iPhone 14 Pro Max The “I returned my iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max” Thread

[martiansoldier]

I just now cancelled my order. I was at the Apple Store yesterday and tried the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. Currently using a 12. They are so heavy and the camera bumps are absurd. The design is just not great at this point. They’ve seriously lost the plot here.

Wish I could swallow Android but I hate Android. So here I sit, with a 12.

I'm one of the very few around here who is bummed that Apple got rid of the mini version this year and despite this, been thinking about picking up a 14 Pro (not the iPhone 14 because the 14 itself seems like "NOT" an upgrade for me). After reading some of the comments in the thread, I compared the weights 12 mini and 14 Pro and WOW, if I do eventually buy the 14 Pro, I'd be holding a phone that is about 53% heavier than my current phone. For those curious, the 12 mini weighs 135g (4.76 oz) and the 14 Pro weighs 206g (7.27 oz). While many are commenting that the weight increase is not significant, it is for some of us who are coming from the lighter and smaller mini version.

Now, this really has me reconsidering, but I realize I may not have very many options if the mini version never comes back.

I was also bummed about the physical SIM being taken away on the US versions and I am currently in another country where I can get one with the physical SIM option, i.e., if I am actually able to pick one up on Oct 7th, which is the release date here and also the date I fly out. 10 days to decide...

 

[ssledoux]

I'm one of the very few around here who is bummed that Apple got rid of the mini version this year and despite this, been thinking about picking up a 14 Pro (not the iPhone 14 because the 14 itself seems like "NOT" an upgrade for me). After reading some of the comments in the thread, I compared the weights 12 mini and 14 Pro and WOW, if I do eventually buy the 14 Pro, I'd be holding a phone that is about 53% heavier than my current phone. For those curious, the 12 mini weighs 135g (4.76 oz) and the 14 Pro weighs 206g (7.27 oz). While many are commenting that the weight increase is not significant, it is for some of us who are coming from the lighter and smaller mini version.

Now, this really has me reconsidering, but I realize I may not have very many options if the mini version never comes back.

I was also bummed about the physical SIM being taken away on the US versions and I am currently in another country where I can get one with the physical SIM option, i.e., if I am actually able to pick one up on Oct 7th, which is the release date here and also the date I fly out. 10 days to decide...

I returned my 14 pro after constantly comparing my pro to my 13 mini. Every time I’d pick up the mini, I would miss it so much. I returned the pro after 5 days and went back to the mini… for 2 days. I realized I really missed the bigger phone (plus I liked several of the features), and wound up ordering another. I just made up my mind that was it, and haven’t picked up the mini since Friday. I ship it off to its new owner today.

I did much better at adjusting to the size once I stopped picking up and comparing the mini. Of course I had a 13 pro before the mini, so it’s not like I’d always used small phones. YMMV

 

[kitKAC]

Not to mention the phones aren’t out in stores until release day, and if you wait until after getting to a store to see them to order, you could have to wait quite a while to get your phone.

I waited until 14's were in stores so I could look at them and make an informed choice, so I have to wait a few weeks before my iPhone arrives, so be it. Maybe if people had waited before making their now unwanted purchases, I wouldn't have to wait so long... 🙃

 

[ssledoux]

I waited until 14's were in stores so I could look at them and make an informed choice, so I have to wait a few weeks before my iPhone arrives, so be it. Maybe if people had waited before making their now unwanted purchases, I wouldn't have to wait so long... 🙃

Fair point.

 

[bc 08]

SS steel is cheap compared to 7000 series aerospace grade aluminum.

False

316 stainless steel runs about the same price (per lb) as some 7000 series aluminum alloys (ex: 7005).

The 7-75 aluminum cost 4 times as much as the SS on the pro models.

Proof 7075 is used in iPhones?

If you honestly believe Apple is using a material that costs 4x as much in their base model phones then I have a bridge to sell you.

