iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Plus: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be a tough decision, especially when Apple offers so many great options. The iPhone 14 lineup presents a compelling choice, but figuring out which model best suits your needs can be tricky. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
We’re pitting the powerhouse iPhone 14 Pro Max against the sleek iPhone 14 Plus. These two phones share the iPhone 14 family DNA, but they cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether you crave the ultimate features or prioritize value and battery life, this comparison is for you.
Get ready to explore the key differences, from display quality and camera capabilities to performance and price. We’ll break down the specs, highlight the strengths of each phone, and ultimately guide you toward the perfect iPhone for your lifestyle. Let’s see how the iPhone 14 Pro Max stacks up against the iPhone 14 Plus!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 14 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR with ProMotion | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A16 Bionic chip | A15 Bionic chip |
| Main Camera | 48MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Telephoto | 12MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 30 fps | 4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 30 fps |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 29 hours | Up to 26 hours |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Dynamic Island | Yes | No |
| Material | Surgical-grade stainless steel, Ceramic Shield front | Aluminum, Ceramic Shield front |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: Features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. It also boasts a higher peak brightness for better visibility in direct sunlight. However, the ProMotion can lead to slightly higher battery consumption.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Equipped with a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, similar in size to the Pro Max but without ProMotion. This means a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is still crisp and vibrant but not as fluid. The lack of ProMotion helps with battery life.
- Winner: Pro Max
Processor
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, offering significant performance gains in both CPU and GPU tasks, including demanding games and video editing. This chip provides improved efficiency and smoother overall performance.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Uses the A15 Bionic chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 13 Pro. It’s still a powerful chip, easily handling everyday tasks and most games, but it lags behind the A16 in raw processing power.
- Winner: Pro Max
Camera System
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: Features a more advanced camera system with a 48MP Main camera, enabling significantly improved low-light performance, detail capture, and ProRAW capabilities. It also includes improved telephoto lens options.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Includes a dual-camera system with a 12MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide lens. While capable of taking excellent photos, it lacks the 48MP sensor and the advanced features of the Pro Max.
- Winner: Pro Max
Dynamic Island
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: Features the Dynamic Island, a new design element that replaces the notch and provides interactive notifications and activity alerts, enhancing the user experience.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Retains the traditional notch design, lacking the interactive Dynamic Island feature.
- Winner: Pro Max
Battery Life
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: Offers excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with heavy use. However, the ProMotion display can impact battery life compared to the Plus.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Provides exceptional battery life, often surpassing the Pro Max in real-world usage due to the absence of ProMotion and a slightly larger battery capacity.
- Winner: Plus
Design and Build
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: Features a premium design with stainless steel edges and the Ceramic Shield front cover.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Features an aluminum design with the Ceramic Shield front cover.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: The most expensive iPhone 14 model.
- iPhone 14 Plus: The more affordable of the two.
- Winner: Plus
Video Recording
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: Offers advanced video recording capabilities, including cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, and ProRes video recording.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Offers cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, but lacks ProRes video recording capabilities.
- Winner: Pro Max
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Technology | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
| Processor | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
| Main Camera | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
| Battery Life | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
| Features | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
| Value | iPhone 14 Plus |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both phones share a spacious 6.7-inch display, providing ample screen real estate for media consumption and productivity.
- 5g Connectivity: Both models support 5G, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds wherever you have a 5G connection.
- Front Camera: Both phones feature the same 12MP TrueDepth front camera, offering high-quality selfies and video calls.
- Video Recording: Both phones can record in 4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 30 fps, capturing stunningly detailed and vibrant videos.
- Durability: Both devices feature Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to be more durable than other smartphone glass.
iPhone 14 Pro Max Vs iPhone 14 Plus Buying Guide
Performance & Processor
The iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts the A16 Bionic chip, a powerhouse designed for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. This translates to smoother performance and faster app loading times compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, which features the A15 Bionic. While the A15 is still a capable chip, the performance difference is noticeable during intensive usage. The Pro Max’s advanced processing capabilities provide a superior user experience for power users who require top-tier speed and responsiveness. Consider your daily usage and the types of apps you frequently use to determine which processor best suits your needs.
