iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: Which One Should You Choose?

Apple’s Pro Max models have always been about pushing limits, big screens, top performance, and the best cameras Apple can offer. When the iPhone 13 Pro Max arrived, many considered it one of the finest iPhones ever made. A year later, Apple launched the iPhone 14 Pro Max with a few key changes, but is it really worth the upgrade, or does the 13 Pro Max still hold its ground in 2025? Let’s dive in.

Quick Comparison

Disclaimer: Specs are based on official sources and may vary slightly by region.

Design and Build

Both phones share Apple’s signature premium look with stainless steel frames and glass backs. At first glance, they look nearly identical, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max introduces one visible difference: the Dynamic Island. This replaces the notch with an interactive cutout at the top of the display, blending software with hardware in a way that feels new and modern.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max, on the other hand, sticks with the familiar notch. Some users may find it less exciting, but others prefer its consistency. In terms of colors, the 13 Pro Max was available in Graphite, Silver, Gold, Alpine Green, and Sierra Blue, while the 14 Pro Max came in Space Black, Silver, Gold, and Deep Purple.

In the hand, both feel solid and luxurious, though the 14 Pro Max is just slightly heavier. If you like the latest design cues, the 14 Pro Max edges ahead. But if weight or cost is a factor, the 13 Pro Max still feels like a modern flagship.

Display Experience

Both models feature a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology that adjusts refresh rates up to 120Hz. Scrolling, gaming, and animations look equally smooth. Resolution and sharpness are the same, so casual users won’t notice a difference.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max, however, has a small but meaningful upgradeAlways-On Display. This lets you glance at the time, widgets, and notifications without waking the phone. Brightness is also slightly improved, making outdoor visibility better.

Still, if you’re comparing side by side, the differences are subtle. Unless Always-On and Dynamic Island matter to you, the iPhone 13 Pro Max display remains excellent.

Performance and Speed

Under the hood, the iPhone 13 Pro Max runs on the A15 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max is powered by the A16 Bionic. On paper, the A16 offers higher efficiency and a bump in performance, especially in graphics-heavy tasks.

In benchmark tests, the 14 Pro Max pulls slightly ahead. For example, Geekbench 6 shows stronger single-core and multi-core results, and 3DMark confirms better graphics performance. Real-world use, however, tells a different story. Everyday tasks like opening apps, browsing, and multitasking feel almost identical between the two.

Even in gaming, the 14 Pro Max is a touch smoother, but the 13 Pro Max rarely shows lag or stutter. Both phones have 6GB RAM, so memory management and multitasking are equally strong.

The takeaway? The iPhone 14 Pro Max is technically faster, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max still feels incredibly quick, even two years later.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max delivered an AnTuTu score of around 860,000 points, showing that Apple’s A15 Bionic still handles demanding apps and games smoothly. On Geekbench, it reached about 1730 in single-core and 4650 in multi-core, which is strong for everyday performance. The iPhone 14 Pro Max through the same tests, clearly pulled ahead with an AnTuTu score close to 970,000 points, along with 1870 single-core and 5450 multi-core results on Geekbench. The gap isn’t massive in daily use, but the 14 Pro Max does feel a bit faster with heavier tasks and high-end gaming.

Cameras

Apple’s Pro Max line is all about camera performance. The iPhone 13 Pro Max introduced a triple-lens system with a wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto setup. It delivered excellent results with crisp detail, great low-light performance, and cinematic video modes.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max builds on this with a 48MP main sensor, compared to the 12MP on the 13 Pro Max. This allows for sharper shots, better low-light detail, and new shooting options like the 2x telephoto crop. Apple also added Action Mode for stabilized video, making it great for filming while moving.

In everyday use, the difference isn’t massive unless you zoom into photos or frequently shoot in ProRAW format. The 14 Pro Max is more versatile and future-proof for creators, but the 13 Pro Max is still outstanding for casual photographers.

Software and Features

Both phones run iOS 16 and support the latest iOS updates. In fact, Apple is known for long-term software support, so either model will remain current for years. The 14 Pro Max integrates Dynamic Island deeply into iOS, which makes notifications and multitasking more engaging.

Otherwise, the software experience feels very similar. Smooth animations, intuitive gestures, and Apple’s ecosystem advantages AirDrop, iMessage, FaceTime, and continuity features all work just as well on both devices.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s biggest strengths was its legendary battery life. Many users reported going a full day and more on a single charge, even with heavy use. The iPhone 14 Pro Max continues this trend, with Apple fine-tuning efficiency thanks to the A16 chip.

In side-by-side tests, both devices perform nearly the same, with the 14 Pro Max lasting just a bit longer in certain scenarios like video playback. Charging speeds remain identical: fast charging up to 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W adapter, plus support for MagSafe wireless charging.

If you value charging speed, neither has a huge advantage. But rest assured, both are among the longest-lasting iPhones Apple has ever made.

Price and Value

Here’s where things get interesting. Since the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the newer model, it’s priced higher at retail. Meanwhile, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is no longer sold directly by Apple, but it can be found through resellers and refurbished markets at significantly lower prices.

On platforms like eBay or trusted resellers, the 13 Pro Max can often be found for $700–$800, compared to the 14 Pro Max which still hovers near its launch price. For many buyers, the savings make the 13 Pro Max a very attractive deal.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between these two largely depends on your priorities:

• Get the iPhone 14 Pro Max if you want the latest design with Dynamic Island, Always-On Display, slightly better performance, and improved camera versatility. It’s the choice for those who always want the newest iPhone experience.
  
• Stick with or buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max if you want a flagship phone at a more affordable price without sacrificing much. You’ll still get excellent performance, long battery life, and great cameras that hold up well in 2025.
  

Final Thoughts

The debate of iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max shows how similar these two devices really are. The 14 Pro Max has the edge in a few areas: design changes, camera upgrades, and minor performance improvements. But the 13 Pro Max remains one of Apple’s best all-rounders, especially when you consider its lower price on the resale market.

If you already own the 13 Pro Max, upgrading may not feel necessary. But if you’re choosing between the two today, your budget and need for the latest features will make the decision clearer. Either way, you’re getting one of the best large-screen smartphones money can buy.

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