iPhone 14 Plus vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max

If you’re trying to decide between an iPhone 14 Plus and an iPhone 14 Pro Max, let this guide help you compare the features and functionality of these two big-screen iPhones. Apple gave shoppers a choice of these two large-format models when the phones were released in 2022, and both remain compelling options on the pre-owned market today. Either of them is a great purchase, but although they share a range of similarities, some features are quite different – and those differences can significantly affect which one is right for you.

Both phones feature a 6.7-inch OLED display, but that’s where the display similarities end. The iPhone 14 Pro Max peaks at 1,600 nits in HDR and up to 2,000 nits in outdoor use, while the iPhone 14 Plus tops out at 1,200 nits in HDR. The Pro Max also supports a 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate, while the Plus is limited to 60Hz – a meaningful difference if you’re watching video or gaming.

Under the hood, the two phones also differ. The iPhone 14 Plus runs on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip (with 15 billion transistors), while the Pro Max steps up to the A16 Bionic (with 16 billion transistors), offering noticeably better processing power and efficiency.

Battery life is another area where the two diverge. In Tom’s Guide testing, the iPhone 14 Plus lasted an impressive 11 hours and 57 minutes of continuous web surfing, while the Pro Max edged ahead at 13 hours and 39 minutes. Interestingly, when it comes to charging speed, the Plus actually pulls slightly ahead – reaching 46% charge in 30 minutes with a 20W Apple USB-C charger, compared to 42% for the Pro Max.

At launch, the iPhone 14 Plus started at $899 for 128GB and went up to $1,099 for 512GB. The Pro Max started at $1,099 for 128GB and reached $1,599 for 1TB of storage. Buying pre-owned from Gazelle means you can get either of these high-performing iPhones at a significantly reduced price.

In buying from Gazelle, you’ll also get our guarantee of quality, with a 30-point inspection process for all pre-owned iPhones and other devices. Our inventory offers transparent pricing and condition information, along with a range of iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max choices, with different storage options, styles and colors. You’ll save a lot of money by choosing a pre-owned device while still getting access to the powerful technology both of these phones deliver. And by shopping with Gazelle, you’re helping keep harmful heavy metals out of landfills – you can read more about that mission on our website and find out how you can buy, sell, or trade devices responsibly.

So let’s look at what’s different between these two iPhone models…

iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max – Camera Systems

One of the biggest differences between the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the camera hardware. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a 48 megapixel main camera alongside 12 megapixel ultra wide and telephoto lenses, whereas all cameras on the iPhone 14 Plus are 12 megapixels. The Pro Max wins clearly in terms of rear camera capability, and that advantage extends to several other areas of the phone as well.

For example, the Pro Max features a brighter display, peaking at 1,600 nits in HDR and an impressive 2,000 nits outdoors, compared to the Plus’s 1,200 nits HDR peak. That’s a meaningful difference if you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight. The Pro Max also supports a 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate, while the Plus is capped at 60Hz – something you’ll notice when scrolling or gaming.

Under the hood, the Pro Max runs on the A16 Bionic chip with 16 billion transistors, while the Plus uses the older A15 Bionic with 15 billion transistors. In day-to-day use the difference may be subtle, but the A16 gives the Pro Max more headroom for demanding tasks and longevity over time.

On the other hand, the 14 Plus does have a few practical advantages. It charges slightly faster – reaching 46% in 30 minutes with a 20W USB-C charger compared to the Pro Max’s 42% in the same window. And while the Pro Max has a longer overall battery life (13 hours 39 minutes vs. the Plus’s 11 hours 57 minutes in continuous web surfing tests), the Plus is still an excellent performer for a large-screen phone – and it comes in significantly cheaper, starting at $899 versus $1,099 for the Pro Max at launch.

Those who want a lighter, more affordable large-screen iPhone may still find the 14 Plus to be the smarter buy, especially if the camera and display upgrades of the Pro Max aren’t priorities.

One thing both phones share is cinematic mode. So what does this do?

Cinematic mode adds a range of video capabilities, most notably the ability to smoothly shift focus between subjects while shooting. It achieves this using a technique called rack focus, combined with Apple’s built-in Dolby Vision HDR processing. It also enables more sophisticated depth-of-field control, giving videos a more cinematic, professional feel straight from your phone.

