When deciding between the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max, it’s essential to consider each model’s specific features and benefits. The iPhone 14 Pro Max stands out for its larger size and enhanced computing capabilities, alongside a distinct set of colour options that differentiate it from its slightly more compact counterpart, the iPhone 14 Pro.
Both iPhones present interesting and innovative entries into the overall evolution of the iPhone, so this blog aims to dive into the key differences between these two models and help consumers decide which iPhone will best base their lifestyle and needs.
iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: Main Differences
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a larger device with a larger screen.
- Both iPhones have different colour options.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max has higher computing performance capabilities.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max has more processing power.
- The iPhone 14 Pro offers a smaller storage option for a more affordable phone.
iPhone 14 Pro : Key Highlights
- More portable and pocket-sized.
- A16 Bionic Chip and 5-core GPU for impressive performance.
- Offers a wider range of storage sizes, giving you more options to choose from.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: Key Highlights
- Has a larger screen, allowing you more space to play games, watch movies, or zoom in on images.
- A17 Pro Chip and 6-core GPU for faster performance.
- Integrates the Academy Colour Coding System to allow for more true-to-life colours in your videos.
iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max Overview
| Feature | iPhone 14 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 16, 2022 | September 16, 2022 |
| Dimensions | 5.81 x 2.81 x 0.31 in | 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 in |
| Weight | 7.27 oz | 7.81 oz |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB |
256 GB 512 GB 1TB |
| Finish Colours | Deep Purple Silver Gold Space Black |
Natural Titanium Blue Titanium White Titanium Black Titanium |
| Screen Size | 6.1 in (diagonal) | 6.7 in (diagonal) |
| Display | Super Retina XDR display All-Screen OLED HDR display True Tone Wide Colour (P3) Haptic Touch !000 nits max brightness ProMotion technology Dynamic Island Always-On Display |
Super Retina XDR display All-Screen OLED HDR display True Tone Wide Colour (P3) Haptic Touch !000 nits max brightness ProMotion technology Dynamic Island Always-On Display |
| Resolution | 2556-by-1170-pixels at 460 ppi | 2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 ppi |
| Chip | A16 Bionic Chip 5-core GPU |
A17 Bionic Chip 6-core GPU |
| Water and Dust Resistance | Rated IP68 | Rated IP68 |
| Front Camera | 12 MP True Depth f/1.9 aperture Smart HDR 4 for photos Portrait mode with Focus and Depth Control |
12 MP True Depth f/1.9 aperture Smart HDR 5 for photos Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control |
| Rear Camera | Main: 48MP, f/1.78 aperture Ultra Wide: 12MP, f/2.2 aperture Telephoto: 12MP, f/2.8 aperture Optical Zoom: Up to 3x Smart HDR 4 for photos Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control |
Main: 48MP, f/1.78 aperture Ultra Wide: 12MP, f/2.2 aperture Telephoto: 12MP, f/2.8 aperture Optical Zoom: Up to 5x Smart HDR 5 for photos Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control |
| Video Recording | Cinematic mode up to 4k HDR at 30 fps HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps Macro video recording, including slo-mo and time-lapse |
Cinematic mode up to 4k HDR at 30 fps HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps Macro video recording, including slo-mo and time-lapse Log recording Academy colour encoding system |
| Battery | Video Playback: Up to 23 hours Audio playback: Up to 75 hours |
Video Playback: Up to 29 hours Audio playback: Up to 95 hours |
| Charging | Fast charging: Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes. Wireless charging (MagSafe and Qi) |
Fast charging: Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes. Wireless charging (MagSafe and Qi) |
| Sensors | Barometer High dynamic range gyro High-g accelerometer Proximity sensor Dual ambient light sensors LiDAR Scanner |
Barometer High dynamic range gyro High-g accelerometer Proximity sensor Dual ambient light sensors LiDAR Scanner |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| SIM Card | Dual eSIM support Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) |
Dual eSIM support Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) |
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Pro Specs: Complete Comparison
While these two iPhones may seem similar on the outside, there are a few key differences that make one or the other more suitable for different people.
Design
Both have the standard, sleek iPhone design, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max is larger than the iPhone 14 Pro. The iPhone 14 Pro is closer in size to a standard model iPhone, though the phones’ weights are not drastically different.
- iPhone 14 Pro: 5.81 x 2.81 x 0.31 in and weighs 7.27 oz.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 in and weighs 7.81 oz.
Both iPhones use the same aerospace-grade aluminum frames and Ceramic Shielf fronts that give Apple products enhanced durability, resilience, and scratch protection over previous models.
Despite the size difference, the placement of buttons, ports, and cameras is the same for both phones, allowing them to retain the same user experience and intuitive design as other Apple products.
Display
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max both feature impressive display technologies, but with notable differences that cater to varied user preferences and needs. The iPhone 14 Pro boasts a 6.1-inch screen size measured diagonally, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max takes it up a notch with a larger 6.7-inch display. This size difference significantly impacts the user’s viewing experience.
