Choosing Between iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus: What You Need to Know

In this comparison, we dissect the distinctions between the iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 13 Pro Max, exploring how these previous-generation devices stack up in the evolving landscape of mobile technology. As the latest smartphones hit the market, the spotlight inevitably shifts to their predecessors, making older models more accessible.

Key difference

In the comparison of iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 13 Pro Max specs, it's challenging to declare a clear winner, as the choice depends on the end user. The 13th model offers a larger memory option, a 120 Hz display, and an additional camera for portrait shots. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Plus is lighter, features a superior front camera, and being newer, it is expected to receive updates for a longer duration.

Table of content:

• Apple iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 13 Pro Max specs
• Design and Size comparison
• Display comparison
• Battery life
• Charging speed
• Performance
• Camera comparison
• Price & availability iPhone 13 Max vs iPhone 14 Plus
• Conclusions

Apple iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 13 Pro Max specs

Design and Size comparison

In terms of the iPhone 14 Plus size vs iPhone 13 Pro Max, the 14 Plus appears more favorable. While both phones share the same screen dimensions, the iPhone 14 Plus is slightly thicker, yet noticeably lighter compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The dimensions are as follows: 

• iPhone 13 Pro Max: 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.65 mm, weight 240 g. 
• iPhone 14 Plus: 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.8 mm, weight 203 g.

Both smartphones feature Ceramic Shield glass; however, the frame of the iPhone 14 is made of aluminum, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a steel frame. In the former case, the frame is matte and matches the body color, resistant to smudges; in the latter, it is glossy and prone to fingerprints.

You'll notice the difference if you opt to go without a case, but if you prefer protection, the materials become less of a concern.

Additionally, the 14th model offers a wider selection of color variants including blue, purple, yellow, black, silver, and red. The Pro Max is available in five colors: green, silver, gold, graphite, and blue.

Display comparison

The physical iPhone 14 Plus screen size vs iPhone 13 Pro Max is identical, boasting a 6.7-inch OLED display. The notches remain in place, and the glass surfaces are flat, easily covered with protective coatings. The key distinction of the iPhone 13 Pro Max is its support for a 120 Hz refresh rate, a feature absent in the non-Pro models. These models do not feature Dynamic Island or Always-on Display.

While ultra-smooth animation might not be critically essential for everyone, why deny oneself the pleasure if it's available? The iPhone 13 Pro Max's screen is slightly brighter, with 1000 nits compared to the iPhone 14 Plus's 800 nits, though the practical difference in everyday use is negligible. Both devices share an identical peak brightness in HDR at 1200 nits.

Battery life

The battery capacities in these two models differ very slightly. Upon closer examination of the official specifications, it can be noted that the iPhone 14 will last for 26 hours in video playback mode, whereas the iPhone 13 Pro Max provides 28 hours of usage in the same mode. When it comes to streaming video, the iPhone 13 Pro Max again takes the lead with 25 hours compared to 20 for the iPhone 14. However, in audio playback mode, the iPhone 14 Plus emerges victorious, offering 100 hours of autonomy compared to the 95 hours of the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Charging speed

When it comes to charging speed iPhone 14 Plus versus iPhone 13 Pro Max, the iPhone 13 Pro Max outpaces the iPhone 14 Plus. The 13 Pro charges fully in 1 hour and 46 minutes, whereas the 14 Plus requires 2 hours for a full charge. While the difference is not incredibly significant, it does exist. Additionally, the 13 Pro supports a maximum fast charging speed of 27 watts, while the Plus model supports only 20 watts.

Performance

Despite the release of two new generations of processors, it's inappropriate to label the 5nm Apple A15 Bionic as outdated; it has a significant performance reserve for many years to come. This chipset powered the iPhone lineup in 2021 and continues to be employed in the 14 series this year. Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Plus are equipped with 6 GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128 GB to 512 GB. Additionally, the Pro Max model is available with an impressive 1 TB of storage for those accustomed to carrying everything with them.

The difference between iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus lie in the details: for instance, the iPhone 14 Plus will feature a more recent version of Bluetooth, specifically Bluetooth 5.3 as opposed to 5.0. Additionally, there are new features such as emergency alerts via satellites and assistance calls in the event of a car accident.

In the U.S., the iPhone 14 Plus versions come without a physical SIM Tray, instead featuring two eSIMs for connectivity.

At the time of the smartphone's release, the iPhone 14 Plus came pre-installed with iOS 16. Currently, both devices have been updated to iOS 17.

Camera comparison

The most notable difference in the comparison, iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 13 Pro Max camera department, and it's quite intriguing. Examining the specifications reveals that the iPhone 14 Plus camera represents a step forward compared to the iPhone 13, but it still falls short of the capabilities of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. This is especially evident in terms of the number of cameras, lacking a telephoto lens with triple optical zoom that the Pro Max model offers.

To the delight of selfie enthusiasts, the iPhone 14 Plus boasts an improved front camera with a wider aperture of f/1.9, as opposed to the f/2.2 aperture of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. This promises higher-quality Low-light Photography.

The ultrawide-angle lens on the iPhone 14 Plus has a lower aperture of f/2.4 compared to the f/1.8 of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Both smartphones feature optical stabilization, but the iPhone 14 Plus also introduces a new Action Mode to eliminate the effects of shaky hands. Another standout feature of the iPhone 14 Plus, not present in the other model, is the Photonic Engine for image processing using neural networks, addressing artifacts and enhancing shots taken in challenging conditions.

However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max also offers compelling features. Night mode portraits, macrophotography, video shooting capabilities, and the ability to capture in ProRaw and ProRes formats are among its interesting offerings. Strangely, the iPhone 14 Plus can do 4K Video Recording in Cinematic Mode at 30 fps, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max is limited to 1080p.

Price & availability iPhone 13 Max vs iPhone 14 Plus

During the announcement of the 13th lineup, the iPhone 13 Pro Max was priced as follows:

• $1099 for 128 GB,
• $1199 for 256 GB,
• $1399 for 512 GB,
• $1599 for 1 TB.

A year later, the pricing for the iPhone 14 Plus was as follows:

• $799 for 128 GB,
• $899 for 256 GB,
• $1099 for 512 GB.

As of today, the cost of the iPhone 14 device remains the same on the official website, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max has been discontinued. However, you may still be able to purchase a refurbished device or find it in existing stocks.

Conclusions

As these are initially models from different levels and price segments, determining a winner in the battle between the Apple iPhone 14 Plus vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is quite challenging. The 14th model comes with several advantages—it's more affordable, newer, and will receive updates for a longer period. It is also lighter and features software enhancements for photo processing.

On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts a 120 Hz refresh rate display, an additional third camera for portraits, an option with 1 TB storage, support for ProRaw and ProRes formats, and the capability for macrophotography.