Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Verdict
Feels like last year’s model with a premium, but excels in display brightness and battery life.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The iPhone 14 Pro Max is undoubtedly a wonderful handset with few faults. And where you can see possible negatives, those come with the territory and aren't exclusive to this specific generation or size. So, ultimately, if it's your time to upgrade and the price is right for you, you can't go wrong with this one.”
“The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is a big brawny smartphone for those wanting a large display and more battery life.”
“On paper, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is Apple’s best phone. It moves things on with Dynamic Island, the always-on display and an impressive camera revamp – all of which further differentiate this most premium of phones from the standard iPhone. But it’s also big, heavy and expensive. The elephant in the room is the £150 price hike, which is down to the relative strengths of the US dollar and sterling – but your bank account doesn’t care about that.”
“The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is not just big in form, but it's big in character. There's a refreshed design that's really striking, especially in this larger format, coupled with performance enhancements, battery improvements, camera improvements, the Always-On Display and the Dynamic Island feature.”
Testing & benchmarks
Watch before you decide
What people say
Only a few ratings so far, not enough to show a trend yet.
1 rating so far
In Depth
Design
The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a large 6.7-inch form that, while hefty, gives it a premium feel. Its stainless steel frame and frosted glass back offer a sophisticated look, although the larger camera bump may make it feel a bit top-heavy.
Despite its weight, the design remains practical over time, especially if you prefer a big screen for gaming and watching videos. Reviews from Android Central note that Apple “hasn’t changed much in their design language,” making it a familiar yet appealing choice.
Display(s)
The large display provides a visually immersive experience, perfect for watching videos and playing games. It’s notably vivid, reaching high peak brightness levels, making content easy to view even outdoors.
This screen also introduces Dynamic Island, which seamlessly integrates notifications and controls into the viewing experience, as experts from What Hi-Fi? describe as “a neat and inventive solution.”
While it’s impressive in its visual performance, you’ll find the display features consistent color accuracy and contrast, enriching your daily interactions with deep blacks and vibrant hues.
Performance
The latest A16 Bionic chip gives this phone a significant performance boost, letting you effortlessly run multiple apps and graphic-heavy games without lag. Experts from Laptop Mag marvel at its blistering performance, noting it’s “miles ahead” in terms of speed and efficiency.
With 6GB of RAM, expect top-tier speed and responsiveness during everyday use, from seamless gaming sessions to swift app transitions. This powerhouse performance not only guarantees a smooth user experience but also supports future software updates for years to come.
While the new chip delivers great speed, the impressive battery life and efficient power management ensure you stay connected longer, perfect for a day of heavy use without worrying about charging.
Software & Storage
The iPhone 14 Pro Max impresses with its intuitive and adaptable user interface, powered by the latest software enhancements. It stands out with features like customizable lock screens, allowing you to express your style all while streamlining functionality.
iOS 16 makes navigating your device a breeze, with added perks like editing and unsending texts — a lifesaver at times. The Dynamic Island provides extra convenience, turning a potential distraction into a useful part of your experience. Reviewers appreciate its balance of practical updates and aesthetic improvements, stating it “brings the user experience to another level.”
Cameras
Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a robust 48MP main camera, alongside a 12MP telephoto and a 12MP ultra-wide, giving you versatility at your fingertips.
The main camera excels with impressive detail, especially in low-light settings where it captures more vibrant photos, showcasing a substantial improvement over previous models.
A 12MP front-facing camera enhances selfies with autofocus, a first for Apple, ensuring every shot is sharp and ready to share.
Reviewers emphasize its prowess, with one noting that “nighttime shots see a significant boost,” highlighting its excellence in dark environments.
Even without the flashiest specs, this system focuses on delivering quality over quantity, promising photos with true-to-life colors and great balance.
Battery
The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers significant endurance for heavy users, with many reviewers noting it can last nearly two days with regular use. This is particularly appreciated by those who regularly engage in streaming, gaming, and social media, ensuring you spend less time recharging during the day.
Despite its long-lasting power, a common concern is its charging speed. Apple sticks to its own formula with 20W charging, which might not satisfy those used to faster charging android devices.
An always-on display and efficient processor help manage power consumption effectively, prolonging battery life without making major compromises on performance or brightness. With the reliable battery support, you won’t find yourself urgently hunting for a charger halfway through the day.
Audio
The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers stereo speakers delivering crisp and clear audio. Despite these speakers being “tinny” due to size, as noted by Laptop Mag, you’ll enjoy excellent definition and clarity with music and spoken word content.
In calls, the phone performs well, ensuring your voice comes through clearly, even though strong background noise might still challenge it. For movies, the sound immerses you with spaced-out details, making solo viewing enjoyable without headphones.
The Bottom Line
This phone offers a large, vibrant display and smooth performance, masterfully handling video capture and offering exceptional battery life. Yet, its hefty price may not justify the upgrades over previous models for many. While the Dynamic Island is a unique feature, some say it doesn’t quite revolutionize user interaction as expected. Reviewers also highlight that it’s big and heavy, making it less pocket-friendly, especially compared to more compact alternatives.
“The iPhone 14 Pro Max is undoubtedly the best showcase of Apple’s technology.” – Reviewers
What people actually want to know
How much does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max cost?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max launched at $1,099 USD. Street prices change, so see current deals.
When was the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max released?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max was released on September 16, 2022.
How long does the battery last on the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 4,323 mAh battery.
Is the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max water resistant?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max carries an IP68 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max support wireless charging?
Yes, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max supports wireless charging. It supports up to 15W wireless charging.
Does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max have a headphone jack?
No, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max support 5G?
Yes, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max supports 5G connectivity.
Does the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max have NFC?
Yes, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Questions & answers
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