iPhone 14 Battery Life: What's Good, What's Not? (2025 Guide)

"The battery is at 88%—is that good or bad?" It's the most common question I get from Perth buyers looking at refurbished iPhones. And honestly? The answer isn't as simple as "higher is better."

After testing hundreds of iPhone 14 batteries over the past year, I've learned that battery health percentages tell you something important—but not the whole story. Here's what you actually need to know about iPhone 14 battery life in 2025, and how to figure out if that "88%" or "82%" is worth your money.

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First: What Does Battery Health Actually Mean?

When you see "88% battery health" in iOS Settings, that number represents maximum capacity—how much charge the battery can hold compared to when it was brand new.

Think of it like a fuel tank. A new iPhone 14 has a "full tank" that holds 100 units of energy. A phone with 88% battery health has a tank that only holds 88 units. It still charges to 100%, but that "100%" represents less total energy than it used to.

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The iPhone 14 Battery Life Breakdown

Here's what different battery health percentages actually feel like in real-world use for an iPhone 14:

95-100% Battery Health: "Like New"

What to expect:

• Full day of heavy use (browsing, social media, photos, streaming)
• Easily makes it through a workday with 30-40% remaining
• Can go 1.5-2 days with light use

The reality: This is rare in the refurbished market. Most iPhone 14s from 2022-2023 have already dropped below 95% due to normal charge cycles. If you find one in this range, expect to pay a premium—but it's worth it if you need maximum battery life.

90-94% Battery Health: "Excellent Condition"

What to expect:

• Full day of moderate-to-heavy use
• Might need a quick top-up in the evening if you're a power user
• Still very reliable for daily use

The reality: This is the sweet spot for refurbished iPhone 14s. The phone feels nearly new, battery degradation is minimal, and you're getting great value without paying "like new" prices.

85-89% Battery Health: "Good Condition" (Oloop's Minimum)

What to expect:

• Full workday with moderate use (calls, messages, light browsing)
• Heavy users might need a midday charge
• Still reliable, just not marathon-level battery life

The reality: This is where most 1-2 year old iPhone 14s naturally land. At Oloop, we don't sell anything below 85% because this is the threshold where battery performance is still good enough for daily use without constant charging anxiety. Below 85%, you start noticing the degradation affecting your routine.

80-84% Battery Health: "Usable, But Declining"

What to expect:

• Half-day battery life with moderate use
• You'll likely need a charger by late afternoon
• Power users will be charging 2-3 times a day

The reality: This is where Apple recommends battery replacement. While the phone still works, you're in "battery anxiety" territory—always thinking about the next charge. If you see a phone in this range, factor in the cost of a battery replacement (~$120-150 AUD) before buying.

Below 80% Battery Health: "Needs Replacement"

What to expect:

• Significant battery drain, even on standby
• Unexpected shutdowns, especially in cold weather
• You'll be tethered to a charger most of the day

The reality: Don't buy a phone at this level unless you're planning to replace the battery immediately. Some sellers will try to offload these phones cheap—but once you add battery replacement costs, you're not saving money.

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But Wait—iOS Settings Can Lie

Here's something most Perth buyers don't know: iOS Settings battery health readings aren't always accurate.

I've tested phones where iOS said "92% battery health," but professional diagnostic tools revealed the real capacity was 85%. Why? Because:

• iOS relies on self-reported data from the battery management chip
• Some aftermarket batteries report false data to iOS
• The reading can be temporarily inflated after a full charge/discharge cycle
• iOS doesn't account for internal resistance—which affects real-world performance

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What About Cycle Count?

Battery health percentage tells you how much capacity remains. Cycle count tells you how much the battery has been used.

One "cycle" = charging from 0% to 100%. But it doesn't have to happen all at once. Charging from 50% to 100% twice also counts as one cycle.

General guidelines for iPhone 14:

• 0-300 cycles: Battery should still be 90%+ health
• 300-500 cycles: Expect 85-90% health (normal wear)
• 500-800 cycles: Usually 80-85% health (approaching replacement)
• 800+ cycles: Below 80% health (time for a new battery)

Here's the thing: cycle count matters less than how the battery was treated. A phone with 400 cycles that was always charged properly can outperform a phone with 250 cycles that was left in a hot car or constantly fast-charged to 100%.

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Should You Pay More for Higher Battery Health?

The short answer: it depends on how you use your phone.

If you're a heavy user (lots of screen time, streaming, gaming, work calls):

• ✅ Pay extra for 90%+ battery health
• ✅ You'll notice and appreciate the difference
• ✅ Worth the investment to avoid midday charging

If you're a moderate user (calls, messages, light social media, WiFi most of the day):

• ✅ 85-89% battery health is perfect
• ✅ You'll get through a full day comfortably
• ✅ Better value for money

If you're always near a charger (desk job, car charger, power bank):

• ✅ Even 82-84% can work fine
• ✅ Significant savings on purchase price
• ⚠️ But expect to replace battery within 6-12 months

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Red Flags: When Battery Numbers Don't Add Up

Watch out for these warning signs when buying a used iPhone 14:

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The Bottom Line: What's Actually "Good Enough"?

For most Perth buyers looking at refurbished iPhone 14s in 2025, here's my honest recommendation:

• Don't obsess over getting 95%+ battery health unless you're a power user. You'll pay a premium for marginal gains.
• 85-90% is the sweet spot for value and usability. It's where most well-maintained iPhone 14s naturally land after 1-2 years.
• Below 85% requires careful consideration. Factor in battery replacement costs before buying.
• Always verify with professional tools. iOS Settings alone isn't enough.

That's why at Oloop, we set our minimum at 85%—not because lower is "bad," but because that's where the balance between affordability and real-world usability makes sense for most people. Every phone we sell includes verified battery data in its TrueReport™, so you know exactly what you're getting before you buy.

Written by Jason, Founder of Oloop | Based in Perth, WA | 4+ years iPhone repair & inspection experience