iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 Pro Max • Unlocked

iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked
iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$288.32

Versus $729.00 new

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iPhone 14 Pro Max • Unlocked
iPhone 14 Pro Max • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$410.63

Versus $1,099.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max, both released in 2022, offer expansive screen experiences within Apple's smartphone lineup. While they share a similar large display size, the iPhone 14 Pro Max distinguishes itself with more advanced display technology, a versatile camera system, and a more powerful internal processor. The iPhone 14 Plus, on the other hand, provides a large screen and robust performance for everyday tasks. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max benefit from Apple's consistent software support. As models released in 2022, they are expected to receive iOS updates for a similar duration, typically around five to six years from their launch date, contributing to a comparable practical lifespan.

  • Software Support: Both models are anticipated to receive regular iOS updates for several years, ensuring access to new features and security enhancements for an extended period.
  • Physical Durability: Each device features a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, offering protection against common environmental factors.
  • Repairability Considerations: While the iPhone 14 (non-Pro) models initially showed some improvements in repairability due to easier access to internal components, the Pro Max models maintain a similar repair complexity to previous Pro generations.

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 different user demands, primarily due to their internal processing units. Both devices are equipped with 6GB of RAM, facilitating smooth multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 14 Plus utilizes a capable processor that handles everyday applications, web browsing, and most mobile games with ease, providing a responsive user experience. The iPhone 14 Pro Max incorporates a more advanced processor, delivering faster performance for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex computational tasks, including advanced camera algorithms.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer various storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The iPhone 14 Pro Max further extends this with an additional 1TB option, catering to users with extensive storage needs for photos, videos, and applications.
  • Battery Endurance: Both phones offer substantial battery life, capable of lasting through a full day of typical use. The iPhone 14 Pro Max generally provides a longer battery duration, making it suitable for users who require extended power without frequent recharging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max feature large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, there are notable differences in their display technologies that impact the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 14 Pro Max incorporates ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate that can scale up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content. The iPhone 14 Plus features a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Clarity: While both displays offer excellent clarity, the iPhone 14 Pro Max achieves higher peak brightness levels, especially in outdoor conditions, making content more visible under direct sunlight. It also includes an Always-On Display feature.
  • Design Elements: The iPhone 14 Pro Max introduces the Dynamic Island, an interactive area that replaces the traditional notch, providing dynamic alerts and activities. The iPhone 14 Plus retains the notch design.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max offer distinct capabilities, catering to different levels of photography and videography enthusiasts. Both models include an improved front camera with autofocus and the Photonic Engine for enhanced low-light performance.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, delivering clear and detailed photos for everyday situations. The iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a more advanced triple-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering greater versatility and detail capture.
  • Advanced Photography Features: The Pro Max model provides professional-grade features such as Apple ProRAW for greater editing flexibility and ProRes video recording for high-quality video production. It also includes a LiDAR scanner for improved depth sensing and faster autofocus in low light, enabling features like Night mode portraits and macro photography.
  • Video Capabilities and Audio: Both devices support Cinematic mode for video with shallow depth of field and Action mode for smooth, stabilized handheld footage. Both phones also feature stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core features, the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max present several practical differences in connectivity, physical design, and additional functionalities.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. For wired connections, both devices utilize the Lightning port.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 14 Plus features an aluminum frame, contributing to its lighter weight of approximately 203 grams. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, with its stainless steel frame and more advanced components, is heavier at around 240 grams. Both share similar overall dimensions, offering a large form factor.
  • Additional Features: Both devices include essential safety features like Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection. The iPhone 14 Pro Max also integrates a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves low-light autofocus.

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

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback for the iPhone 14 Plus often highlights its appeal for those seeking a large display and excellent battery life without the additional features of the Pro models. Many users appreciate its lighter build compared to the Pro Max, making it more comfortable for extended handling. Common praise points include its solid performance for everyday tasks and media consumption. Some users, however, note the 60Hz display as a potential drawback when compared to the smoother experience offered by higher refresh rate screens.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max consistently receives acclaim for its exceptional camera system, particularly its versatility and advanced features like ProRAW and optical zoom. Users frequently commend its ProMotion display for its fluidity and the innovative Dynamic Island for its interactive capabilities. The device's outstanding battery life is also a recurring positive, often cited as a key differentiator. Some criticisms revolve around its substantial weight and larger size, which can be a factor for users preferring a lighter device.

Choosing between these two devices ultimately depends on individual priorities. Users prioritizing a large screen, strong all-day battery performance, and reliable operation for general smartphone use, while preferring a lighter device, may find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who place a high value on professional-grade photography and videography capabilities, the smoothest possible display experience, the longest possible battery life, and cutting-edge interactive features like the Dynamic Island, will likely lean towards the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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