iPhone 14 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 14
Starting at
£289.69£599.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 14 and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 14 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £121.60 less than the iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone 14, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 14 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 14 has a bigger battery: 3279 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 14 and iPhone XS Max each suit different preferences. The iPhone 14 offers a lighter and more compact design with support for 5G and eSIM only, making it a good fit if you want the latest network technology in a smaller phone. The iPhone XS Max has a larger screen and a heavier body, plus a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM, which suits those who prefer a bigger display and need a physical SIM. The iPhone 14 provides more RAM and a higher front camera resolution, while the XS Max offers a slightly higher screen resolution and storage starting at 64GB.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 14 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 14 has a 3279 mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This difference may help the iPhone 14 last a bit longer between charges, especially with typical daily use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 14 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 14 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content. Both phones use OLED screens with the same 60 Hz refresh rate but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen, which offers more space for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 14's 6.1 inch screen is more compact and easier to handle with one hand.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone XS Max has a resolution of 1242 x 2688, slightly higher than the iPhone 14's 1170 x 2532. The iPhone 14 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED, while the XS Max has a Super Retina OLED. Both provide sharp and vibrant displays, but the iPhone 14's screen type indicates a newer generation within the OLED range.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 14 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality is important for photos and video calls. The main cameras are the same resolution, but the front cameras differ.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 14 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This can benefit selfies and video calls with clearer images.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have 12 megapixel main cameras, so they offer similar image resolution for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 14 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features influence everyday use, including size, weight, network, and SIM options. There are notable differences here that affect convenience and compatibility.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 14 is more compact at 146.7 mm tall and 71.5 mm wide, weighing 150 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger at 157.5 mm tall and 77.4 mm wide, weighing 208 g. The smaller size and lighter weight of the iPhone 14 make it easier to carry and use one-handed.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 14 supports 5G networks, offering access to faster data speeds where available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, suitable for everyday use but without 5G connectivity.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 14 uses an eSIM only, which is fully digital and can be more convenient if your carrier supports it. The iPhone XS Max has both a physical SIM slot and eSIM, which may suit those who want to use a physical SIM card.
Storage Options
The iPhone 14 is stocked in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, while the iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. If you want a storage option starting at 128GB, the iPhone 14 fits well.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 14 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 14 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3279 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £121.60 less than the iPhone 14
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 14 looks like new and performs smoothly. Many mention its battery lasts well, with one user noting charging only every two days. The front camera and screen receive positive remarks for clarity and brightness. Users appreciate the phone's solid feel and reliability, with some recommending it especially for teenagers and everyday use. A few users mention slight marks only visible on close inspection, confirming the condition is generally excellent.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max praise its excellent condition and value for the price. Customers highlight the large screen and overall good performance for typical needs. Battery life varies, with some users reporting shorter duration requiring replacement. The physical SIM slot is appreciated by those who prefer or need a physical SIM. Some report minor scratches that are mostly covered by a case. The setup process and call volume have been noted as occasional issues but are addressed by replacements or repairs.
The iPhone 14 suits buyers wanting a lighter phone with 5G and a higher resolution front camera. The iPhone XS Max suits users who prefer a larger screen and physical SIM card support with solid performance at a good value.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 14 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone 14, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 14 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £289.69 for the iPhone 14.
The iPhone 14 has a bigger battery: 3279 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 14 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 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3279 mAh vs 3174 mAh) and a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £121.60 more (from £289.69 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 14 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
