iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: A Comprehensive Comparison

Apple's iPhone lineup consistently sets the bar for smartphone excellence. The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are both exceptional devices, but cater to slightly different needs. This detailed comparison will break down their key differences to help you make the right choice.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPhone 14 Pro Max emerges as the clear winner, boasting significantly improved battery life and a brighter, more vibrant display. While the 13 Pro remains a powerful and capable phone, the 14 Pro Max's advancements in display and battery make it the superior choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPhone 13 Pro Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 - A2638, A2639, A26401, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 - A2894, A2896
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2638, A26391, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2894, A2896
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A26361, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2895
Launch
Announced2021, September 142022, September 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 24Available. Released 2022, September 16
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, stainless steel frameGlass front, glass back, stainless steel frame
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.30 in)160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm (6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International)· eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)
Weight204 g (7.20 oz)240 g (8.47 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
Display
ProtectionCeramic Shield glassCeramic Shield glass
Resolution1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 90.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak)LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM)
 -Always-On display
Platform
CPUHexa-core (2x3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard)Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
ChipsetApple A15 Bionic (5 nm)Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
GPUApple GPU (5-core graphics)Apple GPU (5-core graphics)
OSiOS 15, upgradable to iOS 26.1iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM
 NVMeNVMe
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)
Single12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6" SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", PDAF, OIS (unconfirmed) SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Triple12 MP, f/1.5, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.9µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.8, 77mm (telephoto), PDAF, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/1.8, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.8, 77mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10‑bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, stereo sound rec.4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBLightning, USB 2.0Lightning, USB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot
Features
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Ultra Wideband (UWB) supportUltra Wideband (UWB) support Emergency SOS via satellite (SMS sending/receiving)
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.2 updateWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.2 update
TypeLi-Ion 3095 mAh (12.11 Wh)Li-Ion 4323 mAh (16.68 Wh)
Misc
ColorsGraphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue, Alpine GreenSpace Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple
ModelsA2638, A2483, A2636, A2639, A2640, iPhone14,2A2894, A2651, A2893, A2895, A2896, iphone15,3
Price€ 398.00 / $ 365.86 / £ 300.00€ 530.79 / $ 489.81 / £ 446.75
SAR1.20 W/kg (head)     1.19 W/kg (body)1.15 W/kg (head)     1.07 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.99 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)0.99 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 85h Endurance rating 121h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -24.9 LUFS (Very good) -24.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 794348 (v9) GeekBench: 4687 (v5.1) GFXBench: 60fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 955884 (v9) GeekBench: 5423 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

  • Excellent camera system
  • Powerful A15 Bionic chip
  • Premium design and build quality
  • Compact size compared to 14 Pro Max

  • Shorter battery life compared to 14 Pro Max
  • Lower peak brightness display
  • Older design

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Advanced 48MP camera system
  • Dynamic Island feature
  • Powerful A16 Bionic chip

  • Larger size may not be ideal for everyone
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

The iPhone 14 Pro Max takes a commanding lead in the display department. Its peak brightness of 1760 nits (compared to the 13 Pro's 1063 nits) makes it significantly easier to see in direct sunlight. Both offer excellent color accuracy and infinite contrast ratios, but the 14 Pro Max's brightness is a noticeable advantage. The Dynamic Island on the 14 Pro Max also adds a unique and interactive element.

Camera Comparison

The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a larger 48MP main sensor, allowing for more detailed photos and improved low-light performance. While both phones offer excellent video recording capabilities, the 14 Pro Max benefits from the Photonic Engine for enhanced image processing. Cinematic mode and ProRes video recording are available on both.

Performance

Both phones are incredibly fast thanks to Apple's silicon. The iPhone 14 Pro Max's A16 Bionic chip (4nm) offers a slight performance edge over the iPhone 13 Pro's A15 Bionic (5nm), but in real-world usage, the difference is minimal. Both handle demanding games and applications with ease. The A16's efficiency also contributes to the 14 Pro Max's better battery life.

Battery Life

This is where the iPhone 14 Pro Max truly shines. Its endurance rating of 121 hours significantly surpasses the iPhone 13 Pro's 85 hours. This translates to noticeably longer battery life for everyday use, making it ideal for power users.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPhone 13 Pro? Users seeking a premium iPhone experience at a slightly lower price point, or those who prioritize a more compact size. Who should buy the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max? Users who demand the best possible battery life, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and the latest features like the Dynamic Island and improved camera capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iPhone 14 Pro Max worth the upgrade from an iPhone 13 Pro?
If battery life and display brightness are priorities, then yes. The 14 Pro Max offers significant improvements in these areas, along with a better camera and the Dynamic Island. However, if you're happy with your 13 Pro, the upgrade isn't essential.
❓ Which iPhone is better for gaming?
Both are excellent for gaming. The 14 Pro Max has a slight edge due to its more efficient chip and potentially better thermal management, but the difference is unlikely to be noticeable in most games.