The hype in the build-up to the release of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max was...well, you know, the same as always! Tech junkies and hardline Apple fans waiting eagerly to get their hands on the new smartphone. Because of Apple's proven track record for quality specs and sophisticated features, plus the fact that if you treat them right, they'll last you a while, the latest iPhone models always garner much hype and attention.
However, after iPhone 14 variants launched in mid-September, not everyone was raving about them, and reviews were divided. Steve Jobs's (Apple's founder who passed away in 2011) daughter Eve was highly critical. Stating there weren't enough variations and that Apple was "Simply rehashing earlier designs". But who's to say she's right?
There used to be at least 2 years between model upgrades, but Apple has been on a revamping spree since the iPhone 11's release. So was it effectively a money grab by Apple, or is there just no pleasing Millenials and Gen Z anymore as we expect too much change too quick? Below we take a look at the specs and features of the iPhone 14 Pro Max and take a good look to see whether it is worth the price and should be on your shopping list, or you have to tell the kids this Christmas......mmmmm, how about a bike?
Standard Retail Price
The base iPhone 14 model retails at approximately A$1,399 but can go higher depending on its internal memory (512GB maximum). The Pro Max is priced around A$1,899. As is the rule for smartphones, you are paying top dollar with higher memory space, which won't change anytime soon.
All iPhone 14 variants, including the Plus, Pro and Pro Max models, are now available online or at Apple stores and authorised retailers across Australia.
Wow Factor Colours
All iPhone 14 models come in trendy colours. The base and Plus models are available in Blue, Midnight, Red, Purple and Starlight shades. Designated iPhone Pro and Pro Max colours are Space Black, Silver, Gold and Deep Purple.
While the new batch of colourways appears sophisticated, its predecessor, the Phone 13 Pro Max, has more colours: Alpine Green, Gold, Silver, Graphite and Sierra Blue.
Conclusion: Not much progress, is it?
Design and Display
Except for the colourways and a few specs upgrades, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is but a slight update of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The same can be said of other iPhone 14 models. At the time of its release, iPhone 13 came out with solid specs and features. But experts agree on one thing:
iPhone product lines need a new design. The iPhone 14 Pro Max retains much of the look and feel of its predecessor, from the flat frame and side rails to the triple camera system.
Conclusion: Come on, Apple, we want a wow factor.
What Remained
As far as:
- Battery Life
- Memory Capacity
- Graphics Card
- Build
- Sound
- And Connectivity...
There is little difference between the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Both versions are 6.7 inches in size, have hexa-core processors and are protected by a Ceramic Shield glass. Charging speeds are still the same, but with minor, barely noticeable changes in the dimensions.
Conclusion: Again a little underwhelming.
Key Changes
Though released just a year after the older model was introduced to the public, the iPhone 14 Pro Max sports a new chipset, the Apple A16 Bionic, and comes with an upgradeable iOS 16. The hardware upgrades for this year's release are considerably few. However, here is where it gets better for staunch Apple users. Expect better captures with a 48MP primary camera and a 4K video cinematic mode. New exclusive features have also been added—Emergency SOS via satellite and Always-On Display.
The former lets you use satellite connectivity to send messages or details about your location in case network coverage fails. While the latter lets you view limited information like:
- Notifications
- Time
- Date
- Battery Percentage
- And more... even when the phone screen is off
Finally, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has an oval-shaped button that shows:
- Notifications
- Alerts
- Real-time data, when clicked
Users can customise the look of their Dynamic Island. It is essentially a hub at the top section of your screen display. The island will let you know your charging status or if you have successfully locked or unlocked your phone.
Conclusion: We all want new gadgets and love upgrades to our cameras, don't we? So, positive.
Is the iPhone 14 Pro Max Worth the Price?
If budget is the least of your concern and less-than-stellar reviews do not discourage you from buying the iPhone 14 Pro Max, go ahead and grab one. There are extra features and gadgets and an upgrade to the camera and the 4K video cinematic mode. The common sentiment is that this new Apple smartphone is too pricey for a model with no significant hardware or feature upgrades.
Frankly, if this latest iPhone ticks all the boxes and gives you an edge at work, bragging rights at university or down the pub or even keeps the kids quiet this Christmas, then why not? Dive in and grab one. Looking for smartphones at affordable rates? View more iPhone models and Apple products only here at Mobileciti. Browse through our online store and place your order in seconds. We offer great discounts and deliver Australia-wide.