iPhone 13 Vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

£186.00

£599.00 new

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

£272.00

£1,049.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max, both released in September 2021, are part of Apple's smartphone lineup. While they share the same core operating system and many features, the Pro Max variant distinguishes itself with a larger display, a more advanced camera system, and significantly longer battery life. Both devices run on Apple's iOS, offering a consistent user experience.

Scores

Durability

Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max were released at the same time, meaning they benefit from the same expected duration of software support from Apple. Users can anticipate several more years of iOS updates for both models.

  • Software Longevity: Both devices launched with iOS 15 and are expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from their release, ensuring continued access to new features and security patches.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 13 features a durable aluminum frame, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a surgical-grade stainless steel frame, offering a slightly more premium feel and potentially greater resistance to minor dents. Both models include Ceramic Shield front covers for enhanced drop protection.
  • Repairability: As with most modern smartphones, both models are designed with integrated components. While professional repair is generally recommended, their repairability scores are comparable within the iPhone 13 series.

Year of Release

2021

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max are equipped with the same generation of powerful internal components, delivering robust performance for a wide range of tasks. However, their battery capacities differ significantly.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: Both devices handle demanding applications, graphic-intensive games, and multitasking with smooth and consistent performance, ensuring a fluid user experience.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 13 is available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers these same options, plus an additional 1TB variant for users requiring extensive storage for photos, videos, and applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 provides reliable all-day battery life for most users. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, with its larger physical size, accommodates a substantially larger battery, offering extended usage that often lasts well into a second day for moderate users, making it suitable for those who prioritize maximum uptime.

Memory

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both models feature Apple's Super Retina XDR OLED display technology, providing excellent contrast and color accuracy. However, the Pro Max offers a larger viewing area and a more fluid refresh rate.

  • Display Size and Clarity: The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch display, offering a comfortable viewing experience for most. The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a larger 6.7-inch display, providing more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks. Both offer sharp resolution suitable for detailed content.
  • Refresh Rate: The iPhone 13 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 13 Pro Max includes ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions.
  • Brightness Levels: Both displays offer high peak brightness for HDR content. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also provides a higher typical maximum brightness, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions compared to the standard iPhone 13.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

While both phones capture high-quality images and videos, the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a more versatile and advanced camera system with additional lenses and features.

  • Camera System: The iPhone 13 features a dual-camera system with Wide and Ultra Wide lenses. The iPhone 13 Pro Max expands on this with a triple-camera system, adding a Telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities and a LiDAR Scanner for improved low-light focusing and augmented reality applications.
  • Photography Features: Both models support Cinematic mode for video, Photographic Styles, and Night mode. The iPhone 13 Pro Max further enhances capabilities with macro photography for close-up shots and the ability to record video in ProRes format, offering more flexibility for professional video editing.
  • Audio and Speakers: Both devices deliver clear stereo audio output, suitable for media consumption and calls. The microphone quality on both is designed for clear voice capture in various environments.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical differences in design and additional features distinguish these two iPhone models.

  • Dimensions and Handling: The iPhone 13 is a more compact device, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and weighing 174g, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is significantly larger and heavier at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm and 240g, which some users find substantial for daily handling.
  • Connectivity: Both models support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless performance for data, internet, and accessory connections.
  • Additional Sensors: Both devices include Face ID for secure authentication. The iPhone 13 Pro Max uniquely features a LiDAR Scanner, which enhances depth perception for improved augmented reality experiences and faster autofocus in low-light photography.

Weight

173 g

238 g

Width

7,15 cm

7,81 cm

Height

13,676 cm

16,08 cm

Depth

0,75 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

Choosing between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max largely depends on individual priorities regarding size, camera capabilities, and battery life. Users frequently praise the iPhone 13 for its balanced performance in a more manageable form factor, making it a solid choice for everyday use without feeling cumbersome. Its camera system is highly capable for most photography needs, and its battery life is generally sufficient for a full day.

Conversely, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is often lauded for its exceptional battery longevity, large and fluid ProMotion display, and its versatile camera system, which includes a telephoto lens and macro capabilities. However, its significant size and weight are common points of discussion, with some users finding it too large for comfortable one-handed operation or pocket carry.

Users prioritizing a compact device that is easy to handle, while still offering strong performance and a good camera, may find the iPhone 13 to be an excellent fit. Those who value maximum screen real estate, the longest possible battery life, and the most advanced mobile photography tools, and are comfortable with a larger, heavier device, will likely prefer the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Both models remain excellent choices, especially as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable way to access premium technology.