Delving deeper into the display technology, both models are equipped with the Super Retina XDR display coupled with OLED technology. This state-of-the-art display combination ensures vibrant colours, deep blacks, and a high contrast ratio, providing an immersive visual experience that is second to none. However, the iPhone 14 Pro Max edges out its counterpart with a higher screen resolution:
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 2796-by-1290 pixels at 460 pixels per inch (ppi),
- iPhone 14 Pro: 2556-by-1179 pixels at 460 ppi.
This difference means the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers sharper, more detailed images, making it especially appealing for users who engage in activities requiring high visual fidelity, such as gaming on the App Store or watching high-definition videos. These users will benefit from the additional screen real estate and enhanced clarity, which can elevate the overall enjoyment and immersion.
- For gamers, the larger and more detailed display of the iPhone 14 Pro Max means a more engaging gaming experience with clearer visuals and more room for on-screen controls.
- For movie enthusiasts and content creators, the vivid and precise display offers a true-to-life viewing experience, making every moment captured or watched on the device strikingly sharp and vibrant.
The use of OLED technology in the Super Retina XDR display underscores Apple’s focus on innovation and quality. OLED screens are known for delivering high brightness levels while maintaining perfect contrast, thanks to their ability to turn off individual pixels completely. This capability not only enhances the visual experience but also contributes to energy efficiency, as the display requires less power to render dark scenes.
Performance
The A17 Pro Chip in the iPhone 14 Pro Max is engineered for exceptional performance, being approximately three times more efficient than its predecessor, the A16 Bionic Chip. This leap in efficiency means that users can expect not only faster response times and smoother animations but also significantly improved battery life.
For gamers, this translates to more complex games running seamlessly with richer textures and a smoother frame rate without the constant worry of finding the nearest charging port. The 6-core GPU further amplifies this experience by handling graphics-intensive tasks more adeptly, ensuring that every visual is rendered with meticulous detail and vibrant colours, elevating the gaming and viewing experience.
The impact of these chips extends beyond gaming and productivity. The increased efficiency and power of the A17 Pro Chip mean that everyday tasks, from browsing the web and scrolling through social media to capturing high-definition photos and videos, become more fluid and responsive. This ensures that the iPhone 14 Pro Max is not only a tool for communication but a versatile device capable of enhancing every aspect of digital life with unmatched performance and reliability.
Camera
In the arena of smartphone photography, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max stand out as masterpieces of innovation. Each is equipped with a trio of lenses: a main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens designed to capture life’s moments with breathtaking clarity and vibrancy. However, it’s in the nuanced differences between these two models that the art of photography takes on new dimensions, particularly with the introduction of Smart HDR 5 in the iPhone 14 Pro Max and its advanced optical zoom capabilities.
Smart HDR 5, exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, represents a significant leap forward in high dynamic range photography. This technology intelligently fine-tunes each photo, adjusting the lighting and detail to reflect what the eye sees, resulting in images that are not only stunningly lifelike but also rich with detail in both the brightest highlights and deepest shadows.
On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro’s Smart HDR 4, while a step behind its successor, still delivers impressive results. It enhances photos by optimizing for texture and detail in the shadows and highlights, making it a robust tool for photographers aiming to capture the essence of their subjects under varying lighting conditions.
The powerful 5x optical zoom on the iPhone 14 Pro Max allows for closer framing of subjects without compromising image quality, opening up a world of possibilities for capturing distant landscapes, wildlife, or intricate details that would otherwise be lost to the naked eye.
Operating System
At their release, both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max were equipped with iOS 16, marking a significant step forward in Apple’s operating system evolution. iOS 16 brought with it an array of groundbreaking features designed to enhance user experience, personalization, and efficiency.
The update enhanced privacy and security features, ensuring users felt more secure in their digital interactions and data handling. It also improved the device’s already impressive communication capabilities, with updates to Messages and Mail that made staying in touch with friends, family, and colleagues simpler and more enjoyable.
As of writing, both iPhones are fully compatible with iOS 17, the latest iteration of Apple’s operating system. This compatibility ensures that users of both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max can enjoy the latest features, security updates, and improvements that come with the new OS. This continued support for the latest iOS versions means that these devices remain at the cutting edge of technology, providing a seamless and up-to-date user experience that leverages the best of Apple’s software advancements.
Storage
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max cater to users with high storage needs, offering a maximum capacity of up to 1 TB. This substantial storage option is perfect for those who have extensive libraries of photos, videos, apps, and games. However, when it comes to catering to a broader range of needs and budgets, the two models diverge. Unlike the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the iPhone 14 Pro offers a more modest 128 GB storage option, providing an entry-level choice for users who may not require vast storage space.
This strategic storage variation enables the iPhone 14 Pro to be more accessible at a lower starting price, appealing to a wider audience. It’s an attractive proposition for the average consumer who seeks the advanced features of the new iPhone but is mindful of budget constraints. The presence of a 128 GB model in the lineup ensures that users don’t have to pay for excess storage they might not need, making the cutting-edge technology of the iPhone 14 Pro more attainable.
On the other hand, the decision to exclude the 128 GB option from the iPhone 14 Pro Max lineup underscores its positioning as a premium offering. It suggests that the Pro Max model is tailored for power users who are likely to need more storage for their intensive usage patterns, be it for professional-grade photography, 4K video recording, or extensive app usage.
