Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus comes out ahead 57/100 to 69/100 — a 12-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max undercuts the Apple iPhone 16 Plus by 14% ($699 vs $799), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple iPhone 16 Plus edges out the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 190 vs 130), scoring 69 vs 57. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPhone 16 Plus over Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max means trading these off.
$699
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 16 PlusW |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz✓ | 60Hz |
| Brightness | 1000nits | — |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A18 |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB✓ |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 48MP✓ |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4352mAh | 4674mAh✓ |
| Charging | 27W✓ | 25W |
| OS | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 238g | 203g✓ |
| Price | 699$✓ | 799$ |
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 16 Plus if…
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Plus if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus edges out the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 190 vs 130), scoring 69 vs 57. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the recommended choice.
No, Apple iPhone 16 Plus scores higher (69 vs 82).
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is cheaper at $699 vs $799 for the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.
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 16 Plus if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus has a larger battery (4,674mAh vs 4,352mAh for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera (48MP vs 12MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus is lighter at 203g vs 238g.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM (8GB vs 6GB), which helps with multitasking.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: June 1, 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.