With the release of the new iPhone 14 flagship series, you’re probably wondering, “Is it time to make the switch?” Whether you want to swap your iPhone 13 Pro Max or are thinking of buying the 14 Pro Max, this comparison will guide you to the right decision for your budget and preferences.
From design updates to the camera, performance, and software enhancements, we will explore which stayed the same, as well as the key difference between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Key Differences Between iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is probably the most intriguing mobile phone release from Apple in a while. After all, the 48-megapixel camera with improved stabilization made people excited to get their hands on the new phone.
But on a larger scale, here’s how the iPhone 13 Pro Max compared to iPhone 14 Pro Max:
| Category | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| ?️ Design and Display | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ⚙️ Performance and Hardware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ? Camera System | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ? Software and Features | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ? Battery Life and Charging | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| ? Pricing and Availability | Starts at $1099 | Starts at $1099 |
Summary of the key improvements of the iPhone 14 Pro Max vs 13 Pro Max:
- 48MP megapixel primary camera
- 4K cinematic mode
- Action Mode ultra stabilization feature
- Dynamic Island integration
- A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max models
- Significantly brighter display
- Always-On display
- Crash Detection feature/Improved sensors
- Satellite connectivity for emergencies
Design and Display
| Category | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| ? Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display; 2.42 mm bezel | 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display; 1.95mm bezel |
| ? Resolution | 2778 x 1284 | 2796 x 1290 |
| ? Brightness | 1,000 nits (typical) 1,200 nits (HDR) | 1,000 nits (typical) 1,600 nits (HDR) 2,000 nits (outdoor) |
| ? Refresh rate | 10-120 Hz | 1-120 Hz |
| ? Dimensions | 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.3 inches 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm | 6.33 x 3.05 x 0.31 inches 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm |
| ? Weight | 8.47 oz (240 g) | 8.47 oz (240 g) |
| ? Colors | Graphite, gold, silver, blue, green | Gold, silver, black, purple |
Staying true to Apple’s pattern of minimal upgrades each year, the back of the iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max is practically the same. The only difference would be the thicker, slightly bigger camera sensors on the latter. On the front panel, a pill-shaped cutout serves as the notch of the 14 Pro Max display that has the front camera and depth sensor. Apple has branded this as the Dynamic Island, which is only present in the 14 Pro phones.
The Dynamic Island aims to incorporate the slightly bigger notch of the iPhone 14 Pro Max (versus its predecessor) in its software features. It displays different animations for apps such as music, timer, and more. It also allows multitasking, displaying different minimized apps at once.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max also has the same 6.7 inches OLED display as the iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, the former introduced the always-on display feature. By default, it shows a faded lock screen background showing time and notifications. This feature can be customized in your phone’s settings.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max also has a slight improvement in the screen resolution, going from 2778 x 1284 in the 13 Pro Max to 2796 x 1290 pixels. However, a dramatic 2,000 nits maximum outdoor display brightness makes the iPhone 14 Pro Max stand out from last year’s iPhones. Its refresh rate can also go down to 1 Hz from 120 Hz to accommodate the always-on display feature.
There is also a slight improvement in the iPhone 14 Pro Max bezel, which is 1.95mm, against the 2.42mm bezel of the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Unfortunately, the new colors dropped with the iPhone 13 series are not available in this release. Instead, people can choose from the classic gold and silver, as well as the new black and deep purple color variations for the smartphone.
? Verdict: Both iPhone models have a decent design and display. However, the iPhone 14 Pro Max features much more flexibility and customization that would appeal to users who find those useful.
Performance and Hardware
| Category | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| ⚙️ CPU | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
| ? RAM | 6GB LPDDR4X | 6GB LPDDR5 |
| ?️ Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| ? Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| ?️ Sensors | – | Improved gyroscope and accelerometer |
| ? SIM card tray | One physical nano-SIM card slot, two eSIMs | no more SIM card slots (for US models) |
One of the highlights of the Far Out Apple Event 2022 was the introduction of the A16 chip integrated into the 14 Pro models. The new chip has a 6-core CPU with 2 performance cores, a 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and 4 efficiency cores. But does this drastically impact the phone’s performance? For casual users, you might not notice the difference.
Meanwhile, the RAM and storage options of the iPhone 14 Pro Max just follow last year’s specs.
? Verdict: Apple has prioritized the user-friendly setup and seamless usage of its smartphones through the years. And while the A16 chip is a promising upgrade, in theory, most users might not notice a dramatic performance difference between 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max.
Camera System
| Category | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| ? Rear Camera | Primary: 12MP f/1.5, dual-pixel PDAF, sensor-shift stabilization Telephoto: 12MP f/2.8, 3x digital zoom, OIS Ultrawide: 12MP with f/1.8 aperture (120-degree FoV), macro photography; |
Primary: 48MP f/1.8 primary, sensor-shift OIS, dual-pixel PDAF, 4K video at 60fps Telephoto: 12MP f/2.8 telephoto, OIS, 3x digital zoom Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide (120-degree FoV), dual-pixel PDAF, macro photography |
| ? Front Camera | 12MP f/2.2, 4K video at 60FPS | 12MP f/1.9, with autofocus, 4K video at 60FPS |
| ? Night Mode | LiDAR sensor for low-light photography | LiDAR sensor, Photonic Engine |
| ? Video Recording | – | Action Mode (extra stabilization to capture high-speed action) |
| ? Cinematic Mode | up to 1080p with no HDR | up to 30 fps in 4K HDR |
The iPhone 14 Pro Max’s camera system is one of the compelling upgrades Apple rolled out in 2022’s smartphone lineup. After years of relying on 12 MP sensors, Apple finally made a giant leap by integrating a 48 MP primary rear camera in their Pro models. This makes iPhones and Android camera competition closer, despite some Android phones having 100 MP cameras.
