The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max deliver top-tier smartphone experiences, but they present some key differences. Size, battery capability, and price point play important roles when deciding between them, among other factors. In this article, we’ll review those distinctions, empowering you to pick the iPhone that best matches your needs and budget.
Table of contents
iPhone 13 Pro vs. Pro Max at a glance
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2778 x 1284 |
| Adaptive refresh | Up to 120Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Dimensions | 5.77 x 2.81 x 0.3 in 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm | 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.3 in 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm |
| Weight | 7.19 oz 204 g | 8.4 oz 238 g |
| Battery life | Up to 22 hours of video playback | Up to 28 hours of video playback |
| Chipset | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Camera | Triple 12MP (main, ultra-wide, telephoto) | Triple 12MP (main, ultra-wide, telephoto) |
| Camera zoom | Optical zoom up to 3x, digital zoom up to 15x | Optical zoom up to 3x, digital zoom up to 15x |
| Front camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Video recording | 4K at 24/30/60 FPS, 1080p at 30/60 FPS | 4K at 24/30/60 FPS, 1080p at 30/60 FPS |
| HDR | HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG for HDR playback | HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG for HDR playback |
| Cinematic Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Photographic Styles | Yes | Yes |
| Max operating system | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| SIM | Dual SIM (nano-SIM, eSIM) | Dual SIM (nano-SIM, eSIM) |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Colors | Graphite, gold, silver, Sierra Blue | Graphite, gold, silver, Sierra Blue |
| Original price | Starting at $999 | Starting at $1099 |
| Price (refurbished) | Starting at | Starting at |
iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max: Which one should you choose?
Picking between the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max comes down to a few key questions: do you prioritize a huge, immersive display and maximum battery life? Or, is a more pocketable format and slightly lower price a better fit? Keep reading.
Dimensions and size
How a phone feels in your hand matters just as much as its features. The size and weight of the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max can shape the way you use them. These are the dimensions of both phones:
Dimensions
- iPhone 13 Pro:
- Height: 5.78 inches (146.7 mm)
- Width: 2.82 inches (71.5 mm)
- Depth: 0.30 inch (7.65 mm)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max:
- Height: 6.33 inches (160.8 mm)
- Width: 3.07 inches (78.1 mm)
- Depth: 0.30 inch (7.65 mm)
Weight
- iPhone 13 Pro: 7.19 ounces (204 grams)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 8.46 ounces (240 grams)
Seeing this, we notice that the iPhone 13 Pro is generally more manageable for one-handed use. Its smaller size makes it easier to reach all areas of the screen and grip securely. On the other hand, the Pro Max might be less comfortable for one-handed use, especially for those with smaller hands.
Portability is another factor. The iPhone 13 Pro slips easily into most pockets and smaller bags. The Pro Max, due to its larger dimensions and heavier weight, may feel bulkier and require more space in your bag or pocket.
If you prioritize a device that’s pocketable and easy to handle, the iPhone 13 Pro may be the better choice. However, if you crave a large, immersive display and don’t mind the extra bulk, the Pro Max could be a perfect fit.
Display and design
Both the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max boast a premium design featuring a durable glass front and back with a stainless steel frame. They share Apple’s iconic notch (though smaller than previous generations), and the nearly square camera module on the back.
The most obvious display difference is the size. The iPhone 13 Pro sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the Pro Max steps it up to a massive 6.7-inch variant. Both models feature ProMotion technology, allowing the screens to dynamically adjust their refresh rates up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and animations.
The Pro Max’s larger display provides a more immersive experience for watching videos, gaming, or browsing content-rich websites. The extra-screen real estate on the Pro Max can also be beneficial for split-screen multitasking or viewing multiple documents simultaneously. Additionally, those with vision impairments may find the larger display easier to read and interact with.
Cameras
The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max boast nearly identical advanced camera systems. Both feature:
- Triple-lens rear camera array:
- 12MP Wide lens (main)
- 12MP Ultra Wide lens
- 12MP Telephoto lens (with 3x optical zoom)
- LiDAR Scanner: For enhanced depth sensing, portrait mode, and AR experiences.
- Front-facing TrueDepth camera: 12MP with advanced selfie capabilities.
Apple has focused on making the camera experience consistent across the Pro and Pro Max models. You’ll find powerful features like:
- ProRAW and ProRes video formats: For professional-level image and video control.
- Cinematic Mode: For rack-focus effects in video.
- Night Mode: For stunning low-light photography.
- Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles: Computational photography for detail and color optimization.
If camera prowess is a top priority for you, there’s no need to choose the Pro Max over the Pro for any camera-specific advantages. You should stick to the budget here.
Image by: Apple
Performance
Again, no difference in terms of performance here. At the heart of both the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max lies Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, one of the most powerful mobile processors on the market. This means both devices deliver blazing-fast speeds for everything from everyday tasks to demanding games and creative applications.
While benchmark scores might show slight variations, you’ll likely experience no noticeable performance difference between the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max in day-to-day use. Both handle intensive workloads effortlessly, ensuring snappy responsiveness and smooth multitasking.
When it comes to performance, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are on equal footing, and the A15 Bionic chip’s power also provides future-proofing for your device.
Battery life and charging
The iPhone 13 Pro, with its smaller 3,095mAh battery compared to the Pro Max, still offers strong battery life, delivering up to 22 hours of video playback. Its charging times are similar to the Pro Max, taking around two hours to reach full charge with a 20W charger.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max stands out with its impressive battery life, offering up to 28 hours of video playback thanks to its 4,352mAh battery.
Both models support MagSafe wireless charging at 15W, offering convenience for users who prioritize easy wireless charging over speed.
👉 Related: 8 Best MagSafe Accessories for Your iPhone in 2024
Takeaway, availability, and pricing
The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max both deliver exceptional smartphone experiences. With shared features like the blazing-fast A15 Bionic chip, the advanced triple-lens camera system, 5G connectivity, iOS 18 support, and the stunning ProMotion display, you can’t go wrong with either one.
Ultimately, the best choice for most people is the iPhone 13 Pro. It offers a fantastic balance of cutting-edge features, performance, and a comfortable, pocket-friendly size. In addition, buying a refurbished model through RefurbMe will make you save even more money. Compare models here. 👇
128GB storage
Gold
128GB storage
Sierra Blue
128GB storage
Sierra Blue
However, consider opting for the iPhone 13 Pro Max if:
- You crave the absolute best battery life: The Pro Max significantly outlasts the Pro on a single charge.
- A huge display is a priority: The Pro Max is ideal for immersive media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- The price difference isn’t a major concern: The Pro Max naturally commands a higher price tag.
128GB storage
Graphite
128GB storage
Sierra Blue
128GB storage
Sierra Blue
Happy shopping! 🛍️
👇 Explore more reviews
