iPhone 11 Pro Max Vs iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£181.00

Versus £749.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£325.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released in September 2019, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max, launched in September 2022, represent different generations of Apple's large-screen flagship smartphones. While both offer a premium experience, the iPhone 14 Pro Max introduces significant advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and overall performance, reflecting three years of technological evolution. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience, though the newer model benefits from a longer period of future software support.

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 11 Pro Max was released in September 2019, making it a considerably older device compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which debuted in September 2022. This age difference directly impacts the expected duration of software updates and overall practical lifespan.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 14 Pro Max, being a newer model, will receive major iOS updates for a longer period than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. While the iPhone 11 Pro Max has received several major updates since its launch, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is expected to continue receiving updates for several more years, extending its functional life and access to new features.
  • Durability Features: Both models feature robust builds with stainless steel frames and glass backs, offering a degree of water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, however, incorporates Ceramic Shield on its front cover, which provides enhanced drop performance compared to the glass used on the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications. The three-year gap between these models brings notable differences in processing power and efficiency.

  • Processing Capabilities: The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a significantly more advanced processor, enabling smoother operation for complex applications, faster rendering in games, and more efficient handling of intensive tasks. This translates to a more responsive user experience and greater capability for future software demands.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Pro Max is equipped with 6GB of RAM, an increase from the 4GB found in the iPhone 11 Pro Max. This additional memory allows the newer device to manage more applications simultaneously and switch between them with greater fluidity, reducing the need for apps to reload.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 11 Pro Max was available with storage capacities of 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers more generous options, starting at 128GB and extending up to 1TB, providing more room for apps, photos, and videos, especially for users who engage in high-resolution media creation.
  • Battery Behavior: While both devices offer substantial battery life, the iPhone 14 Pro Max generally provides extended usage times, particularly for video playback and streaming, due to a larger battery capacity and more power-efficient components.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences, though the newer device introduces several enhancements.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature large OLED displays, with the iPhone 11 Pro Max having a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display and the iPhone 14 Pro Max sporting a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. The OLED technology ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors on both.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a resolution of 2688x1242 pixels at 458 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a slightly higher resolution of 2796x1290 pixels at 460 ppi, providing a marginally sharper image.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 14 Pro Max significantly surpasses its predecessor in brightness, offering up to 1000 nits typical brightness, 1600 nits peak for HDR content, and an impressive 2000 nits peak for outdoor use. The iPhone 11 Pro Max reaches 800 nits typical and 1200 nits peak HDR. Additionally, the iPhone 14 Pro Max features ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, a feature absent on the 60Hz display of the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
  • Unique Display Features: The iPhone 14 Pro Max introduces the Dynamic Island, a dynamic area around the front camera cutout that displays alerts and background activities, and an Always-On display feature, which the iPhone 11 Pro Max does not have.

Resolution

1242 x 2688

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera performance is a key differentiator, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max brings substantial upgrades over the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

  • Main Camera System: The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a triple 12MP camera system (Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto). The iPhone 14 Pro Max elevates this with a 48MP Main camera, alongside 12MP Ultra-Wide and 12MP Telephoto lenses, offering greater detail and flexibility, especially when shooting in ProRAW.
  • Low-Light Photography and Features: Both phones offer Night Mode for improved low-light performance. However, the iPhone 14 Pro Max benefits from a larger main sensor and the Photonic Engine, which significantly enhances image quality in challenging lighting conditions. The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced Deep Fusion for improved texture and detail in medium-light scenes.
  • Video Recording Capabilities: Both models support 4K video recording up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone 14 Pro Max adds advanced video features like Cinematic Mode for shallow depth-of-field effects in 4K HDR, Action Mode for smoother handheld footage, and ProRes video recording for professional workflows.
  • Front Camera: The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. The iPhone 14 Pro Max also features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera but adds autofocus, improving clarity for selfies and video calls.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity: A major difference is the inclusion of 5G connectivity on the iPhone 14 Pro Max, offering faster cellular data speeds where available, which the iPhone 11 Pro Max lacks, being limited to 4G LTE. Both support Wi-Fi 6, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max features Bluetooth 5.3 compared to Bluetooth 5.0 on the 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max also includes Emergency SOS via Satellite for critical situations outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both devices utilize the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. For biometric security, both rely on Face ID. The iPhone 14 Pro Max also includes an Ultra Wideband chip for enhanced spatial awareness and a LiDAR scanner for improved augmented reality experiences and faster autofocus in low light, features not present on the 11 Pro Max.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The iPhone 11 Pro Max measures 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm and weighs 226 grams. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is very similar in dimensions at 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm but is slightly heavier at 240 grams. Both are large devices, and the slight increase in weight for the 14 Pro Max might be noticeable to some users.
  • Build Materials: Both phones feature a stainless steel frame and glass back. The iPhone 14 Pro Max introduces Ceramic Shield for the front display, offering improved durability against drops.

Weight

226 g

120 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.7

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max cater to users seeking a large-screen iPhone experience, but their differences are significant due to the generational gap. Users often praise the iPhone 11 Pro Max for its robust build and still-capable camera system, particularly its introduction of Night Mode, which was a major leap at its release. Some common criticisms for the 11 Pro Max in current times revolve around its aging processor and the absence of 5G connectivity, which can impact performance and future-proofing.

Conversely, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is frequently lauded by users for its vibrant and adaptive ProMotion display, the versatile Dynamic Island, and its highly advanced camera system, especially the 48MP main sensor and enhanced video capabilities. Its extended battery life and powerful processor also receive positive feedback for handling demanding tasks. Some users might find its increased weight and the continued use of the Lightning port as minor points of consideration.

Users prioritizing a more modern experience with cutting-edge camera technology, a smoother display, and faster cellular connectivity will find the iPhone 14 Pro Max well-suited to their needs. This includes content creators, avid photographers, and those who value the latest performance and features. For individuals who require a large display and solid performance for everyday tasks, and who are less concerned with the absolute latest technological advancements or 5G, the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a capable device. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative, allowing users to enjoy premium features while making a sustainable choice.

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