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iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max

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iPhone 14 Pro Max

Starting at

£467.05£1,199.00 new
See options

iPhone XS Max

Starting at

£168.09£459.00 new
See options
(663 reviews)
(436 reviews)

What's the difference between the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max?

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £298.96 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2022.

Refurbished from

£467.05£168.09

Chipset

Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Apple A12 Bionic

RAM

6 GB4 GB

Battery

4323 mAh3174 mAh

Screen size

6.7 inch6.5 inch

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina OLED
  • Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
  • The iPhone 14 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
  • The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 3174 mAh.

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max specs

The iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a larger battery, more RAM, a higher resolution screen with a faster refresh rate, and more advanced cameras. It supports 5G networks and comes in larger storage options including 1TB. The iPhone XS Max provides a solid experience with sufficient power, a slightly smaller screen, and 4G connectivity. It suits those who want a capable device with simpler features and fewer storage options.

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max price

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery size, operating system compatibility, and physical design aspects. These affect how long the device runs between charges and how long it stays current with software.

Battery Capacity

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a larger 4323 mAh battery compared to the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the 14 Pro Max can generally offer longer use between charges, which benefits users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent access to a charger.

Software Updates

This ensures both devices can run current apps and security features, making either suitable for users who want ongoing software support.

Battery

4323 mAh3174 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP68

Software updates

Supported, up to iOS 27Ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20222018

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max performance

Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence speed, multitasking, and how much data or apps you can keep on your device.

Chipset and RAM

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) chipset paired with 6 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic with 4 GB of RAM. The higher RAM and newer chipset in the 14 Pro Max help it handle more demanding apps and multitasking more smoothly, which suits users who use their phone for intensive tasks.

Storage Options

The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers storage capacities from 128GB up to 1TB, giving more space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone XS Max provides 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, which cover everyday needs but do not reach the highest capacity of the 14 Pro Max. This suits users based on how much storage they require.

Chipset

Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Apple A12 Bionic

RAM

6 GB4 GB

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max screen

Screen quality affects viewing experience through size, resolution, refresh rate, and screen technology. These impact clarity, smoothness, and the overall feel when using the device.

Screen Size and Resolution

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1290 x 2796, slightly larger and sharper than the iPhone XS Max's 6.5 inch screen at 1242 x 2688. The larger and higher resolution screen of the 14 Pro Max suits users who watch videos or work on their phone often and want more display space.

Refresh Rate

With a 120 Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers smoother scrolling and animations compared to the iPhone XS Max's 60 Hz. This makes the 14 Pro Max more responsive to touch and appealing for users who value fluid screen interactions.

Screen Technology

The iPhone 14 Pro Max features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone XS Max uses a Super Retina OLED. The LTPO technology in the 14 Pro Max can help with power efficiency and allows the higher refresh rate, which benefits users who spend a lot of time on their device.

Refresh rate

120 Hz60 Hz

Resolution

1290 x 27961242 x 2688

Screen size

6.7 inch6.5 inch

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina OLED

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max camera

Audiovisual features include the main and front cameras. These determine photo and video detail, which matters for users who prioritise photography or video calls.

Main Camera

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera compared to the iPhone XS Max's 12 megapixels. This higher megapixel count allows the 14 Pro Max to capture more detail, which is useful for photography enthusiasts or anyone wanting sharper images.

Front Camera

With a 12 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers higher resolution selfies and video calls than the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This suits users who frequently take self-portraits or use video calling.

Front camera

12 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels12 megapixels

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max size and design

Other differences include size, weight, network connectivity, and SIM options, all of which influence daily convenience and compatibility.

Network Compatibility

The iPhone 14 Pro Max supports 5G networks, providing faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, which remains widely available and reliable. Users who want the latest mobile network technology will prefer the 14 Pro Max.

Weight and Dimensions

The iPhone 14 Pro Max weighs 150 g and measures 160.7 mm in height with a width of 77.6 mm. The iPhone XS Max is heavier at 208 g and slightly smaller at 157.5 mm tall and 77.4 mm wide. The lighter 14 Pro Max may be more comfortable for users who prefer a less heavy phone.

SIM and Connector

Both devices support a physical SIM and eSIM, and use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories. This makes either phone compatible with a range of carriers and accessories.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

LightningLightning

Depth

7.9 mm7.7 mm

Height

160.7 mm157.5 mm

Mobile network

5G4G

Release date

16 September 202221 September 2018

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

240 g208 g

Width

77.6 mm77.4 mm

iPhone 14 Pro Max or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?

Buy the iPhone 14 Pro Max 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, £298.96 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • you want a lighter build (208 g vs 240 g)

What our customers say

Customers who chose the iPhone 14 Pro Max often mention the phone looking like new or in very good condition, with minimal or no scratches. Several note the battery health is good, often around or above 85%, with some reporting 100% battery health. The smooth performance and good battery life are common themes. Users appreciate the larger screen and camera quality, with some upgrading from earlier models and feeling satisfied with the speed and display. A few mention minor scratches when they chose a less premium condition, but overall the device is well regarded for its condition and feel.

For the iPhone XS Max, customers frequently describe the phone as looking brand new or in excellent condition without scratches or dents. Battery life is often reported as good, with examples around 87%, though a few mention shorter battery duration. The phone is praised for solid daily performance and value for the price. Some users appreciate the clear product description and condition accuracy. A small number mention minor issues like call volume or Face ID not working, but these are exceptions rather than the rule.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max suits users wanting larger storage, more advanced cameras, faster refresh rates, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone XS Max fits those who prefer a lighter investment with solid core features, good screen size, and dependable performance for everyday needs.

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max FAQs

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.

The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £467.05 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 3174 mAh.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max 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 Pro Max 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 £298.96 more (from £467.05 vs £168.09).

Refurbished, the iPhone 14 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.

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