This would have been a “not” discussion last year. For quite a few years, you had to pay the highest dollar (or rupee) if you wanted to buy the iPhone with the largest screen and the best battery. The iPhone 14 Plus changed all that. It has added an interesting element to the 2022 iPhone 14 portfolio that also includes the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Pro twins. At a starting price of just under Rs 90K, it is Rs 50,000 cheaper than the iPhone 14 Pro Max but gives you a robust battery and a large screen. Should you go for the 14 Plus and save the extra money or go for Pro?
Chill pill or notch?
Once you get over the Dynamic Island name, you’ll love the functionality of the cutout reserved for this year’s Pro siblings. The Notch has been shrunk to a new pill-shaped cutout that houses Face ID components and the front-facing camera. Not only is it visibly smaller than the Notch, but it also adds an all-new, intuitive navigation experience. You can stay on your primary screen even if you manage ongoing activities in the background. It’s the same old notch on the iPhone 14 Plus, a constant iPhone since 2017. It’s not just Dynamic Island, the 14 Pro Max has a more immersive display with ProMotion and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s also brighter (2000 nits peak brightness) compared to the iPhone 14 Plus which peaks at 1200 nits. If you’re a compulsive gamer, the 120Hz refresh rate and smoother scrolling will make a difference, but if you catch the occasional video or strange show on Netflix, the 14 Plus may be the only screen you need.
Brute force
Many platforms have not been kind to Apple’s decision to equip the iPhone 14 and the 14 Plus with the same A15 bionic chip that powered the 2021 iPhones. I don’t believe that’s a deal breaker. The 14 Plus beat every task we threw at it and considering how iPhones age, you’re covered for years to come. Yes, the A16 bionic chip under the hood of the Pro Max is cutting edge, but it’s not something that should influence your choice between these two devices.
Stellar design
While the notch may seem dated, the 14 Plus is a nice device. The Pro Max has a premium stainless steel finish, but it will probably be hidden behind a back cover unless you’re one of those brave people carrying your Pro Max without a case. At 203 grams, 14 Plus is the perfect weight. It’s about 20% lighter than the Pro Max and a tad lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro. It’s this lighter shape, despite a large battery, which is one of our favorite features of the 14 Plus. It’s also easier to repair thanks to a new redesign that allows the rear window and screen to be removed separately at a lower cost than before. ifFixit did a teardown demonstrating this in a blog post. If you’re concerned about maintenance costs or tend to damage phones with your butter fingers, this is something to keep in mind.
No game
The Pro Max has a distinct advantage when it comes to cameras. The iPhone 14 Pro Max (and Pro) will be the first iPhone with a 48MP main camera that gets a boost from a quad-pixel sensor. It adapts to the photo being taken and features second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization. Low-light photos look visibly better, even when captured at a practical 12MP photo size. You can shoot at 48 MP with ProRAW if you need more detail, but you need a lot of storage space to be able to record the large files on your iPhone. Overall, the results were great. However, you get some of the cool Apple tools like Cinematic Mode and the new Action Mode on the iPhone 14 Plus. You need a Pro Max if zoom photography is a major purchase driver. The 14 and 14 Plus lack a telephoto lens.
Pro or Plus
If you’re one of those types who live on the cutting edge, upgrade your phone every year and need the best iPhone, then you already know what you want. In our tests, the 14 Plus has the edge in the battery department. The Pro Max did better when we turned off the Always-On display, but I wouldn’t recommend that. This new feature is one of our favorite add-ons on the Pro devices this year. The iPhone 14 Pro Max brings the best of Apple with the best processor, superior camera and display. If these features aren’t deal-breakers, then the 14 Plus might just be the big iPhone you need and will give you some significant savings.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,39,900 while iPhone 14 Plus starts at Rs 89,900
