storage space. Firstly, those who work in creative media or photography and use their phone to make a lot of content. Secondly, those who are running a business from their phone and need the extra space for data and files. And thirdly, those who, for whatever reason, do not wish to use iCloud. Realistically, you could take everyday photos and videos for many, many years before a 1 TB phone would be full. Remember, this much storage is only available on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models, not the iPhone 14 or 14 Plus. However, it is also available in the iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max, which could be a good way to get your hands on this much storage for quite a bit less.

Choosing your iPhone 14 storage

Advantages

Disadvantages

128GB

Cheapest option, ideal for most users

Download only one or two films/shows at a time

256GB

Perfect for downloading a few movies/shows. Space for lots of games/apps and photos

Still may need to use iCloud from time to time

512GB

Room for plenty of films and loads of space for photos, games and apps

Expensive (a refurbished iPhone 14 512 GB costs up to ÂŁ300 more than a refurbished iPhone 14 128 GB)

1TB

Absolutely no need for iCloud storage

Only available for Pro/Pro Max

Essentially, you need to weigh up your storage needs against your budget. If storage is incredibly important to you, and you're willing to pay the price, then you won't regret going for 512 GB or even 1 TB. If you're not interested in buying a Pro or Pro Max model, then the biggest storage available is 512 GB. If you would rather save money, you think you can be careful about storage and you're happy to use iCloud, then an iPhone 14 with 128 GB or 256 GB storage capacity will not let you down.

Remember that whatever storage capacity you choose, you can make an impressive saving if you choose to buy a refurbished iPhone from Back Market, rather than a brand new model. Whether you want to go for 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or even 1 TB, it will cost you less when you choose refurbished.  All of our iPhones are 100% functional, come with a 12-month warranty and even help you do your bit for the planet.

Haziq

Written by Haziq, Tech Expert for Back Market UK, Ireland & Australia

When not fighting the good fight for environmental sustainability, Haziq loves making reviews of everything and anything tech-related.

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