You’ve seen the photos. You’ve held them in the store. Side-by-side, the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 15 look like twins that share the same DNA, the same flat edges, and that unmistakable Apple silhouette. But if you’re trying to swap a case between them or wondering if the new one will feel "bigger" in your pocket, the answer isn't a simple yes.
Technically, the iPhone 14 and 15 the same size in the way we usually talk about phones—they both have 6.1-inch screens. But Apple is a company of millimeters.
If you look at the spec sheets from the 2023 launch, the iPhone 15 actually grew a tiny bit. It stands 147.6mm tall. The iPhone 14? That one is 146.7mm. We are talking about a difference of 0.9 millimeters. That is less than the thickness of a credit card. Honestly, you won't feel that height difference in your hand, but your old case definitely will.
The Millimeter War: iPhone 14 and 15 the Same Size on Paper?
When people ask if the iPhone 14 and 15 are the same size, they are usually looking for a reason to save $50 on an old silicone case. Don't do it.
The iPhone 15 is 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm.
The iPhone 14 is 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm.
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The width and thickness are almost identical, but that extra hair of height on the 15 makes it a nightmare for precision-molded cases. Also, the iPhone 15 moved to a USB-C port. The cutout on an iPhone 14 case is designed for a Lightning cable, which is narrower. If you try to force a 15 into a 14 case, the bottom probably won't snap on right, and you'll end up scratching that pretty new color-infused glass.
Why the 15 Feels Different Anyway
Dimensions are just numbers. The real secret to why the iPhone 15 feels "smaller" or "nicer" to hold is the edges. Apple switched from the sharp, "dig-into-your-palm" squared edges of the 14 to a slightly contoured, rounded chamfer on the 15.
It makes a huge difference.
The iPhone 14 feels like a slab of metal. The iPhone 15 feels like a smooth stone. Plus, the 15 is actually one gram lighter (171g vs 172g). Nobody is going to notice one gram, but combined with those curved edges, the ergonomics are way better on the newer model.
The Screen Situation
Both phones use a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. But the "size" of the usable screen changes because of the notch. On the iPhone 14, you have that classic black rectangle hanging from the top.
The iPhone 15 killed the notch.
Instead, you get the Dynamic Island. Because the Island sits slightly lower than the old notch, the pixel layout is actually different. The iPhone 15 has a resolution of 2556 x 1179. The 14 is 2532 x 1170. It’s a tiny bump in resolution to account for how the software wraps around that pill-shaped cutout. If you’re a stickler for screen real estate, the 15 technically gives you more "active" area, even if the glass rectangle is the same size.
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Pro and Plus Variations
If you’re looking at the bigger siblings, the story stays the same. The iPhone 14 Plus and 15 Plus are both massive 6.7-inch phones.
- iPhone 14 Plus: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.80 mm
- iPhone 15 Plus: 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm
The 15 Plus actually got a tiny bit narrower. It's easier to wrap your hand around. But again, these are tiny changes that mostly affect accessory compatibility.
The Case Compatibility Verdict
Basically, the answer is no. You cannot use an iPhone 14 case on an iPhone 15.
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- Button Placement: Apple shifted the volume and power buttons by fractions of a millimeter.
- The USB-C Port: The wider opening on the 15 won't align with Lightning-sized holes.
- The Mute Switch: On the Pro models, this is even more extreme because the 15 Pro has an Action Button instead of a toggle.
If you’re upgrading, budget for a new case. It’s annoying, but that’s the "Apple Tax" on design refinements.
What You Should Do Next
If you are currently deciding between these two because of the size, ignore the dimensions. They are effectively the same in your pocket. Instead, look at the screen brightness. The iPhone 15 hits 2,000 nits of peak brightness outdoors. The 14 only hits 1,200. If you spend a lot of time outside, that "size" difference is irrelevant compared to actually being able to see your maps in the sun.
Actionable Steps:
- Check your charging cables: If you go with the 15, you'll need to swap your old Lightning cords for USB-C.
- Don't buy "Universal" cases: Any listing claiming to fit both the 14 and 15 is lying or will fit poorly. Buy a model-specific case.
- Compare the "In-Hand" feel: If you have small hands, go to a store and hold the 15. Those rounded edges make it feel significantly more manageable than the 14, even if the height is technically greater.