# Comparing the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max: A Detailed Look
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding the iPhone 14 Lineup
The iPhone 14 series introduces two notable large variants: the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. With Apple frequently changing its naming conventions, it’s easy to feel confused. However, there are distinct features that differentiate these models.
Image courtesy of author and Apple
Pricing and Target Audience
The cost of the iPhone 14 Plus is £949 in the UK, while the Pro Max demands an additional £250. But what advantages does this extra investment bring, and who should consider each model? Apple's use of the term 'Pro' often raises questions, especially regarding its relevance to smartphones, as it seems to imply a higher level of capability.
What Defines a 'Pro' Smartphone?
When comparing these devices, two main factors come into play: construction materials and camera capabilities. The Pro Max utilizes stainless steel, whereas the Plus opts for aluminum. Moreover, the Pro Max boasts an extra camera and a significantly larger image sensor.
Identical Features
Despite their differences, both the iPhone 14 Plus and Pro Max share several key features. They sport the same True Tone OLED display, protected by ceramic glass, and both support HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Additionally, they come equipped with Face ID, 5G support, IP68 water and dust resistance, and MagSafe functionality. Their sizes are nearly identical, with the Pro Max being only slightly heavier—an imperceptible difference for most users. Notably, both models still utilize the Lightning port for charging and operate on the same version of iOS.
Display Differences
The 6.7-inch display on both models, referred to as the Super Retina XDR Display, offers a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1. However, the Pro Max includes ProMotion technology, allowing its refresh rate to adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on usage, while the Plus is limited to 60Hz. This difference is significant in direct comparisons, although most users may not notice unless they are transitioning from a higher refresh rate device.
Always-On Display Features
The Pro Max also introduces an Always-on Display, allowing users to see the time, wallpaper, and widgets continuously. In terms of brightness, the iPhone 14 Plus has a typical brightness of 800 nits, while the Pro Max can reach up to 1,000 nits, with peak HDR brightness hitting 1,600 nits. Outdoors, the Pro Max shines even brighter at 2,000 nits, making it a more compelling option for display enthusiasts.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual 12MP camera setup, consisting of a 26mm main lens and an ultra-wide lens. In contrast, the Pro Max sports a 24mm main camera, an ultra-wide, and a telephoto lens, enhancing its versatility. The Pro Max's sensor captures significantly more light, resulting in superior low-light performance and more detailed images, especially when cropping.
Both phones offer 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision at 60fps. While the Pro Max includes ProRes video recording and macro shooting, the video quality remains impressive across both devices.
Performance Chips
The iPhone 14 Plus is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, while the Pro Max features the newer A16 Bionic. Although the A16 may show slight advantages in benchmarks, everyday performance will feel similar on both devices due to their optimized architectures.
Storage and Battery Life
Both phones start at 128GB, but the Pro Max can be configured with up to 1TB. This amount of storage may appeal to users who store extensive media or utilize ProRAW video capabilities. Battery life estimates suggest that the Pro Max will outperform the Plus by an hour or two, though both devices are expected to last significantly longer than a day without charging.
Dynamic Island Feature
One standout feature of the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the newly introduced Dynamic Island. This innovation cleverly repositions the notch and creates an interactive area on either side of the camera, displaying notifications, music, and navigation instructions in a visually engaging way. While it may not be the sole reason to upgrade, it adds a unique touch to the Pro Max experience.
Conclusion: Which iPhone Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max hinges on your budget and feature preferences. While they may seem similar at first glance, a deeper examination reveals a range of advanced features that set the Pro Max apart.
What will your decision be? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Before You Go
For more insights and updates, consider joining my behind-the-scenes mailing list. If you appreciate my writing, there's much more to discover on Medium, where I share exclusive content. Click here to join, and support my work!
The first video compares the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, helping you decide which model may be better for your needs.
The second video explores how much titanium is actually used in the iPhone 15 Pro, unveiling some interesting insights into its construction.