Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the main models of two different generations of smartphones. 13 Pro Max marked the top of Apple’s A15 Bionic ERA. In comparison, 15 Pro Max introduced a titanium frame and A17 Pro from Blazing. This Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max depth comparison will analyze performance, design, camera, battery, and software support to help you determine which flagship is highest.
Design & Build Quality: Aluminum vs Titanium Craftsmanship
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with a brushed titanium frame, which reduces the weight to only 221 grams. It makes it very easy while maintaining the shelf life. It introduces a reputation for a more comfortable grip and a redesigned internal chassis for easy repair.
Dimensions Comparison:
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Height | 160.8 mm | 159.9 mm |
| Width | 78.1 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Depth | 7.65 mm | 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 240 g | 221 g |
Display Technology: Super Retina XDR Evolution
Both models sport a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate). However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max enhances HDR performance, color calibration, and peak brightness.
- Brightness: iPhone 13 Pro Max offers up to 1000 nits (typical), 1200 nits (HDR), while the 15 Pro Max pushes up to 1000 nits (typical), 1600 nits (HDR), and 2000 nits (outdoor peak).
- Dynamic Island: Exclusive to the 15 Pro Max, replacing the notch with a more functional interface element for alerts and live activities.
Performance: A15 Bionic vs A17 Pro Chip
The iPhone 13 Pro Max runs on the 5nm A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, offering excellent performance for 2021 standards.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max leaps ahead with the A17 Pro, the first 3nm chip in a smartphone, featuring:
- 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency)
- 6-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- 16-core Neural Engine, vastly improving AI and ML tasks
- Console-quality gaming support (e.g., Resident Evil Village)
| Benchmark | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Geekbench Multi-Core | ~4650 | ~7250 |
| GPU Score (3DMark Wild Life Extreme) | ~2800 | ~4700 |
Camera Systems: Telephoto Innovation and Computational Superiority
iPhone 13 Pro Max Camera Specs:
- Main (Wide): 12MP, f/1.5, 1.9µm
- Ultra-Wide: 12MP, f/1.8, 120˚
- Telephoto: 12MP, 3x optical zoom
- Front: 12MP, f/2.2
iPhone 15 Pro Max Camera Specs:
- Main (Wide): 48MP, f/1.78, 1.22µm (Quad Pixel Sensor)
- Ultra-Wide: 12MP, f/2.2, 120˚
- Telephoto: 12MP, 5x optical zoom (Tetraprism lens)
- Front: 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus and HDR
The 15 Pro Max supports ProRAW at 48MP, Log video recording, and full USB 3 transfer speeds for professional workflows. Night mode, Smart HDR 5, and improved optical image stabilization elevate low-light and action shots.
Battery Life and Charging: Efficient Power Management
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Battery Capacity | ~4352 mAh | ~4422 mAh |
| Video Playback | Up to 28 hours | Up to 29 hours |
| Fast Charging | 20W | 20W |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe (15W) | MagSafe (15W) |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C (10Gbps transfer speed) |
USB-C on the 15 Pro Max also unlocks enhanced accessory compatibility, faster data transfers, and professional video workflows.
Software Features and Longevity
Both models run iOS 17, but the 15 Pro Max will receive updates at least two years beyond the 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max benefits more from:
- StandBy Mode enhancements
- Spatial video recording (for Vision Pro)
- Advanced Siri integrations
- On-device AI processing via A17 Pro
Connectivity and Other Features
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| 5G | Sub-6 + mmWave | Sub-6 + mmWave |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes (via Satellite, upgraded) |
| Ultra-Wideband | U1 | U2 (precision Find My) |
Pricing and Storage Options
| Model | Starting Price (USD) | Storage Options |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 118000 | 128GB to 1TB |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 146500 | 256GB to 1TB |
The 15 Pro Max no longer offers a 128GB variant, aligning more with professional usage expectations.
Conclusion: Should You Upgrade?
For users of the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a compelling suite of upgrades:
- Significantly lighter build with titanium
- Advanced 5x telephoto camera
- A17 Pro chip with ray tracing and console-level gaming
- USB-C with pro workflows
- Dynamic Island for enriched UX
If photography, games or creative work are central to your smartphone experience, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is clearly better. However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still a strong artist and still works well.