When Apple launched the iPhone 14 series in September 2022, it marked a major shift in the company’s smartphone lineup. The introduction of the iPhone 14 Plus, a large-screen option that was more affordable than the flagship iPhone 14 Pro Max, gave consumers more choices in terms of size and price. The iPhone mini was retired, signaling Apple’s shift toward offering larger models, reflecting consumer demand for bigger screens.
Fast forward to 2024, and despite the arrival of newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus remain competitive options. With a year and a half under their belts, both models still offer strong performance and are more than capable of holding their own against the latest iPhones.
The iPhone 14 Plus: A New Large-Screen Option
Apple’s introduction of the iPhone 14 Plus was a game-changer for those who wanted a large iPhone without the hefty price tag of the Pro Max models. Previously, if you wanted a large iPhone, your only option was the premium-priced Pro Max variant. But with the iPhone 14 Plus, Apple allowed customers to enjoy a big-screen experience without having to spend top dollar. This model filled a gap that had been present in previous generations, where smaller iPhones like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini couldn’t match the battery life or display size of the Pro Max.
With the release of the iPhone 14 Plus, consumers could finally get their hands on a big iPhone that wasn’t as expensive as the Pro Max, though it came with some compromises, such as fewer advanced features and a lower refresh rate on the display.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max: The Premium Option
On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro Max continues to reign as Apple’s top-tier device, offering the most advanced features available in the iPhone lineup. It’s equipped with the latest technology, including a triple-camera system, ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate, and Apple’s A16 Bionic chip. The Pro Max version also introduced the Dynamic Island feature, which replaced the traditional notch with a more interactive element at the top of the display.
In comparison, the iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system, a lower refresh rate of 60Hz, and is powered by the A15 Bionic chip. It also lacks features like the Always-On display and a 1TB storage option, both of which are available in the Pro Max.
A Look Toward the Future
As of 2024, Apple’s decision to discontinue the iPhone mini in favor of larger models appears to be a lasting one. The iPhone 15 Plus has already hit the market, and it seems likely that an iPhone 16 Plus will be released later this year. The Pro Max line, with its premium features and high price point, is here to stay as well.
For consumers looking to buy a large iPhone, the question remains: should you opt for the iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro Max, or one of the newer iPhone 15 models? To help make that decision, it’s essential to consider the key differences between the 14 Plus and 14 Pro Max.
Key Differences Between the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus
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Camera Systems: The iPhone 14 Pro Max comes with a triple-camera setup, while the iPhone 14 Plus only has a dual-camera system. The Pro Max offers a telephoto lens, which the Plus lacks, and overall, the Pro Max camera system provides more advanced photography and videography options, including ProRAW and ProRes video recording.
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Display Technology: The Pro Max features a 1-120Hz ProMotion XDR OLED display, meaning it supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, making animations smoother and more fluid. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus has a 60Hz OLED display, which is still high-quality but not as responsive.
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Notch vs Dynamic Island: The iPhone 14 Pro Max replaced the traditional notch with the Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout that adapts based on what you’re doing on the phone. The iPhone 14 Plus, on the other hand, retains the standard notch design.
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Processor: While the iPhone 14 Pro Max is powered by the more recent A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 14 Plus comes with the A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU. Although the A15 is still powerful, the A16 offers better efficiency and performance, particularly for gaming, augmented reality, and other resource-intensive tasks.
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Storage Options: For users who need a lot of storage, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a 1TB option, while the iPhone 14 Plus maxes out at 512GB. This could be an important factor for those who store a lot of media on their phones.
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Battery Life: Interestingly, even though the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a smaller battery, it often outlasts the 14 Plus in terms of battery life due to its more efficient chip and display technology. The Pro Max is optimized for longer usage despite its power-hungry features.
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Always-On Display: The iPhone 14 Pro Max also includes an Always-On display, which allows users to glance at the time or notifications without fully waking the device. This feature is absent on the iPhone 14 Plus.