 

[austyn23]

I returned my 14 pro after constantly comparing my pro to my 13 mini. Every time I’d pick up the mini, I would miss it so much. I returned the pro after 5 days and went back to the mini… for 2 days. I realized I really missed the bigger phone (plus I liked several of the features), and wound up ordering another. I just made up my mind that was it, and haven’t picked up the mini since Friday. I ship it off to its new owner today.

I did much better at adjusting to the size once I stopped picking up and comparing the mini. Of course I had a 13 pro before the mini, so it’s not like I’d always used small phones. YMMV

The secret is avoid comparing the phones and just use the new one for a couple of days and see if you like it.

Every time you pick up the lighter phone, is going to feel better, because we want lighter phones! 😎

I switch from 13P to 13 six months ago because of its weight. I really enjoyed the lighter phone. Now I’m on the 14P and I’m really enjoying the camera setup. The dynamic island is… different; can’t tell if better or worse, al least is different after so many notched years.

 

[memento mori]

I just now cancelled my order. I was at the Apple Store yesterday and tried the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. Currently using a 12. They are so heavy and the camera bumps are absurd. The design is just not great at this point. They’ve seriously lost the plot here.

Wish I could swallow Android but I hate Android. So here I sit, with a 12.

Not really return the iPhone as I did not yet receive my 14 Pro Max, however, after checking the phone on display at the store, I noticed two things that made me choose to cancel the order:
- Didn't love the phone design - it's thicker than my 12 Pro Max, I was not that impressed with the dynamic island (didn't like the aesthetic, wish they would've gone with something different), and the only really noticeable difference from my 12 PM was the ProMotion screen
- Was pleasantly surprised with the size&weight of the Apple Watch Ultra, coming from a Garmin Fenix 6, it actually feels the same size and even a bit lighter. I'm not a giant by any means (6.2", 210), but all the videos in YT, even from the likes of DC rainmaker, made the Ultra look like a brick.

Basically I was planning on getting the new iPhone and skip my smartwatch upgrade, but decided to keep the phone and get the watch.

 

[ssledoux]

The secret is avoid comparing the phones and just use the new one for a couple of days and see if you like it.

Every time you pick up the lighter phone, is going to feel better, because we want lighter phones! 😎

I switch from 13P to 13 six months ago because of its weight. I really enjoyed the lighter phone. Now I’m on the 14P and I’m really enjoying the camera setup. The dynamic island is… different; can’t tell if better or worse, al least is different after so many notched years.

Agreed. I think that was definitely holding me back. I’m sure in a few months, that phone would feel tiny.

Yes! I was so ready to be without a notch! I kinda like the DI, though the name boggles the mind. I definitely like it better, and I do like that it is at least a little functional.

 

[xxFoxtail]

Not really return the iPhone as I did not yet receive my 14 Pro Max, however, after checking the phone on display at the store, I noticed two things that made me choose to cancel the order:
- Didn't love the phone design - it's thicker than my 12 Pro Max, I was not that impressed with the dynamic island (didn't like the aesthetic, wish they would've gone with something different), and the only really noticeable difference from my 12 PM was the ProMotion screen
- Was pleasantly surprised with the size&weight of the Apple Watch Ultra, coming from a Garmin Fenix 6, it actually feels the same size and even a bit lighter. I'm not a giant by any means (6.2", 210), but all the videos in YT, even from the likes of DC rainmaker, made the Ultra look like a brick.

Basically I was planning on getting the new iPhone and skip my smartwatch upgrade, but decided to keep the phone and get the watch.

I was kind of thinking the same thing. As a heavy cellular Apple Watch user, I’d love to go the whole day with my iPhone at home. I’d assume the Ultra would work for that. I tried it on at the Apple Store yesterday, while it’s much bigger and heavier than my 41mm Series 7, it wasn‘t as bad looking on my tiny wrist as I originally thought it would be.

At that point returning my 14 Pro, getting a new battery for my 12 mini and buying the Ultra, I would have just spent right around the same amount of money anyway.

 

[Hatshepsut]

Fair point.

