iPhone 13 Pro Max Vs iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:369.00

Versus €1,249.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:317.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 Pro Max, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, are both large-screen smartphones from Apple. While they share a similar display size, the 13 Pro Max offers a more advanced camera system and a higher refresh rate display, whereas the 14 Plus introduces enhanced safety features and a lighter build. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS ecosystem, ensuring a consistent user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 13 Pro Max was released in September 2021, making it approximately one year older than the iPhone 14 Plus, which launched in October 2022.
  • OS Support: Both models are expected to receive iOS updates for a similar duration, typically 5-6 years from their release. The iPhone 14 Plus, being a newer model, will likely benefit from software support for about one year longer than the 13 Pro Max.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature a Ceramic Shield front cover, which enhances drop performance. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a stainless steel frame, contributing to its robust feel, while the iPhone 14 Plus uses an aerospace-grade aluminum design, making it lighter. Both are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance.

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 Plus are equipped with capable processors, delivering smooth performance for daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: Both devices utilize a similar generation of Apple's internal processor, featuring a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. This hardware configuration allows for efficient handling of various applications, from web browsing and social media to more intensive gaming and video editing.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 6GB of RAM, both phones manage multitasking effectively, allowing users to switch between multiple open applications without significant slowdowns. Overall system responsiveness remains fluid across both models, ensuring a consistent user experience.
  • Storage Options: Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus are available with storage capacities ranging from 128GB to 512GB. The 13 Pro Max also offered a 1TB option, providing more space for extensive media libraries or large applications.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a significant aspect of the smartphone experience, and both models offer large, vibrant screens, though with a key difference in refresh rate.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 458 pixels per inch. This delivers sharp text and vivid colors.
  • Refresh Rate: A primary distinction lies in the refresh rate. The iPhone 13 Pro Max includes ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 14 Plus, however, has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness: The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits, while the iPhone 14 Plus has a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits. Both can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are highly capable, but they cater to slightly different photographic needs due to their hardware configurations.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a triple-camera setup, including a 12MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide, and a 12MP Telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It also supports macro photography and ProRes video recording. The iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system, comprising an upgraded 12MP Main camera with a larger sensor and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Low-Light Performance and Features: Both phones excel in low-light conditions, with the 13 Pro Max benefiting from its larger main sensor and wider aperture, and the 14 Plus leveraging its Photonic Engine for improved image processing in challenging light. The 14 Plus also introduces Action mode for smoother video capture.
  • Front Camera: The iPhone 14 Plus features an improved 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus and a wider aperture, enhancing selfie quality, particularly in lower light. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also has a 12MP front camera, but without autofocus.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two iPhone models.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 14 Plus features Bluetooth 5.3, a slight upgrade from the Bluetooth 5.0 on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Both continue to use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a heavier device at 240 grams, compared to the iPhone 14 Plus which weighs 203 grams. Both share similar height and width, but the 13 Pro Max is slightly thinner at 7.65 mm versus 7.80 mm for the 14 Plus. The lighter build of the 14 Plus may offer a more comfortable handling experience for some users.
  • Safety Features: The iPhone 14 Plus introduces new safety capabilities such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite (available in select regions), which are not present on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Weight

238 g

150 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback often highlights the iPhone 13 Pro Max's exceptional battery life and its versatile triple-camera system, particularly the telephoto lens and ProMotion display, as significant advantages. Many users appreciate its premium build and the fluidity of the 120Hz screen. Some common criticisms, however, point to its considerable weight and size, which can make one-handed use challenging.

The iPhone 14 Plus is frequently praised for its impressive battery longevity, often cited as one of the best in the iPhone lineup, and its large display in a lighter form factor compared to the Pro Max models. Users also value the improved main camera and the new safety features. A frequent point of discussion is the absence of a high refresh rate display and a telephoto camera, which are features found on the 13 Pro Max.

Users prioritizing a comprehensive camera system with optical zoom and a high refresh rate display for the smoothest visual experience may find the iPhone 13 Pro Max better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a large screen and outstanding battery life in a lighter design, along with the latest safety innovations, might lean towards the iPhone 14 Plus. Both devices offer robust performance and long-term software support. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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