iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many great options available. Are you torn between the impressive size and battery life of the iPhone 14 Plus and the powerhouse features of the iPhone 13 Pro Max? This comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max, with its ProMotion display and advanced camera system, offers a premium experience. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Plus, a newer model, boasts a larger screen and improved battery life compared to its predecessor. We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each phone, covering everything from performance to price.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. Do you value top-tier camera capabilities and a smoother display, or do you prioritize a larger screen and extended battery life? Let’s dive into the details of the iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 13 Pro Max to find out which reigns supreme for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto Camera | N/A | 12MP |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| ProMotion (120Hz) | No | Yes |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 26 hours | Up to 28 hours |
| Weight | 203 grams | 240 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 14 Plus: Features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. It offers a bright and vibrant viewing experience, but lacks ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate). This can result in smoother scrolling and animations compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology (adaptive 120Hz refresh rate). This delivers incredibly smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing overall user experience. The display is also very bright.
- Winner: 13 Pro Max
Processor
- iPhone 14 Plus: Equipped with the A15 Bionic chip. While powerful, it’s the same chip found in the iPhone 13 Pro series. Performance is excellent for everyday tasks and gaming.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Also features the A15 Bionic chip. This is a very capable chip, handling demanding tasks and games with ease. Performance is still top-tier.
- Winner: Tie
Cameras
- iPhone 14 Plus: Features a dual-camera system with a 12MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide lens. Offers improved low-light performance and the new Photonic Engine for better image processing. It lacks the telephoto lens found on the 13 Pro Max.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Includes a triple-camera system with 12MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide, and 12MP Telephoto lenses. Offers a wider range of shooting options, including 3x optical zoom and macro photography.
- Winner: 13 Pro Max
Battery Life
- iPhone 14 Plus: Offers impressive battery life, often exceeding a full day of use. It’s a strong point of the phone, making it a good choice for heavy users.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Also boasts excellent battery life, typically providing all-day use. Comparable to the 14 Plus, it is a key selling point.
- Winner: Tie
Design
- iPhone 14 Plus: Shares a similar design to the iPhone 13 series, with flat edges and a glass back. It is slightly larger than the 13 Pro Max due to the lack of camera bump.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Features a premium design with stainless steel edges and a glass back. It has a more substantial feel due to the heavier build and camera system.
- Winner: Tie
Video Recording
- iPhone 14 Plus: Records video up to 4K at 60fps, with Cinematic mode available. Features improved video stabilization.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Records video up to 4K at 60fps, with Cinematic mode and ProRes video recording. Offers more advanced video capabilities.
- Winner: 13 Pro Max
Storage Options
- iPhone 14 Plus: Available in storage options up to 512GB. Sufficient for most users.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Available in storage options up to 1TB. Offers more storage for users who need it.
- Winner: 13 Pro Max
Price
- iPhone 14 Plus: Generally has a lower starting price than the 13 Pro Max at launch, making it a more accessible option.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Typically commands a higher price tag due to its premium features and larger storage options.
- Winner: 14 Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | iPhone 14 Plus |
| Camera | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| Display Technology | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| Battery Life | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| Performance | Tie |
| Portability | iPhone 14 Plus |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both phones feature a large 6.7-inch display, offering ample screen real estate for media consumption and productivity.
- Chip: Both models are powered by the A15 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity, providing fast download and upload speeds where available.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68 for water resistance, offering protection against spills and splashes.
- Front Camera: They both have a 12MP front camera for high-quality selfies and video calls.
iPhone 14 Plus Vs iPhone 13 Pro Max Buying Guide
Display and Design
The iPhone 14 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, identical in size to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max features ProMotion technology, offering a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 14 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Design-wise, both phones share a similar aesthetic with flat edges and a notch at the top, though the iPhone 13 Pro Max utilizes stainless steel, providing a more premium feel compared to the aluminum frame of the iPhone 14 Plus.
