Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max comes out ahead 57/100 to 67/100 — a 10-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max undercuts the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max by 43% ($699 vs $999), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max edges out the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max in the smartphones category, especially in display quality (2000 nits vs 1000 nits), scoring 67 vs 57. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max over Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max means trading these off.
$699
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 15 Pro MaxW |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display Type | OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED ProMotion |
| Resolution | — | 2796 x 1290 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 1000nits | 2000nits✓ |
| HDR | — | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Protection | — | Ceramic Shield |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A17 Pro |
| CPU | — | Hexa-core 3.78 GHz |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB✓ |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB✓ |
| Storage Options | — | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 48MP✓ |
| Aperture | — | f/1.78 |
| OIS | — | Yes |
| Video | — | 4K@120fps (ProRes) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4352mAh | 4422mAh✓ |
| Charging | 27W | 27W |
| Wireless Charging | — | 15W |
| OS | iOS 18 | iOS 17 |
| Wi-Fi | — | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | — | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| USB | — | USB-C (USB 3) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometrics | — | Face ID |
| Dimensions | — | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 238g | 221g✓ |
| Price | 699$ | 999$ |
Buy Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max if…
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if…
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max edges out the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max in the smartphones category, especially in display quality (2000 nits vs 1000 nits), scoring 67 vs 57. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
No, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max scores higher (67 vs 82).
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is cheaper at $699 vs $999 for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger battery (4,422mAh vs 4,352mAh for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera (48MP vs 12MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is lighter at 221g vs 238g.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM (8GB vs 6GB), which helps with multitasking.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.