iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max, which one is better to buy?

Technical characteristics table

In previous generations of the iPhone we saw some more than remarkable difference between the ‘Pro’ and ‘Pro Max’ models beyond size. In this case, the difference is not so much, but there are several sections that should be known and there is nothing better to begin to see it than by observing its specifications table.

* RAM and Battery: the data offered here correspond to tests carried out on the devices by specialized tools and professionals, since Apple does not officially give these values.

We will analyze more specifically what these characteristics imply, but first of all we can anticipate these as the notable differences between these iPhones:

• Dimensions and weight: as soon as you see the table, the difference in these sections is obvious. It is not that it is something exaggerated, but the change from one to another is noticeable.
• Resolution: As is evident from having different screen sizes, the resolution of both devices changes.
• Battery: 1,257 mAh is what separates both devices, with the iPhone 13 Pro Max having a higher capacity.
• Autonomy: as expected with a larger battery, the ‘Pro Max’ also takes the cake in this section by offering a longer duration than the ‘Pro’.
• Price: 100 euros exactly is what differentiates the price of these devices officially, although it depends on the store and its possible sporadic offers, it could be a minor or greater difference.

Differences in size and design

Although we could say that visually they are identical devices, because they are, it is really interesting to analyze how different each one feels and to what extent the specifications they share are good in this area.

Form factor and wearing comfort

Both devices share an aesthetic already introduced with the iPhone 12, which in turn is inherited from the iPhone 4 and 5. It is a form factor in which the phone is completely flat on all its edges (front, back and sides ) with only a curvature at the corners. This design has the peculiarity of polarizing the user a lot: you either love it or you hate it.

We are not going to judge whether it is more or less beautiful, since in the end they are purely personal perceptions. What we will say is that they tend to slip and although in the ‘Pro’ model it can become a less frequent sensation, in the ‘Pro Max’ it becomes more noticeable as it is larger and therefore more difficult to grip. In the same way that, with the passing of the minutes, your hand may become sore if you do not use a cover or do not grip them well.

Beyond this, when it comes to handling, you have to take everything into account. The iPhone 13 Pro is a much more comfortable device, manageable even with one hand and that fits in practically any pocket. However, this does away with a larger screen. The ‘Max’ for its part does just the opposite, being somewhat more complicated to handle with one hand and not suitable for all pockets, although in return it offers a very good screen experience .

Screen

Precisely with the screen we closed the previous section. And it is that these two iPhone incorporate the best panels never seen in an iPhone and that they have even come to be classified as the best in the market in general. Although at the quality level they offer similar benefits to those of previous years, it has an interesting addition such as the ProMotion screen .

This is the name given to the refresh rate of 120 Hz. If you are not very used to these terms, you should know that this figure refers to the number of times per second that the content of the screen is updated. The higher the number of Hz, the greater the sensation of fluidity it gives. And although there comes a point where the human eye is almost incapable of perceiving it, the 120 Hz is noticeable and even offers that WOW effect initially.

While it is true that this refresh rate is always perceptible, eventually one gets used to it over time and only notices it again when comparing it with a previous generation with 60 Hz. However, it offers many advantages not only to have a feeling of greater fluidity in the scroll or animations of the system, but also in video games .

What makes this screen special with those 120 Hz is the fact that it is adaptive. And the fact is that the refresh rate is automatically adapted to each moment, being the device capable of detecting if it is in a menu and lowering the frequency and setting it to the maximum when necessary. This also helps to avoid excessive battery consumption.

As an additional detail, mention that the ‘notch’ is still present in these iPhone. Of course, it has been reduced by 20% compared to what it was in the iPhone X and later versions. This is an item that, like design, you either love or hate. However, it must be recognized that with the passage of time one becomes accustomed to its presence. And in case you were wondering, no, more information is not included in the upper bar due to its reduction, since Apple simply chose to increase the size of the icons that already existed (time, WiFi, coverage …).

Behavior against bumps and scratches

We started talking about the scratch and scratch resistance of these devices. On the front we find Ceramic Shield , which is a harder material than most metals and that goes through a complex manufacturing process. This material is the one that makes it more difficult to scratch the screen and avoid many scratches, although it is not unbreakable and it is still advisable to put a screen protector.

