Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
iPhone 13 Pro Max offers premium features like ProRes video recording, 3x telephoto lens, 120Hz display, and stainless steel construction, justifying its $1099 price for professional creators. iPhone 15 Plus counters with a more modern A16 chip, significantly brighter 2000-nit display, superior 48MP main camera, USB-C charging, and lighter 201g design at $899—providing exceptional value. While the 13 Pro Max excels in video production and zoom capabilities, the 15 Plus delivers better everyday performance, faster charging efficiency, and a more practical overall experience. For most users, the 15 Plus represents smarter value with newer internals and daily-use advantages. Choose the 13 Pro Max only if ProRes video and telephoto zoom are essential; otherwise, the 15 Plus is the better investment.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 15 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | iOS 17 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 238 g | 201 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 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 | 4383 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 15W MagSafe |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2778 x 1284 | 2796 x 1290 |
| 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 |
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 Plus
Pros
- Outstanding battery life from large 4383 mAh cell
- Dynamic Island replaces notch on a non-Pro model
- 48 MP main camera is a major upgrade over iPhone 14 Plus
- First USB-C port on a standard Plus model
- Large display great for media consumption
Cons
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion upgrade
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 transfer speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
- Bulky and heavy for everyday use
Related Comparisons
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Apple products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.