iPhone 14 Pro Max Upgrade or wait?

[Berti10]

I switched from the 8Plus to the 13PM, so see it as a similar jump.

The 13PM is nice, battery is excellent, cameras do overprocess a lot, Macro feature does not work really well. Go to 0,9x Zoom to use it reliantly. If you are into photography, choose the 13P or 13PM. In Europe the 14P are very expensive. Take a refurbished 13P or 13PM and you are happy. Honestly, expected the jump from the 8+ to 13PM to be more spectacular. It is not. The time for this is over. So the 15 or 16 will not be this spectacular and remember, if you choose not to chase the latest and greatest, the jump after that will be bigger choose what fits your need best. For me, it is the 512GB storage, XDR Display and 120Hz. For camera, if felt like a step sideways not fwrd.

 

[Dirtnap86]

Just get the 14 Pro, and it will last you for a long time, and you get all the features that you need (macro and GPS). Anything less, and you won’t be getting all the features you want while still spending quite a bit of money.

Only wait for the 15 if you must have USB-C.

I got really excited when I heard that iPhone had to make the switch to USB-C as I’m trying to make the switch to that for all my electronics where I can.

However, I realized I almost never plug my phone into anything. I use wireless charging almost always. Backups are made on the cloud, etc. the only thing I plug in for is hotspot because the BT hotspot connection doesn’t work well on my phone(drops out) and charging when I travel(which I don’t do much) so USB-C isn’t as big a deal as I thought, more of a nice to have feature for me.

 

[Dirtnap86]

it maybe not what you asked, but in your case I would consider an Apple Watch Ultra and leave your phone at home whilst riding. And/or wait for a new phone to convince you that it is time to replace your X.

Thanks for the suggestion but I have zero interest in a Apple Watch at the moment.

 

[TracerAnalog]

Thanks for the suggestion but I have zero interest in a Apple Watch at the moment.

Then I would wait and see what this year brings 😊. Hopefully a lighter pro version with improved lenses. Btw, why do you focus on macro photography? I use it now and then, but I think it is a bit fiddly on the iPhone.

 

[Dirtnap86]

I checked with my service provider out of curiosity about getting a 14PM on a plan. I usually just buy my phones since a BYOD plan has been much cheaper(if I bought my X in a plan I would have paid more in the end by about $200).

What I found surprised me. If I were to do a 2 year contract with a 512gb 14PM it would cost me a extra $45 more a month than what I’m paying now and I get a 60gb 5G plan(on a 50gb plan now). So in two years I will own the device and only have paid $1080CAD for it. The buy it now price is about $2000 CAD. I checked with a 1 year contract but I would end up paying the full $2k if I did that.

So now I’m about ready to pull the trigger on this purchase. I don’t like the idea of contacts but since I usually keep my phones for much longer than this and the fact I should be able to get close to if not all of what I paid for this phone back when the contract is over I very close to making it happen.

 

[Beelzbub]

If you are riding in areas with limited cellular service, remember the 14 Pro series has Emergency SOS via Satellite if that is of any interest to you.

I recently upgraded to the 14 Pro Max, I cannot ever see myself going back to a regular sized phone (but that is just me, everyone's needs wants are different).

 

[AF_APPLETALK]

I’m leaning toward getting the 14PM. I’m also considering waiting but the problem with that is there will always be something better that the next years model will have so I’ll probably feel like I’m settling no matter when I get a new phone.

One way to look at it is if I get the 14PM now and the wait for the 16 I will get all the new features of a redesign that is probably coming for the 15 plus incremental changes for the 16. I will probably want to get rid of the dynamic island/ notch as soon as that’s a possibility this this would possibly set me up better for that without having to get a new phone two years and a row.

And yes I usually keep my phones for awhile but I’m not set on it. I’ve been waiting for something big and worth upgrading for and really haven’t seen it since the X was released and I bought it. I also don’t pay much attention to these things so when I started researching upgrades from my X I was surprised how much the small updates can make a big difference over time. I didn’t even know about the dynamic island a few days ago lol.

