iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at
£332.55£699.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 14 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £164.46 less than the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone 14 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 14 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 14 Plus has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone XS Max differ in several ways that suit different users. The iPhone 14 Plus has a larger battery and more RAM, making it better for longer use and multitasking. It supports 5G networks, which may matter if you want faster mobile data. Its screen is slightly larger with higher resolution, offering more space for video and sharper images. The front camera captures more detail, useful for selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max is heavier and smaller, with a physical SIM option alongside eSIM, which suits those who prefer that setup. Storage options vary slightly, with the iPhone XS Max starting at a lower capacity.
iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery size and software support, key factors for daily reliability and how long the device can stay in use without needing a replacement or recharge.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 14 Plus has a 4323 mAh battery, which provides more capacity than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the iPhone 14 Plus can support longer usage between charges, suitable if you often use your phone throughout the day without frequent access to power.
Software Updates
This ensures that both devices can receive recent features and security improvements, keeping them current for everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance covers the processor, memory, and storage options that affect speed, multitasking ability, and how much data or apps you can keep on the phone.
Processor
The iPhone 14 Plus uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone XS Max has the Apple A12 Bionic. The A15 Bionic is newer and designed to handle tasks efficiently, which benefits users running demanding apps or multitasking.
Memory
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 14 Plus supports keeping more apps open smoothly compared to the iPhone XS Max's 4 GB. This can improve performance for users who switch between apps often.
Storage Options
The iPhone 14 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities, while the iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The 128GB starting point on the iPhone 14 Plus suits users who want more space for apps, photos, and media without stepping up to the higher storage models.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you see content like videos, photos, and apps. Size, resolution, and screen type all influence clarity and viewing comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 14 Plus features a 6.7 inch screen with 1284 x 2778 resolution, offering a larger and sharper display than the iPhone XS Max's 6.5 inch screen at 1242 x 2688. This extra space is useful for watching videos or reading, and the higher resolution means crisper images.
Screen Type
Both phones use OLED screens, with the iPhone 14 Plus having a Super Retina XDR OLED and the iPhone XS Max a Super Retina OLED. The XDR version generally means improved brightness and contrast, which can enhance viewing in different lighting conditions.
Refresh Rate
Both devices have a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth display of animations and scrolling during everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras, important for video calls, selfies, and photography. Differences here affect photo detail and video quality.
Front Camera
The iPhone 14 Plus has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail than the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixel front camera. This suits users who take many selfies or use video calling regularly.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, which provides similar photo resolution for everyday photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features affect how you use the phone daily, including dimensions, network compatibility, SIM options, and weight.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 14 Plus supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, suitable for users whose network coverage or needs fit this standard.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 14 Plus uses an eSIM only, which allows you to activate mobile service without a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, which may be preferred by those who want to swap SIM cards manually or use multiple numbers.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 14 Plus is slightly larger at 160.8 mm tall and 78.1 mm wide, compared to the iPhone XS Max at 157.5 mm tall and 77.4 mm wide. The iPhone 14 Plus weighs 150 g, which is lighter than the iPhone XS Max's 208 g. The lighter weight may be more comfortable for extended hand use.
Physical Dimensions
Both devices are similarly slim, with the iPhone 14 Plus measuring 7.8 mm deep and the iPhone XS Max 7.7 mm, making either easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
Connector Type
Both phones use the Lightning connector, so charging and accessories are compatible across these devices.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 14 Plus if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4323 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £164.46 less than the iPhone 14 Plus
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 14 Plus often highlight its excellent condition and battery life, finding it easy to use and well suited for daily tasks. Many mention how the phone looks nearly new, with only minor marks on fair condition models. Battery health is praised, with some users noting it lasts all day. The larger storage options and clear screen are appreciated, and the phone handles setup smoothly. Some customers mention the device's good performance and camera quality, with the front camera detail contributing positively to selfies and video calls.
Reviews of the iPhone XS Max show satisfaction with its condition and camera quality, with many users describing the phone as looking brand new. Battery life is a common point, with some users needing to replace the battery to extend usage. The phone performs well for everyday use and is valued for its screen size and clarity. Users like the physical SIM option and find the phone reliable for calls and apps. Some mention a slower setup process, but overall the device meets expectations for a refurbished phone.
Both devices suit users who want a large-screen iPhone with iOS support. The iPhone 14 Plus fits those prioritising longer battery life, a lighter phone, and a sharper front camera, while the iPhone XS Max appeals to those comfortable with a heavier phone and the option of a physical SIM card.
iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 14 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone 14 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 14 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £332.55 for the iPhone 14 Plus.
The iPhone 14 Plus has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 14 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 14 Plus adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4323 mAh vs 3174 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £164.46 more (from £332.55 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 14 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
