Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Plus. We've got two very capable phones here, but they cater to slightly different needs and priorities. Let's get into the nitty-gritty!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specs, along with the real-world implications for the average user:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.7 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | Virtually identical size, will feel very similar in hand. |
| Weight | 240g | 201g | iPhone 15 Plus is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and better suited to one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen sizes, great for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1290x2796 | Very similar sharpness. You won't notice a difference with the naked eye. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 458 | 460 | Extremely similar pixel density. Both offer very sharp visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both have vibrant and high-contrast OLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | iPhone 13 Pro Max has a much smoother and more responsive experience due to its 120Hz refresh rate, especially noticeable when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus has superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight, making it significantly easier to see your screen when you're outside. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15 Plus has a slight edge in processing power due to the newer chip, leading to better performance in intensive tasks and marginally faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,327,255 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus demonstrates slightly better overall performance in benchmarks, indicating smoother handling of demanding applications. |
| GPU | Apple (5-core) | Apple (5-core) | Similar graphical processing capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4373 mAh | 4383 mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Both phones charge at the same rate with wired charging. |
| Features | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | Similar wireless charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66" | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.5" | iPhone 15 Plus captures more detail with its higher resolution sensor and larger sensor, though the 13 Pro Max has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Plus has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.8 | N/A | iPhone 13 Pro Max has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/1.8 | N/A | iPhone 13 Pro Max has a dedicated ultrawide lens for wide field of view. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4 | iPhone 15 Plus features macro capabilities, allowing you to capture detailed close-up shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 12MP, 1/3.4" | N/A | iPhone 13 Pro Max has a ToF sensor for depth sensing. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Both phones offer top-tier video quality with stabilization and HDR. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 145 (Mobile), 147 (Photo), 153 (Video) | iPhone 15 Plus has been tested by DXOMark, with results that indicate a solid camera performance |
| Features | Quad, Optical Zoom, OIS | Dual, Optical Zoom, OIS, Cinematic Mode | Both have great camera features. The 13 Pro Max has a more versatile system with a dedicated telephoto lens. The 15 Plus brings Cinematic Mode and macro to the table. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 15 (upgradable to 18) | iOS 17 (upgradable to 18) | iPhone 15 Plus has a more up-to-date operating system, offering the latest features and enhancements, though both will eventually share the same maximum iOS version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | iPhone 15 Plus has the latest Bluetooth version for improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM support in both devices. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB - 1TB | 128GB - 512GB | iPhone 13 Pro Max has the advantage for users needing the maximum 1TB storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6 GB | iPhone 13 Pro Max might handle multitasking and memory-intensive apps slightly better due to more RAM in some configurations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, DTS / DTS X | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | iPhone 13 Pro Max offers slightly better audio features with Dolby Atmos and DTS / DTS X. Both phones feature stereo speakers and noise cancelling microphones. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Basic | Basic | Both phones offer standard security features |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone 15 Plus has a compass, offering some additional capabilities. |
2. Key Insights
- iPhone 13 Pro Max Strengths:
- 120Hz ProMotion Display: The smoother refresh rate provides a noticeable improvement in responsiveness, making scrolling and animations look much better.
- Versatile Camera System: The dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses offer more creative flexibility for different types of photography.
- Maximum Storage: The option for up to 1TB of storage is a boon for power users who need all the space they can get.
- Enhanced Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos and DTS support for better overall sound.
- More RAM: Up to 8GB of ram can lead to smoother multitasking, although this is dependent on the config.
iPhone 15 Plus Strengths:
- Significantly Lighter: The 39-gram weight difference is a big plus for comfortable daily use, especially for those with smaller hands.
- Brighter Display: The 2000 nits peak brightness makes the screen much easier to read in bright sunlight.
- Newer Chip: The A16 Bionic chip offers slightly better performance and efficiency.
- Better Selfie Camera: The wider f/1.9 aperture on the selfie camera is a nice improvement for low-light shots.
- Macro Photography: The dedicated macro lens allows for detailed close-up photography.
- Latest Software: Out of the box the 15 Plus has iOS 17, and will receive updates concurrently with the 13 Pro Max
- Improved Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 makes for better connection and battery performance when used with peripherals.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Heavier, lower display brightness, older chip, does not have Macro mode.
- iPhone 15 Plus: No Telephoto lens, no ultrawide lens, lower refresh rate.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- iPhone 13 Pro Max:
- Pro Photographers and Videographers: The more versatile triple-lens system offers superior creative control, while the 1TB storage option is ideal for large files.
- Power Users: Those needing the most processing power and the most amount of RAM for heavy multitasking and gaming will prefer the option of up to 8GB of RAM.
- Users Who Value Display Quality: The 120Hz ProMotion is fantastic for those who value a silky-smooth experience.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who care about higher quality and more spatial audio will prefer the 13 Pro Max.
- iPhone 15 Plus:
- Everyday Users: The lighter design, brighter display, and solid camera system make it excellent for everyday use and casual photography.
- Those Who Prioritize Comfort: The significantly lighter weight makes it easier to use the phone for longer periods, especially for people with smaller hands.
- Users Who Take a lot of Selfies: The wider aperture on the selfie camera is perfect for capturing better quality selfies, particularly in low light conditions.
- Macro Photography Enthusiasts: For users who want the ability to take detail close-up images.
- Casual Users: Users who want a smooth overall experience at a cheaper price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize a smooth display experience? If so, the 120Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a must-have.
- Is the weight of the phone a significant factor? The iPhone 15 Plus is the clear winner for those who want a lighter phone.
- Do you need specific camera features, like a telephoto lens or Macro? The 13 Pro Max has the advantage of a dedicated telephoto lens, while the 15 Plus offers a dedicated Macro lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer – iPhone 13 Pro Max is the better choice due to its more flexible triple camera setup and larger storage options.
- Scenario 2: Casual User Who Takes Photos Daily – iPhone 15 Plus is perfect due to its lighter build, brighter display, and excellent everyday camera performance.
- Scenario 3: Gamer or Performance User – iPhone 13 Pro Max might be a better choice, due to the 120Hz display, and option for more RAM.
- Scenario 4: Someone Who Prioritizes Comfort and Brightness – iPhone 15 Plus is the clear winner with its lighter build and brighter display.
What Would I Choose and Why?
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally lean towards the iPhone 15 Plus. While I truly appreciate the 120Hz display on the 13 Pro Max, the significantly lighter weight, the brighter screen, slightly better main camera, and the macro camera on the 15 Plus win me over for my daily usage. As an avid reader and someone who often takes photos in various lighting conditions, the enhanced brightness and slightly better low light selfie camera make the 15 Plus a more practical choice for me. Additionally, for daily use I do not use the zoom features as much as I would use the macro feature, giving the 15 Plus a practical edge. It's a phone that's optimized for everyday life, with a solid camera that I can rely on and a display that I can easily see when outdoors.
That said, I can easily see why other users might prefer the 13 Pro Max. If you need the best camera flexibility for telephoto use, more RAM, and a silky smooth display, the 13 Pro Max is a no brainer. But for my daily needs, the iPhone 15 Plus is a winner.
