Reviewing the iPhone 14 Pro Max After Several Months of Use

Months after its release, the iPhone 14 Pro Max continues to impress with features like Dynamic Island and Always-on Display, subtly distinguishing it from its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro Max. For users considering an upgrade, it’s crucial to weigh these enhancements against their needs. Additionally, for environmentally conscious consumers looking to save both money and the planet, refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max models are available. These devices, rigorously tested and certified, offer the same stellar features at a fraction of the cost, making them an excellent alternative for savvy shoppers. In this review, we’ll explore whether the new features and the refurbished option make the iPhone 14 Pro Max a worthy investment.

iPhone 14 Pro Max Prices in UAE

iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB	AED 4699
iPhone 14 Pro Max 256GB	AED 5099
iPhone 14 Pro Max 512GB	AED 5949
iPhone 14 Pro Max 1TB	AED 6799

IPHONE 14 PRO MAX REVIEW: DESIGN AND SCREEN

If you were expecting a significant design overhaul with the new iPhones, prepare to be disappointed. The iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max are nearly indistinguishable from the back, sharing the trio of stovetop-like cameras, frosted glass finish, and highly polished stainless steel frames.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max comes in Space Black, Silver, Gold, and a new, color-shifting Deep Purple, which is an elegant shade of aubergine. Its matte, frosted finish is not only fingerprint-resistant but also exudes a sense of luxury.

Despite expectations, the iPhone 14 Pro Max still uses the Lightning connector instead of the USB-C, which is found in the iPad Pro and most other devices launched in 2022. There's no headphone jack, and US models lack a SIM card slot.

The front design is where you'll notice changes. The notorious iPhone notch, housing the selfie camera and Face ID sensors, has been minimized into a pill-shaped cutout at the top center of the screen. This design challenge turned into an opportunity for Apple to introduce a visual feature called the Dynamic Island. This element seems to expand and contract as the pixels around it turn pitch black, creating a dynamic visual effect. More details on the Dynamic Island's functionality will be discussed later in the context of the iPhone 14 Pro Max's user interface.

The iPhone 14 Pro continues Apple’s tradition of providing top-quality displays with its Super Retina XDR panel, measuring a generous 6.7 inches. Thanks to OLED technology, the screen offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high contrast ratio. Furthermore, it boasts an industry-leading brightness of 2000 nits when auto-brightness is enabled.

The flagship iPhone 14 Pro offers all expected premium features: HDR compatibility (supporting Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix), a smooth 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, crystal-clear display, True Tone color temperature adjustment, and outstanding responsiveness. With such a lineup of features, is there really anything left to desire?

The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max debut the Always-on Display feature in Apple's smartphone series, a feature familiar to Android users. Typically, Android phones use this feature to subtly show the time and perhaps a few notification icons with minimal brightness, preventing the need to fully activate the screen.

However, Apple's version of the Always-on Display presents a dimly lit variation of the entire lock screen. This feature, like the Dynamic Island, integrates design, screen, and interface elements. While having a slightly active screen hasn’t been an issue for us, some online users have expressed dissatisfaction.

For those who prefer, the Always-on Display can be disabled and automatically turns off when the phone is in a pocket or placed face down. Nonetheless, it would be beneficial if Apple provided an option to display only the time and date continuously, without lighting up the entire lock screen.

IPHONE 14 PRO MAX REVIEW: CAMERA

The camera upgrade is a significant draw in the iPhone 14 Pro Max compared to its predecessors. For the first time in years, there's a resolution increase, moving from 12MP in the 13 Pro Max to 48MP in the 14 Pro Max. While it still produces 12MP photos, it can capture full-resolution 48MP RAW files for photography enthusiasts. The 14 Pro Max features a wide 24mm angle of view and an f/1.78 aperture lens with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

What’s even more compelling than resolution is the sensor size. A larger sensor can capture more light, enhancing performance in low-light conditions and providing a natural background blur for a professional photography feel.

The primary camera is accompanied by two others: a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a broad 13mm angle of view and an f/2.2 aperture, and a 12MP telephoto camera offering approximately three-times zoom, a 77mm angle of view, OIS, and an f/2.8 aperture. Additionally, Apple utilizes the inner 12MP within the 48MP sensor to facilitate a two-times zoom digital lens, allowing for lossless cropping in well-lit settings.

