Apple launched the iPhone 14 Pro Max in September 2022, supposedly an upgrade over the iPhone 13 Pro Max launched in 2021. But is it truly an upgrade worthy of ditching your 13 Pro Max? This article will compare the two phones across various factors to help you decide.
Overview and Key Differences
The iPhone 14 Pro Max and 13 Pro Max have very similar designs, with the same 6.7-inch screen size, nearly identical dimensions and weight, flat sides, stainless steel frame, and glass back. The main visual difference is the 14 Pro Max‘s Dynamic Island cutout at the top housing the front camera and Face ID sensors.
Internally, the 14 Pro Max has a faster A16 Bionic chip compared to the 13 Pro Max‘s A15 chip. The rear camera system is also upgraded on the 14 Pro Max with a new 48MP main camera versus 12MP on the 13 Pro Max. Battery life is nearly the same, while charging speed has slightly improved to up to 50% in 30 minutes on the 14 Pro Max versus 45 minutes on the 13 Pro Max.
Other notable upgrades include satellite connectivity for emergency SOS, car crash detection, an Always-On display, and a brighter screen with 2,000 nits peak brightness compared to 1,200 nits.
Overall, the iPhone 14 Pro Max brings more significant upgrades over its predecessor than a typical "S" model year upgrade. But besides the cameras, faster chip, and some special features, much is also the same across both phones when it comes to the display, battery life, software, and overall experience.
Design and Display
As mentioned earlier, both phones have nearly identical physical designs, making them indistinguishable from the front thanks to the similar display and body dimensions. The key differences in design include:
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Dynamic Island Cutout: The 14 Pro Max has this oblong pill-shaped cutout housing the front camera and Face ID sensors instead of the wide notch on the 13 Pro Max. However, it doesn‘t gain any extra display real estate.
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Dimensions: The 14 Pro Max is almost imperceptibly slimmer at 77.6mm wide versus 78.1mm on the 13 Pro Max. Height, depth, and weight remain effectively identical at 160.7mm x 7.85mm and 240 grams.
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Colors: While the 13 Pro Max launched in Graphite, Gold, Silver, and Sierra Blue, the 14 Pro Max replaces the blue with Deep Purple. So color options are largely similar.
As for displays, both phones again have 6.7-inch flexible OLED screens with a resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels and 458ppi density, along with features like ProMotion 120Hz refresh rates, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Ceramic Shield protection, etc.
However, Apple claims the 14 Pro Max display can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits versus 1,200 nits on the 13 Pro Max when viewing HDR content. This can provide better visibility when under direct sunlight. The higher brightness also enhances the new Always-On Display feature.
Cameras
The rear camera system sees the most significant upgrades between the two iPhones. Specifically:
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Main Camera: The iPhone 14 Pro Max features an upgraded 48MP main camera with a sensor up to 8K video recording capabilities. Meanwhile, the 13 Pro Max has stuck with a 12MP main camera as on previous iPhone generations. However, Apple uses pixel binning technology, so the output images on both phones are 12MP. But the 14 Pro Max can capture more detail through the higher resolution sensor.
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Other Cameras Unchanged: Both phones have 12MP ultra-wide cameras with f/1.8 aperture and 13mm focal length along with 12MP telephoto cameras with f/2.8 aperture and 77mm focal length for 3x optical zoom. There‘s also a LiDAR scanner on both models. Video recording remains at 4K 60fps across both rear camera systems.
For the front camera or selfie camera, the iPhone 14 Pro Max sees improvement as well with an f/1.9 aperture, auto-focus capabilities to prevent blurriness, and low-light enhancements for better quality self-portraits.
Overall, while casual users may not notice huge differences in photos and videos between the two phones, photography enthusiasts will appreciate the upgrades, especially to the main rear camera on the 14 Pro Max.
Performance and Battery Life
In terms of performance hardware, the iPhone 14 Pro Max features Apple‘s newest A16 Bionic chip manufactured on an enhanced 5nm process. Comparatively, the 13 Pro Max is running 2021‘s A15 Bionic chip based on a 5nm process.
