Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 15 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 comes out ahead 57/100 to 62/100 — a 5-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Apple iPhone 15 pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple iPhone 15 undercuts the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max by 97% ($353.99 vs $699), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
Prices may vary · We may earn a commission on purchases. Learn more
Apple iPhone 15 narrowly beats the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max in the smartphones category, especially in display quality (2000 nits vs 1000 nits), scoring 62 vs 57. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 15 is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPhone 15 over Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 15W |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7"✓ | 6.1" |
| Display Type | OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | — | 2556 x 1179 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz✓ | 60Hz |
| Brightness | 1000nits | 2000nits✓ |
Buy Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max if…
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Apple iPhone 15 if…
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple iPhone 15 narrowly beats the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max in the smartphones category, especially in display quality (2000 nits vs 1000 nits), scoring 62 vs 57. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 15 is the recommended choice.
No, Apple iPhone 15 scores higher (62 vs 82).
Apple iPhone 15 is cheaper at $353.99 vs $699 for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has a larger battery (4,352mAh vs 3,349mAh for the Apple iPhone 15), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has the larger display (6.7" vs 6.1").
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
| HDR |
| — |
| HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Protection | — | Ceramic Shield |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A16 Bionic |
| CPU | — | Hexa-core 3.78 GHz |
| GPU | — | Apple GPU 6-core |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Storage Options | — | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 48MP✓ |
| Aperture | — | f/1.6 |
| OIS | — | Sensor-shift OIS |
| Video | — | 4K@60fps |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4352mAh✓ | 3349mAh |
| Charging | 27W✓ | 20W |
| Wireless Charging | — | 15W |
| OS | iOS 18 | iOS 17 |
| Wi-Fi | — | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | — | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| USB | — | USB-C |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometrics | — | Face ID |
| Dimensions | — | 147.6 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 238g | 171g✓ |
| Colors | — | Black, White, Blue, Pink |
| Price | 699$ | 353.99$✓ |
Apple iPhone 15 has a higher-resolution main camera (48MP vs 12MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Apple iPhone 15 is lighter at 171g vs 238g.