I mean, i ordered my Pro a day or two after launch with no shipping delays so I don't know what model you were after but there was clearly not a shortage for the 256 gb at least.

 

[compwiz1202]

I mean, i ordered my Pro a day or two after launch with no shipping delays so I don't know what model you were after but there was clearly not a shortage for the 256 gb at least.

It seemed ok for store stock too until like Monday, and then a drought occured. Thursday a bunch were showing, but otherwise even just Pros were super rare, and barely lasted 30s

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

I waited until 14's were in stores so I could look at them and make an informed choice, so I have to wait a few weeks before my iPhone arrives, so be it. Maybe if people had waited before making their now unwanted purchases, I wouldn't have to wait so long... 🙃

File this under "common sense".

 

[timeconsumer]

The secret is avoid comparing the phones and just use the new one for a couple of days and see if you like it.

Every time you pick up the lighter phone, is going to feel better, because we want lighter phones! 😎

I switch from 13P to 13 six months ago because of its weight. I really enjoyed the lighter phone. Now I’m on the 14P and I’m really enjoying the camera setup. The dynamic island is… different; can’t tell if better or worse, al least is different after so many notched years.

It’s definitely a matter of perspective. I went from a 13 Pro Max to a 14 Pro. At first I thought it was light and tiny. Now I’ve gotten used to it but it feels awkward to me. The 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max definitely seem more balanced to me.

 

[ssledoux]

I mean, i ordered my Pro a day or two after launch with no shipping delays so I don't know what model you were after but there was clearly not a shortage for the 256 gb at least.

I had no issues, but often people do have issues getting them if they wait to order. That was my only point.

 

[dms_91]

I was kind of thinking the same thing. As a heavy cellular Apple Watch user, I’d love to go the whole day with my iPhone at home. I’d assume the Ultra would work for that. I tried it on at the Apple Store yesterday, while it’s much bigger and heavier than my 41mm Series 7, it wasn‘t as bad looking on my tiny wrist as I originally thought it would be.

At that point returning my 14 Pro, getting a new battery for my 12 mini and buying the Ultra, I would have just spent right around the same amount of money anyway.

Now your watch is more expensive than your phone 😂

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Now your watch is more expensive than your phone

Probably bigger too lol.

 

[sunking101]

I'm coming from an iPhone 8 (don't laugh, it has served me really well all these years). To finally upgrade, I pre-odered the 14 pro. Got it in hand and while the 120Hz screen is wonderful, the device is just too damn big and heavy. I have small - medium sized hands. The longer I've had it, the more I think it's the weight that's the problem for me, a bit more than the size.

Additionally, I think that square sides actually do a disservice to the larger phones. I've held an 11 Pro extensively and while it felt larger than the 8, it felt quite a bit smaller than the 14 Pro. This is especially true with cases on - on the iPhone 8 with the rounded edges, the case just rounded over the corner and wasn't as obtrusive like the square ones.

With my 14 Pro disappointment, I then bought a 13 Mini. I love it without a case, but with a case, the square edges still get to me and make the screen feel really small (because your finger can't glide over the edge). I am now going back and forth between whether I should keep that, or get a regular 13/14. As mush as I like the features of the 14 Pro, I don't think it's for me.

13 Mini - small and light. Case with raised, hard edges makes the phone / screen feel a bit too small.
13 / 14 - larger, but still lighter. With case, same problem as the 14 Pro, but still lighter.

How anyone go from an i8 to an i14 and be disappointed baffles me. Do you actually use your phone to it's potential or is it just for calls, messages and camera?

 

[Farrgazer]

How anyone go from an i8 to an i14 and be disappointed baffles me. Do you actually use your phone to it's potential or is it just for calls, messages and camera?

Because while spec sheets can be objective and/or absolute, tactility is a very subjective beast.

If you don't like touching or holding the phone to begin with, then there's no way you'll be able to make full use of it.

