iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: The Ultimate Comparison

Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max remains a strong contender, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max brings key design, performance, and camera upgrades. This comparison highlights the differences to help you decide whether to upgrade or opt for a refurbished iPhone.

Design and Build Quality: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max offer premium build quality but differ in materials and weight. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a titanium frame, making it lighter (221g) and more durable, with 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm dimensions. In contrast, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a stainless-steel frame, adding weight (240g) and slightly larger dimensions (160.8 x 78.1 x 7.7 mm).

Both models have glass fronts and backs, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max using Corning-made glass for better scratch resistance. Both are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability in various conditions. If you're looking for a stylish option, the iPhone 15 Blue variant offers a sleek and modern look.

Color Options: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Colors include striking shades like Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium. These hues complement the device’s titanium frame, enhancing its contemporary and sophisticated design. On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Colors feature classic options such as Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue, and Alpine Green. These colors cater to those who prefer a timeless and elegant look. Both models offer a range of colors to match different tastes, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a modern twist with its titanium-inspired palette.

Display Quality: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

When it comes to display quality, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers several improvements over the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and its peak brightness can reach 2000 nits, providing vibrant and clear visuals even in bright conditions.

The iPhone 13 pro max screen size is also a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display but with a slightly lower resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels. While it supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, its peak brightness is 1200 nits, which is still impressive but not as high as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Both displays are equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display represents a more advanced and brighter screen, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Price Comparison: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max cater to different price points due to their release years and advancements. The iPhone 13 Pro Max launched at A$1,849 for the 128GB base model. As of 2025, refurbished models start at A$909, offering a budget-friendly option.

In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max debuted at A$2,199 for the 256GB model. As a newer release, it holds a higher resale value, with refurbished 512GB models starting from A$1,949. If you're interested in current pricing, check out the iPhone 15 Pro Max price and the iPhone 13 Pro Max price. 

Camera Systems: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Series upgrades smartphone photography with a 48MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, enhancing low-light performance, color accuracy, and detail. It also includes ProRAW, superior stabilization, and Spatial video recording.

The iPhone 13 Series features a 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a LiDAR scanner, delivering excellent photo and video quality but lacking the latest enhancements. Both models support 4K video at 60 fps, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max offering Action mode and improved HDR recording for superior video results.

Software and Features: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max sets the bar high with its latest iOS version 17.6.1. This new update brings exciting features not found on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It offers enhanced security, a refined user interface, and more customization options. The latest iOS supports advanced augmented reality (AR) applications, making the iPhone 15 Pro Max a powerhouse for immersive experiences. Its improved performance and additional features provide a smoother, more responsive experience compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Though the iPhone 13 Pro Max supports the latest iOS updates, it lacks some of the latest innovations. The iPhone 15 Pro Max takes full advantage of its new software, offering cutting-edge capabilities that make it stand out.

Processor and Speed: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s latest A17 Pro chip, representing a significant leap forward from the A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The A17 Pro chip features a 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores, and a 6-core GPU, which provides a substantial boost in both performance and efficiency. This advanced processor excels in handling demanding tasks and graphics-intensive applications, delivering quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and an overall faster user experience.

On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, with its A15 Bionic chip, remains a strong performer. The A15 Bionic chip includes a 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores and a 5-core GPU. While it doesn’t match the speed of the A17 Pro, the A15 Bionic still offers impressive performance for everyday tasks, smooth app usage, and competent multitasking and graphics handling.

Battery Life: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a slightly larger battery size of 4441 mAh, compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 4352 mAh battery. This increase in the iPhone 15 Pro Max battery size translates to slightly longer usage between charges as compared to iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life offers up to 29 hours of video playback, slightly surpassing the iPhone 13 Pro Max's 28 hours. Both models support fast wired and MagSafe wireless charging, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max's improved efficiency and newer technology give it an edge in endurance. For audio playback, both devices deliver up to 95 hours, making the iPhone 15 Pro Max a better choice for users needing extended battery performance.

Verdict

In the battle between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max, both models offer impressive features. The iPhone 15 Pro Max specs highlight significant advancements in design, performance, and camera technology, making it an appealing choice for those seeking the latest innovations. Its improved battery life and cutting-edge specs make it a strong contender for power users. On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Pro Max specs continue to offer substantial value with its capable performance and attractive pricing, particularly for those considering refurbished options.

At Phonebot, we offer a range of refurbished iPhones, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy high-quality devices like the iPhone 13 Pro Max at more accessible prices. Whether you're interested in the latest advancements or seeking great value, Phonebot has options to meet your needs. Explore our selection today and find the best deal for you.