iPhone 13 Pro Max • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked

iPhone 13 Pro Max • Unlocked
iPhone 13 Pro Max • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$388.00

Versus $999.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked
iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$288.00

Versus $729.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 Pro Max, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, are both large-screen smartphones from Apple. While they share a similar design aesthetic and operate on the iOS platform, key distinctions lie in their display technology, camera systems, and certain advanced features. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a more advanced display and camera setup, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus introduces newer safety capabilities and a lighter build.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines and software support.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 13 Pro Max was released in September 2021, while the iPhone 14 Plus followed in October 2022. This difference means the iPhone 14 Plus will likely receive software updates for approximately one year longer than its predecessor.
  • Software Longevity: Both devices are expected to receive iOS updates for several years from their respective launch dates, ensuring continued access to new features and security enhancements. The newer iPhone 14 Plus will benefit from an extended period of official software support.
  • Build and Protection: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to offer enhanced durability against drops and scratches. They also share an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements.

Release Year

2021

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Plus are equipped with the same powerful A15 Bionic chip, ensuring a comparable level of performance across various tasks.

  • Processing Power: The A15 Bionic chip in both devices features a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, providing robust performance for everyday applications, demanding games, and intensive multitasking. Users can expect smooth app launches, fluid navigation, and efficient handling of complex operations.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: Both models come with 6GB of RAM, which contributes to their ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. This allows for a responsive user experience, even when switching between several open apps.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 13 Pro Max was available with storage capacities up to 1TB, offering extensive space for media and applications. The iPhone 14 Plus is available with up to 512GB of internal storage.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is characterized by large, vibrant displays, though with a notable difference in refresh rate technology.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus feature a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. The resolution is also very similar, providing sharp and clear visuals.
  • Refresh Rate: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The iPhone 13 Pro Max includes ProMotion technology, which allows for an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 14 Plus, however, has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness: Both displays offer excellent brightness, with a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a slightly higher typical maximum brightness at 1000 nits compared to the iPhone 14 Plus's 800 nits.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two iPhones offer distinct capabilities, catering to different photographic needs.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a versatile triple-camera system, including a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens, along with a LiDAR scanner for improved depth sensing. This setup provides 3x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out, offering a 6x optical zoom range. The iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system with a 12MP main and 12MP ultrawide lens. While it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, its main camera benefits from a larger sensor and the Photonic Engine for enhanced low-light performance.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers advanced features like ProRes video recording and macro photography capabilities due to its ultrawide lens with autofocus. The iPhone 14 Plus introduces Action Mode for smoother video capture and an improved Cinematic Mode that supports 4K HDR at 30fps.
  • Front Camera: Both devices feature a 12MP front-facing camera. The iPhone 14 Plus's front camera includes autofocus and a wider aperture, which can lead to better low-light selfies and improved video calls.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two large-screen iPhones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 14 Plus features Bluetooth 5.3, a slight upgrade from the Bluetooth 5.0 found in the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Both devices continue to use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Safety Features: The iPhone 14 Plus introduces new safety capabilities, including Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite, which can automatically alert emergency services in certain situations. The iPhone 13 Pro Max does not include these specific features.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a stainless steel frame and weighs 240 grams. The iPhone 14 Plus features an aluminum frame, making it noticeably lighter at 203 grams. This difference in weight can impact handling and comfort during extended use.

Weight

8000 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus both offer a large-screen iOS experience, but cater to slightly different user preferences. Users frequently praise the iPhone 13 Pro Max for its ProMotion display, which provides a noticeably smoother visual experience, and its versatile triple-camera system, particularly the dedicated telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner. Its premium stainless steel build is also often highlighted as a positive. However, some users find its weight to be a drawback.

The iPhone 14 Plus is often commended for its excellent battery life, lighter design, and the inclusion of newer safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite. Its main camera also sees improvements in low-light performance due to the Photonic Engine. A common criticism, however, is the absence of a high refresh rate display and the lack of a telephoto lens, which some users consider a step down from the Pro Max line.

Users prioritizing a smoother display for scrolling and gaming, a dedicated telephoto camera for zoom photography, and a more premium build material may find the iPhone 13 Pro Max to be a more suitable choice. Conversely, those who value a lighter device, extended software support, enhanced safety features, and slightly improved main camera performance in challenging lighting conditions, and do not require a high refresh rate display or optical zoom, might lean towards the iPhone 14 Plus. Both models represent capable smartphones, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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