Performance and Processor
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 14 Plus uses the same A15 Bionic chip, but with an extra GPU core. The difference in performance is minimal in everyday tasks. Both phones handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease. The A15 Bionic remains a powerful chip. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also offers more RAM, which can contribute to slightly better performance in resource-intensive scenarios, but this isn’t always noticeable in real-world usage.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 14 Plus features a slightly improved main camera with a larger sensor and better low-light performance. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a more versatile camera system with three lenses: telephoto, wide, and ultrawide, offering greater flexibility. The 13 Pro Max also includes features like ProRes video recording. Although the 14 Plus has some upgrades, the 13 Pro Max’s triple-camera setup provides more creative options for photography and videography, especially for professional-level content.
Battery Life
The iPhone 14 Plus excels in battery life, often outperforming the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Due to its optimized display and other efficiency improvements, the 14 Plus can last significantly longer on a single charge. Users can expect several hours of additional usage compared to the 13 Pro Max. The 13 Pro Max still has excellent battery life, but the 14 Plus is a notable improvement for users prioritizing extended usage without frequent charging.
Pricing and Value
When considering the initial launch prices, the iPhone 13 Pro Max was positioned at a higher price point than the iPhone 14 Plus. However, with the 13 Pro Max being a previous generation device, its price has now decreased, making it potentially a better value proposition depending on the user’s needs. The iPhone 14 Plus offers a large display and improved battery life at a more accessible price. Considering all factors, value depends on user preference and budget.
Features and Specialization
The iPhone 13 Pro Max includes features like ProMotion, LiDAR scanner, and ProRes video recording, catering to users who prioritize a premium experience and professional-grade features. The iPhone 14 Plus offers Emergency SOS via satellite, focusing on user safety. The 14 Plus also has Action mode for improved video stabilization. The choice depends on the importance of advanced features versus the benefits of the 14 Plus’s battery life and emergency capabilities.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 14 Plus If…
- You prioritize a large screen size and long battery life without the added cost of Pro features.
- You want a lightweight phone.
- You’re upgrading from an older iPhone and want a significant screen upgrade.
Buy iPhone 13 Pro Max If…
- You want the best possible camera system with a telephoto lens and Pro features like ProRes video.
- You value the smoother scrolling and responsiveness of a 120Hz ProMotion display.
- You need the extra storage options up to 1TB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in display quality?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max features ProMotion with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 14 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While both have excellent displays, the ProMotion on the 13 Pro Max provides a more responsive and visually appealing experience, especially during fast-paced content consumption and gaming.
Which phone has a better camera system?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a more versatile camera system due to its triple-lens setup, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom. While the iPhone 14 Plus has camera improvements, the 13 Pro Max offers greater flexibility and creative control. It supports features like ProRes video recording, catering to users who want professional-grade photography and videography.
How does the battery life compare?
The iPhone 14 Plus has superior battery life, often lasting significantly longer on a single charge. The optimization in the 14 Plus allows it to outperform the 13 Pro Max. Users can expect several extra hours of usage before needing to recharge. However, both phones have excellent battery life, making them suitable for all-day use.
Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max faster than the iPhone 14 Plus?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses the A15 Bionic chip. The iPhone 14 Plus also uses the A15 Bionic, but with an extra GPU core. Real-world performance differences are minimal in everyday tasks. Both phones handle demanding apps and multitasking seamlessly. The differences are marginal, and both phones provide a fast and responsive user experience.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max, with its ProMotion display, provides a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances the visuals and responsiveness. While the iPhone 14 Plus can still play games well, the 13 Pro Max offers a slight advantage for a more immersive and fluid gaming experience.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus have any unique features?
The iPhone 14 Plus introduces Emergency SOS via satellite, enhancing user safety in areas without cellular coverage. It also includes Action mode for improved video stabilization. These features focus on safety and video improvements, setting it apart from the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which emphasizes a more professional-oriented experience.
Which phone is the better value?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max’s price has decreased since its release, potentially making it a better value, depending on the user’s needs and budget. The iPhone 14 Plus offers a large display and improved battery life at a lower price. Considering the features and price, the better value depends on individual priorities, such as display, camera, and battery life.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a more professional-focused experience with its ProMotion display, versatile triple-camera system, and premium build. However, the iPhone 14 Plus provides significantly improved battery life, a larger display, and introduces safety features like Emergency SOS via satellite. While the 13 Pro Max excels in camera and display, the 14 Plus’s extended battery life is a key advantage.
Winner: iPhone 14 Plus