IPHONE 14 PRO MAX REVIEW: PERFORMANCE AND INTERFACE

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max run iOS 16 with unparalleled efficiency. The previously mentioned Dynamic Island, a feature blending hardware and software updates, enhances the user experience. For instance, when listening to content, the area beside the pill-shaped cutout displays cover art on one side and a visual indicator of audio playback on the other.

However, the Dynamic Island is more prominent when viewing full-screen videos, and the thin strip of screen content above it may take some adjustment for users.

Powered by the A16 Bionic chips, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max offer superior gaming and overall performance. With storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, there's ample space for various files and photos.

Unique to the Pro Max is its ability to connect with satellites in open areas, allowing users in remote locations without signal to reach emergency services. The new iPhones also feature crash detection, automatically sending alerts following a collision.

IPHONE 14 PRO MAX REVIEW: BATTERY LIFE AND CHARGING

While the iPhone 13 Pro Max set a high standard for battery life, the 14 Pro Max doesn't surpass it, particularly with the always-on display feature activated. It reliably lasts a full day, and with the always-on display turned off and the screen refresh rate reduced to 60Hz, it could potentially last two days. However, it doesn't match the outstanding battery performance the 13 Pro Max boasted at launch.

Apple doesn't provide specific battery capacity details but claims a 50% charge can be achieved in approximately 30 minutes using a 20W adapter or higher. Although a charger isn't included, a USB-C to Lightning cable is provided, and the device supports wireless charging.

With an official MagSafe accessory, users can experience up to 15W wireless charging. There are also various third-party accessories, like Anker's magnetic line (including the Anker 622), that leverage Apple's magnetic technology.

Our main gripe with the iPhone's battery aspect isn't its charging speed, which is slower compared to competitors like the fast-charging OnePlus 10T. Instead, we're disappointed that Apple continues to use Lightning cables. These cables not only charge and transfer data more slowly than USB-C but are also less commonly available and more expensive to replace. As a result, we often opted for wireless charging during our week with the 14 Pro Max.

SHOULD YOU BUY THE IPHONE 14 PRO MAX?

If you own an iPhone 13 Pro Max and don't often require satellite communication in remote areas, upgrading to the 14 Pro Max might not be necessary. The 13 Pro Max is already a top-tier iPhone, and the improvements in the 14 Pro Max—like the enhanced camera, Always-on Display, and Dynamic Island—might not justify the upgrade cost for every user.

However, for those with an iPhone 11 or 12 series, upgrading to the 14 Pro Max offers substantial benefits. Expect to be impressed by the camera performance, gaming capabilities, and exceptional screen quality of the 14 Pro Max.

In 2022, Apple has added another outstanding device to its lineup of excellent phones with the iPhone 14 Pro Max. While it's not perfect—having visual interruptions like the pill-shaped cutout and not adopting USB-C, and could benefit from improved zoom and selfie camera—it remains one of the best smartphones and arguably the best camera phone available, unless zoom capabilities are your top priority.

Go Green with the Refurbished iPhone 14

Environmental friendliness is fast becoming a priority in our world, and buying a refurbished phone is a great step in this direction. When you buy a refurbished iPhone 14, you not only save some money but also help save the earth. These devices are properly tested and fixed up to meet top quality standards. At Revibe.me, we assure you peace of mind with a warranty and great customer service. In conclusion, whether it's the stylish and fast iPhone 14 Pro Max or the eco-friendly, refurbished iPhone 14, we have your needs covered. Had over to Revibe.me and get your iPhone 14 Pro Max today!

Environmental friendliness is fast becoming a priority in our world, and buying a refurbished phone is a great step in this direction. When you buy a refurbished iPhone 14, you not only save some money but also help save the earth. These devices are properly tested and fixed up to meet top quality standards. At Revibe.me, we assure you peace of mind with a warranty and great customer service. In conclusion, whether it's the stylish and fast iPhone 14 Pro Max or the eco-friendly, refurbished iPhone 14, we have your needs covered. Had over to Revibe.me and get your iPhone 14 Pro Max today!