The 2X zoom feature also made a comeback, which is missing from the iPhone 13 Pro Max. This focal length is ideal for portrait mode shots. Combined with the new rear camera sensor, the resulting images are much crisper and cleaner on the iPhone 14 Pro Max compared to the last generation. The front camera has also been upgraded from the f/2.2 lenses of the iPhone 13 Pro Max to the faster f/1.9 lens.
Apple has also been continuously improving its software processing for better camera outputs in cinematic mode and low-light captures. Its new Photonic Engine feature in the iPhone 14 Pro Max promises to improve low-light photos on all of the phone’s cameras.
The cinematic mode can now record videos up to 30 fps in 4K HDR, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max can only capture up to 1080p without HDR. Plus, the extra stabilization for Action mode in the iPhone 14 Pro Max allows you to capture videos with high-speed action (running, parkour, etc.).
? Verdict: The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a seamless, holistic camera setup and smooth-flowing software integration for post-processing. However, the same can’t be said during harsher shooting conditions.
Comparing the iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max, users can expect more detailed images, videos, and better low-light processing from the newer flagship phone.
Software and Features
| Category | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| ⚙️ OS | iOS 16 + updates | iOS 16 + updates |
| ?️ Dynamic Island Features | N/A | Now Playing API, System Alerts, Live Activities, etc. |
| ? Crash Detection | N/A | Improved sensors to detect accidents |
| ? Emergency Connectivity | N/A | Satellite connectivity to send out emergency notifications |
Apple has implemented tons of extra features in the new iPhone 14 Pro Max to maximize user safety and prioritize the user experience, even during emergencies. Satellite connectivity is now available for the smartphone, which enables sending emergency notifications to the nearest authorities in case the user gets stranded in a remote location with no cellular signal.
With the improved sensors in the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Crash Detection can now be enabled, automatically sending out notifications to call for help in the event of a detected car accident.
The previously mentioned Dynamic Island feature can display system alerts (connecting Airpods, incoming calls, Apple Pay, AirDrop, live activities, etc.) Even third-party apps can send out notifications using the Now Playing API (Spotify, Youtube Music, SoundCloud, etc.) and CallKit (WhatsApp, Google Voice, etc.). You can also switch between the active Dynamic Island widgets by tapping their icons.
? Verdict: While there is no huge software difference between iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max, Apple added tons of extra features for safety and productivity. These small integrations might prove to be useful for some users.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 13 Pro Max received a significant battery capacity increase compared to the 12 Pro Max. With a 4,352 mAh battery, it came closer to its Android flagship counterparts but is still lacking. With casual browsing, this battery can last for a day without charging.
This time, the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s battery capacity is very slightly downgraded to 4,323 mAh. Apple, however, expects the battery longevity to improve due to the power efficiency upgrades using the A16 Bionic chip. They also designed the refresh rate to prioritize power conservation.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max vs 14 Pro Max also ended in a tie, with both having 20W charging capacity. Apple claims that it charges up to 50% of its battery capacity after 30 minutes of charging. Meanwhile, MagSafe wireless charging still caps at 15 W for both phones.
Pricing and Availability
Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Pro Max come with a $1,099 starting price for 128 GB of storage and 6 GB of RAM in the U.S. However, this price can go up depending on the user’s location as well as the taxes upon purchase.
? You can still compare on Apple’s website.
FAQs
Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has several camera enhancements compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. These improvements include the 48MP camera upgrade, 2X optical zoom option, a front camera sensor, Photonic Engine processing for night mode capture, and Action Mode for stabilization in faster-moving environments.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max at 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm is almost the same size, only slightly thicker than the iPhone 13 Pro Max at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a slightly lower battery capacity than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, at 4,323 mAh and 4352 mAh, respectively. However, Apple implemented power-efficient technology that supposedly improves the battery life of the newer iPhone compared to its predecessor.
No. The iPhone 13 Pro Max case will not fit the iPhone 14 Pro Max due to its larger and deeper camera module, as well as some changes in the location of the buttons.
Conclusion
Should you upgrade your phone to the iPhone 14 Pro Max? The 13 Pro Max vs 14 Pro Max comparison above showed promising new features you could expect from the new phone.
You should switch if: you value the 48 MP and other camera and hardware improvements (including the Dynamic Island) present in the 14 Pro Max. You can consider switching if you want to stay updated with the best mobile device Apple has to offer at the moment. Otherwise, the iPhone 13 Pro Max compared to iPhone 14 Pro Max
If you’re underwhelmed by how the iPhone 13 Pro Max compared to iPhone 14 Pro Max, you can also just wait for the iPhone 15 Ultra, rumored to replace the Pro Max.