The inclusion of cinematic mode on both models reflects Apple’s broader push to make its cameras smarter through computational photography and computer vision. As image processing technology continues to advance, the gap between what a smartphone camera captures and what a dedicated camera can produce keeps narrowing – and that’s true whether you’re choosing a large-screen option like the iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone 14 Pro Max, or any other model in Apple’s lineup.

iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max: Display

In looking at differences between the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max, one of the most noticeable display differences is that the Pro Max replaced the traditional notch with Apple’s Dynamic Island system, while the 14 Plus retained the older notch design.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max was among the first phones to feature Apple’s Dynamic Island – a pill-shaped interactive element at the top of the screen that acts as a command center for notifications, alerts, and live activities. Originally introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro lineup, Dynamic Island has since been carried forward into all iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models.

Dynamic Island surfaces a wide range of alerts and interactions. Users see notices for AirDrop file transfers, AirPlay connections, Focus mode changes, and shortcut actions. It also displays SIM card alerts, accessory connection notifications, flashlight status, vehicle syncing features, battery and charging status, and silent mode indicators. For background activities, Dynamic Island announces phone calls and their duration, displays currently playing music, and shows active timers. Long-press controls are also built in for convenient shortcuts.

Beyond Dynamic Island, the two phones differ significantly in display performance. The Pro Max features a ProMotion adaptive display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 14 Plus is capped at 60Hz – a meaningful difference for scrolling smoothness and responsiveness. In terms of brightness, the Pro Max reaches up to 1,600 nits for HDR content and an impressive 2,000 nits in outdoor conditions, compared to the Plus topping out at 1,200 nits for HDR. Both phones use OLED displays, which provide per-pixel lighting for vibrant color, contrast, and deep blacks – a clear improvement over older LCD technology.

The Pro Max also has an edge with its Always-On display feature, which the 14 Plus lacks entirely. Always-On allows users to glance at the time, widgets, and notifications without ever waking or unlocking their phone. For anyone frustrated by constantly entering a PIN just to check basic information, Always-On is a genuinely useful time-saver in day-to-day life.

For those using an iPhone 14 Plus, lock screen widgets offer a partial workaround, allowing key information like weather, calendar events, or battery status to remain visible on the lock screen without fully unlocking the device – though this still requires the screen to be woken up manually, unlike the true Always-On experience of the Pro Max.

iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max: Chip and Performance

While the iPhone 14 Plus runs on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, the Pro Max steps up to the next-generation A16 Bionic. The A16 brings a meaningful performance boost, featuring 16 billion transistors compared to the A15’s 15 billion, along with a higher clock speed and improved memory bandwidth.

In real-world use, the A16 delivers notably better results across gaming performance, sustained workloads, and battery efficiency. The chip also benefits from a more advanced fabrication process, which allows for a higher density of smaller transistors – a key part of how Apple continues to push performance forward with each generation.

That chip advantage carries over into battery life as well. In Tom’s Guide testing, the Pro Max lasted 13 hours and 39 minutes of continuous web surfing, compared to 11 hours and 57 minutes for the iPhone 14 Plus – a meaningful gap for heavy users.

One area where the two phones differ beyond the chip is display performance. The Pro Max supports a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, while the iPhone 14 Plus is capped at 60Hz. The Pro Max also reaches up to 2,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness and 1,600 nits for HDR content, compared to the Plus’s 1,200 nit HDR peak.

Interestingly, charging speed is one area where the Plus holds its own – in 30-minute testing with a 20W Apple USB-C charger, the iPhone 14 Plus reached 46% charge versus 42% for the Pro Max. For a deeper look at how these models stack up overall, see our iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Pro breakdown.

iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max: The Promise of Lidar

Another technology exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a LiDAR scanner. This tool measures the distance between the phone and various objects to create detailed visual maps, which enhances low-light photography and supports more immersive augmented reality experiences. LiDAR was first introduced on certain iPhone 12 Pro models and carried forward through the iPhone 13 Pro lineup, and it remains a Pro Max exclusive in the iPhone 14 range – meaning the iPhone 14 Plus does not include it.