Benchmarks reveal the A16 enables a 10-15% faster CPU and 30% faster GPU versus the A15 chip. This translates to better loading speeds across the interface along with more seamless gaming and multimedia experiences. The extra performance headroom also offers greater longevity.
Both iPhone models pack 6GB of RAM. The available storage configurations are also identical at 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
As for battery life, Apple rates both models at up to 29 hours of video playback. However, benchmarks show that the A16 chip‘s efficiency gains combined with display optimizations result in roughly one extra hour of average use time for the iPhone 14 Pro Max over its predecessor.
Charging speed has enhanced marginally as well. With a compatible 20W adapter, the 14 Pro Max can charge from 0 to 50% in just over 30 minutes compared to around 40 to 45 minutes on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Overall, moderately improved stamina and speeds make for slightly better battery life, although runtimes are still quite comparable.
Special Features
Beyond upgrades to hardware and cameras, the iPhone 14 Pro Max comes with two brand new safety and connectivity features absent on any previous iPhone models:
1. Satellite Connectivity for SOS
In areas without cellular coverage, the 14 Pro Max can use satellite networks to send emergency messages when in danger, along with continually updating your location. It offers basic text capabilities to emergency services when no other connections are available.
2. Crash Detection
Through new motion sensors and advanced Apple algorithms, the iPhone 14 Pro Max can detect severe car crashes. It will then automatically dial emergency services if you are unresponsive while notifying your emergency contacts.
These two features provide an additional safety net for iPhone users who adventure into the wilderness or face accidents in remote areas. However, they are missing from the 13 Pro Max.
Software and Updates
With iOS 16 launching alongside the iPhone 14 models, both the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max are capable of running the latest iOS software version out the box. They can also be updated to additional iOS 16 dot updates.
And given Apple‘s tremendous software update support, both models will receive major iOS updates for 5-6 years easily. This covers iOS 17 and even iOS 18 likely based on Apple‘s track record.
Therefore, there is practically no difference between the two iPhone models when it comes to software support and longevity. Both will continue receiving the same iOS updates for many years to come.
Price and Value
The iPhone 14 Pro Max costs $1,099 for the base 128GB storage model. Comparatively, the iPhone 13 Pro Max originally launched at the same $1,099 MSRP last year for 128GB storage.
However, following the iPhone 14 launch, Apple has reduced pricing on remaining iPhone 13 series stock. Many retailers are selling brand new and unlocked iPhone 13 Pro Max units for $800-$900 on average currently.
As such, buyers can save up to $300 in some cases by opting for the one-year older iPhone model, which is still extremely powerful and shares many similarities with the 14 series. However, you would be missing out on the camera, performance, and special safety feature upgrades that the latest Pro Max offers.
Ultimately, the iPhone 14 Pro Max commands a premium for cutting-edge features that may appeal to mobile photographers, videographers, power users, as well as adventure seekers who can benefit from the SOS and detection capabilities.
But more casual users who stick to basics like messaging, internet, navigation, and even gaming and multimedia should find nearly equivalent experiences on the iPhone 13 Pro Max for lower cost outlay.
Conclusion: Which Model is Better For You?
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The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the better pick if you:
- Want the latest upgrades like the 48MP camera and A16 chip
- Frequently capture images and videos
- Seek extra connectivity and safety through satellite and crash detection
- Can benefit from added features like Always-On display
- Plan to use the phone for 3-4 years minimum
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The iPhone 13 Pro Max remains highly capable if you:
- Don‘t need pro-level cameras and extra safety features
- Primarily use your phone rather casually
- Want to save money while still getting a premium device
- Don‘t mind missing out on bleeding-edge upgrades
- Upgrade your iPhone annually or biennially
Overall, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max brings more considerable improvements to Apple‘s Pro iPhone line, casual and budget-focused buyers can saves hundreds of dollars while still enjoying an outstanding experience with the iPhone 13 Pro Max. But mobile creators and outdoor explorers will find the most benefits from upgrading to Apple‘s latest offering.
