Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 15
The Verdict
iPhone 13 Pro Max targets power users willing to pay premium prices, while iPhone 15 delivers excellent value for mainstream consumers. Display quality favors the Pro Max with its 120Hz LTPO panel and 1000 nits peak brightness, though iPhone 15's 2000 nits peak excels in sunlight scenarios. Camera capabilities differ significantly: Pro Max includes a 3x telephoto lens and ProRes video, while iPhone 15 compensates with a modern 48MP main sensor and newer A16 chipset. Battery capacity heavily favors Pro Max at 4352mAh versus 3349mAh, translating to noticeably longer endurance. iPhone 15's advantages include USB-C connectivity, lighter 171g design, and more current iOS 17. Performance remains comparable since both use flagship Apple chips. For photography enthusiasts and heavy users valuing zoom capabilities and battery life, Pro Max justifies its $300 premium. Conversely, iPhone 15 represents superior value, delivering nearly identical daily performance with modern connectivity at a significantly lower price point.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max if…
- →ProMotion 120Hz display arrived for first time on iPhone Pro
- →Best-in-class battery life among 2021 iPhones
- →ProRes video recording up to 4K
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 if…
- →Dynamic Island brought to base model
- →48 MP main camera upgrade
- →Switched to USB-C port
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Pros
- ProMotion 120Hz display arrived for first time on iPhone Pro
- Best-in-class battery life among 2021 iPhones
- ProRes video recording up to 4K
- Macro photography with ultrawide camera
- Cinematic mode for shallow depth-of-field video
Cons
- Very heavy at 238 g
- Notch still present despite slimmed-down design
- Lightning connector limiting transfer speeds
- Large size is unwieldy for smaller hands
Apple iPhone 15
Pros
- Dynamic Island brought to base model
- 48 MP main camera upgrade
- Switched to USB-C port
- Strong A16 Bionic performance
- Comfortable lightweight design
Cons
- Stuck at 60Hz refresh rate
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | iOS 17 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 238 g | 171 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision ProRes | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision |
| Telephoto | 12 MP 3x | — |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4352 mAh | 3349 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 15W MagSafe |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2778 x 1284 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple GPU (5-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A16 Bionic |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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