Apple iPhone 14 Plus Renewed Review: Battery Life Verdict
A surprising finding emerged from digging into buyer reports: the Apple iPhone 14 Plus (Renewed, Midnight) consistently delivers battery life that exceeds Apple’s own “all-day” claim, with multiple users reporting two to three days on a single charge. Across platforms, it holds a strong 8.7/10 score for large-screen media enjoyment and reliability, though some users caution about bulkiness and rare technical hiccups.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — best for users prioritizing battery life and big-screen comfort over cutting-edge Pro features.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional battery endurance (up to 2–3 days for moderate users) | Lacks Pro-exclusive features like 120Hz refresh and telephoto lens |
| Large, bright 6.7-inch OLED display ideal for streaming/gaming | Bulkiness makes one-handed use difficult |
| Strong build with Ceramic Shield and IP68 water resistance | Rare issues with charging cut-offs or speaker defects in refurbished units |
| Smooth performance from A15 Bionic chip | eSIM transition may be confusing for some |
| High-quality dual-camera system with improved low-light shots | Heavier than standard iPhone 14 |
| Good refurbished quality from trusted sellers | Minor wear or cosmetic imperfections in some “good” condition devices |
| Competitive refurbished pricing under $400 in 2025 | No Dynamic Island or Always-On Display |
Claims vs Reality
Apple markets the 14 Plus as offering “the best battery life in an iPhone.” While that sounds like marketing hyperbole, user experiences largely back it up. Reddit user u/blue14plus shared: “I unplugged it at 7am and by 8pm I was at 31% after pretty moderate to heavy use. My old SE 2 would’ve needed to be charged twice already.” Verified buyers on Best Buy echoed similar results, with one noting, “Battery lasts 5–10 times more than my old phone.”
On display quality, Apple touts the 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED as delivering “incredible contrast for bright whites and true blacks.” Multiple Best Buy reviewers rated display quality at 4.9/5, praising the vivid colors and sharpness. However, as Quora’s review points out, there’s “no ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate,” meaning animations aren’t as fluid as on Pro models — something most users only notice when switching from faster screens.
Apple’s IP68 water resistance claim also holds up. While no testers reported deliberate submersion, refurbished buyers frequently praised “perfect condition” units with no dust or liquid ingress issues, even after months of daily handling. That said, the Amazon spec page incorrectly lists “not water resistant” for the Renewed version, contradicting Apple’s own IP68 rating — a discrepancy worth noting.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Battery life is the star of the show here. For travelers and heavy mobile gamers, the oversized cell means less anxiety about carrying a charger. Back Market buyer Ashley M. reported, “Battery life on this phone is very good, lasts me entirely all day and I put it to charge at night at 20%... absolutely in love.”
The large OLED display is another crowd-pleaser. Best Buy customers repeatedly mention how it’s “perfect for watching videos and playing games,” while SmartCellular reviewers noted “camera quality sharp, phone performs beyond expectations every single day.” For those coming from smaller devices, the jump is transformative — one buyer who upgraded from an iPhone SE said, “This phone is big and has a really pretty color,” highlighting comfort and visibility gains.
Refurbished quality from reputable sellers like Apple Certified Refurbished, Back Market, and Best Buy earns strong trust. Verified buyers describe units as “indistinguishable from new,” with “no scratches, battery at 100%” even after shipping delays. The inclusion of a one-year warranty further reinforces confidence.
Common Complaints
Bulk and weight are recurring gripes. Quora’s review warns it’s “hard to use one-handed or fit in a pocket,” and several Best Buy users note it’s heavier than expected compared to the standard 14. For commuters or those with smaller hands, this can impact daily comfort.
A small subset of refurbished buyers encountered technical issues. A Reddit thread detailed a 14 Plus “shutting off while charging overnight,” while a Trustpilot reviewer said, “Bottom speakers not working… had to return.” These cases are rare but highlight the importance of warranty coverage.
The eSIM-only setup tripped up some upgraders. One Best Buy reviewer admitted, “The e-sim confused me for a few days… managed to set it up,” and Quora cautions that while most transitions will be smooth, some users may find it “painful.”
Divisive Features
The absence of Pro-exclusive features splits opinion. Some, like Reddit users debating Dynamic Island and Always-On Display, conclude “the big screen is the main reason why I got the Plus” and don’t miss the extras. Others feel the lack of 120Hz refresh or telephoto zoom makes it less future-proof.
Camera performance is generally praised, especially in low light thanks to Apple’s Photonic Engine, but pro photographers may prefer the triple-lens setup of 13 Pro or 14 Pro models. Best Buy buyer feedback shows casual users are satisfied: “Perfect camera and all around screen appearance… battery stay charged for a long period.”
Trust & Reliability
Refurbished buyers often approach with skepticism, but the 14 Plus earns high marks for reliability when sourced from trusted platforms. Back Market reviewers like Kathy G. reported, “Received quickly. In perfect condition. Looks exactly like a brand new iPhone.” Best Buy’s Trustpilot segment shows most phones “work perfectly fine” with “no imperfections.”
Long-term anecdotes from Reddit suggest durability holds up. One user planned to keep the phone “for about 3 years” after initial testing, citing confidence in performance and battery longevity. However, isolated defects — speaker failures, charging interruptions — reinforce the need for sellers offering robust return policies.
Alternatives
The iPhone 13 Pro is a strong alternative for those wanting a promotion display and telephoto lens. As Uptrade’s 2025 comparison notes, both phones share the A15 Bionic chip, but the 13 Pro’s extra GPU core boosts graphics performance. Battery life, however, tilts in favor of the 14 Plus, making it better for endurance-focused buyers.
The standard iPhone 14 offers similar performance in a more compact, lighter frame and at a lower refurbished price starting around $320. But it gives up the Plus’s expansive screen and longer battery life, which media consumers and travelers value.
Price & Value
In 2025, certified refurbished 14 Plus units start around $390, with “good” condition models dipping lower. eBay listings show used unlocked devices in the $429–$555 range depending on condition and storage. This represents a 50%+ drop from the $899 launch price, making it attractive for those wanting premium features without Pro pricing.
Resale values appear stable thanks to ongoing iOS support, with buyers confident they can use the device for 3–5 more years. Community advice leans toward purchasing from platforms with clear grading standards and warranties (Apple Refurbished, Back Market, Best Buy) to avoid cosmetic surprises or undisclosed defects.
FAQ
Q: How long does the refurbished iPhone 14 Plus battery really last?
A: Many users report two full days with moderate use, and some stretch to three. This outpaces Apple’s official “all-day” claim, making it ideal for travelers and heavy screen time.
Q: Is the iPhone 14 Plus waterproof?
A: Officially rated IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes). While marketing confirms water resistance, one Amazon spec listing incorrectly states “not water resistant” for the Renewed version.
Q: Does it support physical SIM cards?
A: No — it’s eSIM-only in most regions. Buyers migrating from physical SIMs should prepare for a digital activation process.
Q: Are refurbished units worth it?
A: Reports from Back Market, Apple Certified Refurbished, and Best Buy show like-new condition with warranties, making them a safe choice if bought from reputable sellers.
Q: What’s missing compared to Pro models?
A: No Dynamic Island, Always-On Display, 120Hz refresh rate, or telephoto lens. Most casual users won’t miss these, but enthusiasts might.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a heavy media consumer, traveler, or anyone needing maximum battery life and a big screen at a sub-$400 price. Avoid if one-handed use or Pro-exclusive features are priorities. Pro tip from the community: opt for “excellent” condition grades with warranty for peace of mind — they often look brand new.
