Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the largest Pro model in Apple's lineup for 22/23. It features an innovative Dynamic Island, the successor to the notch. It also features a new camera system with a higher 48MP resolution. And it features a high price tag. Time to find out if it's justified.

Dynamic Island: as only Apple can do

To start right off with that last question. We're not going to tell you how to spend your money. The fact is that this iPhone 14 Pro Max is pricey, as is pretty much every iPhone right now. Fortunately, you do get quite a bit in return with this model. Starting with that Dynamic Island. That's a flashy name for the successor of the notch. A double punch-hole has replaced that bite out of the screen. Or rather, a screen pill. Instead of static, Apple makes it possible to interact with it. You can click on it. You then get more information about who is calling you, what music is playing or what messages you are receiving. Again, it feels quintessentially Apple, so it is very refined, as only Apple can do.

Always-on screen

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is an iPhone 14 Pro with a larger 6.7-inch screen. That screen now features Always-On. So the lock screen always stays on; it just gets considerably darker. That does demand something of the battery, but Apple still promises a one-day battery life. The screen can also get brighter outdoors up to twice even with a peak brightness of 2000 nits. No other phone comes even close. In addition to a bigger screen, this 14 Pro Max has a bigger battery. Apple claims up to 29 hours of video playback. Charging is done wirelessly with MagSafe, just like last year. Unfortunately, the iPhone still does not offer fast charging. Apple says it does, but 20W is hardly what we call fast charging.

Main Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max specifications

• 6.7" Super Retina XDR display with Dynamic Island and Always-On
• 48+12+12MP camera with 120° wide angle, 3x zoom and 4K video
• 12MP selfie camera with autofocus
• Apple A16 Bionic processor with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage
• Waterproof stainless steel body with glass front and back
• 5G support with satellite communications (selected regions)
• Charging up to 20W or 15W wireless

A16 Bionic for years of fun

On the back of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, we find a triple camera system with a LiDAR scanner for depth recognition. The primary camera is improved significantly this year. This jumps from 12 to 48 megapixels. And due to a substantially larger sensor, pixel binning, and the Photonic Engine software, it is much more light-sensitive. Apple claims 2x better for the primary camera and telephoto lens and 3x better for the ultra-wide-angle lens. That should result in better photos in the dark. And where the iPhone 14 and 14+ have to make do with an old processor, this iPhone 14 Pro Max does get a new processor. The A16 Bionic processor is overtaking the competition left and right and will feel fast for many years to come. As it should be because the device is by no means cheap.

Pro and cons iPhone 14 Pro Max

• Bright screen + Always-On
• Clickable Dynamic Island
• New 48MP camera
• Powerful performance

• Far too expensive