Introduction
iPhone 14 Pro Max Review
This September 2022, Apple released the Pro Beyond series with its new iPhone 14 Pro Max. Because the iPhone 14 Pro Max has received more demand and more popularity than any other phone in its series, we have compiled a detailed review for it here so that you can decide whether to upgrade to this phone.
Despite having essentially identical features to the iPhone 14 Pro, the Pro Max is unquestionably more popular with the general public due to its greater size or its premium quality.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a 6.7-inch larger screen, a new 48-megapixel camera, a Super Retina XDR display with the Always-On feature, and a dynamic feature that has won it many fans.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max, which has an A16 Bionic chip, is the fastest phone Apple has ever offered. So, you can expect seamless performance with this new device.
Also, you may use your new iPhone for as long as you like, thanks to the extra-long battery life offered.
Let’s discuss it in more detail so you can choose whether or not to upgrade your mobile phone. And, if you like Apple smartphones, you might want to learn everything there is to know about them.
Specification
iPhone 14 Pro Max Specs
Follow the table below to learn more about the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s specifications.
Spec | Details |
---|---|
Launch | Announced: Sep 07, 2022 Status: iPhone 14 Pro Max Release Date – 16 September 2022 |
Display | Type: Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typical), 2000 nits (HBM) Size: 6.7 inches screen size Resolution: 19.5:9 ratio (460 PPI density), 1290 * 2796 pixels Protection: Scratch-resistant ceramic glass, oleophobic coating Always-On display |
Body | Dimension: 6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 inches (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm) Weight: 240 grams (8.47oz) Build: stainless steel frame with gorilla glass on the both front and back side SIM: Dual SIM or Dual eSIM, no SIM card slot and eSIM for International (currently for the USA) Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) – China IP68 dust/water resistant |
Platform | OS: iOS 16 Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic CPU: Hexa-core GPU: 5-core Apple GPU |
Rate of Refresh | 1-120 Hz |
Memory | Card slot: No Internal storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB , 1TB (all with 6 GB RAM) |
RAM | 6 GB |
Camera | 48 MP main camera, 12 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 12 MP ultrawide (Quad camera setup) 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm wide Selfie Camera |
Battery | Fast charging, 50 % in 30 minutes 14 hours and 42 minutes (web surfing) as per advertising |
Colors | Gold, Silver, Space Black, and Purple |
Price of iPhone 14 Pro Max | 128GB 6GB RAM : $1099 256GB 6GB RAM : $1199 512GB 6GB RAM : $1399 1TB 6GB RAM : $1599 |
You can also visit Apple’s official site to learn more about the specifications of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Design
14 Pro Max Design
Now that you know this phone’s specifications let’s talk about its design.
Also Read: iPhone 14 Review | Price, Specs and Features
iPhone 14 Pro Max has the same look and design as iPhone 13 Pro Max with only slight contrasts. It has a familiar pro design, a fresh display without a notch, and a slightly different size.
The stainless steel frame design and frosted glass on the back and front give you a sleek and premium feeling. You will get scratch-resistant ceramic glass on the front for the safety of your screen.
The camera design you get on iPhone 14 Pro Max is very similar to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, with only a little difference in the size of lenses (larger in 14 Pro Max) and a new ambient light sensor. Additionally, you can see no difference in the various button placement on iPhone (IP) 14 Pro Max.
With 6.7 inches display size as opposed to 6.1 inches on iPhone 14 Pro, you can enjoy a larger iPhone. Also, you can see rounded corners with a beautiful curved design on iPhone 14 Pro Max.
As with the headphone jack, Apple has taken down the SIM card slot from US variants, replacing it with eSIM technology.
All in all, you can expect a very Apple-like pro design on this new iPhone.
Display Screen
iPhone 14 Pro Max Display Screen
On iPhone 14 Pro Max, you can see 6.7 inches screen size and Super Retina XDR display with the Always-On feature and adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Also, an oblong cutout can be seen in the place of the previous notch.
It has an all‑screen OLED display and 2796‑by‑1290-pixel resolution at 460 PPI. Additionally, its display has a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, supporting multiple languages and characters simultaneously.
The touch-sensitive dynamic island feature is the neatest thing this cellphone offers. In this dark space, you can find a 12 MP front camera, IR sensor, and flood illuminator, while a proximity sensor is hidden behind this screen.
You can use this dynamic island to access music, maps, lock status, incoming calls, and many more using gestures. Overall, this dynamic island blends in seamlessly with the OLED display of the smartphone and functions as though it were a part of the entire display.
While this device can be used in low-light conditions and normally gives 1000 nits of brightness, it can provide 1600 nits of peak brightness for HDR and 2000 nits outside.
Overall, we can see a massive improvement in this pro display design by Apple.
Software
iPhone 14 Pro Max Software
All iPhone 14 comes with iOS 16, and iPhone 14 Pro Max is no exception. Since this is a new iOS system by Apple, you can expect new and interesting changes in this phone.
One of the major differences with the previous OS is the new lock screen feature. Now you can easily customize your lock screen with Photos, widgets, and many more, and you will see the same on the Always-On display.
