iPhone 11 Pro Vs iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£151.00

Versus £639.00 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, launched in 2019, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max, released in 2022, represent two distinct generations of Apple’s professional smartphone series. While the iPhone 11 Pro was the first to introduce the triple-lens camera system in a compact frame, the iPhone 14 Pro Max significantly expanded the screen size and introduced a more interactive display interface. Both devices operate on the iOS platform, ensuring a consistent user experience, though the newer model supports advanced software features that the older hardware cannot accommodate. This comparison highlights the practical differences for users choosing between these two generations.

Scores

Durability

The age difference between these two devices plays a significant role in their expected lifespan and physical resilience. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, being three years newer, is built to withstand more modern demands and will receive software updates for several years longer than the iPhone 11 Pro. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can also ensure the device has been thoroughly checked for longevity.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 14 Pro Max is likely to receive official operating system updates until the late 2020s, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro is closer to the end of its official support cycle.
  • Physical Protection: The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which is designed to be more resistant to cracks from accidental drops compared to the standard glass on the iPhone 11 Pro.
  • Water Resistance: Both models carry an IP68 rating, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max is tested to withstand deeper submersion, offering more peace of mind in wet environments.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences become apparent when using the devices for more than just basic tasks, particularly during heavy multitasking or when running the latest mobile applications. The newer internal architecture of the iPhone 14 Pro Max provides a more fluid experience across the board.

  • System Speed: The iPhone 14 Pro Max handles demanding apps and high-resolution video editing with greater efficiency, showing fewer signs of slowing down compared to the iPhone 11 Pro.
  • Memory Management: With more internal memory, the iPhone 14 Pro Max can keep more applications active in the background, allowing users to switch between tasks without the apps needing to restart.
  • Battery Life: The iPhone 14 Pro Max contains a much larger battery, which provides significantly more usage time for video playback and web browsing throughout a full day.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display technology has seen a major shift between these generations, moving from a static notch to a more dynamic and brighter viewing experience. Both use organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, which provides deep blacks and vibrant colours.

  • Display Interaction: The iPhone 14 Pro Max features the Dynamic Island, an interactive area at the top of the screen that displays notifications and background activity, replacing the static notch on the iPhone 11 Pro.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The screen on the iPhone 14 Pro Max can reach much higher brightness levels, making it significantly easier to read and use when outdoors in direct sunlight.
  • Motion Smoothness: The iPhone 14 Pro Max includes a high refresh rate, meaning the screen updates more frequently to make scrolling and animations look much smoother than on the iPhone 11 Pro.

Resolution

1125 x 2436

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these devices offer different levels of detail and creative control, with the newer model benefiting from a much larger primary sensor and more advanced video processing.

  • Photo Detail: The iPhone 14 Pro Max uses a high-resolution main sensor that captures more intricate details in photos, which is particularly noticeable when zooming in or cropping images.
  • Video Stability: For those who record video while moving, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers an advanced stabilisation mode that produces much smoother footage than the iPhone 11 Pro.
  • Low-Light Photography: The larger sensors in the iPhone 14 Pro Max allow more light to be captured, resulting in clearer and more detailed photos in dark environments with less visual noise.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily use is influenced by the physical size of the devices and the connectivity standards they support, which have evolved significantly over the three-year gap.

  • Mobile Data: The iPhone 14 Pro Max supports 5G connectivity, allowing for much faster download and upload speeds on compatible networks compared to the 4G-only iPhone 11 Pro.
  • Handling and Weight: The iPhone 11 Pro is a compact device that is easy to handle with one hand, whereas the iPhone 14 Pro Max is much larger and heavier, which may be a consideration for users with smaller hands.
  • Safety Features: The iPhone 14 Pro Max includes modern safety sensors capable of detecting serious car accidents and contacting emergency services via satellite when mobile signal is unavailable.

Weight

188 g

120 g

Screen size (in)

5.8

6.7

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User consensus from online forums and community reviews suggests that the iPhone 11 Pro is still highly regarded for its ergonomic size and reliable performance for everyday communication. Many users appreciate that it remains a powerful tool for photography without the bulk of newer, larger models. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is praised for its expansive screen and long-lasting battery endurance, making it a favourite for those who use their phone as a primary device for entertainment and professional-level content creation. Some users do note that the sheer size and weight of the 14 Pro Max can be tiring during extended use.

Users who prefer a lightweight, compact phone that is easy to carry and use with one hand will find the iPhone 11 Pro well-suited to their lifestyle. Those who prioritise having the largest possible display for watching videos, the fastest mobile data speeds, and the most advanced camera features will likely find the iPhone 14 Pro Max to be the better fit. Opting for a sustainable choice like a quality-assured refurbished device allows users to access these features while contributing to a more circular economy. Both phones remain highly capable, and the choice ultimately depends on whether portability or maximum screen real estate is the primary concern.

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