The iPhone 13 Pro measures 6.1 inches while the Pro Max stretches to 6.7 inches, a 0.56-inch difference that also brings a 40% larger battery (4,352mAh vs. 3,095mAh) and roughly six extra hours of video playback per charge. The cameras, chip, and software support are identical across both models. Buy the Pro Max refurbished if you want the biggest screen and the longest battery life; buy the smaller, cheaper Pro if you want a phone that is easy to use one-handed and slips into a pocket. For most people, the iPhone 13 Pro is the better refurbished buy in 2026.
Both phones launched in 2021 and now sell refurbished for a fraction of their original price. As of June 2026, the iPhone 13 Pro starts around $330 and the Pro Max around $369, with most listings landing in the $330-$450 range depending on storage and condition. In this article, we break down every difference so you can choose with confidence.
Table of contents
- iPhone 13 Pro vs. Pro Max at a glance
- iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max: Which one should you choose?
- Takeaway, availability, and pricing
iPhone 13 Pro vs. Pro Max at a glance
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2778 x 1284 |
| Adaptive refresh | Up to 120Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Dimensions | 5.77 x 2.81 x 0.3 in 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm | 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.3 in 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm |
| Weight | 7.19 oz 204 g | 8.4 oz 238 g |
| Battery life | Up to 22 hours of video playback | Up to 28 hours of video playback |
| Chipset | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Camera | Triple 12MP (main, ultra-wide, telephoto) | Triple 12MP (main, ultra-wide, telephoto) |
| Camera zoom | Optical zoom up to 3x, digital zoom up to 15x | Optical zoom up to 3x, digital zoom up to 15x |
| Front camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Video recording | 4K at 24/30/60 FPS, 1080p at 30/60 FPS | 4K at 24/30/60 FPS, 1080p at 30/60 FPS |
| HDR | HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG for HDR playback | HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG for HDR playback |
| Cinematic Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Photographic Styles | Yes | Yes |
| Max operating system | iOS 26 | iOS 26 |
| SIM | Dual SIM (nano-SIM, eSIM) | Dual SIM (nano-SIM, eSIM) |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Colors | Graphite, gold, silver, Sierra Blue | Graphite, gold, silver, Sierra Blue |
| Original price | Starting at $999 | Starting at $1099 |
| Price (refurbished) | Starting at | Starting at |
iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max: Which one should you choose?
Picking between the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max comes down to a few key questions: do you prioritize a huge, immersive display and maximum battery life? Or, is a more pocketable format and slightly lower price a better fit? Keep reading.
Dimensions and size
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is noticeably larger than the iPhone 13 Pro, and not just in screen size: it is bigger in every physical measurement. That difference shapes how you carry it, use it one-handed, and whether it fits in a front pocket comfortably. Here are the exact dimensions:
Dimensions
- iPhone 13 Pro:
- Height: 5.78 inches (146.7 mm)
- Width: 2.82 inches (71.5 mm)
- Depth: 0.30 inch (7.65 mm)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max:
- Height: 6.33 inches (160.8 mm)
- Width: 3.07 inches (78.1 mm)
- Depth: 0.30 inch (7.65 mm)
Weight
- iPhone 13 Pro: 7.19 ounces (204 grams)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 8.46 ounces (240 grams)
Seeing this, we notice that the iPhone 13 Pro is generally more manageable for one-handed use. Its smaller size makes it easier to reach all areas of the screen and grip securely. On the other hand, the Pro Max might be less comfortable for one-handed use, especially for those with smaller hands.
iPhone 13 Pro
Portability is another factor. The iPhone 13 Pro slips easily into most pockets and smaller bags. The Pro Max, due to its larger dimensions and heavier weight, may feel bulkier and require more space in your bag or pocket.
If you prioritize a device that's pocketable and easy to handle, the iPhone 13 Pro may be the better choice. However, if you crave a large, immersive display and don't mind the extra bulk, the Pro Max could be a perfect fit.
Display and design
Both the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max boast a premium design featuring a durable glass front and back with a stainless steel frame. They share Apple's iconic notch (though smaller than previous generations), and the nearly square camera module on the back.
The most obvious display difference is the size. The iPhone 13 Pro sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the Pro Max steps it up to a massive 6.7-inch variant. Both models feature ProMotion technology, allowing the screens to dynamically adjust their refresh rates up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and animations.
The Pro Max's larger display provides a more immersive experience for watching videos, gaming, or browsing content-rich websites. The extra-screen real estate on the Pro Max can also be beneficial for split-screen multitasking or viewing multiple documents simultaneously. Additionally, those with vision impairments may find the larger display easier to read and interact with.