Already in the back we find classic materials in the ‘Pro’ models such as textured matte glass with stainless steel mixtures. Although they are materials that also withstand scratches very well, they are still very sensitive in the end, so they could continue to be victims of breakage when falls.

If we talk about the sides, both devices have stainless steel in this part that, although it is true that their mirror effect may seem attractive, they tend to accumulate fingerprints , so if they are used without covers you should take this into account.

Resistance to water and dust

This is another section in which both devices are on an equal footing. Both are IP68 certified according to the IEC 60529 standard. The first figure, ‘6’, refers to resistance to dust, being the highest. The second, ‘8’, refers to water resistance and in this case it is measured on a scale of 9.

This translates into that both devices should be submersible up to 6 meters for 30 minutes . And yes, they can and there should be no problem. However, it must always be borne in mind that the level of effectiveness of this type of device ends up suffering over time and its use in circumstances of this type is not as appropriate.

If we also take into account that Apple continues to have null warranty coverage for water damage, it is best that you try to move the devices of this element as far as possible. They can get you out of a hurry if at any given moment you spill a glass of water nearby or drop it into a bucket, but despite this you must be prudent and dry it properly.

About your performance

Go ahead that, as in other points, in general we find an identical performance in both devices. We only find a relevant difference in terms of battery and autonomy.

A15 Bionic Processor

Being the most recent chip from Apple for iPhone, we can find the best performance ever seen in a smartphone of the brand. And yes, it has its evolution with respect to the A14, although in general terms we must recognize that the difference is almost negligible. In any case, it is not a negative thing by no means.

Both phones are left over in all kinds of actions. From the most common, such as consulting social networks, Internet browsing or video playback, to the most demanding uses, where we can find ourselves with full fluency to edit photography or video. Although where the A15 Bionic performs best is in the computational treatment of photos and videos, as well as in making iOS and the battery perfectly understood. We will talk about both issues in future sections.

Same software and for years

It may be a no-brainer, but just in case you were in doubt, both devices run the same version of the operating system. Arrived on the market with the first iOS 15, it is expected that both teams will continue to receive updates for at least 7 years . At least that is intuited by seeing how devices like the iPhone 6s have reached that figure.

Needless to say, in all these upcoming versions, both devices will have the same visual and functional novelties, as well as fixes and performance improvements. This in the end what guarantees is that they are fully functional devices for years and that, even when they are out of date, they can continue to be perfectly usable.

Differences in autonomy

Although it has never been officially confirmed, the reason Apple omits the battery data is likely due to how misleading they can be with respect to other terminals. And it is that both the processor and the operating system do their thing so that the performance of the battery is the best possible even with low capacities. Although in this case, none of them have precisely a small battery.

On paper, these are the data that Apple offers about its autonomy:

• In video playback (online):
  • iPhone 13 Pro: 20 hours
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max: 25 hours
• In video playback (offline):
  • iPhone 13 Pro: 22 hours
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max: 28 hours
• In audio playback:
  • iPhone 13 Pro: 75 hours
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max: 95 hours

As you have seen, these practical cases are useful to get an idea of their difference. However, they are in the end unrealistic cases, since nobody uses their phone so many hours without interruption and for a single functionality. If we add to this that over time the degradation of the battery will be inevitable, in the end they are still examples that, despite not being far from reality, are not entirely accurate.

At ITIGIC we make a comparison of both as soon as we leave, both having the same configuration and 100% battery health. In identical uses we find differences of 4 and a half hours in intensive uses, with 12.5 hours for the ‘Pro’ model and 17 for the ‘Pro Max’ model.

This is a very bulky difference that leaves the iPhone 13 Pro Max in a very good place. However, far from what it may seem, the iPhone 13 Pro does not have a bad autonomy. It does not stand out as much as its older brother, but it is also a device that supports intensive use without messing up.

Other aspects to consider

Beyond the performance of the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, there are other important sections that will surely interest you. As it is, neither more nor less, than the camera, the accessories that are included, the covers that can be used and, above all, the price list.

Identical camera functions

* Only 256GB and up models have the option to record ProRes in 4K. Those of 128 GB is in 1,080p its maximum possibility.

As you may have seen, both devices are identical in specs in this area. Therefore, they offer identical results . Beyond modalities already present in previous generations, we believe it is interesting to highlight new features that these devices include. In fact, some of them are 100% exclusive to them, since the ’13’ and ’13 mini ‘do not have them.

