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.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max holds a clear advantage in raw performance thanks to its A16 Bionic chip. In Geekbench 6 it scores about 11% higher single-core and 16% higher multi-core 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
Where to buy either phone refurbished
Both phones are now well stocked on the refurbished market, and the seller you pick matters as much as the model. RefurbMe compares live offers so you can see who is cheapest today rather than guessing.
- Back Market usually carries the widest selection of grades, colors, and storage tiers for both the 14 Plus and the 14 Pro Max, which makes it the easiest place to match a specific configuration to a budget.
- Gazelle often posts the lowest entry price on the iPhone 14 Plus, so it is worth checking first if you want a clean, no-frills unit at the best price.
- Amazon Renewed and eBay Refurbished round out the options, though stock and pricing on these older models move quickly.
On October 19, 2026, the cheapest refurbished iPhone 14 Plus was $269 at Back Market. The cheapest Pro Max was $379 at eBay Refurbished. Both units were locked to AT&T, and live offers shift daily. Compare the current refurbished iPhone 14 Plus and refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max listings to see the latest prices side by side. Before you settle on the Pro Max, our iPhone 14 Pro Max refurbished buying guide compares it with the 14 Pro and the 15 Pro Max.
