iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: The Ultimate Comparison

Apple’s iPhone lineup has always set the benchmark for high-end smartphones, pushing the boundaries of technology with each release. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, launched in 2021, remains a strong contender in the smartphone market, thanks to its robust features and design. However, last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, brought several advancements that make it a compelling upgrade. This comparison delves into how the iPhone 15 Pro Max stacks up against the iPhone 13 Pro Max. We’ll explore differences in design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value. Whether you're considering an upgrade or exploring options for a refurbished iPhone, this guide will help you understand what sets these two devices apart.

Design and Build Quality: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max both showcase impressive build quality, but with distinct differences. The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a titanium frame, which significantly enhances its durability while providing a premium, refined feel. This choice of material not only improves resistance to wear and tear but also contributes to a lighter design. In terms of weight and dimensions, the iPhone 15 Pro Max weight stands at 221 grams, with dimensions of 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm. The iPhone 15 Pro Max dimensions and reduced weight make it exceptionally comfortable to handle, perfectly complementing its modern and sleek design.

On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Pro Max features a stainless-steel frame. While still robust, this material adds a bit more heft. The iPhone 13 Pro Max weight is 240 grams, and its dimensions are 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.7 mm. This makes the iPhone 13 Pro Max slightly bulkier compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, though it maintains its high-quality build and premium feel.

 Both models boast a glass front and back, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max utilizing Corning-made glass for added durability and enhanced scratch resistance. This advancement provides an extra layer of protection against everyday wear and tear. In addition, both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max are IP68 dust and water-resistant. This means you can confidently use either phone in various conditions without worrying about damage from dust or water.

Color Options: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Colors include striking shades like Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium. These hues complement the device’s titanium frame, enhancing its contemporary and sophisticated design. On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Colors feature classic options such as Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue, and Alpine Green. These colors cater to those who prefer a timeless and elegant look. Both models offer a range of colors to match different tastes, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a modern twist with its titanium-inspired palette.

Display Quality: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

When it comes to display quality, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers several improvements over the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and its peak brightness can reach 2000 nits, providing vibrant and clear visuals even in bright conditions.

The iPhone 13 pro max screen size is also a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display but with a slightly lower resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels. While it supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, its peak brightness is 1200 nits, which is still impressive but not as high as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Both displays are equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display represents a more advanced and brighter screen, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Price Comparison: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max cater to different price points due to their release years and technological advancements. The iPhone 13 Pro Max was launched at a starting price of around AU $1,849 for the base model with 128GB of storage. As of 2024, you can find a refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max starting from A$909, which offers a more cost-effective option.

In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max debuted with a higher starting price, beginning at approximately A$2,199 for 256GB storage. As a newer release, it generally holds a higher resale value, with refurbished variants of the 512GB model starting from around A$1,949.

Camera Systems: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 series and the iPhone 13 series both represent significant advancements in smartphone photography, with each generation bringing its own enhancements to the camera systems. The iPhone 15 Pro Max builds on this legacy with a cutting-edge camera setup. It features a versatile triple-camera array, including a 48MP main sensor with advanced image processing, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP periscope telephoto lens offering up to 5x optical zoom. These improvements boost low-light performance, color accuracy, and detail, with new features such as enhanced ProRAW capabilities and superior optical image stabilization.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max camera, while still powerful, has a slightly different setup: a 12 MP wide lens, 12 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. It also includes a TOF 3D LiDAR scanner but lacks some of the newer camera enhancements found in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Its camera system remains highly capable, offering excellent performance in both still photography and video recording. 

Both models support 4K video recording up to 60 fps and 1080p HD video recording up to 240 fps. The iPhone 15 Pro Max adds features like Action mode for stabilized footage and Spatial video recording at 1080p at 30 fps. It also supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps and ProRes recording up to 4K at 60 fps.

Software and Features: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max sets the bar high with its latest iOS version 17.6.1. This new update brings exciting features not found on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It offers enhanced security, a refined user interface, and more customization options. The latest iOS supports advanced augmented reality (AR) applications, making the iPhone 15 Pro Max a powerhouse for immersive experiences. Its improved performance and additional features provide a smoother, more responsive experience compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Though the iPhone 13 Pro Max supports the latest iOS updates, it lacks some of the latest innovations. The iPhone 15 Pro Max takes full advantage of its new software, offering cutting-edge capabilities that make it stand out.

Processor and Speed: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s latest A17 Pro chip, representing a significant leap forward from the A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The A17 Pro chip features a 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores, and a 6-core GPU, which provides a substantial boost in both performance and efficiency. This advanced processor excels in handling demanding tasks and graphics-intensive applications, delivering quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and an overall faster user experience.

On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, with its A15 Bionic chip, remains a strong performer. The A15 Bionic chip includes a 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores and a 5-core GPU. While it doesn’t match the speed of the A17 Pro, the A15 Bionic still offers impressive performance for everyday tasks, smooth app usage, and competent multitasking and graphics handling.

Battery Life: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a slightly larger battery size of 4441 mAh, compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 4352 mAh battery. This increase in the iPhone 15 Pro Max battery size translates to slightly longer usage between charges as compared to iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life offers up to 29 hours of video playback, slightly surpassing the iPhone 13 Pro Max's 28 hours. Both models support fast wired and MagSafe wireless charging, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max's improved efficiency and newer technology give it an edge in endurance. For audio playback, both devices deliver up to 95 hours, making the iPhone 15 Pro Max a better choice for users needing extended battery performance.

Verdict

In the battle between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max, both models offer impressive features. The iPhone 15 Pro Max specs highlight significant advancements in design, performance, and camera technology, making it an appealing choice for those seeking the latest innovations. Its improved battery life and cutting-edge specs make it a strong contender for power users. On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Pro Max specs continue to offer substantial value with its capable performance and attractive pricing, particularly for those considering refurbished options.

At Phonebot, we offer a range of refurbished iPhones, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy high-quality devices like the iPhone 13 Pro Max at more accessible prices. Whether you're interested in the latest advancements or seeking great value, Phonebot has options to meet your needs. Explore our selection today and find the best deal for you.