iPhone 11 Pro Max Vs iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£181.00

Versus £749.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£232.00

Versus £949.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) and the iPhone 13 Pro (2021) represent two distinct generations of Apple’s professional smartphone series. While the 11 Pro Max was designed to offer the largest possible screen and battery experience of its time, the 13 Pro focuses on refining the user experience with a more fluid display and advanced camera capabilities. Both devices run on the iOS platform, providing a familiar and integrated software experience, though the 13 Pro benefits from more recent features and a longer path of future software compatibility.

Scores

Durability

The two-year age gap between these devices plays a significant role in their long-term utility and software support cycles.

  • Software Support Timeline: The iPhone 13 Pro is expected to receive official iOS updates for a longer period than the iPhone 11 Pro Max, likely extending its functional life by at least two additional years.
  • Physical Build and Resilience: Both models utilise a stainless steel frame for structural integrity, but the 13 Pro features a more advanced front glass designed to offer better protection against accidental drops and surface scratches.
  • Maintenance and Repair: These devices are built with a similar internal logic, ensuring that battery replacements and screen repairs remain accessible through professional services, though the 11 Pro Max has a more mature market for replacement components.

Year of Release

2019

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both smartphones handle daily tasks with ease, the newer model offers a more responsive experience for intensive workloads and multitasking.

  • System Fluidity: The iPhone 13 Pro provides a snappier feel when launching heavy applications or switching between multiple tasks, thanks to its more efficient internal hardware and higher memory capacity.
  • Storage Availability: Users with large media libraries will appreciate that the 13 Pro offers higher storage tiers, including a very large capacity option that is not available on the 11 Pro Max.
  • Battery Management: The 11 Pro Max is known for its large physical battery capacity, but the 13 Pro uses more efficient components to ensure a full day of use, particularly when choosing a quality-assured refurbished option that meets strict health standards.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display technology marks one of the most significant upgrades between these two models, affecting visual clarity and interaction smoothness.

  • Refresh Rate and Motion: The iPhone 13 Pro introduces a variable high refresh rate, which makes scrolling through web pages and system animations appear much smoother compared to the standard screen on the 11 Pro Max.
  • Brightness and Clarity: For outdoor use, the 13 Pro features a screen that can reach higher brightness levels, making it easier to view content in direct sunlight without losing detail.
  • Viewing Area: The 11 Pro Max offers a larger 6.5-inch display for those who prefer a more expansive canvas, while the 13 Pro provides a 6.1-inch screen that is more technically advanced in terms of colour accuracy and contrast.

Resolution

1242 x 2688

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are highly capable, but the 13 Pro introduces several features that cater to more creative photography and video needs.

  • Low-Light Photography: With larger sensors and improved processing, the 13 Pro captures more detail and less noise in dark environments, providing a noticeable step up from the already capable 11 Pro Max.
  • Video Features: The 13 Pro includes a specialised video mode that allows for cinematic focus transitions between subjects, a feature that adds a professional touch to mobile filmmaking.
  • Macro and Zoom Capabilities: The 13 Pro allows users to take extremely close-up photos of small objects and offers a slightly improved zoom range, giving photographers more versatility in different shooting scenarios.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical hardware features and connectivity standards differentiate how these phones interact with modern networks and how they feel in the hand.

  • Mobile Connectivity: The iPhone 13 Pro supports 5G connectivity for faster download speeds and better network stability in urban areas, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro Max operates on 4G networks.
  • Size and Handling: The 11 Pro Max is a larger and heavier device, which may be more substantial in the hand, while the 13 Pro offers a more compact form factor that is easier to manage with one hand.
  • Biometric Security: Both phones use facial recognition for secure access, but the 13 Pro features a smaller sensor housing at the top of the display, which slightly increases the usable screen area.

Weight

226 g

203 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback from online communities suggests that the iPhone 11 Pro Max is still highly regarded for its expansive screen and reliable battery life, making it a solid choice for media consumption. However, some users point out that its absence of 5G and the standard screen refresh rate are becoming more noticeable as apps and websites become more demanding. On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Pro receives consistent praise for its noticeably smooth display and significant camera improvements, though users transitioning from larger phones sometimes miss the extra screen real estate.

Users who prioritise a large display for watching videos and a substantial battery for long days away from a charger may find the iPhone 11 Pro Max to be an ideal fit. Conversely, those who value the latest mobile data speeds, a more fluid screen experience, and advanced photography tools will likely find the iPhone 13 Pro more suitable. Opting for a sustainable choice like a refurbished device allows users to enjoy these high-end features while contributing to a more eco-friendly tech cycle. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prefer the maximum screen size of the 11 Pro Max or the modern refinements and longevity of the 13 Pro.

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