The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are two of Apple’s most powerful smartphones, packing top-of-the-line features. They both deliver phenomenal power, but the choice isn’t as clear-cut as you might think. Is the Pro Max’s massive screen and battery worth the extra cost, or does the Pro’s compact form factor win you over? Let’s find out!
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iPhone 14 Pro vs. Pro Max at a glance
| Feature | iPhone 14 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Peak brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 2000 nits |
| Dimensions | 2.81 x 5.81 x 0.31 in 71.5 x 147.5 x 7.85 mm | 3.05 x 6.33 x 0.31 in 77.6 x 160.7 x 7.85 mm |
| Weight | 7.27 oz 206 g | 8.47 oz 240 g |
| Battery capacity | 3,200 mAh | 4,323 mAh |
| Battery life | Up to 29 hrs of video playback | Up to 29 hrs on video playback |
| Processor | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
| Storage options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear cameras | 48MP Main, 12MP Ultrawide, 12MP Telephoto | 48MP Main, 12MP Ultrawide, 12MP Telephoto |
| Front camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Price (new) | Starts at | Starts at |
| Price (refurbished) | Starts at | Starts at |
Reasons to choose the iPhone 14 Pro
- Still top-tier performance
- More comfortable size
- Lighter weight
- Lower price
- Slightly cheaper
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Reasons to choose the iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Bigger display
- Better for multimedia and gaming
- Longer battery life
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iPhone 14 Pro vs. Pro Max: How do they compare?
Let’s compare the most important differences between the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max to help you choose the best option for your use case.
Size and display
The most immediate distinction between the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max lies in their physical size and displays.
The iPhone 14 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience in a compact form factor.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a massive 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing a truly cinematic experience.
This size difference directly translates to the overall dimensions and weight of the devices. The iPhone 14 Pro is noticeably smaller and lighter, making it easier for one-handed use and comfortable for slipping into pockets. The Pro Max, while still manageable, feels significantly larger and heavier.
✨ Key considerations
- Portability vs. screen real estate: Do you value a phone that easily slips into your pocket like the Pro, or are you willing to trade some portability for a significantly larger viewing experience with the Pro Max?
- Media consumption: The Pro Max’s expansive display is ideal for streaming movies, gaming, and extended reading sessions.
Battery life
Regarding battery life, the iPhone 14 Pro Max reigns supreme. Thanks to its physically larger battery—approximately 4323 mAh compared to the Pro’s 3200 mAh—the Pro Max delivers significantly longer usage time on a single charge.
Apple states up to 23 hours of video playback for the iPhone 14 Pro and up to 29 hours for the Pro Max. In real-world use, this translates to the Pro Max easily lasting a full day (and often well into the next) even with heavy use, while the Pro may require a top-up for demanding users.
“I’ve always used the smaller iPhones, so at first the 14 Pro Max felt ridiculously big… but the larger screen really helps with typing and reading. Battery life is insane, too.”
—Reddit user review
✨ Key considerations
- Daily usage intensity: Do you heavily use your phone for video streaming, gaming, or other power-hungry tasks? The Pro Max will provide more peace of mind.
- Access to charging: If you frequently have access to chargers throughout the day, the Pro’s battery life may be sufficient.
- Overall battery anxiety: If running out of battery triggers anxiety, the Pro Max offers the most reassurance.
Price
There’s a noticeable price difference between the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The Pro Max’s larger screen and battery come at a premium. This price difference becomes even more significant when considering higher storage options.
For budget-conscious buyers, the iPhone 14 Pro presents a bit more affordable entry point into the top-tier iPhone experience.
⚠️ Note: If the price is still a concern, opting for a refurbished model can provide significant savings—you can even find cheaper Pro Max models from time to time, depending on the current demand.
Conclusion
Both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max deliver phenomenal power and Apple’s signature cutting-edge experience. The decision ultimately comes down to how you value these key factors:
🥇 The iPhone Pro 14 Pro wins in portability and price. If you prefer a device that is easier to handle and has a lower price, the iPhone 14 Pro is an excellent option.
🥇 The iPhone 14 Pro Max wins in size and battery. If you prioritize maximum screen size and longest battery life, the Pro Max is the clear winner.
Whichever model you lean towards, don’t overlook the incredible value offered by refurbished iPhones. At RefurbMe, you can compare the best prices on professionally refurbished iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models from reputable merchants with solid track records, all backed by a professional warranty. 👇
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Why pay the full price when you can get the same premium experience for less?
Happy shopping! 🛍️
👇 Explore more reviews
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- iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 15
- iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Plus vs. Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro vs. Max
FAQ
No. The camera systems and processors are identical. Both have the 48MP main camera with 12MP ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, and both use the A16 Bionic chip, so they take the same quality photos and run at the same speed.
In general, expect about 20-30% longer usage time from the Pro Max. For example, if your 14 Pro gets around 6 hours of screen-on time, the Pro Max might get close to 8 hours under the same conditions.
It fits in most pants pockets, but it will feel large and can be a tight fit in shallow pockets. The Pro Max is essentially a two-handed device for comfortable use. You can do quick things one-handed, but reaching all corners is tough, and you risk dropping it if you try to use it like a smaller phone.
It mostly just makes things bigger, given the identical pixel density. There are a few scenarios where you technically see more content: for instance, in landscape mode on some apps, the Pro Max can use an iPad-like split view.
Yes, most people do notice it. The 14 Pro (~206g) is already a bit heavy (due to the steel frame), but the Pro Max (~240g) is one of the heaviest mainstream phones. When you pick it up, you feel that heft.
If you like the iPhone 12 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max, you’ll find the 14 Pro Max similar, though it’s slightly heavier. If you’re happy with your Max model, you can stick with it. However, if you felt your Plus or Max was too large and only got it for battery life, now is a good time to consider the smaller, high-performing 14 Pro.
The Pro Max, purely because of screen size and battery. If you plan to do a lot of email, document editing, or remote desktop on your phone, the extra screen space makes it more viable, and the battery will last through a workday of heavy use.
