iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 30 Fusion

iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$726.00

Versus A$1,899.00 new

See options
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$257.46

Versus A$1,352.00 new

See options

The iPhone 14 Pro Max, released in September 2022, and the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, also launched in September 2022, are both advanced smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the iPhone 14 Pro Max operates on Apple's iOS ecosystem, the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion runs on Android, providing different interfaces and app environments. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera systems, and overall design philosophies.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: Both devices were released in September 2022. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, running iOS, typically receives major software updates for five to six years from its release, with security updates extending even further. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, running Android, generally receives fewer major OS updates compared to its Apple counterpart, though security updates are provided for a period.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, contributing to its robust build and IP68 dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and an aluminum frame, with some variants offering a vegan leather back, and carries an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary by region and component, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which can make user-level repairs challenging. Professional repair services are available for both models to address component replacements.

Release year

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to demanding gaming sessions. Both the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion offer capable performance, though they approach it with different hardware architectures.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 14 Pro Max is equipped with a powerful processor that handles intensive applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with smooth responsiveness. Users can expect consistent high performance even with demanding workloads. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion features a high-end processor from the previous year's generation, providing strong performance for everyday use, fluid app switching, and capable gaming, though it may experience some thermal throttling during extended heavy use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 14 Pro Max typically comes with 6GB of RAM, which, combined with its optimized operating system, allows for efficient multitasking and app management. It offers a range of internal storage options from 128GB up to 1TB. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, facilitating smooth transitions between multiple open applications. Its storage options include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, but it does not support expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Pro Max houses a 4323 mAh battery, known for providing extended usage times, with some tests indicating over 13 hours of web browsing on a cellular network. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion has a 4400 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage, especially with the high refresh rate display, may require more frequent charging. The iPhone supports wireless charging and faster wired charging with a separate adapter, while the Motorola includes a 68W fast charger in the box, capable of reaching significant charge levels in about 30 minutes.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion offer vibrant and responsive screens, each with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high resolution of 2796x1290 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 460 pixels per inch. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion comes with a 6.55-inch pOLED display, providing rich colors and a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels, with a pixel density of about 402 ppi.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits, peaking at 2000 nits for outdoor visibility, and features an adaptive ProMotion refresh rate up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. It also includes an Always-On display and the Dynamic Island for notifications. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion offers a peak brightness of 1100 nits and a higher refresh rate of 144Hz, contributing to a very fluid visual experience, particularly in supported content and user interface navigation.
  • Viewing Experience: Both phones provide HDR support (HDR10, Dolby Vision for iPhone; HDR10+ for Motorola), enhancing contrast and color in compatible content. The iPhone's Ceramic Shield offers advanced screen protection, while the Motorola uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The iPhone's display also features True Tone technology, which adjusts color temperature based on ambient light.

Resolution

1290 x 2796

1080 x 2400

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

P-OLED

Audiovisual

Photography and videography capabilities are significant considerations for many users, and both devices offer advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality images and videos.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor (f/1.78, sensor-shift OIS), a 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 120˚ FoV), and a 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.8, 3x optical zoom, OIS). It excels in capturing detailed photos, especially in medium and low-light conditions, and offers advanced features like Photonic Engine and ProRAW. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion also has a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8, OIS), a 13MP ultrawide with macro capabilities (f/2.2), and a 2MP depth sensor. Its main camera performs well in good lighting and offers a capable Night Vision mode.
  • Front-Facing Cameras: The iPhone 14 Pro Max includes a 12MP front camera (f/1.9) with autofocus and a 3D depth sensor for secure facial recognition. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is equipped with a 32MP front camera (f/2.45) with autofocus, capable of capturing detailed selfies.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support high-resolution video recording. The iPhone 14 Pro Max can record up to 4K at 60fps, with features like Cinematic mode (4K@30fps) and Action mode for stabilized video. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion can record up to 8K at 30fps with its main camera, and 4K at 30fps with its ultrawide and selfie cameras. Both phones offer stereo speakers for media consumption, with the Motorola featuring Dolby Atmos support.

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, various practical features contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity and modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 for iPhone, Wi-Fi 6E for Motorola), along with Bluetooth for wireless accessories. The iPhone 14 Pro Max uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, while the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion features a USB Type-C port. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The iPhone 14 Pro Max relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition, complemented by a LiDAR scanner for enhanced depth sensing. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, alongside face unlock capabilities. Both include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and ambient light sensors.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a larger and heavier device, weighing 240g with dimensions of 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm, featuring a flat-edged design. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is lighter at 175g and more compact at 158.48 x 71.99 x 7.45 mm, with a curved display and back that contribute to a slimmer feel and comfortable in-hand grip.

Weight

120 oz

168 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6,55

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the iPhone 14 Pro Max frequently highlights its exceptional camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions, and its robust battery life, which many users find lasts through a full day of heavy use. The Dynamic Island interface is often praised for its innovative approach to notifications and multitasking. Some common criticisms include the continued use of the Lightning port and the device's substantial weight and size.

For the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, users often commend its premium design, lightweight build, and the smooth experience provided by its 144Hz pOLED display. The fast charging capability and near-stock Android experience are also frequently cited as positive aspects. However, some users note that its battery life can be average for heavy users, and the camera system, while good, may not consistently match the performance of top-tier flagships, especially the secondary lenses. Heating during prolonged intensive tasks is another point of discussion.

Users prioritizing a highly optimized ecosystem, consistent top-tier camera performance across various conditions, and extended software support may find the iPhone 14 Pro Max well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a lightweight, sleek design, a very high refresh rate display, rapid charging, and a customizable Android experience might lean towards the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. Both devices offer compelling features for different user preferences, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be a sustainable choice for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons