Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 13

Updated Jun 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better pick — it scores 77/100 to the Apple iPhone 13's 59, leading on Chip and Memory. Choose the Apple iPhone 13 instead if design & weight matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads overall

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 13

Why it stands out

Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB (200% more)
Storage capacity: 256 GB (100% more)
Display Refresh rate: 120 Hz (100% more)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

No notable compromises found.

Apple iPhone 13

60 Hz display — less smooth scrolling than 90/120 Hz rivals.

Winner by category for Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 13
Category	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13	Winner
Chip	88	68	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Memory	96	41	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Storage	55	35	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Display	70	51	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Rear Camera	76	65	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Front Camera	82	55	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Cellular	84	84	Tie
Connectivity	78	47	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Sensors	85	85	Tie
Design & Weight	41	68	Apple iPhone 13
Power & Battery	76	54	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Benchmark	94	48	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Miscellaneous	68	62	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Security	85	85	Tie

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

Check Price on Amazon

Apple iPhone 13

Check Price on Amazon

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max2,600,583

Apple iPhone 13775,519

See the raw benchmark values →

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 133,240 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 59 g (34%) heavier than Apple iPhone 13.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Chip

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Model

Memory

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
RAM capacity	12 GB200% more	4 GB
Memory technology	N/A	N/A

Storage

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Storage capacity	256 GB100% more	128 GB
Is expandable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Size	6.9 in13% more	6.1 in
Resolution	1320 × 2868 px	1170 × 2532 px
Pixel density	460 PPI	460 PPI
Refresh rate	120 Hz100% more	60 Hz
Display technology
Protection
Has pen support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	92%	87%

Rear Camera

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Rear camera (megapixels)	48 MP300% more	12 MP
Rear camera aperture	1.8	1.611% less
Optical zoom	4300% more	1
Has High Dynamic Range (HDR)	Yes	Yes
Has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)	Yes	Yes
Number of cameras	3	2
Other cameras	48 MP f/2.8, 48 MP ultrawide f/2.2	12 MP ultrawide f/2.4

Front Camera

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Front camera (megapixels)	18 MP50% more	12 MP
Front camera aperture	1.914% less	2.2

Cellular

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Cellular technology
SIM type
Has dual-sim support	Yes	Yes

Connectivity

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Bluetooth technology
Wi-Fi technology
Connector
Has a headphone jack	No	No

Sensors

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Has a NFC sensor	Yes	Yes
Has an accelerometer sensor	Yes	Yes
Has a gyroscope sensor	Yes	Yes
Has a magnetic field sensor	Yes	Yes
Has an atmospheric pressure sensor	Yes	Yes
Has a GPS sensor	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Color	N/A
Dimensions	7.8 × 16.34 × 0.88 cm	7.15 × 14.67 × 0.765 cm
Weight	233 g	174 g25% less

Power & Battery

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Battery capacity	4,823 mAh49% more	3,240 mAh
Has wireless charging support	Yes	Yes
Has fast charging support	Yes	Yes

Benchmark

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Antutu score	2,600,583235% more	775,519
Geekbench single-core score	3,89175% more	2,222
Geekbench multi-core score	10,118107% more	4,880

Miscellaneous

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Release date	September 19, 2025	September 24, 2021
SAR (Head)	1.19 W/kg	1.18 W/kg
SAR (Body)	1.19 W/kg	1.19 W/kg
Dust & Water resistance
Operating system

Security

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 13
Has a fingerprint scanner	No	No
Has an advanced face scanner	Yes	Yes

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 13 comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max rates higher at 83/100 versus 67/100 for Apple iPhone 13 — a 16-point lead. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 13 are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 83/100 for Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and 67/100 for Apple iPhone 13.

At launch, Apple iPhone 13 was the more affordable option ($799) versus Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (83/100 vs 67/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.

If you want the higher-rated smartphones option overall, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (83/100) edges out Apple iPhone 13 (67/100). But if Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.