In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying updated with the latest devices can be both thrilling and overwhelming. The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max both represent impressive steps in the evolution of the iPhone, especially in their Pro Max models.
Each device has impressive specs, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max introduces several enhancements to the iPhone line. Whether you’re drawn to the iPhone 13 Pro Max for its variety of colour options and proven performance or the cutting-edge features of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, this article aims to help you discern which phone aligns best with your needs and preferences.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Main Differences
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses the A15 Bionic Chip, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max uses the A16 Bionic Chip.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max camera has ‘action mode,’ which improves stabilization when taking videos.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max can store eight or more eSIMs.
iPhone 13 Pro Max: Key Highlights
- A wider variety of colour options allows you to customize your phone.
- The impressive processing power of the A15 Bionic Chip.
- 1200 nits max brightness, which allows you to get the most out of your phone even when you’re outside.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: Key Highlights
- The increased performance of the A16 Bionic Chip.
- A dynamic island and always-on display, making sure that you can keep on top of all your most important notifications.
- Up to 29 hours of video playback, letting you watch videos for as long as you want.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max Overview
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 24, 2021 | September 16, 2022 |
| Dimensions | 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.30 in | 6.33 x 3.05 x 0.31 in |
| Weight | 8.39 oz | 8.47 oz |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB |
128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1TB |
| Finish Colours | Alpine Green Silver Gold Graphite Sierra Blue |
Deep Purple Silver Gold Space Black |
| Screen Size | 6.7 in (diagonal) | 6.7 in (diagonal) |
| Display | Super Retina XDR display All-Screen OLED display True Tone display 1200 nits max brightness |
Super Retina XDR display All-Screen OLED display True Tone display 2000 nits max brightness Dynamic Island Always-On Display |
| Resolution | 2778-by-1284-pixel resolution at 458 ppi | 2796-by-1290-pixel resolution at 460 ppi |
| Chip | A15 Bionic Chip | A16 Bionic Chip |
| Water and Dust Resistance | Rated IP68 | Rated IP68 |
| Front Camera | 12 MP True Depth f/2.2 aperture |
12 MP True Depth f/1.9 aperture |
| Rear Camera | Pro Camera System Main: 12MP, f/1.5 aperture Ultra Wide: 12MP, f/1.8 aperture Telephoto: 12MP, f/2.8 aperture Sensor-shift optical image stabilization Up to 3x Optical Zoom True Tone Flash with Slow Sync |
Pro Camera System Main: 48MP, f/1.78 aperture Ultra Wide: 12MP, f/2.2 aperture Telephoto: 12MP, f/2.8 aperture Second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization Up to 3x Optical Zoom Adaptive True Tone Flash |
| Video Recording | 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps Cinematic mode for recording videos with shallow depth of field (1080p at 30 fps) |
4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps Cinematic mode for recording videos with shallow depth of field (up to 4K HDR at 30 fps) Action mode |
| Battery | Video Playback: Up to 28 hours Streamed Video Playback: Up to 25 hours Audio playback: Up to 95 hours |
Video Playback: Up to 29 hours Streamed Video Playback: Up to 25 hours Audio playback: Up to 95 hours |
| Charging | Fast charging: Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes. Wireless charging (MagSafe and Qi) |
Fast charging: Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes. Wireless charging (MagSafe and Qi) |
| Sensors | Barometer Three-axis gyro Accelerometer Proximity sensor Ambient light sensors |
Barometer High dynamic range gyro High-g accelerometer Proximity sensor Dual ambient light sensors |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| SIM Card | Dual SIM Two active eSIMs or nano-SIM and eSIM |
Dual SIM Two active eSIMs or nano-SIM and eSIM Stores eight or more eSIMs |
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max Specs: Complete Comparison
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max are two of the highest-performing phones in their generations, and they have the most features, so what sets these two phones apart?
