iPhone 14 Pro Max Review - After 2 Weeks!
# Full Review: Two Weeks With The iPhone 14 Pro Max
## Introduction
Hello and Namaste everyone! It has been exactly two weeks since I began using the most anticipated phone of 2022—the iPhone 14 Pro Max. For those unfamiliar, I transitioned to the Apple ecosystem two years ago, with my previous daily driver being the iPhone 13 Pro Max, alongside a MacBook. After witnessing the exciting innovations showcased during this year's Apple event—such as the new Notch, enhanced camera hardware, and the powerful A16 Bionic chipset—I immediately pre-ordered the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, due to delays, I had to resort to purchasing it from scalpers at a steep price of 2 lakh 65,000 Nepali rupees, equivalent to approximately $2,000 USD. This practice isn't unique to my location; it's prevalent in places like Dubai, Qatar, Hong Kong, and India. As a reviewer, I understand the urgency, but I recommend others to wait a week or two for prices to stabilize and stocks to become more readily available.
## Comparing iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro
The iPhone 13 Pro was almost a flawless device, and it still holds its ground as better than most Android flagships from 2022. With the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple has widened this gap even further. While there are notable improvements, they might not be substantial enough to justify an upgrade from the iPhone 13 Pro. In fact, I would advise those using the iPhone 12 Pro or earlier models to hold out for next year's iPhone 15 series. However, if you're still on the iPhone 10, 11, or an older model with a Touch ID, the upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro Max is nothing short of remarkable.
## Design and Aesthetics
I was anticipating some design changes this time around, but overall, the iPhone 14 Pro Max feels quite similar to its predecessor. The most noticeable differences are a slightly larger camera lens and the repositioning of the power button. In terms of color options, Apple introduced a striking new Deep Purple variant, which visually distinguishes the 13 Pro and 14 Pro models from the rear. The gold and silver options remain unchanged, while the black variant has been renamed to "Space Black" and is now much darker. I would have liked to see Apple continue the Sierra Blue variant from the iPhone 13 Pro, but I've never been a big fan of how heavy the pro series iPhones are. While I understand the use of premium materials like stainless steel and glass for durability, the iPhone 14 Pro Max feels too bulky and heavy, especially for someone with small hands. That said, you do get used to it eventually.
## Dynamic Island: A New Feature
One of the standout features of the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the new Dynamic Island. While it might come off as a gimmick or marketing stunt to some, I find it to be an interesting quality-of-life improvement after using it for a while. The animations when interacting with the phone are quite dope—I particularly like how it displays charging status, low battery messages, and makes interactions with apps like Spotify and Apple Music smoother. However, Dynamic Island's potential is only scratching the surface; third-party developers need to fully embrace this feature to make it even more fun and productive. For instance, integrating features like real-time Premier League goal notifications through the Livescore app would be a game-changer.
## Display Quality
When it comes to the display, I have to admit that I didn't notice much of an improvement from the iPhone 13 Pro. While the 14 Pro can get significantly brighter outdoors, allowing for better usability under sunny conditions—a struggle on last year's model—it doesn't feel like a major upgrade indoors. Nevertheless, the iPhone 14 Pro Max still boasts one of the best displays you can find on a smartphone, according to DXO Mark and Display Mate lab tests. It offers excellent color uniformity, processes HDR videos exceptionally well, and I haven't spotted even a hint of screen burn-in. Additionally, this is the second generation of iPhones featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, which resolves the issues we encountered with some apps running at only 60Hz on the iPhone 13 Pro.
## Always-On Display and Battery Life
While I appreciate the Always-On display feature, it still falls short compared to what Android phones offer. For me, it's merely limited to dimming the lock screen brightness—a missed opportunity for more customization. Many users have also complained about its brightness being too high, leading to significant battery drain—about one percent per hour in my experience. Due to this, I've disabled it temporarily. In terms of battery life, with the Always-On display turned off, the iPhone 14 Pro Max performs similarly to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. I was expecting better performance due to the display now dipping as low as 1Hz versus 10Hz on last year's model. However, it still impresses me by lasting between 30-35% charge after heavy usage over a day and a half or even two days without mobile data.
## Charging Speed and Port
The charging speed remains the same with Apple's 20W wired charger, which takes the phone from 0 to 80% in an hour but charges slowly beyond that. I believe Apple is being too cautious here—factors like gaming, taking 4K videos, and charging habits all impact battery health. Upgrading to a 30W or even 65W fast charger would be a welcome improvement. Unfortunately, the Lightning port still lingers, which is frustrating for tasks like transferring large files. I genuinely expected Apple to switch to a Type-C port this year.
## Audio and Performance
The stereo speakers have been upgraded, offering crisper and fuller sound with an impressive white soundstage. Performance-wise, iPhones have long dominated the smartphone industry, and the A16 Bionic chipset on the iPhone 14 Pro Max only solidifies that lead. The display dimming issues from last year's models have been resolved, making it the best gaming phone available today. It delivers top-tier FPS and sustained performance in demanding games. Additionally, the new Snapdragon X65 modem with 53 support introduces an Emergency SOS feature via satellite, though it's currently limited to regions like the US and Canada.
## Camera Innovations
This year, Apple made significant strides in camera hardware by introducing a 48MP primary lens—a 65% larger sensor compared to the iPhone 13 Pro. While I would have liked a 10x Periscope lens as seen on the Galaxy S22 Ultra, Apple's focus remains on improving existing features. The front camera now includes OIS and autofocus, paired with the new ISP and DSP, resulting in better photo and video quality. Portraits particularly shine with improved bokeh and skin tone, though the difference isn't drastic. Low-light performance has marginally improved, butPixel and Samsung still edge out Apple in extreme conditions.
## Video Capabilities
While there's no 8K recording option yet—despite the camera's capability—Iphone remains king in videography. The stabilization is top-notch thanks to new sensor technologies, and the introduction of Action Mode brings super steady videos even during motion, a feature motovloggers will appreciate.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, my two-week experience with the iPhone 14 Pro Max has been overwhelmingly positive. Apple continues to refine its iPhones, making them better with each iteration. While it's not perfect—there are areas like charging speed and port compatibility that need improvement—it's hard to deny the appeal of this device. The gap between Android flagships and iPhones is wider than ever, as evidenced by declining sales of Samsung and OnePlus high-end models compared to rising iPhone sales.
In summary, if you're in the market for a premium phone and have the budget, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is an excellent choice. However, for those on a tighter budget or looking for specific features like foldables, other brands might offer better value. Apple's continued dominance in the smartphone industry is evident, and with each release, it solidifies its position as a leader in innovation and quality.