You should consider waiting just a little bit on the 14 pro to see if they introduce new colors this spring.

usually the spring color is better than the fall one, and I’m thinking about trying to switch to the spring cadence myself. Depends on what they put out there this year.

The weight issue has made me rethink the pro series. I think I’ll stay on standard.

 

[Dirtnap86]

If you are riding in areas with limited cellular service, remember the 14 Pro series has Emergency SOS via Satellite if that is of any interest to you.

I recently upgraded to the 14 Pro Max, I cannot ever see myself going back to a regular sized phone (but that is just me, everyone's needs wants are different).

I have a Garmin InReach for that reason but a backup is always good.

 

[Dirtnap86]

You should consider waiting just a little bit on the 14 pro to see if they introduce new colors this spring.

usually the spring color is better than the fall one

I use a case always and always buy black lol. But thanks for the suggestion.

 

[The Game 161]

if you can wait 7 months I would say wait if not then maybe get a 13 pro for cheaper is a good option.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

I’m wondering if maybe I should maybe just get a 14pro and then I can upgrade to a 16pro as it might have the rear facing camera under the screen I’ve read?

It will not. I’m just telling you that right now.
People have been saying Apple will get rid of the camera bump since the iPhone 6 was introduced with the first camera bump… 9 years ago.
People have been saying Apple will get rid of any cut out/notch in the display Since Apple introduced the first notch… 6 years ago.
These rumors are based on absolutely nothing and so far have not come true in the slightest.

My concern is I wait and then when the 15 comes out I still want to wait for something the 16 is leaked to have…

this is always going to be a concern, no matter what you buy.
There is always something better, newer, faster, sexier… you can wait for the 16… then go through this all over again when the 17 comes out and it’s got a Micro LED display and a brand new camera that’s double the resolution of the 16 and it starts at 512 GB of storage and it’s got the first 2NM chip and it’s got a 20% better battery and…
So… no I would not recommend waiting until the 16.
Waiting until the 15 isn’t a bad idea as it’s only half a year away, but the 16 is so far away that Apple probably doesn’t even know it’s finalized specifications and there’s always the possibility that it’s another X to XS year where the design, screen, camera are all basically the same as the 15 but it’s slightly faster.
Point is, no matter when you buy, it will eventually be dated.
So… do what you can.
You said you would be fine sticking with your iPhone X until the 15 comes out? Then do it.
If you wanna wait until next year, you can do that too, but just remember that both disappointment and price hikes are always possible and who knows where the world is going to be in a year and a half.

 

[MallardDuck]

Hi, new member here. First post.

Currently have a iPhone X. I don’t really mind it but there are two small things that bug me a bit.

1. The GPS isn’t very accurate. I do a lot of trail riding on dirt bikes and my logged tracks are always all over they place compared to others I ride with which are bang on and consistent.

2. I would like to be able to take better quality macro photos.

Otherwise I really don’t mind the phone and I can live with both these things for now but I’ve really been getting the itch for a new phone since I started hearing rumours of the 15 Ultra (now I understand it might not come until the 16).

I told myself a while ago I would wait for USB-C and then get a new phone but now I’m wondering if maybe I should maybe just get a 14pro and then I can upgrade to a 16pro as it might have the rear facing camera under the screen I’ve read?

IDK what to do!

To make matters more complicated I’m not sure if I want to go with the “Max” size phone or just the 6.1” pro size. I’m considering buying a used 13pro max so I can try it for a bit and then sell it if the size is working out witting taking a huge loss.

Sorry for all the rambling. Would love to get some insight from y’all.

Option 1: Buy used 13pro Max to try

Option 2: Buy new 14Pro or 14PM

Option 3: Wait

My concern is I wait and then when the 15 comes out I still want to wait for something the 16 is leaked to have…

I regret upgrading from the 13 to 14 - there just isn't enough to make it worthwhile. I wish I'd waited for the 15 and gotten USB-c (which is the only thing I've seen that's a substantial upgrade from the 14).