Design
Both iPhones are very similar in size and weight, as the Pro Max model is the largest within its generation of iPhone.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.30 in, weighing 8.39 oz
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 6.33 x 3.05 x 0.31 in, weighing 8.47 oz
On both iPhones, the button, port, and camera are the same. This retains Apple’s classic and intuitive design and allows for easy use for those unfamiliar with other iPhone models or who have used other iPhones that were not Pro Max models before.
They’re also made of the same stainless steel material with a textured matte glass back, making them durable and scratch-resistant. Their Ceramic Shield fronts keep the viewing area of your iPhone safer from any accidental drops than any other smartphone glass on the market.
Display
Both iPhones have a high-quality Super Retina XDR and an all-screen OLED display equipped with True Tone Technology, which gives you an impressive and immersive experience whether you’re browsing social media or playing games on your phone.
They also both measure 6.7 inches (diagonal), providing a wide screen surface to get the most out of watching videos or gaming. However, the resolution is slightly different:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 2778-by-1284-pixel resolution at 458 pixels-per-inch (ppi)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 2796-by-1290-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
This increased screen resolution gives the iPhone 14 Pro Max a slightly better look, though both iPhones offer a high-quality viewing experience.
Additionally, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a dynamic island and always-on display. This keeps you up to date on all your notifications. The dynamic island can display high-priority information, while the always-on display allows your phone to show the time and other important details without waking your phone up from lock mode.
Performance
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is equipped with Apple’s A15 Bionic Chip, a powerful processor known for its robust performance in handling everyday tasks and complex applications. In comparison, the iPhone 14 Pro Max features the more advanced A16 Bionic Chip. This next-generation upgrade maintains the high-performance levels of its predecessor and introduces significant improvements in efficiency and battery life, which are crucial for extended use without frequent recharges.
One of the standout features of the A16 Bionic Chip in the iPhone 14 Pro Max is its ability to support Emergency SOS via satellite, a function not available with the A15 Bionic Chip. This feature can be a lifeline in situations where traditional cellular networks are unavailable, offering peace of mind to adventurers and travellers who venture into remote areas.
Camera
As Pro Max models, both iPhones come equipped with the Pro Camera System, which includes an impressive array of camera capabilities, allowing you to take professional-level photos and videos. This camera system’s ability to seamlessly switch between the main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses gives you an effortless photography experience, making taking beautiful photos as easy as point-and-click.
The main lens can capture sharp, vivid images in various lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide lens opens up a 120-degree field of view that allows you to be more creative with your photos and videos. It’s a great help in tight spaces, allowing you to get the context surrounding your subject.
The telephoto lens enables users to capture sharp, detailed images of distant subjects, preserving the integrity and clarity of the photo without the need for digital zoom’s cropping and subsequent quality loss. This is a major improvement for people who like to take nature photography, as it allows you to get more detail out of pictures whose subjects you can’t always approach.
Operating System
The iPhone 13 Pro Max launched with iOS 15, an operating system that introduced enhancements like Focus mode to minimize distractions and Live Text for interacting with text in photos. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Pro Max was released with iOS 16, which brought further innovations, including customizable lock screens and improved privacy controls through Safety Check.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Pro Max are both compatible with the most current operating system, iOS 17, at the time of writing. This compatibility ensures that users of both models can access the latest features and security updates Apple provides. Updating to the latest iOS can lead to better overall performance, enhanced security, and access to new apps and features that can enhance your phone’s functionality. This makes staying current with operating system updates an important consideration for maintaining the usability and security of your device.
Storage
Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Pro Max offer the same wide range of storage options, allowing you the freedom to choose the phone that best suits your needs. Here’s a breakdown of each storage option, along with what kind of user they’d work best for:
- 128 GB: This will be the most cost-effective option for both iPhones but is somewhat limited in storage. 128 GB is best for someone who uses their phone primarily for texting and calling, with lighter app and camera usage. It can still work for photography enthusiasts who are willing to offload their data to an external storage device to free up space regularly.
