iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: Should you upgrade?

Earlier we did a comparison between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13. Now, we’re going to take a look at the most high-end model, the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Should you upgrade? Find out here.

Display

The two devices have the same 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screens. They slightly differ in resolution, though, as the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a slightly higher resolution or equal to 460ppi, versus the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 458ppi. The difference is negligible and won’t be noticed. What you will notice, though, is the redesigned TrueDepth camera with a Dynamic Island design on the 14 Pro Max. The 14 Pro Max’s screen will use that pill-shaped hole to provide a more dynamic and visually-pleasing interface.

Both have Ceramic Shield, ProMotion, and HDR. However, the 14 Pro Max offers a brighter 2,000 nits peak brightness outdoors, while the 13 Pro Max is limited to 1,200 nits peak with HDR, something the 14 Pro Max also has.

Chipset

The 14 Pro Max is equipped with Apple’s new 4nm A16 Bionic chip, which is more powerful than the 5nm A15 Bionic on the 13 Pro Max, to support demanding workloads as well as run the former’s new camera features.

Storage

Storage-wise, the two are identical with four storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Cameras

The two devices have triple-rear cameras with LiDAR. However, the 14 Pro Max provides upgraded cameras with more powerful features. It has a 48MP main that Apple says has a 65% larger sensor than the 13 Pro Max. It also has a 2nd-gen sensor-shift OIS, which is also available in its 12MP telephoto camera, and the 12MP ultra-wide. Its new features include the Photonic Engine for better low-light photos, Action Mode, and Cinematic mode that can now record in 4K HDR in 24fps.

For selfies, we’re still getting a 12MP sensor, but this one now has AutoFocus and Photonic Engine.

Connectivity and Features

The iPhone 14 Pro Max sports the same Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) or Dual eSIM support, 5G, WiFi 6, Ultra Wideband chip, NFC, GPS, and Lightning port. It has Bluetooth 5.3, though, which is an upgrade from Bluetooth 5.0 on the iPhone 13 Pro Max for lower power consumption, better connection, and higher bandwidth.

As for other features, both have FaceID, stereo speakers, IP68 rating, and Emergency OS. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, however, has Crash Detection which lets the user contact emergency services when they get involved in a vehicular accident.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max will ship with iOS 16, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max will receive the upgrade once the new software is released.

Battery

We’re yet to get details of the battery capacity of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but according to Apple, the 14 Pro Max can provide up to 29 hours of video playback, which is a 1-hour improvement over the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 28 hours. Both support 15W wireless charging and MagSafe support.

Price

The iPhone 14 Pro Max commands hefty price tags, which is expected of a new, top-of-the-line flagship. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is no longer included in Apple’s official lineup, but the good news is, that some authorized sellers are offering it at a much lower price.

Which one to get?

Apple’s iPhones that carry the Pro Max name are designed not just for customers who want the best iPhone available but for creators who want a smartphone with amazing camera features. If you belong with the former, the only thing that is stopping you is your wallet. If that is a problem then the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still a great option. But if you’re a creator with a big budget and could certainly maximize the potential of the more powerful cameras, the iPhone 14 Pro Max will be worth the upgrade.