Display & Design
The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a larger, more advanced display. It boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for incredibly fluid scrolling and animations. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display but lacks ProMotion. The Pro Max also features the Dynamic Island, a unique and interactive design element. The Pro Max features a more premium design with surgical-grade stainless steel, while the Plus has an aluminum design, which is still durable.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 14 Pro Max takes the lead with its significantly upgraded camera system. It has a 48MP Main camera, offering incredible detail and low-light performance. It also includes advanced features like ProRAW and cinematic mode improvements. The iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system, which is still capable of taking excellent photos and videos, but it doesn’t match the Pro Max’s versatility and image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. If photography is a priority, the Pro Max offers a more comprehensive and professional-grade experience.
Battery Life & Charging
Both phones offer excellent battery life, but the iPhone 14 Plus generally has a slight edge due to its more efficient processor and less power-hungry display. The Pro Max, with its larger display and more advanced features, still provides all-day battery life for most users. Charging speeds are similar for both models, supporting fast charging. Consider your typical usage patterns and whether you prioritize longer battery life or prefer the other features offered by the Pro Max. Both phones support wireless charging.
Price & Value
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the more expensive of the two. While the iPhone 14 Plus offers excellent value, the Pro Max justifies its higher price tag with its superior performance, camera system, and advanced display. Evaluate your budget and consider whether the additional features of the Pro Max are worth the extra cost. The iPhone 14 Plus provides a great balance of features and price, making it a compelling option for many users. Carefully analyze your budget and the features you need.
Storage & Features
Both phones offer various storage options. The Pro Max offers up to 1TB of storage, catering to users who need a lot of space for photos, videos, and other files. The iPhone 14 Plus offers storage options up to 512GB. Both phones support the latest connectivity standards, including 5G. They also feature the same software experience with iOS, offering access to the latest features and updates. Consider your storage needs and the features that matter most to you.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 14 Pro Max If…
- You prioritize the absolute best performance and features Apple offers.
- You want the most advanced camera system for professional-quality photos and videos.
- You want the Dynamic Island feature.
- You need the longest battery life of any iPhone.
Buy iPhone 14 Plus If…
- You want a large-screen iPhone without the premium price of the Pro models.
- You value excellent battery life at a more affordable price point.
- You are satisfied with a great camera system, but don’t need the most advanced features.
- You prefer a lighter phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Plus?
The primary difference lies in the camera system, processor, and display technology. The Pro Max has a more advanced camera with a 48MP main sensor, the A16 Bionic chip, and a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera system, the A15 Bionic chip, and a standard 60Hz display. The Pro Max offers a more premium experience.
Does the iPhone 14 Pro Max have better performance?
Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has superior performance thanks to its A16 Bionic chip. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding applications and games. The A15 Bionic in the Plus is still powerful, but the Pro Max offers a noticeable advantage in speed and responsiveness.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a significantly better camera system. Its 48MP main sensor captures more detail and offers improved low-light performance compared to the iPhone 14 Plus. The Pro Max also includes advanced features like ProRAW and cinematic mode improvements, providing greater creative control.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 14 Plus generally offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient processor and display. However, the iPhone 14 Pro Max still provides excellent all-day battery life for most users. Battery life will vary depending on usage patterns, but both phones are designed to last throughout the day.
Does the Pro Max have a better display?
Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a more advanced display featuring ProMotion technology with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This results in smoother scrolling and animations compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, which has a standard 60Hz display. The Pro Max’s display also incorporates the Dynamic Island.
Is the iPhone 14 Pro Max worth the extra cost?
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is worth the extra cost if you prioritize top-tier performance, a professional-grade camera system, and a more advanced display. If budget is a major concern, the iPhone 14 Plus offers excellent value with many of the same core features. Consider your individual needs and budget.
Are the storage options the same for both phones?
No, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers more storage options, with configurations up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs. The iPhone 14 Plus offers storage options up to 512GB. Both phones provide ample storage, but the Pro Max provides more flexibility for users with large media libraries.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 14 Pro Max distinguishes itself with its advanced camera system, superior performance, and cutting-edge display technology. While the iPhone 14 Plus offers excellent value with its impressive battery life and a large, vibrant screen, the Pro Max caters to users who demand the best in every aspect of their mobile experience, justifying its premium price.
Winner: iPhone 14 Pro Max