- 256 GB: A slightly larger storage option that can still be found at attractive price points, this is a good option for people who use their camera and apps but may still have to offload storage occasionally if they take a lot of videos.
- 512 GB: This is a robust storage option suitable for people who need to keep a lot of data on their phones, whether it’s games or photos.
- 1 TB: The largest and most expensive storage amount, this storage amount will be best suited to power users who need to store a lot of data on their phones and don’t want to export it. It is perfect for photo and video editors as well as other creatives who work from their phones.
Battery and Charging
The video and audio playback capabilities of the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max are very similar. Both phones offer audio playback of up to 95 hours and streamed video playback of up to 25 hours. For regular video playback, the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers up to 28 hours, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers up to 29 hours.
Both phones are also capable of fast charging up to 50% in 30 minutes, so you can quickly get your phone back in use when you’re approaching a low battery. They’re also compatible with multiple wireless charging systems, such as MagSafe and Qi Wireless, for enhanced ease of use when charging.
The difference in Bionic chips also slightly affects the battery life. The iPhone 14 Pro Max’s A16 Bionic Chip allows for increased battery life and efficiency over the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s A15 Bionic Chip.
Audio
Both Pro Max models offer the same great audio experience. They come with spatial audio playback and Dolby Atmos, which give you an immersive and high-quality audio experience no matter what you’re listening to.
They also both support a wide range of audio formats, letting you listen to music in the most convenient way for you. Some of these include the classic MP3, as well as AAC, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, and Atmos formats.
Features
Safety: Both iPhones offer Emergency SOS, allowing you to contact help quickly. You can select emergency contacts to be alerted after you finish an emergency call. The iPhone 14 Pro Max also offers emergency SOS via satellite, allowing you to make an emergency call even if you don’t have cell service or WiFi, and crash detection, which can automatically contact emergency services for you.
Security: Both are protected by Face ID, meaning only you or another authorized user can access your iPhone when locked.
Splash, Water, and Dust Resistance: Both are rated IP86, with a maximum underwater depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
SIM Card: Both phones offer dual SIM, allowing for two active eSIMs or a nano-SIM and eSIM. The iPhone 14 Pro Max also allows you to store up to eight eSIMs.
Price Comparison
Both iPhones are only available through the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) market, meaning that the price point can vary based on availability. With Mobile Klinik, the iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1849, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max starts at $799.
* Price updated as of December 2024
Availability
Both Pro Max iPhones are only available for purchase from verified resellers in the CPO market, such as Mobile Klinik. We’re proud to offer both iPhone models in CPO condition, having been rigorously tested and inspected to meet users’ needs and ensure that you get the best experience out of your like-new phone.
What’s The Verdict?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max are both impressive iPhone models, representing the most advanced model available for their separate generations, but which iPhone is best suited for you? Before you buy, ask yourself:
- What are the most important features of an iPhone for me?
- What’s my budget?
- What are my storage needs?
- How long do I plan to keep this phone?
- Do the additional features of the iPhone 14 Pro Max justify the higher cost for me?
It’s important to know what you want to get out of your phone before you buy, as both iPhones are well suited to different types of users. Whether you’re interested in the more cost-effective iPhone 13 Pro Max model or the higher-performing iPhone 14 Pro Max, there’s an iPhone waiting for you to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max The Same Size?
No. While they have the same size screen, messing 6.7 inches diagonally, they are not the exact same size;
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.30 in, weighing 8.39 oz
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 6.33 x 3.05 x 0.31 in, weighing 8.47 oz
When Were The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max Released?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max was released on September 24, 2021, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max was released just over a year later, on September 16, 2022.
Can You Use The Same Case For The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max?
No, due to the slight difference in overall size and the size of the camera model, cases are not compatible between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Is The iPhone 14 Pro Max More Expensive Than The iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Both iPhones are only available through the CPO market, so they can be found at various price points. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, however, is generally more expensive than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, starting at $1849 as opposed to the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s starting price of $799.
