iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone 14 Pro Max • Locked T-Mobile

iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$344.23

Versus $699.00 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 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max, both released in 2022, represent different tiers within Apple's smartphone lineup. While they share the same large display size and operate on the iOS platform, the Pro Max model introduces several advanced features in its camera system, display technology, and processing power that distinguish it from the Plus variant.

Scores

Durability

Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max were launched in 2022, with the iPhone 14 Plus becoming available in October and the iPhone 14 Pro Max in September. As Apple devices, both models are expected to receive consistent iOS updates for approximately 5 to 6 years from their release, ensuring a similar software longevity.

  • Build Materials: The iPhone 14 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front, a glass back, and an aluminum frame, offering a balance of durability and a lighter feel. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, on the other hand, incorporates a Ceramic Shield front, a glass back, and a more robust stainless steel frame, contributing to its premium construction.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: Both devices carry an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to dust and water immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, providing a good level of protection against everyday spills and splashes.
  • Expected Lifespan: Given their identical release year and Apple's consistent software support, both models offer a comparable practical lifespan in terms of receiving critical updates and maintaining compatibility with new applications.

Release Year

2022

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max cater to slightly different user demands, primarily due to their internal components.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a powerful chip that was previously featured in the prior year's Pro models, providing smooth and responsive performance for daily tasks, applications, and most games. The iPhone 14 Pro Max integrates a newer, more advanced chip, which delivers enhanced speed and efficiency, particularly noticeable in demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphically rich gaming.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both phones come with 6GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking. However, the iPhone 14 Pro Max utilizes a faster type of RAM, which can contribute to a slightly more fluid experience when switching between numerous applications or handling very large files.
  • Storage Options: Both models are available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of internal storage. The iPhone 14 Pro Max additionally offers a 1TB storage option, catering to users with extensive storage needs for photos, videos, and large applications.
  • Battery Behavior: In typical usage scenarios, the iPhone 14 Pro Max generally provides a longer battery life compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, making it suitable for heavy users who require extended periods away from a charger.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature large, immersive displays, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers several enhancements that elevate the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max feature a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The resolution is very similar, with the Plus at 2778 x 1284 pixels (458 ppi) and the Pro Max at 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi), meaning clarity is excellent on both.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a maximum typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone 14 Pro Max surpasses this with a typical brightness of 1000 nits, a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, and an impressive peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, making it significantly more visible in bright sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key difference lies in the refresh rate. The iPhone 14 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, however, features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive experience, especially during gaming or fast-paced content.
  • Display Cutout: The iPhone 14 Plus retains the traditional notch at the top of the display. The iPhone 14 Pro Max replaces this with the Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout that dynamically expands and contracts to display alerts, notifications, and ongoing background activities.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a significant point of differentiation, with the iPhone 14 Pro Max offering a more versatile and advanced setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP Main camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera. The iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a triple-camera system, including a 48MP Main camera, a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, and a 12MP Telephoto lens, along with a LiDAR Scanner.
  • Main Camera Capabilities: The 48MP Main camera on the iPhone 14 Pro Max utilizes pixel binning to capture highly detailed 12MP photos, and can also shoot in full 48MP ProRAW for professional-grade editing. This larger sensor generally results in better low-light performance and finer detail capture compared to the 12MP Main camera on the iPhone 14 Plus.
  • Zoom and Versatility: The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens, enabling clear zoomed-in shots without digital degradation. The iPhone 14 Plus relies solely on digital zoom, which can result in a loss of detail at higher magnifications. The Pro Max also includes macro photography capabilities and Night mode portraits, features not present on the Plus.
  • Video Recording: Both models support advanced video features like Cinematic mode for shallow depth-of-field effects and Action mode for smooth, stabilized handheld footage. The iPhone 14 Pro Max further enhances video capabilities with ProRes video recording, offering higher fidelity and more control for professional videographers.
  • Front Camera: Both devices feature a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, delivering sharp selfies and improved video call quality.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements differentiate these two large-screen iPhones.

  • Connectivity: Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless communication.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both models utilize the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. For secure authentication, both rely on Face ID. The iPhone 14 Pro Max also includes a LiDAR Scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves autofocus in low-light photography.
  • Safety Features: Both devices incorporate advanced safety features such as Crash Detection, which can automatically alert emergency services in the event of a severe car crash, and Emergency SOS via Satellite, allowing users to send messages to emergency services when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 14 Plus measures 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8mm and weighs 203 grams. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is slightly larger and heavier at 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9mm and 240 grams, primarily due to its more advanced camera system and stainless steel frame. The lighter weight of the Plus model can make it more comfortable for extended one-handed use.

Weight

7 oz

8 oz

Width

3.07 in

3.05 in

Height

6.33 in

6.33 in

Depth

0.31 in

0.31 in

Screen size (inches)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

T-Mobile

T-Mobile

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

Choosing between the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max largely depends on individual priorities and usage patterns. User feedback often highlights the iPhone 14 Plus as an excellent option for those seeking a large display and strong battery life without the need for the most advanced features. Many users appreciate its lighter build for a large phone and its capable performance for everyday tasks.

Conversely, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is frequently praised for its superior camera system, particularly the 48MP main sensor and telephoto lens, as well as its ProMotion display with a smoother refresh rate and higher peak brightness. Its more powerful processor also appeals to users who engage in demanding applications or mobile gaming. Criticisms for the Pro Max sometimes revolve around its heavier weight compared to the Plus model.

Users prioritizing a large screen, reliable all-day battery life, and solid performance for general use, media consumption, and casual photography will find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. It offers a premium experience without some of the Pro-level enhancements. On the other hand, users who demand the absolute best in mobile photography and videography, desire the most fluid display experience, require top-tier processing power for intensive tasks, and prefer a more robust build will likely lean towards the iPhone 14 Pro Max. This model caters to those who want the most advanced features Apple offers in a smartphone.

For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to acquiring these devices.

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