You're standing in the store, or maybe you're just staring at two browser tabs, and honestly, they look identical. Apple has this way of making phones that feel like carbon copies of the previous year. You might be wondering if you can just slap your old case on the new model and call it a day. It’s a fair question.
Basically, the answer is a "kinda, but not really" situation.
If you just look at the screen, yeah, they both rock that 6.1-inch display. But once you get into the actual millimeters and the way the edges curve, the "is the iphone 14 and 15 the same size" debate gets a lot more complicated.
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The Numbers Nobody Tells You
On paper, the iPhone 15 is actually a tiny bit taller than the iPhone 14. We’re talking about 147.6 mm for the 15 versus 146.7 mm for the 14. Does that matter when it’s in your pocket? Not at all. You won't feel that extra 0.9 mm.
But your case will.
The width is almost a mirror image—71.6 mm on the 15 and 71.5 mm on the 14. Again, it’s a hair’s breadth of difference. They both share a depth of 7.8 mm, so they aren't getting any thicker, which is a relief for anyone who hates a bulky phone.
Weight is where things get interesting. The iPhone 15 is actually lighter by a single gram. It clocks in at 171 grams, while the iPhone 14 is 172 grams. You'd need a scale used for jewelry to really notice that.
Quick Size Breakdown
- iPhone 14 Height: 146.7 mm (5.78 inches)
- iPhone 15 Height: 147.6 mm (5.81 inches)
- iPhone 14 Width: 71.5 mm
- iPhone 15 Width: 71.6 mm
- Weight: 172g vs 171g
Why Your Old Case Probably Won't Fit
This is the part that usually frustrates people. Even though the dimensions are nearly the same, the iPhone 15 introduced contoured edges. The iPhone 14 has those very sharp, flat aluminum sides that we’ve seen since the iPhone 12.
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The 15 softens those edges. It feels much nicer in the hand—less like it’s trying to cut into your palm—but it means the rigid plastic of an iPhone 14 case won't hug the new frame correctly.
Then there’s the port situation.
As you probably know, the iPhone 15 finally ditched Lightning for USB-C. The cutout at the bottom of an iPhone 14 case is designed for that slim Lightning pill. USB-C cables are often chunkier at the head. Even if you forced the phone into the old case, you might find yourself unable to actually plug it in without taking the case off. That’s a total dealbreaker.
The Screen: Same Size, Different Vibe
While the physical footprint is a game of millimeters, the display experience is a massive shift. Both are 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLEDs. However, the iPhone 15 officially killed the "notch" for the base model.
The iPhone 14 still has that classic black tab at the top. The iPhone 15 uses the Dynamic Island.
Because the Dynamic Island changes the way the software interacts with the top of the glass, the screen resolution is slightly different too. The 15 runs at 2556 x 1179 pixels, while the 14 is 2532 x 1170. It’s not enough to make the 15 look "sharper," but it confirms these aren't the exact same panels being reused.
Brightness is the real winner here. If you’ve ever squinted at your iPhone 14 in direct sunlight, you'll appreciate that the iPhone 15 can hit 2,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. The 14 maxes out at 1,200 nits. It’s a night-and-day difference when you're outside.
What About the Plus Models?
If you like 'em big, the iPhone 14 Plus and 15 Plus follow the same annoying rules. They both have 6.7-inch screens.
The iPhone 15 Plus is 160.9 mm tall.
The iPhone 14 Plus is 160.8 mm.
It’s the same story: tiny height increase, slightly narrower body by 0.3 mm, and a few grams lighter. And just like the smaller siblings, the button placement and the move to USB-C mean you’re buying a new case regardless.
Real World Usage: Does the Size Change Anything?
Honestly? No.
If you can fit an iPhone 14 in your favorite gym leggings or that specific pocket in your backpack, the iPhone 15 will fit exactly the same. The ergonomics are the only thing that changed. The rounded "chamfered" edges of the 15 make it feel smaller than it actually is.
When I held them side by side, the 14 felt a bit more industrial and "grippy" because of those flat sides. The 15 feels more premium, almost like a piece of sea glass that’s been smoothed over. It’s a subtle shift, but if you’re someone who uses their phone without a case, you’ll notice the 15 is way more comfortable for long scrolling sessions.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Upgrade
If you're currently deciding between these two or wondering about accessories, keep these points in mind:
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- Don't buy iPhone 14 cases for a 15. Even if a listing says they are compatible, the button alignment and USB-C port clearance will likely be off.
- Check your cables. Since the size is basically the same, you might forget that your charging setup needs to change. If you have Lightning docks or car chargers, those won't work with the 15.
- Screen Protectors might work. Some high-quality screen protectors for the 14 can fit the 15 because the flat part of the glass is so similar, but because the 15 has slightly curved edges (2.5D glass), you might get "halo" bubbling around the perimeter. It’s better to get one specifically rated for the 15.
- Consider the "Pro" size trap. Just a heads up—the iPhone 15 Pro is actually smaller than the base iPhone 15 because the bezels are thinner. If you want the smallest 6.1-inch phone Apple makes, it’s actually the Pro, not the standard 15.
The bottom line is that while the iPhone 14 and 15 are roughly the same size in terms of the space they occupy in the world, they are physically distinct enough that they aren't interchangeable. If you're moving from a 14 to a 15, expect to refresh your accessory drawer.