You can also un-send and edit messages with this new system. In addition, other new things you can find here are passkeys, fitness applications, and an indicator for battery percentage.
In the near future, you can expect “iCloud Share Photo Library“, which will let you easily share any of your photos with relatives and friends.
Also, developers may introduce a live activities feature for the dynamic island in the future, allowing you to check the real-time progress of your activities. That’s something to wait for.
With the new software in your Pro Max, you can experience new and innovative features with premium feelings.
Camera
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Camera
For the first time, Apple has introduced a 48 MP Quad-pixel wide sensor camera as its main camera. Typically, you can shoot from your camera in 12 megapixels.
Whereas, if you want to shoot in 48 megapixels, you need to enable it from the settings. You will see the “Raw” option on the camera page.
Also, for most users, using this 48 MP feature doesn’t add to the quality of the photo.
Hence, this feature is intended for the professional who wants this uncompressed photo. Such raw photos let you edit them in minute details in a photo editor like Photoshop.
It is not all that a 48 MP sensor offers; it also lets you choose a new 2x zoom option along with a 12MP 3x telephoto zoom lens.
With this feature on your iPhone, you can capture good pictures, but it pales compared to the 10x dual optical setup offered by Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. By the way, we have done a review on Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra here.
In addition to the 48 MP primary camera, you will find a 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, f/2.2), 12MP 3x Telephoto (77mm f/2.8), and 12MP front-facing TrueDepth camera (f/1.9) on iPhone Pro Max.
With Apple’s new Photonic Engine technology, low-light images and night photos are significantly improving. Hence, the iPhone Pro Max’s capability on camera is top-notch for shooting beautiful pictures.
Always-On Display
14 Pro Max Always-On Display
With Apple’s new Always-On display feature, you can see your wallpaper, widgets like weather, calendar, etc., and notifications on your screen without the need to turn on your phone.
Due to the iPhone Pro Max’s adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, you can use the always-on display feature on a much lower brightness level.
Also, if you place your phone upside down or inside your pocket, your phone will automatically turn off this feature to save battery.
Hence, you can utilize this feature to avoid turning on your phone whenever you want to check your notification or clock.
Dynamic Island
iPhone 14 Pro Max Dynamic Island
Managing the space occupied by the front camera on every smartphone is a huge challenge.
Regarding this, Apple removed the notch on its new iPhone and used this space for an entirely different reason.
Dynamic Island serves as a little panel and contains the TrueDepth front camera. In addition, it gives you access to the information you require regardless of the app you use.
For example, if you play music on your device (like on Spotify) and skip back to your home screen, you can easily access that music from your dynamic island by pressing it.
In addition, you can use it for your incoming and outgoing calls and directions on the apps like maps, facial recognition, etc.
With Apple giving this special feature attention, the new and innovative use remains to be seen in the future.
And the attraction of purchasing this device above others is further increased by Dynamic island itself.
Benchmark & Performance
iPhone 14 Pro Max Performance
iPhone 14 Pro Max comes with Hexa-core, A16 Bionic chipset, the first chip built using the 4-nanometer process. This is the fastest chip offered by iPhone to date compared to its other device.
The A16 Bionic chipset is 10% faster than the A15 Bionic chipset in iPhone 13 Pro Max and offers 50% more memory bandwidth. Due to this reason, iPhone 14 Pro Max is more responsive and seamless than any other device.
The game’s stability, performance, and quality are all good, and multitasking is a treat on this device. Overall, you can expect to experience smooth performance on this device.
Battery Life
iPhone 14 Pro Max Battery Life
Apple doesn’t specify battery size on its page. Also, iPhone 14 Pro Max doesn’t support fast charging like other android devices.
However, according to Apple, it can charge to 50% in about 30 minutes when using a 20W or higher charger (available separately).
Also, you can expect your battery to last 29 hours, 25 hours, and 95 hours for video playback, video playback (streamed), and Audio playback, respectively. This battery life depends on your activities on your iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Anyway, with the help of the new A16 Bionic chip management, we can see a considerable improvement in the battery life of Apple on this device.
Emergency SOS through Satellite & Crash Detection
iPhone 14 Pro Max SOS Feature
Apple has promised two new safety features in the near future for iPhone 14 Pro Max. The first feature lets you use a Satellite for emergency SOS calls. It is useful when you are out of Wifi and cellular data signal range.
The second feature that you will get on your device is crash detection. With the use of an advanced accelerometer and gyroscope, your phone will be able to detect if there is any car crash.
It will then automatically call the emergency or important number you have designated beforehand.
Pros & Cons
iPhone 14 Pro Max Pros & Cons
After extensive research, we can outline the Benefits and Drawbacks of this Apple device.
Alternatives Choices
iPhone 14 Pro Max Substitutes
Three different variants are available for iPhone 14 Pro Max at different prices. They are 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, priced at $1099, $1199, $1399, and $1599, respectively. Despite this, you may not want this phone for various reasons.