That said, any of those is a massive upgrade from the X, and you'd be happy with them.

Net: If you plan on having the next phone for a similar amount of time, and can wait for the 15, wait to get on the go-forward port. If you plan to keep it only a couple of years, or your X is about to die, then grab a used 13 - the prices on those hit the floor....you should be able to get one about half of what it was when new.

 

[Dirtnap86]

Then I would wait and see what this year brings 😊. Hopefully a lighter pro version with improved lenses. Btw, why do you focus on macro photography? I use it now and then, but I think it is a bit fiddly on the iPhone.

It really isn’t a focus on macro but I deal with small electronics at work and sometimes I try to capture small details to send to a client and my current camera just can’t do it so I just don’t. Would be nice to have this ability.

 

[Dirtnap86]

Well I made a decision.
Ordered a 14PM 512GB on a 2 year contract.

With the incentive of the 2 year contact I will only pay just over half the price. Then in two years I should be in a pretty good position to upgrade again if I want.

Thanks for all the insight from everyone! I really do appreciate it!

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

Well I made a decision.
Ordered a 14PM 512GB on a 2 year contract.

With the incentive of the 2 year contact I will only pay just over half the price. Then in two years I should be in a pretty good position to upgrade again if I want.

Thanks for all the insight from everyone! I really do appreciate it!

You can't ever really "win" by waiting on the next model -There'll always be something better later on. And the model that's out now is already the "better" thing compared to previous iterations, and way better than nearly any other smartphone out now.

Plus, all the rumors and believers saying that Apple will put out an iPhone with fully stealth, under-display FaceID within one or two generations are completely nuts:

Apple would never go so hard on developing and branding the Dynamic Island just to ditch it by the next iPhone.

Dynamic Island is here to stay for at least two more iPhones, 15 and 16.

And for the 2023 and 2024 iPhones, we can, at best, expect to see the cutout for Dynamic Island to shrink a little bit. Much like we've seen Apple slightly adjust the size and shape of the FaceID notch since iPhone X.

You've made a good decision with the 14 Pro Max. Don't worry about iPhone 15 and 16, they won't be markedly better.

 

[Dirtnap86]

You can't ever really "win" by waiting on the next model -There'll always be something better later on. And the model that's out now is already the "better" thing compared to previous iterations, and way better than nearly any other smartphone out now.

Plus, all the rumors and believers saying that Apple will put out an iPhone with fully stealth, under-display FaceID within one or two generations are completely nuts:

Apple would never go so hard on developing and branding the Dynamic Island just to ditch it by the next iPhone.

Dynamic Island is here to stay for at least two more iPhones, 15 and 16.

And for the 2023 and 2024 iPhones, we can, at best, expect to see the cutout for Dynamic Island to shrink a little bit. Much like we've seen Apple slightly adjust the size and shape of the FaceID notch since iPhone X.

You've made a good decision with the 14 Pro Max. Don't worry about iPhone 15 and 16, they won't be markedly better.

I think your probably onto something. I think my timing should be pretty good for a couple reasons:

1: I have the new phone itch. I don’t get this often so might as well enjoy it while I’m excited about it.

2: my iPhone X still has some value left for resale.

3: I will be a better position to upgrade again when there is a “major” update that catches my interest.

Now I just have to play the waiting game for it to arrive…

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Get a 14PM, use it for a few days and then return it to the Apple Store.

Sorry but even though Apple allows such returns, IMO doing so intentionally is simply bad form. Instead the OP can wear his riding pants to the Apple Store and experiment there with the demo phones dedicated to that task.

I have done that many times prepurchase and the pocket testing always ended with me getting the 5" not the 6". However I was always testing for pocketabilty, not for readability. Recently I lost some of my previously 20/10 vision, and now my friend's 6.3" 14 Pro Max seems really nice. Next visit to the Apple Store I will be primarily testing for readability not solely for pocketability. My hands are XL so holding a Max phone is no issue.