This is the case of photography in macro mode that, automatically or manually (you can choose), allows you to obtain excellent photographs at very short distances. Ideal for taking pictures of very small objects, animals or plants or to take the more abstract side of the large ones.

The sensor movement stabilizer also stands out, which does not offer an insane change at the photographic or video level, but it is very useful. What it broadly allows, unlike classic stabilizers, is to obtain an image with little noise and that looks sharper.

ProRes is another exclusive feature of these two phones and that is a new high-quality video codec created by Apple. Although at the quality level very good pieces are obtained, it must be taken into account that they also take up more space. In fact, this could be the reason why the 128GB model cannot get videos of this type beyond 1080p.

Last but not least, we find a Cinema Mode that is shared in this case by the ‘non-Pro’ versions. It is a portrait mode in video, adding blur effect during recordings. Although it is obviously far from the accuracy of professional cameras, they are probably the best smartphones to do it. It stands out above all for allowing you to choose the live approach during the recording and for being able to change it completely by editing the video from the iOS gallery itself.

Accessories that come in the box

For better or for worse, these iPhones bring what is already a classic. Or rather, they don’t bring it. Neither power adapter nor headphones are included in the terminal box as was the case with the iPhone 12. Since 2020, the brand does not sell any iPhone with these elements, nor does the Lightning jack adapter that was eliminated in 2019. It does not include either. plastics packaging, although if a tape to take off that will serve to distinguish if they are new or not.

What the box does include, in addition to the iPhone itself, is a small guide with user manuals and the classic apple sticker. They also include a Lightning to USB-C cable that will allow you to charge it, although the adapter you already know that you must buy it separately (whether from Apple or not).

Sleeve Compatibility

The fact that these devices look practically the same as their predecessors can generate controversy when it comes to case compatibility. And you should know that none of them have covers compatible with other smartphones. Not even the iPhone 13 Pro can use those of the iPhone 13, unlike the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro that do have that compatibility.

The reason that other cases cannot be used is basically due to the size of the lenses. Of course, it remains that, due to their difference in size in every way, the covers cannot be interchanged between them either.

Prices

Although in the specifications table we have indicated the starting price of these iPhones, the truth is that their value increases if versions with more memory are chosen. In this way we find this list:

• iPhone 13 Pro:
  • 128 GB of storage: 1,159 euros
  • 256 GB of storage: 1,279 euros
  • 512 GB of storage: 1,509 euros
  • 1 TB of storage: 1,739 euros
• iPhone 13 Pro Max:
  • 128 GB of storage: 1,259 euros
  • 256 GB of storage: 1,379 euros
  • 512 GB of storage: 1,609 euros
  • 1 TB of storage: 1,839 euros

We can see that in the end the difference of 100 euros between the two is applicable in any of their capacities. However, we reiterate at this point that both terminals are available in stores other than Apple and could offer it for different amounts.

Buying Recommendations

If you think that these iPhones are the most suitable for you, having ruled out ‘non-Pro’ versions, previous generations and even Android devices, any of them will offer you a great user experience . In fact, it will be a practically identical experience at all levels (performance, camera, versatility, years of updates…).

Now, you must analyze their differences well . If you are used to compact phones, the ‘Pro’ model would be the most suitable for being more restrained in size and being more manageable. The same happens if you are in the reverse situation and you are already used to large mobiles. As we already said in its corresponding section, in the end it is also a matter of getting used to it and if you fancy a change in size (for more or less), you should give yourself some time to settle.

Regarding the difference in battery, we must say that it is perhaps not as important as the size. And yes, there are changes and the ‘Max’ model offers undisputed greater autonomy. But if its size is going to be a problem for you, it may not end up compensating you and you should not forget that the ‘Pro’ also offers a very good autonomy.

Ultimately, whichever you choose, we once again insist that they are two identical devices. Analyzing whether or not they are the best on the market at the moment is subjective and would give for a few other articles like this one. But, without a doubt, in terms of Apple phones they are the best by far and although future generations are to come, it seems that they will take years to be left behind, since they are premium range features that both incorporate.

That said, here is a table with our scores based on our experience of using both terminals. You will notice that, except for the two highlighted points, we have given them the same grade. It should be noted that it is an assessment on a scale of 10 , with 0 being the lowest score and 10 the highest.