That distinction is worth keeping in mind alongside the other hardware differences between these two phones. The Pro Max uses Apple’s A16 Bionic chip with 16 billion transistors, while the Plus runs the A15 Bionic with 15 billion. The Pro Max also features a 120Hz ProMotion display that peaks at 2,000 nits outdoors and 1,600 nits in HDR, compared to the Plus’s 60Hz panel capped at 1,200 nits in HDR. Battery life testing from Tom’s Guide found the Pro Max lasting 13 hours and 39 minutes versus 11 hours and 57 minutes for the Plus. The Plus did edge ahead slightly on charging speed, reaching 46% in 30 minutes compared to 42% for the Pro Max using a 20W USB-C charger. At launch, the Pro Max started at $1,099 for the 128GB model, while the Plus started at $899 — for a full breakdown of how much an iPhone costs, it’s worth comparing across the lineup before deciding.

iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max: Battery Life

Where the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max are concerned, battery life is close but the Pro Max pulls ahead. In real-world testing by Tom’s Guide, the iPhone 14 Plus lasted nearly 12 hours (11 hrs 57 min) of continuous web surfing, while the Pro Max edged it out at 13 hours and 39 minutes under the same conditions. That’s a meaningful gap of roughly an hour and a half in everyday use.

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 14 Plus actually charges slightly faster in the short term – reaching 46% in 30 minutes with a 20W Apple USB-C charger, compared to 42% for the Pro Max in the same window. So while the Pro Max ultimately lasts longer on a full charge, the Plus recovers its battery a bit more quickly when you’re in a hurry.

As with any smartphone, actual battery performance will vary depending on factors like screen brightness, background activity, battery age, and the types of apps you’re running.

iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max: More Image and Video Capabilities

Action video mode is available on both phones, but only the iPhone 14 Pro Max gives you the ability to shoot ProRAW images at 48 MP, and the telephoto lens means the model also offers more zoom. ProRAW mode adds useful information to images, along with what’s called multiframe processing. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that ProRAW files are significantly larger than standard images, so they will consume storage more quickly.

Another exclusive feature on the iPhone 14 Pro Max is adaptive True Tone flash. The iPhone 14 Plus does include True Tone flash, but only the Pro Max has the adaptive version. This adaptive True Tone flash uses nine LED components that can switch patterns depending on the shooting scenario, with the pattern and intensity of the lights automatically adjusting to match the framing of the shot. The Pro Max also adds Night mode and macro photography support, giving enthusiastic photographers a more complete toolkit.

Beyond the camera system, there are several other meaningful differences between the two phones. The Pro Max uses the A16 Bionic chip with 16 billion transistors, while the Plus relies on the A15 Bionic with 15 billion, giving the Pro Max a performance edge. The Pro Max display also supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, compared to the Plus which is capped at 60Hz. Display brightness is another gap worth noting — the Pro Max reaches up to 2,000 nits outdoors and 1,600 nits in HDR content, while the Plus peaks at 1,200 nits in HDR. Battery life also favors the Pro Max, which lasted 13 hours and 39 minutes in Tom’s Guide testing compared to 11 hours and 57 minutes for the Plus. All of these differences are reflected in the price, with the Pro Max starting at $1,099 at launch versus $899 for the Plus — and if you’re considering newer models, our guide to what’s new with the iPhone 16 is worth a look.

iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max: Color and Style

Buyers can also choose from a range of colors for each of these iPhones: the Plus is available in blue, purple, midnight, starlight, and red – the Pro Max is available in deep purple, space black, silver, and gold.

Beyond color, it’s worth noting some key differences between these two models before making your decision. While both share a large form factor, the Pro Max justifies its higher starting price of $1,099 (vs. $899 for the Plus) with several notable upgrades. Its display peaks at 1,600 nits in HDR and 2,000 nits outdoors, compared to the Plus’s 1,200 nits, and it supports a smoother 120Hz refresh rate versus the Plus’s 60Hz. The Pro Max also runs the more powerful A16 Bionic chip (with 16 billion transistors), while the Plus uses the A15 Bionic. Battery life similarly favors the Pro Max, which lasted 13 hours 39 minutes in testing compared to the Plus’s 11 hours 57 minutes – though interestingly, the Plus charges slightly faster, reaching 46% in 30 minutes versus the Pro Max’s 42% using a 20W USB-C charger.

You can also choose to buy either of these models with a range of storage capacities: see our product specifications on the site for more details.

Comparing the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max

The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max share some similarities, but there are meaningful differences worth considering before choosing between them.