 

[robvalentine]

I'd go for regular sized 14 pro myself as pro max is nice for media consumption but one handed use is out, and the smaller one will fit in your pocket better (Based on my personal use case).

as for waiting, well you will continually wait, and whilst design may change, the actual soec jumps are small so best to get it now. Software will be updated for years to come bringing new features

 

[Allen_Wentz]

You can't ever really "win" by waiting on the next model -There'll always be something better later on. And the model that's out now is already the "better" thing compared to previous iterations, and way better than nearly any other smartphone out now.

Plus, all the rumors and believers saying that Apple will put out an iPhone with fully stealth, under-display FaceID within one or two generations are completely nuts:

Apple would never go so hard on developing and branding the Dynamic Island just to ditch it by the next iPhone.

Dynamic Island is here to stay for at least two more iPhones, 15 and 16.

And for the 2023 and 2024 iPhones, we can, at best, expect to see the cutout for Dynamic Island to shrink a little bit. Much like we've seen Apple slightly adjust the size and shape of the FaceID notch since iPhone X.

You've made a good decision with the 14 Pro Max. Don't worry about iPhone 15 and 16, they won't be markedly better.

We fully agree that the OP made a good decision with the 14 Pro Max.

However we disagree with the statement You can't ever really "win" by waiting on the next model -

IMO when buying something like iPhone that upgrades every September and key features are routinely leaked, we should plan around that date. If a desired-by-you feature is expected to present (e.g. the 45 MP image captures for my workflow), then wait and buy on day one. If no desired-by-you features are expected to present, then wait for the next year. Or if Apple surprises us with something new you like, buy then.

Either way IMO it makes most sense to buy in September/October so that one gets maximum usage from the new feature(s) that one waited for.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Can you return the phone within a certain period without penalty?

There is no phone service at all I’m most of the area I ride. Doesn’t seem to affect other peoples phones and logged GPS data. I did some research on this before and found out the X’s are kinda known to do this. Tests revealed They have the worst GPS reception of any iPhone

Last I checked you could return in 14 days, no questions asked. In my experience (same thing, remote rides/runs) each new phone version's reception (I only buy the Pro versions) has performed better than the last; however I have never tested for GPS data.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Then I would wait and see what this year brings 😊. Hopefully a lighter pro version with improved lenses. Btw, why do you focus on macro photography? I use it now and then, but I think it is a bit fiddly on the iPhone.

Some of us routinely do close photos like tiny text fonts, or equipment tech info panels located inconvenient for direct reading. Such macro on the 14Pro is a substantial improvement.

Or for kids, macro of all kinds of things can help incite enthusiasm to learn.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I regret upgrading from the 13 to 14 - there just isn't enough to make it worthwhile. I wish I'd waited for the 15 and gotten USB-c (which is the only thing I've seen that's a substantial upgrade from the 14).

That said, any of those is a massive upgrade from the X, and you'd be happy with them.

Net: If you plan on having the next phone for a similar amount of time, and can wait for the 15, wait to get on the go-forward port. If you plan to keep it only a couple of years, or your X is about to die, then grab a used 13 - the prices on those hit the floor....you should be able to get one about half of what it was when new.

Interesting. For me the upgrade from 13 Pro to 14 Pro has turned out to have been very worthwhile. Everyone's mileage varies I guess...

 

[Dirtnap86]

Ok so I've had the 14PM for about a week now and have been using it as my primary phone for 4 days. I'm VERY glad I didn't wait any longer. I did not expect this to be such a upgrade, my last upgrade was from a 6 to the X and this feels like a much bigger change IMO.

The things I like the most aren't even things I was expecting:

Speed, holy cow this thing is fast! Especially things that use large amounts of data on either Wifi or cellular. One example is I downloaded 4 of the same Youtube videos to both phones. The 14PM was done all 4 and the X was only at 40% on the first one. Amazing!

I also wasn't expecting to like the AOD as much as I do but its nice to be able to check for notifications at a glace rather than having to tap the screen. Sounds insignificant but I do appreciate it.

Of coarse things like battery life and the camera are great but I expected that.

This experience really has me reconsidering my typically long time between upgrades....