Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 13
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads Apple iPhone 13 overall by 20 points (81 vs 61 out of 100).
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max stands out on Chip Model: Apple A19 Pro, Memory RAM capacity: 8 GB, Memory technology: LPDDR5X.
- Best value: Apple iPhone 13 (from $799) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads overall
$1,199 at launch
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
81
Apple iPhone 13
61
Best value: Apple iPhone 13 ($799)
Why it stands out
- Chip Model: Apple A19 Pro
- Memory RAM capacity: 8 GB
- Memory technology: LPDDR5X
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
This is Apple's premium smartphone targeting professional and power users who require top-tier mobile capability. It features the A19 Pro chip and advanced camera systems, making it a flagship device optimized for high performance and durability. Its inclusion of specialized software like Apple Intelligence positions it as a powerful creative and productivity tool.
Best for Mobile photography and videographyBest for Professional content creationBest for Power users utilizing AI productivity tools
Pros
- Powered by the A19 Pro chipset, which utilizes vapor cooling technology to manage heat and sustain peak performance.
- Features an advanced camera system with 48MP rear sensors and includes the longest zoom capability ever implemented on the iPhone.
- The device boasts a Durable design achieved through a heat-forged aluminum unibody enclosure, enhancing longevity and structure.
- Improves user customization with a dedicated Action button for quick access to preferred functions.
- Runs on iOS 26 and features Apple Intelligence, providing new generative AI tools like image creation and Live Translation.
Cons
- The Pro Max model is noticeably heavier than its Pro counterpart at 233g compared to the Pro’s 206g.
- While highly advanced, the device's initial focus on raw capability may overwhelm average users who only need basic communication features.
- Achieving maximum performance requires sustained use of the specialized vapor cooling system.
Apple iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 is a smartphone released by Apple in September 2021. It features an upgraded chipset, a larger battery, and enhanced camera sensors compared to its predecessor (Source 2, 4). The device maintains the familiar flat design of previous models while offering improved performance features like water resistance (Source 1, 2).
Best for general useBest for users upgrading from older iPhone modelsBest for budget-minded buyers
Pros
- Features a smaller notch cutout for selfie cam and Face ID than previous models (Source 2)
- Includes IP68 rated water and dust resistance (Source 2)
- Has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen protected by ceramic shield, with the standard model offering outstanding color accuracy (Source 2)
- Improved max brightness measurement of around 800 nits compared to older models (Source 2)
- Offers a more diagonal arrangement for rear camera lenses (Source 4)
Cons
- The phone feels slightly heavier, about 10 grams, than previous iterations (Source 2)
- The regular model sticks to a standard 60hz refresh rate, whereas the Pro model offers 120hz (Source 2)
- Some reports note visible downsides related to age, such as problematic buttons (Source 4)
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 13
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max1,900,000
Apple iPhone 13797,858
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max4,823 mAh
Apple iPhone 133,227 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPhone 17 Pro MaxApple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is 25 g (14%) heavier than Apple iPhone 13.
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side