iPhone 14 Pro Max | Technology | Review
Is the new iPhone 14 Pro Max worth it?
C’mon it’s iPhone, the hype is ought to be there; but is it seriously worth it?
I know you’ll be thinking of the awesome new purple or blue color of the iPhone 14 Pro but just sit back, take a deep breath, and think, is it worth your $1099( The US dollars to be specific)? If you are reading this, chances are you already own an iPhone.
So do you really need to change your phone?
iOS 16 is just awesome and is available on most iPhones in use — including iPhones as old as iPhone 8.
iPhone 14 has the same super-speedy chip that’s in iPhone 13 Pro.
The new iPhone 14 does bring some changes that are great but certainly not that can be termed as ‘game-changing’. Well, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max have some interesting advanced features. But yeah, you don’t need to upgrade for those.
Anyways, let’s talk about them.
So that you can make an informed decision.
The Newest Upgrades
Camera
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max bring forward the brand new 48MP Main camera with an advanced quad-pixel sensor. Moreover, the new models come with 4x the resolution which assists in crystal clear cropping of images. (The previous models especially 12 and 13 have excellent cameras too; just saying.)
The new Pro camera system adds a 2x optical-quality Telephoto to its zoom range, putting tons of framing flexibility in your pocket.
Up to 3x better low-light photos can be captured on the Ultra Wide camera. ( The night mode works pretty awesome too in 12 and 13, just a fact).
The Action Mode comes in handy for smooth handheld videos – no gimbal required. So, whether filming from an off-road SUV or running alongside your subject you don’t need to worry.
Not to sound like it’s bragging but the Pro and Pro Max are the only smartphones in the world that let you shoot, view, edit, and share in ProRes or Dolby Vision HDR.
And here’s the upgrade for the selfie lovers– the new TrueDepth front camera, along with autofocus and a larger aperture. It lets you snap the sharpest, vibrant close-ups and group shots.
Well, I know they all sound pretty great, (and they are, though) but still you can wait and let Apple develop an even better camera for you. And I bet, whatever model of iPhone you own right now, clicks pretty amazing pictures too. ( Apple’s always been great and er, expensive)
Battery life
This is one of the most concerning topics if I might say. Because with a poor battery life we won’t be able to make use of other features, no matter how wonderful they are.
iPhone 14 Pro Max comes with up to 29 hours of video playback and up to 95 hours of audio playback. The video playback is an hour longer than that of the iPhone 13 Pro Max but a significant 9 hours longer than that of the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Whereas, iPhone 14 Pro comes with up to 23 hours of video playback and up to 75 hours of audio playback. Again, one-hour longer video playback than the iPhone 13 Pro. As compared to iPhone 12 Pro it’s 6 hours longer.
Pretty good.
It is the same 20W battery, so the charging does not get any faster. You’ll need to wait for that one.
In a nutshell, battery life has improved for good.
The Always-on Screen
Another notable development is the Always-on screen, even when on standby. Indeed, Android devices have had always-on displays for years, but Apple’s approach to the same concept is a bit different. The lock screen, including notifications and widgets in full color rather than a simple clock, is displayed, but dimmer than normal.
And of course, this consumes battery.
However, when the iPhone is turned face down or is in your pocket, it turns dark to save battery life.
Personally, I don’t like the Always-on screen much; it’s a lot of sheer battery wastage. In earlier models, the screen wakes up whenever there is a new notification and this thing just serves the purpose.
Dynamic Island
This one’s most interesting. It is so because it is both hardware and software or something in between.
The large notch that was at top of the screen containing the cameras for Face ID has been replaced by a 31% smaller pill-shaped design Apple calls the “Dynamic Island”.
Oh, and the pill moves, expands, and contracts to fit system alerts and ongoing notifications, like charging status, FaceTime, album art, and a little waveform when playing music, without interfering with what you are already doing. Just tapping the notch opens the app, and holding it down brings up more information, including controls for the audio player.
It is surprisingly useful for at-a-glance information except for a single and not-so-major annoyance. On the expansion of the notch, the 3/4/5G indicator is hidden, making it hard to know when you’re in a data black hole. Well, that is still okay. Acceptable.
Crash Detection
iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max can
- detect a severe car crash,
- then call emergency services
- and notify your emergency contacts
This can prove to be life-saving at times.
And fear not, it just does go off like that. The prompt appears on the screen and asks you as well. It triggers the alert when you want it to and also if you don’t respond anything; makes sense.
The latest Apple watches have the potential to do this as well and that is better, I believe because the watch always stays on your wrist and is by default more easily accessible as compared to a phone. The time really really really matters in case of an emergency.
Well, I agree the feature is pretty good but I sincerely hope that you would never need it.
Brighter Screen for Sunny days
The new iPhones are more sun-loving. ( Not forgetting that their younger siblings are not sun-haters either ). They come with a display that’s up to 2x brighter in the sun.
Easier reading.
More peace for the eyes.
…
Oh, I understand if you are still in complete awe of the new iPhone but let’s be realistic. Think rationally.
And, if you have iPhone 12 or 13, you should definitely wait.
If you just want to have any of the new features right now, you can consider buying.
I believe you wouldn’t be missing out on much if you save your dollars this time. But, if you have some extra money in hand along with a crazy love for Apple, go for it!
If you read this (and loved this), I’m sure you’ll like this one too – “The new Apple Watch Ultra is the Ultimate Beast”! Go, check it out!
I’d love to hear what you think about this. Leave a comment below.
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