On display, the Pro Max pulls ahead with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits (HDR) and up to 2,000 nits outdoors, compared to the Plus’s 1,200 nits HDR. The Pro Max also supports a smoother 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, while the Plus is capped at 60Hz – a noticeable difference for everyday scrolling and media consumption.

The Pro Max also features exclusive hardware like the Dynamic Island notification system, a LiDAR scanner, and a telephoto lens not found on the Plus model.

Under the hood, the Pro Max runs Apple’s A16 Bionic chip (16 billion transistors), while the Plus makes do with the older A15 Bionic (15 billion transistors) – still capable, but a step behind.

Battery life is another area where the Pro Max leads, lasting 13 hours and 39 minutes in Tom’s Guide continuous web surfing tests versus the Plus’s 11 hours and 57 minutes. Interestingly, the Plus charges slightly faster, hitting 46% in 30 minutes compared to the Pro Max’s 42% using a 20W USB-C charger.

At launch, the price gap was significant: the Pro Max started at $1,099 versus the Plus’s $899 starting price. If you’re weighing your options across the broader iPhone 14 lineup, our full iPhone 14 review breaks down what each model brings to the table.

At the end of the day, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the clear top-of-the-line option in the iPhone 14 lineup, but the Plus remains a strong, capable device – especially at a lower price point. For shoppers with a tighter budget, it’s also worth browsing the best phones under $600 to see how these models stack up against the competition.

You can get either of these great smartphones in different storage options and colors from Gazelle. We’re always looking at how to get you the best deal on a pre-owned refurbished device like an iPhone or tablet – a better deal, frankly, than most people can get on a new iPhone or other Apple devices. You can save hundreds of dollars by going with a pre-owned phone that delivers just as much functionality, without the enormous upfront cost. When you start purchasing used devices from Gazelle, you may never want to go back to the big box store again.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is the Pro Max much better than the iPhone Plus?

The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers several meaningful upgrades over the iPhone 14 Plus. It runs on the faster A16 Bionic chip (with 16 billion transistors versus the A15’s 15 billion), features a sharper 120Hz ProMotion display compared to the Plus’s 60Hz panel, and reaches higher peak brightness at 2,000 nits outdoors versus 1,200 nits on the Plus. Battery life is also stronger on the Pro Max, lasting around 13 hours and 39 minutes in continuous use tests versus nearly 12 hours on the Plus. That said, the Pro Max starts at $1,099 compared to $899 for the Plus, so whether the upgrades justify the price depends on how you use your phone.

 

Is the Apple iPhone 14 Plus waterproof?

The Apple iPhone 14 Plus carries an IP68 rating, meaning it can handle submersion up to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. The Pro Max shares the same IP68 rating. While this offers solid water resistance for accidental splashes or brief submersion, neither phone is fully waterproof, and Apple does not cover water damage under warranty.

 

Are the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max the same size?

Both the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro Max feature 6.7-inch displays, making them the larger options in the iPhone 14 lineup compared to the standard 6.1-inch iPhone 14. While screen size is identical, the Pro Max is slightly heavier. Both are worth considering if you prefer larger displays for readability, though neither will slip as easily into a pocket as the standard models.

 

Which iPhone is more expensive, the iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone 14 Pro Max?

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the pricier option. At launch, it started at $1,099 for the 128GB model and went up to $1,599 for 1TB of storage. The iPhone 14 Plus started at $899 for 128GB and topped out at $1,099 for 512GB. The Pro Max’s higher cost reflects its upgraded chipset, ProMotion display, and more advanced camera system.

 

Is an iPhone 14 Plus worth buying?

As of 2026, the iPhone 14 Plus can still be a reasonable choice depending on your budget and needs, particularly if you find it discounted. However, it is worth noting that the iPhone 14 lineup is aging, and Apple is expected to wind down software support for the series by around 2027 to 2028. If long-term support matters to you, it may be worth considering a more recent model — including newer features like Apple Intelligence. That said, for everyday use, the iPhone 14 Plus still holds up well, offering a large display, solid battery life, and reliable performance.

 

Can I take my iPhone 14 Plus or Pro Max in the shower?

Despite carrying an IP68 water resistance rating — good for up to 6 meters for 30 minutes — it is generally not recommended to expose either phone to shower conditions. Soap, shampoo, and pressurized water can degrade seals over time and potentially cause damage not covered by Apple’s warranty. The rating is best treated as protection against accidental exposure rather than a green light for regular water contact.

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