iPhone 13 Pro Max Vs iPhone 14

iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:369.00

Versus €1,249.00 new

See options
iPhone 14
iPhone 14
Starting at

Refurbished price:287.25

Versus €759.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 Pro Max, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 14, launched in September 2022, represent different tiers within Apple's smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 13 Pro Max was a top-tier model of its generation, the iPhone 14 is a standard model from the subsequent year. Key differentiators include screen technology, camera capabilities, and overall device size, catering to distinct user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support are important factors. The iPhone 13 Pro Max was released in September 2021, while the iPhone 14 followed in September 2022.

  • Software Updates: The iPhone 14, being a year newer, is expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately one year longer than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, extending its software longevity. Both devices launched with recent iOS versions, iOS 15 for the 13 Pro Max and iOS 16 for the 14, ensuring several years of current software support.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 13 Pro Max utilizes a stainless steel frame, while the iPhone 14 features an aluminum frame.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect both devices to offer a practical lifespan of several years, with the iPhone 14 potentially holding a slight edge in software support duration due to its later release date.

Year of Release

2021

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 deliver robust performance for daily tasks, though there are subtle differences in their underlying hardware that impact demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: Both devices are powered by the A15 Bionic chip. However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max features a version of this chip with a 5-core graphics processing unit, which was also used in the iPhone 14 Pro models. The standard iPhone 14 uses the A15 Bionic with a 5-core GPU, similar to the iPhone 13 Pro. This means the 13 Pro Max offers a slight advantage in graphics-intensive tasks and gaming.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both models come with 6GB of RAM, contributing to smooth multitasking and app handling. Everyday operations, app loading, and general system responsiveness are fluid on both devices.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is known for its exceptional battery life, often cited as capable of lasting up to two days for average users due to its larger battery capacity and efficient components. The iPhone 14 also provides reliable all-day battery life, though typically less than the 13 Pro Max.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is vibrant and clear, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a more advanced display technology.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, offering deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a larger 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels at 458 ppi. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi.
  • Refresh Rate: A significant difference lies in the refresh rate. The iPhone 13 Pro Max features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can go from 10Hz up to 120Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 14 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness: The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits, peaking at 1200 nits for HDR content. The iPhone 14 has a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits, also peaking at 1200 nits for HDR.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two iPhones cater to different levels of photographic ambition, with the iPhone 13 Pro Max offering a more versatile setup.

  • Camera System: The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a triple 12MP camera system, including wide, ultra-wide, and a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It also supports macro photography and ProRes video recording. The iPhone 14 has a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 13 Pro Max includes advanced features like Night mode portraits and Apple ProRAW for more control over image editing. The iPhone 14 introduces the Photonic Engine, which enhances low-light performance across its cameras, and Action mode for smoother video capture.
  • Video Capabilities: Both phones offer excellent video recording, including Cinematic mode, which provides a shallow depth of field effect. The iPhone 13 Pro Max's Cinematic mode records at 1080p, while the iPhone 14 can record Cinematic mode in 4K at 30fps.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14, influencing daily usability and interaction.

  • Size and Handling: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a larger and heavier device, measuring 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.65 mm in depth, weighing 240 grams. The iPhone 14 is more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 146.7 mm height, 71.5 mm width, 7.8 mm depth, and a weight of 172 grams. This size difference impacts one-handed use and pocketability.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a surgical-grade stainless steel frame, contributing to its premium feel and durability. The iPhone 14 uses an aerospace-grade aluminum frame. Both have a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced drop performance.
  • Connectivity and Sensors: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 (iPhone 14) or 5.0 (iPhone 13 Pro Max). The iPhone 13 Pro Max includes a LiDAR scanner for improved augmented reality experiences and faster autofocus in low light. The iPhone 14 introduces new safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite.

Weight

238 g

172 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 cater to different user priorities, reflecting their positions in Apple's product evolution. Users often praise the iPhone 13 Pro Max for its exceptional battery life, large ProMotion display, and versatile camera system, particularly the telephoto lens and macro capabilities. Some users, however, find its size and weight substantial. The iPhone 14 is frequently appreciated for its more manageable size, improved low-light photography through the Photonic Engine, and new safety features. Criticisms sometimes point to its 60Hz display and the absence of a telephoto lens compared to Pro models.

Users prioritizing a larger, smoother display with a high refresh rate, extended battery life, and a comprehensive camera system with optical zoom and advanced photography modes may find the iPhone 13 Pro Max better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who prefer a more compact and lighter device, value the latest safety innovations, and are content with a dual-camera setup will likely lean towards the iPhone 14. Both devices offer a reliable and powerful smartphone experience, and choosing between them often comes down to these specific feature trade-offs. For those seeking a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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