In this comparison, we will assess the iPhone 15 Pro Max against its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The new iPhone introduced a USB-C port and a periscope camera, which are notable improvements. However, if these features are not a priority for you, the iPhone 14 Pro Max remains a compelling choice.

While Apple may not directly sell the one-year-old iPhone 14 Pro Max, it is still available through various retailers. If you’re considering saving some money by choosing the older model, this analysis will help you make an informed decision.

Let’s begin by comparing the complete specifications of both devices:

iPhone 15 Pro Max: Dimensions: 

159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm Weight: Lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max due to thinner screen bezels Materials: Titanium frame for a lighter and less bulky feel Colors: Available in monochrome-like paintjobs Display: Features an OLED display with bright and accurate colors Battery: Equipped with a 4,441 mAh battery Performance: Powered by the Apple A17 Pro chip, featuring a 10% faster CPU and 20% faster GPU Storage: Available with 6GB RAM and 128GB base storage Price: Varies based on storage capacity

iPhone 14 Pro Max: Dimensions: 

160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm Weight: Heavier due to the stainless steel frame Materials: Stainless steel frame with rounder edges Colors: Available in purple, silver, gold, or black Display: Equipped with an OLED display with accurate colors Battery: Features a 4,323mAh battery Performance: Powered by the Apple A16 Bionic chip Storage: Available with 6GB RAM and various storage capacities Price: Varies based on storage capacity

Design and Build: 

Both iPhones feature Ceramic Glass Shield and Gorilla Glass panels for durability. They are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, capable of surviving at 6m depth. Aesthetic improvements include a lighter body for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and monochrome-like paintjobs for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Display: 

Both devices offer exceptional OLED displays with accurate color calibration. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a slightly brighter display, offering 1787nits in Auto mode. Both iPhones support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision streaming.

Battery Life: 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 4,441 mAh battery, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a slightly smaller 4,323mAh cell. Both devices deliver similar battery life scores, with the iPhone 14 Pro Max offering slightly better talk time. Charging Speed: Both models are rated for 20W fast wired charging and up to 15W wireless charging via MagSafe chargers.

Speaker Quality: 

Both iPhones have hybrid stereo speaker setups with equally loud and high-quality audio.

Performance: 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with the Apple A17 Pro chip, offering a 10% faster CPU and 20% faster GPU compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s A16 Bionic chip. Both models provide top-notch hardware performance, suitable for running a wide range of applications.

Camera: 

Both devices feature four cameras, including three on the back and one selfie camera. The main cameras are 48MP, while other lenses are 12MP. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a longer zoom range with a 5x telephoto lens, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max maxes out at 3x magnification. The main camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max can shoot in 24MP, providing more detail and a natural look, but photos are identical at 12MP. Ultrawide and 2x zoom photos exhibit similar quality on both devices. The iPhone 14 Pro Max performs better at 3x zoom with its dedicated telephoto lens and offers solid 5x digital zoom. Low-light photos display differences based on the main camera’s resolution and lens quality. Both models record 4K videos at comparable quality.

 

In summary, both iPhones are excellent options, offering similar camera capabilities and robust performance. The iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out with its lighter body, USB-C port, and longer 5x optical zoom. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a cost-effective choice with an elegant stainless steel frame and a competitive 3x zoom. Your decision should consider these factors along with your specific preferences.

Photographers seeking higher resolution photos, 5x optical zoom, and ProRes video capture on external storage should opt for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Additionally, the device’s USB 3.2 transfer speeds are beneficial for handling larger files.

If cost savings and the existing features of the iPhone 14 Pro Max meet your needs, there is no compelling reason to upgrade.