iPhone 14 Pro Max Vs iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£318.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£393.00

Versus £999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Pro Max, released in September 2022, and the iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, represent two generations of Apple's high-end smartphone offerings. While both devices deliver a premium experience, the iPhone 15 Pro introduces a more compact design, a newer processor, and a shift to USB-C connectivity, distinguishing it from its larger predecessor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 14 Pro Max was released in September 2022, while the iPhone 15 Pro followed a year later in September 2023. This difference means the iPhone 15 Pro will likely receive major iOS updates for approximately one year longer than the 14 Pro Max, extending its software support further into the future. Apple typically provides major iOS updates for around five to seven years after a device's release, with security patches often continuing for several more years. [25, 36, 37]
  • Software Longevity: Both devices launched with robust operating systems, iOS 16 for the 14 Pro Max and iOS 17 for the 15 Pro. [1, 3, 7] Given Apple's update policy, the iPhone 15 Pro is expected to receive major iOS updates until approximately 2035, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max is projected to receive updates until around 2034. [37] This extended support ensures access to new features, security enhancements, and app compatibility for a considerable period.
  • Durability and Materials: The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield front cover. [33] The iPhone 15 Pro, however, introduces a new design with a titanium frame, which contributes to a lighter device and potentially enhanced resistance to daily wear and tear. [1, 29] Both models are rated IP68 for splash, water, and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. [2, 4, 5, 13]

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely dictated by its internal processing power, how efficiently it manages tasks, and its storage capabilities.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Pro features a newer generation processor, which offers advancements in CPU and GPU performance. This translates to smoother operation for demanding applications, more fluid multitasking, and enhanced graphics for gaming. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, with its previous generation processor, still provides excellent performance for everyday tasks and most intensive applications.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 15 Pro may notice slightly faster app loading times and more immediate responses to touch input due to the newer processor. Both devices, however, maintain a high level of system responsiveness, ensuring a fluid user experience across the operating system and various applications.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both models offer a range of storage options, typically starting from 128GB and going up to 1TB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. [1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 16, 18, 21, 33, 34] The amount of internal memory in the iPhone 15 Pro is 8GB, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max has 6GB. [1, 3, 8, 33, 34] This difference in memory can impact the number of applications that can remain active in the background without needing to reload, potentially offering a smoother multitasking experience on the iPhone 15 Pro for users who frequently switch between many apps.

Memory

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro offer high-quality displays, but there are differences in size and subtle enhancements.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. [2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 17, 33] Both displays utilize OLED technology, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The larger screen of the 14 Pro Max offers a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature ProMotion technology, enabling adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsive visuals. [2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 17] They also offer high peak brightness levels, reaching up to 2000 nits for outdoor visibility, ensuring content remains clear even in bright sunlight. [2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 23] Both include an Always-On display feature. [2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 17, 23]
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a resolution of 2796 by 1290 pixels, and the iPhone 15 Pro has a resolution of 2556 by 1179 pixels, both at approximately 460 pixels per inch (ppi). [2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 17, 19, 32, 33] This high pixel density ensures sharp text and detailed images on both screens.

Resolution

1290 x 2796

1179 x 2556

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both iPhones are equipped with advanced camera systems, delivering high-quality photography and videography capabilities, though the newer model introduces some refinements.

  • Main Camera System: Both the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro feature a versatile triple-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. [1, 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 26, 30, 33] The 48MP main camera on both can capture detailed images, often using pixel-binning to produce bright 12MP photos by default, with the option for full 48MP ProRAW or HEIF captures. [12, 15, 20]
  • Telephoto and Zoom: Both devices offer a 3x optical zoom telephoto lens. [1, 2, 4, 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 33] The iPhone 15 Pro's camera system benefits from improved software processing, which can enhance detail and color. [28] The iPhone 15 Pro also allows for customizable default focal lengths for the main lens, offering more flexibility for photographers. [15]
  • Video and Additional Features: Both models support 4K video recording at various frame rates, Cinematic mode, and Action mode for stabilized video. [2, 12, 13, 30, 33] The iPhone 15 Pro introduces features like automatic depth information capture for portraits, allowing users to add or adjust background blur after a photo is taken, and support for USB 3 data transfer speeds for faster offloading of large video files. [1, 15, 24, 28]

Main camera

48 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two iPhone models, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity and Ports: A significant difference is the charging and data port. The iPhone 14 Pro Max uses Apple's proprietary Lightning connector. [7, 33] The iPhone 15 Pro, however, transitions to a USB-C port, offering broader compatibility with other electronic devices and supporting faster data transfer speeds (USB 3) for professional workflows. [1, 6, 14, 21, 24, 26] Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. [21, 33] The iPhone 15 Pro also includes Wi-Fi 6E for potentially faster wireless speeds with compatible routers. [21]
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a larger and heavier device, weighing 240 grams with dimensions of 160.7 mm (height) x 77.6 mm (width) x 7.85 mm (depth). [2, 19, 33, 34, 35] The iPhone 15 Pro is more compact and lighter, weighing 187 grams with dimensions of 146.6 mm (height) x 70.6 mm (width) x 8.25 mm (depth). [1, 4, 29, 31, 32] This weight reduction in the 15 Pro is largely due to its new titanium frame, which replaces the stainless steel of the 14 Pro Max. [1, 29, 31]
  • User Interface Elements: The iPhone 15 Pro introduces the customizable Action Button, replacing the traditional mute switch. This button can be programmed to perform various functions, such as launching the camera, voice memos, or accessibility features. [1, 15, 24, 26] Both models feature the Dynamic Island, an interactive area at the top of the display that adapts to alerts and background activities. [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 14]

Weight

120 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro both offer advanced smartphone experiences, catering to slightly different user preferences. Users often praise the iPhone 14 Pro Max for its expansive display and robust battery life, making it suitable for those who prioritize media consumption and extended usage without frequent charging. Its larger size, while a benefit for some, can be a criticism for others seeking a more manageable device. [8, 39]

The iPhone 15 Pro, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its more compact and lighter titanium design, which enhances handling and portability. [26, 29] Its newer processor provides a slight edge in performance and future-proofing, and the shift to USB-C offers increased versatility. Some users, however, have noted that the iPhone 15 Pro's battery life, while still good, may not match the endurance of the larger 14 Pro Max. [27] The introduction of the Action Button is generally well-received for its customizability. [15, 24]

Users prioritizing a larger screen and maximum battery endurance may find the iPhone 14 Pro Max better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a more compact, lighter device with the latest processing power, USB-C connectivity, and a customizable Action Button will likely lean towards the iPhone 15 Pro. Both devices represent excellent choices, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new, allowing consumers to enjoy premium features while making a sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons