Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 13

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

For most buyers the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is the better pick — it scores 79/100 to the Apple iPhone 13's 61, 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

Key takeaways

  • Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads Apple iPhone 13 overall by 18 points (79 vs 61 out of 100).
  • Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max stands out on Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB (200% more), Storage capacity: 256 GB (100% more), Display Refresh rate: 120 Hz (100% more).
  • Best value: Apple iPhone 13 (from $799) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads overall
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
79
Apple iPhone 13
61
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 18 Pro Max

No notable compromises found.

Apple iPhone 13

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

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Sep 2026.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a flagship smartphone built around the high-performance A20 Pro processor and running iOS 27. It is designed for users seeking a premium, large-format device, featuring a 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED display and a high-capacity 5567 mAh battery. The device also integrates an advanced triple-lens camera system with 48-megapixel sensors across its main, ultrawide, and 4x telephoto lenses.

Best for High-resolution mobile photography and optical zoom versatilityBest for All-day-plus battery endurance under heavy workloadsBest for Large-screen media consumption and mobile gaming
Pros
  • Versatile rear camera setup utilizing 48-megapixel sensors for all three lenses
  • Generous 5567 mAh battery capacity for prolonged daily usage
  • Cutting-edge wireless support with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 compatibility
  • Fluid visual performance on a large 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED screen
Cons
  • Heavier physical profile weighing in at 249 grams
  • No option for expandable storage
  • Exclusively utilizes eSIM, lacking a physical SIM card slot

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 18 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 13

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max3,463,072
Apple iPhone 13775,519

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 18 Pro Max5,391 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

249 g174 g
Apple iPhone 18 Pro MaxApple iPhone 13

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is 75 g (43%) heavier than Apple iPhone 13.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 13 comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max rates higher at 85/100 versus 67/100 for Apple iPhone 13 — a 18-point lead. Apple iPhone 18 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 18 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 85/100 for Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and 67/100 for Apple iPhone 13.
At launch, Apple iPhone 13 was the more affordable option ($799) versus Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max ($1299). Weigh that against the overall scores (85/100 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 18 Pro Max (85/100) 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.

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