The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max remain two of the most popular large-screen iPhones on the refurbished market. Both were released in September 2022, and while Apple has since launched the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 lineups, these two models still deliver strong performance at significantly lower prices than newer alternatives.
Whether you are shopping for a refurbished iPhone or weighing up the differences before buying, this guide breaks down every meaningful distinction between the two.
Table of contents
- iPhone 14 Plus vs. Pro Max: Comparison table
- Reasons to choose the iPhone 14 Plus
- Reasons to choose the iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Plus vs. Pro Max: Reviewing the key points
- 1. The performance of the iPhone 14 Pro Max is considerably better
- 2. Both iPhones have the same screen size
- 3. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a refresh rate up to 120Hz and more resolution
- 4. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers advanced display features
- 5. The cameras of the iPhone 14 Plus may be enough
- 6. Their battery life is similar
- 7. Software support and longevity
- FAQ
- Conclusion
iPhone 14 Plus vs. Pro Max: Comparison table
| Feature | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, ProMotion (up to 120Hz), Always-On Display |
| Display type | OLED | OLED |
| Brightness | 800 nits max brightness (typical), 1200 nits peak | 1,000 nits max brightness (typical), 2,000 nits peak |
| Rear cameras | Dual: 12MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide) | Triple: 48MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (telephoto), LiDAR scanner |
| Front cameras | 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus | 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus |
| Processor | A15 Bionic Chip | A16 Bionic Chip |
| Design | Aluminum frame, glass back | Stainless steel frame, textured matte glass back |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery | Up to 26 hours video playback | Up to 29 hours of video playback |
| Water resistance | IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) | IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) |
| Special features | Action Mode video stabilization | Action Mode, Cinematic Mode, Macro photo/video, ProRAW, ProRes, Dynamic Island |
| Colors | Blue Purple Starlight Midnight (PRODUCT)RED | Silver Gold Deep Purple Space Black |
| Price (new) | Starts at | Starts at |
| Price (refurbished) | Starts at | Starts at |
Reasons to choose the iPhone 14 Plus
- Large, bright 6.7-inch OLED display
- A15 Bionic chip handles everyday tasks with ease
- Excellent dual camera system for photos and 4K video
- Lighter build (203 g) makes it more comfortable for one-handed use
- Significantly more affordable than the Pro Max, especially refurbished
128GB storage
Midnight
128GB storage
Blue
256GB storage
Red
Reasons to choose the iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Superior display with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate and Always-On Display
- 48MP main camera with telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner
- A16 Bionic chip delivers roughly 40% more processing power than the A15
- Longer battery life at up to 29 hours of video playback
- Premium stainless steel frame and Dynamic Island interface
- 1TB storage option for power users
128GB storage
Space Black
128GB storage
Gold
128GB storage
Deep Purple
iPhone 14 Plus vs. Pro Max: Reviewing the key points
When choosing between these two models, the decision largely comes down to whether the Pro Max's premium features justify its higher price. Here is a closer look at each area where they differ.
1. The performance of the iPhone 14 Pro Max is considerably better
The iPhone 14 Pro Max holds a clear advantage in raw performance thanks to its A16 Bionic chip. Apple designed this processor to be roughly 40% faster than the A15 Bionic found in the iPhone 14 Plus. In practice, that gap shows up during demanding tasks such as high-resolution photo editing, graphically intensive gaming, and heavy multitasking.
The iPhone 14 Plus and its A15 Bionic chip still handle everyday tasks without issue. Browsing, streaming, social media, and standard photo editing all run smoothly. For most people, the performance difference only becomes noticeable during processor-heavy workloads.
Learn more: 20 Best AI Apps for Your iPhone
2. Both iPhones have the same screen size
The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max both feature expansive 6.7-inch OLED displays. That generous screen size makes either phone well suited for watching video, reading long articles, and working with productivity apps. If screen real estate is your priority, both models deliver the same physical dimensions.
3. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a refresh rate up to 120Hz and more resolution
Both phones use Apple's Super Retina XDR technology for vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the Pro Max goes further with its ProMotion display, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz rather than the 60Hz ceiling on the iPhone 14 Plus.
The practical difference is noticeable. Scrolling feels noticeably smoother on the Pro Max, animations respond more fluidly, and fast-moving video content looks sharper. Once you experience 120Hz on a daily basis, the standard 60Hz can feel sluggish by comparison.
The Pro Max also features a slightly higher resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 ppi, compared to the iPhone 14 Plus at 2778 x 1284 pixels and 458 ppi. While the pixel-density difference is marginal on paper, it contributes to a crisper overall viewing experience on the Pro Max.
4. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers advanced display features
Beyond refresh rate, the Pro Max includes three additional display capabilities:
- Always-On Display: The screen dims to show the time, date, notifications, and widgets without requiring you to tap or lift the phone. It is a subtle but genuinely useful feature for staying informed at a glance.
- Higher peak brightness: The Pro Max reaches up to 2,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness, compared to the 1,200-nit peak on the iPhone 14 Plus. This makes the Pro Max far easier to read in direct sunlight.
- Dynamic Island: Apple replaced the traditional notch with an interactive cutout that surfaces live activities such as timers, music playback, and navigation directions. It has since become a standard feature on the iPhone 15 and later models.
Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro Max
5. The cameras of the iPhone 14 Plus may be enough
The iPhone 14 Plus packs a capable dual-lens camera system with a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It records 4K video at up to 60 fps and supports both Action Mode and Cinematic Mode in 4K. For everyday photography, social media content, and casual video, the Plus delivers strong results.
So, why consider the Pro Max?
The iPhone 14 Pro Max elevates mobile photography with several meaningful upgrades:
- 48MP main sensor: Four times the resolution of the Plus, enabling richer detail and more flexible cropping.
- Telephoto lens: A dedicated 3x optical zoom brings distant subjects closer without sacrificing image quality.
- ProRAW and ProRes: Professional-grade image and video formats that unlock deeper post-processing control.
- LiDAR Scanner: Faster autofocus in low light, improved Portrait mode depth mapping, and enhanced augmented reality experiences.
For casual users, the differences between the two camera systems may not be dramatic in well-lit conditions. The gap becomes more apparent in challenging lighting, when zooming, or when working with professional editing workflows.
6. Their battery life is similar
Apple rates the iPhone 14 Plus at up to 26 hours of video playback and the iPhone 14 Pro Max at up to 29 hours. In day-to-day use, both models comfortably last a full day on a single charge for most people.
The three-hour difference in Apple's benchmark rarely translates to a meaningful gap during normal usage. If battery longevity is your primary concern, the Pro Max has a slight edge, but probably not enough on its own to justify the price premium.
7. Software support and longevity
Apple typically provides five to seven years of major iOS updates for its iPhones. Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max launched with iOS 16 in September 2022, and both are expected to receive iOS updates through at least 2028 or 2029.
The A16 Bionic chip in the Pro Max may handle future software updates more efficiently than the A15 in the Plus, but both processors have ample headroom for years of continued support. If you are buying either phone refurbished today, you can expect several more years of full software compatibility.
Learn more: Best Places to Buy Refurbished iPhones
FAQ
Is the iPhone 14 Plus or Pro Max better value as a refurbished purchase?
The iPhone 14 Plus generally offers better value for money on the refurbished market. It shares the same 6.7-inch screen size as the Pro Max while costing significantly less. If you do not need the 48MP camera, ProMotion display, or Always-On Display, the Plus provides an excellent large-screen iPhone experience at a lower price point. Compare current prices for the refurbished iPhone 14 Plus and the refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max.
What is the biggest difference between the iPhone 14 Plus and Pro Max?
The most significant differences are the display and camera systems. The Pro Max features a 120Hz ProMotion display with Always-On functionality, while the Plus is limited to 60Hz. On the camera side, the Pro Max's 48MP main sensor, telephoto lens, and LiDAR scanner represent a substantial upgrade over the Plus's dual 12MP system.
Will both phones still receive iOS updates?
Yes. Apple supports its iPhones for five to seven years, and both models launched in September 2022. As of 2026, both the iPhone 14 Plus and Pro Max continue to receive the latest iOS updates and are expected to remain supported through at least 2028.
Should I buy the iPhone 14 Plus or wait for a newer model?
If you are looking for a large-screen iPhone at an affordable price, the iPhone 14 Plus remains a strong choice, particularly as a refurbished purchase. Newer models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series offer incremental improvements, but the iPhone 14 Plus still delivers reliable performance and will receive software updates for years to come.
Conclusion
The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max both deliver large, vivid displays and dependable performance. Now that both models are well established on the refurbished market, the price gap between them has narrowed somewhat, but the feature gap remains the same.
- Choose the iPhone 14 Pro Max if you want the best camera system, a 120Hz ProMotion display, Always-On Display, and the A16 Bionic chip. It is the stronger pick for photography, gaming, and anyone who values premium display technology.
- Choose the iPhone 14 Plus if you want a great all-around big-screen experience at a more accessible price. Its A15 chip and dual camera system are more than capable for everyday use.
Buying refurbished is one of the smartest ways to get either phone at a fraction of the original cost. At RefurbMe, we compare prices across trusted sellers so you can find the best deal, backed by a warranty.
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Last updated: Mar 31, 2026 · First published: Mar 8, 2024
