Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the premium choice, but the Sony Xperia 1 VI offers unique features that shake things up. After testing both phones for a week, the iPhone's Dynamic Island interface and robust camera capabilities are impressive. However, the Xperia's continuous optical zoom and expandable storage at 256GB give it a significant edge for photography lovers, making it a worthy contender in 2026.
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Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Sony Xperia 1 VI
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 1 VI

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Sony Xperia 1 VI
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(250)Best Buy | ★4.3(41)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) |
Display Size | 6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA |
Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 3x Telephoto (77 mm, f/2.8), optical image stabilization, 6-element lens | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom steps (6x optical zoom range) | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 15x | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage) | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed) | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
USB | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Surgical-grade stainless steel; Textured matte glass back | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) |
Dimensions | 6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm) | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 8.47 oz (240 g) | 6.77 oz (192 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Ring/Silent switch | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button |
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Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
✓ Pros:
- • First iPhone to introduce the Dynamic Island interface
- • Excellent battery life (4323 mAh), still competitive with newer models
- • Bright 120Hz ProMotion display with Always-On functionality
- • Premium stainless steel build feels more substantial than aluminum models
- • Versatile camera system with 3x optical zoom and macro mode
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the obsolete Lightning port instead of USB-C
- • Significantly heavier (240 g) than the newer Titanium 'Pro Max' models
- • Wi-Fi 6 is slower than the Wi-Fi 6E/7 found in newer iPhones
- • No support for newer Qi2 wireless charging standard (limited to 7.5W on generic Qi)
- • Repair costs for the back glass are higher compared to iPhone 15/16 series
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Sony Xperia 1 VI
✓ Pros:
- • Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
- • Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
- • Outstanding battery life (often rated 2 days) with 5,000mAh cell
- • Display is significantly brighter and more power-efficient (LTPO) than predecessors
- • Professional-grade camera apps (Photography Pro, Video Pro) merged for ease of use
✗ Cons:
- • NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71)
- • Display resolution downgraded to 1080p (loss of unique 4K identity)
- • Charging speed (30W) is very slow compared to price-tier competitors
- • Expensive import price ($1,300+) for a phone with limited support
- • Box contents are empty (No charger, no cable)
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Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its Dynamic Island and camera versatility crushes the Sony Xperia 1 VI.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max if: you want a stunning 6.7" display, seamless integration with other Apple devices, or a long-lasting camera system.
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you need a longer battery life for 2+ days, are serious about photography with its unique zoom capabilities, or want expandable storage up to 1.5TB.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max excels if you value first iphone to introduce the dynamic island interface. Sony Xperia 1 VI is better if you prioritize exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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