Cameras
The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max boast nearly identical advanced camera systems. Both feature:
- Triple-lens rear camera array:
- 12MP Wide lens (main)
- 12MP Ultra Wide lens
- 12MP Telephoto lens (with 3x optical zoom)
- LiDAR Scanner: For enhanced depth sensing, portrait mode, and AR experiences.
- Front-facing TrueDepth camera: 12MP with advanced selfie capabilities.
Apple has focused on making the camera experience consistent across the Pro and Pro Max models. You'll find powerful features like:
- ProRAW and ProRes video formats: For professional-level image and video control.
- Cinematic Mode: For rack-focus effects in video.
- Night Mode: For stunning low-light photography.
- Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles: Computational photography for detail and color optimization.
If camera prowess is a top priority for you, there's no need to choose the Pro Max over the Pro for any camera-specific advantages. You should stick to the budget here.
iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro
Image by: Apple
Performance
Again, no difference in terms of performance here. At the heart of both the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max lies Apple's A15 Bionic chip, one of the most powerful mobile processors on the market. This means both devices deliver blazing-fast speeds for everything from everyday tasks to demanding games and creative applications.
While benchmark scores might show slight variations, you'll likely experience no noticeable performance difference between the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max in day-to-day use. Both handle intensive workloads effortlessly, ensuring snappy responsiveness and smooth multitasking.
When it comes to performance, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are on equal footing, and the A15 Bionic chip's power also provides future-proofing for your device.
Battery life and charging
The iPhone 13 Pro, with its smaller 3,095mAh battery compared to the Pro Max, still offers strong battery life, delivering up to 22 hours of video playback. Its charging times are similar to the Pro Max, taking around two hours to reach full charge with a 20W charger.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max stands out with its impressive battery life, offering up to 28 hours of video playback thanks to its 4,352mAh battery.
Both models support MagSafe wireless charging at 15W, offering convenience for users who prioritize easy wireless charging over speed.
A note for refurbished buyers: These phones are now around five years old, so battery health is the single most important thing to check, and it matters more on the Pro than the Pro Max. Because the Pro has a smaller starting capacity, a unit at 75% health will feel notably shorter on a single charge. When shopping refurbished, look for units rated above 85% battery health, which most graded sellers list on the product page. If you get a great deal on a lower-health unit, Apple charges around $90 for an out-of-warranty battery replacement, which restores both battery life and peak performance. A fresh battery effectively resets the clock and is often the difference between a phone that lasts you two more years and one that does not.
Related: 9 Best MagSafe Accessories for Your iPhone in 2026
Apple Intelligence: What to Know Before You Buy
Neither the iPhone 13 Pro nor the 13 Pro Max supports Apple Intelligence, Apple's suite of on-device AI features introduced with iOS 18 and expanded in iOS 26. Apple Intelligence requires the A17 Pro chip or newer, which means it's exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and later models.
That said, both 13 Pro models run iOS 26 smoothly and receive the same security patches, UI updates, and most feature improvements as newer devices. Apple typically supports its iPhones with five to six years of major iOS updates, so the 13 Pro line, which shipped with iOS 15 in 2021, should keep receiving updates for another year or two before it ages out. If Apple Intelligence is not a dealbreaker for you, the 13 Pro lineup remains a compelling choice at its current refurbished price point. If AI features are a priority, consider stepping up to a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro.
For context on how long Apple will keep these phones updated, see our guide: How Long Does Apple Support iPhones?
Takeaway, availability, and pricing
The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max both deliver exceptional smartphone experiences. With shared features like the blazing-fast A15 Bionic chip, the advanced triple-lens camera system, 5G connectivity, iOS 26 support, and the stunning ProMotion display, you get flagship-level hardware at a fraction of the original price.
Refurbished units currently start at around $330 for the Pro and $369 for the Pro Max, compared to the original launch prices of $999 and $1,099 respectively, a saving of well over 60%.
Ultimately, the best choice for most people is the iPhone 13 Pro. It offers a fantastic balance of cutting-edge features, performance, and a comfortable, pocket-friendly size. For the best combination of price, condition grading, and warranty, we usually see the strongest iPhone 13 Pro deals at Back Market, which pairs graded battery-health listings with a one-year warranty. Apple's own Certified Refurbished store rarely stocks a phone this old, so a trusted marketplace is your most reliable route. Buying through RefurbMe lets you compare these sellers side by side to find the best deal.
However, consider opting for the iPhone 13 Pro Max if:
- You crave the absolute best battery life: The Pro Max significantly outlasts the Pro on a single charge.
- A huge display is a priority: The Pro Max is ideal for immersive media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- The price difference isn't a major concern: The Pro Max naturally commands a higher price tag.
Not sure where to buy? Our guide to the best places to buy refurbished iPhones breaks down the top sellers by price, warranty, and condition grading.
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Last updated: Jun 8, 2026 · First published: May 10, 2024