Hence, If you’re looking for alternatives to this phone and want to compare them, we’ve got two options.
iPhone 14 Pro Max against iPhone 14 Pro
Apple has launched iPhone 14 Pro Max along with iPhone 14 Pro. Hence, one good alternative for this phone that you can choose is the iPhone 14 Pro.
We’ve listed the specifications of both phones in this table so that you can compare them.
Comparison
Specs | iPhone 14 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | 6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 inches (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm) | 5.81 x 2.81 x 0.31 inches (147.5 x 71.5 x 7.9 mm) |
Display Screen | Type: Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typical), 2000 nits (HBM) Size: 6.7 inches screen size Resolution: 19.5:9 ratio (460 PPI density), 1290 * 2796 pixels | Type: Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typical), 2000 nits (HBM) Size: 6.1 inches screen size Resolution: 19.5:9 ratio (460 PPI density), |
Weight | 240 grams (8.47 oz) | 240 grams (8.47 oz) |
CPU/Processor | iOS 16, A16 Bionic Hexa-core | iOS 16, A16 Bionic Hexa-core |
Storage | Card slot: No Internal storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB , 1TB (all with 6 GB RAM) | Card slot: No Internal storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB , 1TB (all with 6 GB RAM) |
Camera | 48 MP main camera, 12 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 12 MP ultrawide (Quad camera setup) 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm wide Selfie Camera | 48 MP main camera, 12 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 12 MP ultrawide (Quad camera setup) 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm wide Selfie Camera |
Colors | Gold, Silver, Space Black, and Purple | Gold, Silver, Space Black, and Purple |
Price | 128GB 6GB RAM : $1099 256GB 6GB RAM : $1199 512GB 6GB RAM : $1399 1TB 6GB RAM : $1599 | 128GB 6GB RAM : $999 256GB 6GB RAM : $1099 512GB 6GB RAM : $1299 1TB 6GB RAM : $1499 |
As the table above shows, there isn’t much difference between these two pro series. The only changes are in size, display, and pricing.
As a result, if you want a smaller phone with the exact specifications as the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the iPhone 14 Pro is the best option.
iPhone 14 Pro Max against iPhone 14 Plus
Another option is to go with the iPhone 14 Plus series. Before making any decisions, please check our comparison table below.
Specs | iPhone 14 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Plus |
---|---|---|
Display | Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typical), 2000 nits (HBM) 6.7 inches screen size Resolution: 19.5:9 ratio (460 PPI density), 1290 * 2796 pixels | 6.7-inch screen size OLED display 2,778×1,284 pixels resolution at 458 PPI |
Dimensions | 6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 inches (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm) | 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.31 inches (161 x 78 x 7.8mm) |
Weight | 240 grams (8.47 oz) | 203 grams (7.16 oz.) |
Software | iOS 16 | iOS 16 |
Rear Camera | 48MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (telephoto) | 12MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide) |
Front Camera | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm wide Selfie Camera | 12-megapixel |
CPU/Processor | A16 Bionic Hexa-core | Apple A16 Bionic |
Storage | Internal storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB , 1TB (all with 6 GB RAM) | Internal Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Price | 128GB 6GB RAM : $1099 256GB 6GB RAM : $1199 512GB 6GB RAM : $1399 1TB 6GB RAM : $1599 | 128GB 6GB RAM : $899 256GB 6GB RAM : $999 512GB 6GB RAM : $1199 |
As you can see above, if you are on a tight budget and don’t mind foregoing a few features, the iPhone 14 Plus is a viable option.
So, we recommend you select the best fit for your circumstances and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
As per Apple’s initial claims, iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available starting September 16. However, due to the high demand for it, Apple recently announced that it might take three to four weeks for this phone to become available. Hence, you may need to wait until October 2022 for this mobile phone.
As we know, Apple has taken down the SIM card slot from US variants, replacing it with eSIM technology.
This eSIM technology works the same way as your physical nano-SIM. However, it is a digital SIM technology that allows you to use your cellular data without having to insert a physical SIM card into your device.
Unfortunately, you won’t get the charger for your iPhone 14 Pro Max like every other recent iPhone. Hence, you need Apple’s charger (like MagSafe) separately, or you can use a third-party charger. But we don’t recommend using other than Apple’s products for your phone.
Yes, the new iPhone 14 series supports wireless charging. It supports two wireless charging standards: Apple’s MagSafe magnetic wireless charging method and the regular Qi wireless charging standard.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you can buy iPhone 14 Pro Max if you want a bigger phone with excellent cameras and extra-long battery life.
In our evaluation, Apple’s new Dynamic Island and Always-On display feature gives it a better edge over other devices. Overall, this phone is worth its premium price.
It does have its fair share of disadvantages, like no fast charging, no SIM card slot, etc. Especially problems like no SIM card slot can be inconvenient for international travellers.
Anyway, that’s all there is about this new phone launched by Apple. In summary, iPhone Pro Max is the best phone you can buy from Apple this year. Also, if you want to know about Nothing Phone, we have a detailed Nothing Phone review here.