iPhone 13 Pro Vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£233.00

Versus £949.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£272.00

Versus £1,049.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, both released in September 2021, represent Apple's high-end smartphone offerings from that year. While sharing the same advanced camera system, powerful internal components, and iOS operating system, their primary distinctions lie in physical size, display dimensions, and battery capacity. These differences cater to varying user preferences regarding device handling and usage duration.

Scores

Durability

Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max were launched in September 2021, meaning they share the same starting point for software support and overall device age. Apple typically provides several years of iOS updates, and as of early 2026, both models continue to receive the latest software, with expectations for continued support for a few more years.

  • Software Longevity: Both devices launched with iOS 15 and are currently running iOS 18.x, with future updates expected to extend their functional lifespan for several more years.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, contributing to their resistance against drops and scratches. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability Considerations: Independent assessments have given these models a repairability score of 5 out of 10, indicating that while some components like the display and battery are relatively accessible, certain software pairings can complicate third-party repairs, particularly concerning features like Face ID.

Year of Release

2021

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are equipped with the same internal processing unit, delivering identical performance capabilities across both models. This ensures a consistent experience whether running demanding applications, engaging in graphics-intensive gaming, or managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

  • Processing Power: Both devices handle demanding apps and multitasking smoothly thanks to their current-generation processor, which features a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 6GB of RAM, both phones maintain fluidity when switching between applications and running several in the background, providing a responsive user experience.
  • Storage Options: Users can choose from various storage capacities, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a 1TB option, catering to different needs for app, photo, and video storage.
  • Battery Performance: The iPhone 13 Pro Max, due to its larger physical size, houses a significantly larger battery (4352 mAh) compared to the iPhone 13 Pro (3095 mAh). This translates to extended usage times, with the Pro Max often lasting longer on a single charge, particularly for heavy users.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max feature Apple's Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering a premium visual experience. The primary difference between the two lies in their physical screen size.

  • Display Technology: Both models utilize an OLED display, providing deep blacks, high contrast ratios, and vibrant colors. They also support HDR10 and Dolby Vision for enhanced media consumption.
  • Size and Clarity: The iPhone 13 Pro features a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 pixels per inch (PPI), while the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels at 458 PPI. Both provide sharp and clear visuals.
  • Adaptive Refresh Rate: ProMotion technology enables an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, while also conserving battery life by lowering the refresh rate for static content.
  • Brightness: Both displays offer a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits and a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max share an identical and highly capable triple-camera system, offering the same photographic and videographic features and quality. This means users can expect consistent results regardless of the model chosen.

  • Camera System: Both devices feature a 12MP main wide camera with a larger sensor and wider aperture (f/1.5), a 12MP ultra-wide camera with autofocus and a wider aperture (f/1.8), and a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom (f/2.8).
  • Photography Features: Key features include Night mode on all cameras, macro photography capabilities, Photographic Styles for personalized image looks, and Smart HDR 4 for improved dynamic range.
  • Video Capabilities: Both support Cinematic mode for video recording with shallow depth of field (1080p at 30fps) and ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30fps (with 256GB storage and above). They also offer HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60fps.
  • Audio Experience: Both models are equipped with stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption and feature multiple microphones for clear audio capture during calls and video recording.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core functionalities, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max offer a range of practical features and design elements that influence daily usability. The main distinctions here relate to their physical form factor.

  • Connectivity: Both phones support 5G cellular connectivity for faster network speeds, Wi-Fi 6 for efficient wireless internet, and Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting accessories.
  • Physical Design: The iPhone 13 Pro measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and weighs 204 grams, offering a more compact and lighter feel. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is larger at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm and heavier at 240 grams, providing a more expansive screen but requiring a larger grip.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices feature a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. For security and convenience, they rely on Face ID for biometric authentication.
  • Build Materials: Both models are constructed with a stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back, contributing to a premium feel and enhanced durability.

Weight

203 g

238 g

Width

7,15 cm

7,81 cm

Height

14,67 cm

16,08 cm

Depth

0,76 cm

0,76 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, while sharing nearly identical advanced features, cater to different user preferences primarily through their size and battery life. Users frequently praise the iPhone 13 Pro Max for its exceptional battery endurance, often reporting that it comfortably lasts through a full day of heavy use, a common point of satisfaction in user forums. Its larger display is also consistently highlighted as a benefit for media consumption and productivity. Conversely, the iPhone 13 Pro is often lauded for its more manageable size and comfortable one-handed use, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing the 'Pro' features. Common criticisms for both models often revolve around their weight, with some users finding them heavy, especially the Pro Max. The identical camera systems receive widespread acclaim for their versatility and image quality.

Users prioritizing maximum screen real estate and the longest possible battery life will find the iPhone 13 Pro Max well-suited to their needs. This device is ideal for professionals who spend extended periods away from a charger, or for travelers who value a large display for navigation and entertainment. On the other hand, users who prefer a more compact device that is easier to handle and carry, but still demand top-tier performance and camera capabilities, may lean toward the iPhone 13 Pro. Both models offer a robust and capable smartphone experience, and choosing between them largely comes down to personal preference regarding size and the trade-off between portability and battery longevity. For those considering these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend their lifecycle.

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