 

[Sleix]

Maybe it's because I have a case that is thick enough to 'flatten' the camera bump into something un-noticable that I don't see what the deal is all about. I find it comfortable and pretty much usable.

 

[weezin]

How anyone go from an i8 to an i14 and be disappointed baffles me. Do you actually use your phone to it's potential or is it just for calls, messages and camera?

Use it to its potential? What does that mean?

I use my phone for social media, browsing, texting, calling, photographing and various other apps. Is that using it to its potential in your eyes? Isn't that the normal use-case of mobile phones?

My complaints were about the physical usability of the phone, as it mostly relates to its size and weight. Nothing about the performance of the phone was disappointing coming from the 8, obviously.

 

[sunking101]

Use it to its potential? What does that mean?

I use my phone for social media, browsing, texting, calling, photographing and various other apps. Is that using it to its potential in your eyes? Isn't that the normal use-case of mobile phones?

My complaints were about the physical usability of the phone, as it mostly relates to its size and weight. Nothing about the performance of the phone was disappointing coming from the 8, obviously.

Most people would have been blown away by the increase in performance and useability so as to not mind a size & weight increase, that's my point. I've just upgraded to a twice-as-thick and much heavier Samsung Z Fold 4 because for me the performance and useability increases outweigh the negatives.

 

[noobinator]

I think we need another poll: How many returned their 14 Pro/Pro Max and have bought or ordered another already? 😀

 

[aliengin]

I did but mine is probably due to sheer laziness. I had 2 eSims on 13 and everything was smooth sailing when I could not transfer Vodafone due to carrier restrictions (they want you to go to store and purchase a new eSim card which is impossible since I am out of the country) ATT transferred flawless and Camera was a lot slower than I expected (48MP in RAW) and the other issue for me was the notch or the new island. I watch TV a lot and the island is even worse in full screen mode.

 

[weezin]

Most people would have been blown away by the increase in performance and useability so as to not mind a size & weight increase, that's my point. I've just upgraded to a twice-as-thick and much heavier Samsung Z Fold 4 because for me the performance and useability increases outweigh the negatives.

Yeah, honestly performance-wise, the 14P was a bit quicker than the 8 for sure, especially when factoring in how many times apps need to re-load on the 8 due to lack of ram. But otherwise, it was just a bit quicker, nothing crazy.

"Usability" to me is as much about form factor as it is performance. You surely got the Fold for "form factor" rather than performance and that's the same reason I got the Mini over the Pro.

The 14P and Mini are more or less the same performance-wise (for what I use), so I wasn't really giving up anything in that respect. And I gained a lot of usability. Easy decision in retrospect.

 

[GraXXoR]

Why was the OP of this thread suspended, I wonder.

I just boxed up my 14Pro Max.
Coming from an 11 Pro Max, I just don’t see the value.

My battery is still ok so I don’t even get to figure in the cost of not having to replace my battery. At ¥180,000 (which until this year was just under $1,800) for a heavier, thicker and less comfortable phone with only the same 256Gb RAM, almost the same quality display and almost the same performance as my 11 Pro, I just don’t see the point. I could buy a new PC for that price.

For the first time in my life I questioned my Apple purchase. Why would they make a phone so much less ergonomic than one from three years ago, and without tangible benefits?

(Ok, I’ll admit the macro wide lens is sweet af, but that’s pretty damn fringe.

Crazy at the price. Absolutely ridiculous.
It costs 60% more than my iPhone 11PM for only 30% more performance.

Also strangely I have only seen one other 14 Pro / Max this entire week. Until the iPhone 12 Japanese people usually updated every year or two, but I’m still seeing nearly everyone with iPhone 11 and 12s…. And an occasional 13.

It was common to see people here sporting the latest pro. Even housewives and junior highschool children.

Not this year.

I think Apple has jumped the shark with their 14 pro cost performance ratio in Japan.

Mine is already packed. It goes back tomorrow morning first thing along with the $20 clear case I bought which also goes back to Amazon.

It was a nice shade of purple, tho. But at least it costs nothing to send back.