iPhone 13 Pro Max Vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:369.00

Versus €1,249.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:609.99

Versus €1,489.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 Pro Max, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, launched in September 2023, represent two generations of Apple's premium large-screen smartphones. While both devices offer a high-end iOS experience, the iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces notable advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and connectivity, building upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor. Both models run on Apple's iOS operating system, ensuring a consistent user experience with access to a vast ecosystem of applications and services.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timeline, software support, and physical construction. The iPhone 13 Pro Max was released in September 2021, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max followed two years later in September 2023.

  • Software Updates: The iPhone 15 Pro Max, being the newer device, is expected to receive major iOS updates for a longer period, typically extending its software support by an additional two years compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. This means users of the 15 Pro Max will benefit from the latest features and security enhancements for a more extended duration.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a stainless steel frame, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max utilizes a lighter and more durable titanium frame. Both models incorporate a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced screen protection.
  • Repairability: Initial assessments for the iPhone 15 Pro Max indicated a repairability score of 4 out of 10, which was later updated to 7 out of 10 due to improvements in Apple's repair ecosystem, allowing for easier part replacement and calibration. The iPhone 13 Pro Max generally has a lower repairability score compared to the improved 15 Pro Max.

Year of Release

2021

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance difference between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro Max is primarily driven by their respective internal processing units, impacting everything from daily tasks to demanding applications. Both devices offer robust performance for everyday use, but the newer model provides a significant leap in raw power.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a more advanced processor, which translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and a more fluid overall user experience, especially when handling intensive tasks.
  • Multitasking and Gaming: Users engaging in heavy multitasking or playing graphics-intensive games will experience superior performance on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Its enhanced processing and graphics capabilities allow for more stable frame rates and better handling of complex visual effects.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer a range of storage capacities, typically starting from 128GB for the 13 Pro Max and 256GB for the 15 Pro Max, extending up to 1TB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also benefits from increased RAM, further aiding in multitasking efficiency.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature impressive displays, offering vibrant visuals and smooth interactions, though the newer model introduces some refinements and additional functionalities.

  • Display Technology: Both devices utilize a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsive visuals while conserving battery life.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers higher peak brightness for outdoor use, reaching up to 2000 nits, compared to the 13 Pro Max's 1200 nits peak HDR brightness. Both displays deliver sharp visuals with a resolution of approximately 460 pixels per inch.
  • Interactive Elements: A key differentiator is the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which replaces the traditional notch and provides an interactive area for alerts, activities, and notifications. The 15 Pro Max also includes an Always-On display feature.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max are highly capable, delivering excellent photographic and videographic results, but the 15 Pro Max brings significant upgrades, particularly in sensor technology and zoom capabilities.

  • Main Camera: The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a 12MP main camera with a larger sensor and wider aperture for improved light gathering. The iPhone 15 Pro Max steps up to a 48MP main camera, which by default captures 24MP photos with enhanced detail and color, and offers improved low-light performance.
  • Telephoto Zoom: The 13 Pro Max includes a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The 15 Pro Max significantly extends this with a 12MP 5x telephoto lens, offering the longest optical zoom ever on an iPhone, allowing for sharper close-ups from greater distances.
  • Video Capabilities: Both models support Cinematic Mode, with the 15 Pro Max offering it at up to 4K HDR at 30fps, an improvement over the 13 Pro Max's 1080p at 30fps. The 15 Pro Max also supports ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60fps with external recording, and introduces Spatial Video recording.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 15 Pro Max transitions to a USB-C port, supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds (up to 10Gbps), which enables faster data transfers and broader compatibility with accessories. Both devices support 5G and advanced Wi-Fi standards.
  • Physical Design and Weight: The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a stainless steel frame and weighs 240 grams. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a titanium frame, making it lighter at 221 grams, and has slightly different dimensions.
  • User Interface Enhancements: The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces the customizable Action Button, replacing the traditional mute switch, allowing users to quickly access various functions. Both models feature Face ID for secure authentication.

Weight

238 g

221 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

User feedback for the iPhone 13 Pro Max often praises its robust battery life, excellent camera system for its time, and the smooth ProMotion display. Many users found it to be a highly reliable and capable device for everyday tasks and content creation. Common criticisms, however, sometimes pointed to its weight and the continued use of the Lightning port, which limited data transfer speeds compared to some competitors.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its significant camera upgrades, particularly the enhanced telephoto zoom and the versatility of the 48MP main sensor. The switch to USB-C and the introduction of the Action Button are also well-received improvements, offering greater convenience and customization. Some users have noted the lighter titanium build as a welcome change.

Users prioritizing the latest camera technology, faster data transfer speeds, and a lighter build will find the iPhone 15 Pro Max well-suited to their needs. Its extended software support also makes it a compelling choice for those seeking maximum longevity. Conversely, users who are content with a still-powerful camera, excellent battery life, and a slightly heavier build might find the iPhone 13 Pro Max to be a capable device. For those looking for an eco-friendly alternative, considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide a sustainable choice without compromising on performance.

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