iPhone 11 Pro Max • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 Pro Max • Locked T-Mobile

iPhone 11 Pro Max • Unlocked
iPhone 11 Pro Max • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$214.00

Versus $849.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Pro Max • Locked T-Mobile
iPhone 14 Pro Max • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$413.00

Versus $1,099.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released in September 2019, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max, launched in September 2022, represent different generations of Apple's large-screen professional-grade smartphones. While both devices offer a premium iOS experience, the iPhone 14 Pro Max introduces significant advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and processing power. Both models operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent user interface, though the newer model benefits from more recent software features and extended update support.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan and software support differ between these two models due to their respective release dates.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 Pro Max debuted in September 2019 and was discontinued in October 2020. The iPhone 14 Pro Max was released in September 2022. This three-year difference in launch dates means the iPhone 14 Pro Max will receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 11 Pro Max launched with iOS 13 and supports upgrades up to iOS 18.1, ensuring continued functionality with modern applications. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, starting with iOS 16, is expected to receive updates for several more years beyond its predecessor, offering a longer period of access to the latest features and security enhancements.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature a stainless steel frame and glass construction. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has an IP68 rating for water resistance, allowing submersion up to 4 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 14 Pro Max enhances this with a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased drop protection and an improved IP68 rating, supporting submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Release Year

2019

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key area of distinction, with the newer model offering substantial upgrades for demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 11 Pro Max, powered by its A13 Bionic chip, delivers smooth performance for everyday applications and multitasking. It handles graphics-intensive applications and high-intensity tasks effectively for its generation. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a more advanced processor, providing a noticeable increase in speed and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading, smoother transitions, and enhanced capabilities for complex computations, such as advanced photography and video editing.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 11 Pro Max comes with 4GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking for typical user needs. The iPhone 14 Pro Max includes 6GB of RAM, allowing for more applications to run simultaneously in the background and providing a more fluid experience when switching between demanding apps.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 11 Pro Max was noted for its excellent battery life at the time of its release, often lasting a full day or more for many users. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, despite a slightly smaller battery capacity than its direct predecessor, demonstrates improved endurance in real-world usage, often providing extended usage times even with its more advanced display features.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display technology and features have evolved considerably between these two generations, impacting the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2688 by 1242 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 458 ppi. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2796 by 1290 pixels and a pixel density of 460 ppi. Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The iPhone 11 Pro Max provides a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, offering good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 14 Pro Max significantly increases brightness, with a typical maximum of 1000 nits, a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, and an outdoor peak brightness of 2000 nits, enhancing readability in bright sunlight.
  • Advanced Display Features: The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 14 Pro Max introduces ProMotion technology, offering adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. It also features an Always-On display and the Dynamic Island, which replaces the traditional notch and provides an interactive area for alerts and background activities.

Resolution

1242 x 2688

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are capable, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max brings substantial advancements in imaging technology.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a triple 12MP camera system, including Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses, offering 2x optical zoom in and out. It introduced Night mode for improved low-light photography and Deep Fusion for enhanced detail. The iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a more advanced Pro camera system with a 48MP Main sensor, a 12MP Ultra Wide, and two 12MP Telephoto lenses (2x and 3x optical zoom), providing a 6x optical zoom range. The larger main sensor allows for more detailed images and improved low-light performance.
  • Photography Features: Both models include Portrait mode with Depth Control and Smart HDR. The iPhone 14 Pro Max further enhances image processing with the Photonic Engine, which improves mid-to-low light performance across all cameras. It also supports Apple ProRAW for professional-grade photo editing.
  • Video Capabilities: Both devices record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with cinematic video stabilization. The iPhone 14 Pro Max introduces Cinematic mode, which can record in 4K HDR at 30 frames per second, and Action mode for smoother handheld video capture. It also supports ProRes video recording for higher quality video files.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two iPhone models.

  • Connectivity: The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports Gigabit-class LTE and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), along with Bluetooth 5.0. The iPhone 14 Pro Max upgrades to 5G cellular connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds in supported areas, and features Bluetooth 5.3 for improved wireless accessory connections. Both support Wi-Fi 6.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both models utilize the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. They both include Face ID for secure authentication. The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced the U1 Ultra Wideband chip for spatial awareness. The iPhone 14 Pro Max continues with the U1 chip and integrates additional sensors for features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite (in supported regions).
  • Physical Attributes: The iPhone 11 Pro Max weighs 226 grams and measures 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is slightly heavier at 240 grams and has dimensions of 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm. The newer model features a Ceramic Shield front cover, offering enhanced durability compared to the glass on the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Weight

8 oz

8 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.5

6.7

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max cater to users with varying priorities, reflecting the advancements in smartphone technology over several years. Users often praise the iPhone 11 Pro Max for its robust build, reliable performance, and particularly its impressive battery life for its generation. Some common criticisms for the 11 Pro Max, in retrospect, might include its 60Hz display refresh rate and the absence of 5G connectivity, which became standard in later models.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max, on the other hand, receives acclaim for its innovative Dynamic Island interface, the highly capable 48MP main camera with advanced computational photography, and its exceptionally bright ProMotion display. Its extended battery life is also a frequently highlighted positive. Some users might find its increased weight and thickness compared to older models a minor point of consideration.

Users prioritizing a device with the latest display technology, including a high refresh rate and the Dynamic Island, along with cutting-edge camera capabilities and 5G connectivity, will find the iPhone 14 Pro Max well-suited to their needs. Its superior processing power also makes it ideal for demanding applications and future-proofing. Conversely, users who value a slightly more compact and lighter device, while still seeking a large display and a capable camera system for everyday use, may find the iPhone 11 Pro Max to be a practical choice. Both devices offer a quality experience within the Apple ecosystem, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be a sustainable choice for either model.

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