The availability of the 1 TB option for both models speaks to Apple’s recognition of the ever-growing data needs of users, offering ample space for even the most storage-intensive activities. Yet, it’s important to note that this top-tier storage capacity comes with a higher price tag, reflecting the value of being able to keep all your digital content conveniently on your device.
Battery and Charging
When comparing the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, it’s evident that both models are designed to cater to a range of user needs, from charging preferences to battery life demands. Here’s a more accessible and engaging breakdown of their features:
- Wireless Charging: Both models support MagSafe, Apple’s innovative magnetic charging system, offering a convenient and fast wireless charging experience, and the Qi wireless charging system, ensuring you can use a wide range of wireless charging pads.
- Video Playback: The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers up to 29 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 14 Pro offers up to 23 hours.
- Audio Playback: The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers up to 95 hours of audio playback, while the iPhone 14 Pro offers up to 75 hours.
- A-Series Bionic Chip: The efficiency of Apple’s A-series chips in both models greatly enhances battery life, allowing for these extended periods of playback. Their advanced technology balances power and performance, ensuring your device runs smoothly while optimizing battery usage.
- iPhone 14 Pro: Utilizes the familiar Lightning charging connector for wired charging.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: This smartphone steps into the future with a USB-C charging connector, aligning with the latest technology standards for broader compatibility.
- Also supports the Qi2 Charing System
Audio
Both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max deliver an exceptional auditory experience, supporting spatial audio playback and Dolby Atmos. These features transform how you experience sound, enveloping you in a three-dimensional space that makes you feel like you’re inside the music or right in the middle of a movie’s action. This immersive sound is further enhanced by supporting a wide range of audio formats, including lossless audio formats like ALAC, ensuring you can enjoy your music in the highest quality possible without compromise.
- Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos: Offers a cinema-like experience for movies and a concert-like feeling for music, with sounds coming from all around you.
- Supported Audio Formats: Lossless Audio (ALAC), AAC, MP3, and more, ensuring compatibility with a vast library of music and audio content so you can listen to your favourite tracks, podcasts, and audiobooks in high quality.
- Audio Playback Time: The iPhone 14 Pro Max leads with up to 95 hours of audio playback, making it an ideal choice for music lovers and podcast enthusiasts who spend extensive periods listening to their favorite audio content.
Features
Safety & Security: Both iPhones have Emergency SOS via Satellite and crash detection features, helping to keep you safe even if you can’t connect to a cell network to Wi-Fi. They are also both protected by Face ID, meaning that only you or an authorized user can access your iPhone.
Apple Pay: Both iPhones offer Apple Pay, enabled by your Face ID, in-store and online.
Splash, Water, and Dust Resistance: Both are rated IP86, which has a maximum underwater depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
Accessibility
All of Apple’s products have built-in accessibility features, and both of these iPhones offer the same range of tools to help everyone get the most out of their iPhones. Some of these accessibility features include:
- Voice over
- Typing feedback
- Audio descriptions
- Display and text size options
This makes either iPhone a good choice to cover your current and evolving accessibility needs, no matter which model you choose.
Price Comparison
The iPhone 14 Pro is primarily available through the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) market and starts at $1,479, with prices subject to change. You can still buy the iPhone 14 Pro Max new, starting at $1,749. The price may change and will differ depending on the storage size of the iPhone you’re looking to buy, with the 1 TB option starting at $2,349.
* Price updated as of October 2024
Availability
You can still purchase the iPhone 14 Pro Max new from various retailers, while the iPhone 14 Pro is only available through the CPO market.
Mobile Klinik offers these devices in Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) condition. All devices undergo rigorous testing and inspection to meet users’ needs.
What’s The Verdict?
Both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max offer high performance, ample storage, superior camera systems, and exceptional battery life, making them top contenders in the smartphone market. Choosing between these two models depends largely on your specific needs and lifestyle preferences. To help you determine which iPhone might be the best fit for you, consider the following questions:
- How important is screen size to you?
- What do you primarily use your phone for?
- How much storage do you need?
- How long do you need your battery to last?
- Are camera capabilities a priority for you?
Reflecting on these questions can guide you in choosing the iPhone that not only meets your technical requirements but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Whether it’s the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s large display and superior performance or the iPhone 14 Pro’s compactness and ease of use, both models offer robust features that cater to a wide range of preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max The Same Size?
No, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is larger than the iPhone 14 Pro.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 in
- iPhone 14 Pro: 5.81 x 2.81 x 0.31 in
When Were The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Released?
They were both released on September 16, 2022.
Can You Use The Same Case For The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max?
No, you can’t use the case for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, as the iPhone Pro Max is significantly bigger than the iPhone 14 Pro.
Is The iPhone 14 Pro Max More Expensive Than The iPhone 14 Pro?
The price of both phones varies depending on the retailer and if you are buying a new or used model. The iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1,749 for a new model, while the iPhone 14 Pro is only available through the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) market, though prices can start at $1,479.