iPhone 14 Pro Max Review: A Comprehensive Look After Two Weeks of Use
Introduction
Hello tech enthusiasts! After two weeks of diving into the world of Apple’s most talked-about phone of 2022—the iPhone 14 Pro Max—I’m ready to share my thoughts. Transitioning from the iPhone 13 Pro Max and already immersed in the Apple ecosystem with my MacBook, I was eager to see what the latest flagship had in store. My journey to get this device wasn’t without its hurdles, including a hefty price tag and delays. Nevertheless, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is finally here, and it’s time to see if it lives up to the hype!
iPhone 14 Pro Max Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Body | 77.6 x 160.7 x 7.85 mm, 240 g, Stainless steel frames, Corning Gorilla Glass back, IP68 dust/water resistant |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, Ceramic Shield protection, Always-on Display (AoD) |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels, 460 PPI, 19.5:9 aspect ratio |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic 5G (4nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-core: 2x “Everest” (3.46 GHz), 4x “Sawtooth” (2.02 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple 5-core GPU |
| Memory | 6GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB NVMe (fixed) |
| Software & UI | Apple iOS 16 |
| Rear Camera | Triple: 48MP Wide (f/1.78, OIS), 12MP Telephoto (f/2.8, 3x optical zoom, OIS), 12MP Ultrawide (f/2.2, 120° FoV), LiDAR Scanner |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9, OIS) |
| Audio | Built-in stereo speakers, Built-in microphones, No 3.5mm jack |
| Security | TrueDepth camera for Face ID |
| Sensors | High-g accelerometer, High dynamic range gyro, Barometer, Proximity sensor, Dual ambient light sensor |
| Connectivity | Dual-SIM (Nano + eSIM) or Dual eSIM (US only), WiFi 6 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Dual-band), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS/AGPS/Galileo/Glonass/QZSS/BeiDou/iBeacon, Lightning port, NFC, 4G LTE (VoLTE), 5G |
| Battery | 4323mAh with up to 27W fast charging, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless charging |
| Charging Time | 0 to 80% in ~1 hour, full charge in ~2 hours (with 20W charger) |
| Color Options | Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple |
| What’s in the Box | iPhone 14 Pro Max, USB-C to Lightning cable, User manual and other documents |
| Price in Nepal | Rs. 207,990 (128GB) Rs. 226,990 (256GB) Rs. 256,990 (512GB) Rs. 304,990 (1TB) |
Design & Build
The iPhone 14 Pro Max continues Apple’s tradition of premium design with its stainless steel frame, ceramic shield front, and glass back. It feels substantial in hand, which may be a plus or minus depending on your preference for heftier devices. The addition of the new “Space Black” and “Deep Purple” color options offers a fresh twist. However, if you’re coming from the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the differences in design are subtle. For those still using older models like the iPhone X or iPhone 11, this is a significant upgrade.
Display
The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display remains one of the best in the industry, with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and excellent brightness. The introduction of Dynamic Island is a standout feature—while it’s not a game-changer, it enhances interaction with the phone in a fun and functional way. The always-on display, however, could use more refinement. It dims the lock screen but lacks customization options and may consume more battery than expected.
Battery Life
With a 4323mAh battery, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers impressive longevity. Under heavy use, it comfortably lasts through a day and a half, and even up to two days with lighter use. Charging speed remains capped at 27W, and while it’s reliable, an upgrade to faster charging speeds would be welcomed. The persistent use of the Lightning port is a letdown, especially when USB-C would have been a more forward-thinking choice.
Performance
Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 14 Pro Max delivers outstanding performance. It handles demanding tasks like gaming and 4K video recording with ease, thanks to improved thermal management and the latest Snapdragon X65 5G modem. The absence of WiFi 6E is notable, but overall, the performance remains top-notch, setting a high bar for competitors.
Cameras
Apple has made significant strides with the camera system, introducing a 48MP primary lens that brings enhanced detail and dynamic range. The improvements extend to the front camera with OIS and autofocus, and the new “Action Mode” for video recording ensures steady footage even during vigorous activity. However, while low-light performance is better, it’s not as revolutionary as some might have hoped.
Comparison with iPhone 13 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has several improvements over the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It features a faster processor, a better camera with more detail, and new features like “Action Mode” for smoother videos. These upgrades make the 14 Pro Max more powerful and versatile.
However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still an excellent phone. Its display, performance, and camera were top-of-the-line when it came out and continue to be impressive. If you already have the 13 Pro Max, it remains a solid device, even though the 14 Pro Max offers some exciting new features.
In summary, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max has notable advancements, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still very good. If you’re thinking about upgrading, the 14 Pro Max provides more advanced features, but the 13 Pro Max is a great choice if you already have it or are looking for a more affordable option.
Conclusion
The iPhone 14 Pro Max stands as a testament to Apple’s continued innovation and refinement. While it may not bring groundbreaking changes compared to its predecessor, it excels in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. If you’re an iPhone user with an older model, this phone represents a worthy upgrade. For those in the Android camp, the gap is widening, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max could very well be tempting.
Pros:
- Excellent display
- Innovative Dynamic Island
- Great battery life
- Top-tier performance
- Strong camera improvements
Cons:
- Bulkiness
- Unimpressive always-on display
- Slow charging speeds
- Outdated Lightning port
- Some features are region-locked
Overall, if you’re looking for one of the best smartphones available and have the budget, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is an excellent choice. Stay tuned for more tech reviews and updates!