Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 14 Pro Max Review
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is still a beast, and getting it refurbished cuts the price in half. We look at whether the trade-offs are worth the savings.
The 30-Second Version
A flagship iPhone for half price. You get the still-great A16 chip and a phenomenal camera system in a refurbished body. Battery life is its only real weak spot. At $629, it's a solid buy if you don't need the latest model.
Overview
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a powerhouse, and this refurbished model gets you that top-tier Apple experience for a lot less cash. You're getting the same killer A16 Bionic chip, the brilliant 120Hz ProMotion display, and that excellent triple-camera system, all in a grade B 'Very Good' condition.
Performance
Performance is still elite. The A16 Bionic chip lands in the 96th percentile, so apps fly and games run smooth. The camera system is its party trick, scoring in the 97th percentile with that 48MP main sensor delivering stunning detail. The one real letdown is battery life, which sits at a surprisingly low 80th percentile—it'll get you through a day, but heavy users might need a top-up.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The A16 Bionic chip is still blazing fast for everything. 99th
- The 120Hz ProMotion display is gorgeous and super smooth. 98th
- The triple-camera system takes phenomenal photos and video. 97th
- IP68 rating and ceramic shield glass make it a tank. 95th
Cons
- Battery life is just okay, not great for a phone this size. 15th
- The notch is still there, if you're not a fan of Dynamic Island.
- It's a big, heavy phone at 240 grams.
- You miss out on newer iOS features and the latest processor.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Screen Size | 6.7 |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 |
Performance
| Processor | A16 Bionic chip |
| Processor Model | Apple A16 Bionic |
| RAM | 6 MB |
| Storage | 256 GB |
Camera
| Main Camera | 48 |
| Camera Count | 6 |
| OIS | Yes |
Battery & Charging
| Connector | USB Type-C |
Connectivity
| 5G | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| NFC | No |
| USB | USB Type-C |
| SIM | Dual eSIM (two active eSIMs, stores eight or more eSIMs).iPhone |
| eSIM | Yes |
Design & Build
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
| Face Recognition | Yes |
| OS | iPadOS |
| Headphone Jack | No |
Value & Pricing
At $629 for a 256GB refurbished model, the value proposition is interesting. You're paying about half the original launch price for what is still a top-three phone from just two years ago. If having the absolute latest specs isn't your priority, this is a smart way to get flagship-tier performance and cameras without the flagship-tier price tag.
Price History
vs Competition
Stacked up, it trades blows. It smokes the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S25 FE in raw processor performance, but their cameras are more computational and their batteries might last longer. The OnePlus 15 will likely offer faster charging and a similar high-refresh screen for less money, but it won't have the iOS ecosystem or the same video recording chops. Against the newer iPhone 16e, you're giving up the latest chip and some AI features, but gaining a better main camera and a premium build.
| Spec | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 14 Pro Max | Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 SM-S948UZKAXAA | Google Google Pixel 10 GA09899-US | OnePlus OnePlus 15 5011116281 | Motorola Moto G PB6V0014US | Apple Unlocked iPhone 15/15 Plus MTLY3LL/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.7 | 6.9 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 6.7 | 6.1 |
| Display Type | — | OLED | OLED | OLED | AMOLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | — | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 60 |
| Processor | Apple A16 Bionic | Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | 3.78 GHz | 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform | A16 |
| RAM (GB) | 6 | 12 | 16 | — | 8 | — |
| Storage (GB) | 256 | 256 | 256 | 512 | 1024 | 128 |
| Rear Camera Mp | 48 | 200 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 48 |
| Front Camera Mp | — | 12 | 42 | 32 | 32 | — |
| Battery Capacity Mah | — | 5000 | 4870 | 7300 | 5000 | — |
| Charging Wattage | — | 60 | — | — | 68 | — |
| Wireless Charging | — | true | false | — | true | — |
| Five (g) | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP69 | IP68 | — |
| Operating System | iPadOS | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 15 | iPadOS 17 |
Common Questions
Q: What does 'Grade B - Very Good Condition' actually mean?
It means the phone will have minor cosmetic wear, like light scratches on the body or screen, but no major dents or cracks. Everything functions perfectly.
Q: Is the battery health good on a refurbished model?
Reputable refurbishers typically replace batteries, but always check the listing details. Given its 80th percentile battery score, expect good but not class-leading endurance.
Q: Will this work with my carrier?
Yes, it's unlocked, so it should work with all major US carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you need all-day battery life without thinking about it. Our data shows battery is its weakest area. Also, avoid this specific listing if the single review about non-delivery worries you—look for a refurbisher with a stronger track record.
Verdict
Buy this if you want a premium iPhone experience on a budget and prioritize camera quality and smooth performance over having the absolute latest model. It's perfect for someone upgrading from an older iPhone or an Android user who wants to try iOS without a four-figure commitment.