iPhone 11 Pro Max Vs iPhone 13

iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:198.00

Versus €939.00 new

See options
iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:246.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released in September 2019, and the iPhone 13, launched in September 2021, represent different generations of Apple's smartphone lineup. While both operate on Apple's iOS platform, the iPhone 13 introduces a more compact design, a newer processor, and enhanced camera capabilities, distinguishing it from its larger predecessor.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan and software support differ between these two models due to their respective release dates.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 Pro Max debuted in September 2019, making it two years older than the iPhone 13, which was released in September 2021. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 11 Pro Max has received major iOS updates up to iOS 17, and its support for future iOS versions is likely nearing its end. In contrast, the iPhone 13, having launched more recently, is expected to receive several more years of major iOS updates, extending its practical software lifespan.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 11 Pro Max utilizes a stainless steel frame and glass construction. The iPhone 13, however, incorporates Apple's Ceramic Shield front cover, which offers enhanced drop performance, alongside an aluminum frame and a glass back.

Year of Release

2019

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance capabilities are a key area of distinction, primarily driven by the generational leap in internal components.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 13 features a newer generation processor, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of graphically intensive applications and games compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Users engaging in demanding tasks will notice the difference in responsiveness.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 11 Pro Max is equipped with a larger physical battery capacity (3969 mAh) and was known for its extended battery life at its release. The iPhone 13, while having a smaller battery capacity (3240 mAh), benefits from a more power-efficient processor and optimized software, often resulting in comparable or even slightly better real-world battery endurance for typical daily usage.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 11 Pro Max was initially available with 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage. The iPhone 13 starts with a base storage of 128GB, offering 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB options, providing more initial storage for users. Both models come with 4GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer high-quality displays, though with differences in size and specific features.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 13 feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger 6.5-inch display, while the iPhone 13 offers a more compact 6.1-inch screen.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 11 Pro Max provides a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels at 458 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 13 has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi. Both deliver sharp and clear visuals for everyday viewing.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both models achieve a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. Both displays operate at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth visual experience for most content.

Resolution

1242 x 2688

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both iPhones deliver strong photographic and videographic capabilities, with the iPhone 13 introducing newer computational features.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a triple 12MP camera system, including wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, offering 2x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out. The iPhone 13 has a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses, lacking a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced Night mode and Deep Fusion for improved low-light and detailed photography. The iPhone 13 enhances low-light performance with sensor-shift optical image stabilization on its main wide camera and features like Photographic Styles and Smart HDR 4 for more advanced image processing.
  • Video Capabilities: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone 13 introduces Cinematic mode, which allows for shallow depth of field effects and automatic focus transitions in videos, providing a more professional video recording experience. Both also feature 12MP front-facing cameras capable of 4K video recording.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity: A significant difference lies in cellular connectivity. The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 13, being a newer model, includes 5G connectivity, offering faster cellular data speeds in supported areas, in addition to Wi-Fi 6.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone 11 Pro Max is a larger and heavier device, measuring 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm and weighing 226 grams. The iPhone 13 is more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and a weight of 174 grams, making it easier to handle for some users.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both smartphones utilize the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. Both also rely on Face ID for secure facial recognition and authentication.

Weight

226 g

173 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback often highlights the iPhone 11 Pro Max's impressive battery life for its generation and its large display as key advantages. Some users appreciate the dedicated telephoto lens for versatile photography. Criticisms sometimes point to its larger size and weight, which can be less comfortable for one-handed use, and the absence of 5G connectivity.

For the iPhone 13, users frequently praise its more compact form factor, the significant upgrade in processing power, and the introduction of advanced camera features like Cinematic mode and improved low-light performance. The inclusion of 5G is also a commonly cited benefit. Some users might note the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens compared to the Pro Max models.

Users prioritizing a larger screen, a dedicated telephoto camera, and a robust build, who may not require the absolute latest software features or 5G connectivity, might find the iPhone 11 Pro Max well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals seeking a more compact and lighter device, enhanced durability with Ceramic Shield, 5G capabilities, and newer computational photography and videography features, along with longer software support, may lean towards the iPhone 13. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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