iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at
£230.09£649.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 13 mini vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £62 less than the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 13 mini is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.4 inch.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 13 mini and iPhone XS Max differ mainly in size, performance, and network capabilities. The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter, suitable for those who prefer a compact phone that fits easily in one hand or a pocket. It supports 5G networks, which provide faster mobile internet where available. The iPhone XS Max has a larger screen, ideal for watching videos or browsing with more room. It has a bigger battery capacity, which may support longer usage between charges. The choice depends on whether you want a smaller, 5G-ready phone or a larger screen with a bigger battery.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, software updates, and physical size all affect durability and daily handling. These two phones differ in battery size and physical dimensions, which influences how long they might last between charges and how they feel in your hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 13 mini's 2438 mAh. This means the XS Max may support longer usage times before needing to recharge, which suits users who prioritise battery life for extended use. The 13 mini, with its smaller battery, fits those who prefer a compact device and may charge more often.
Software Support
This means both will receive current software features and security improvements, keeping them up to date in terms of operating system capabilities.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm tall by 64.2 mm wide and weighing 140 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger at 157.5 mm tall and 77.4 mm wide, with a weight of 208 g. The mini suits those wanting a phone that is easier to carry and use one-handed, while the XS Max offers a bigger feel in hand.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones have the same amount of RAM, but differ in their chipsets and available storage sizes.
Chipset and Speed
The iPhone 13 mini uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone XS Max has the Apple A12 Bionic. The A15 Bionic is a newer chipset, offering improvements in efficiency and processing power. This may benefit users who run demanding apps or want smoother performance overall.
RAM Capacity
Both phones come with 4 GB of RAM. This amount supports everyday app use and multitasking, suitable for most users who use standard apps, browse the web, and stream media.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 mini is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, providing a wide range for different needs. The iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The larger base option on the 13 mini suits those who need more space for apps and media without upgrading.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen size, resolution, and display type affect viewing comfort and image quality. These phones differ in size and resolution but share the same refresh rate.
Screen Size
The iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, making it very compact and easy to use with one hand. The iPhone XS Max has a much larger 6.5 inch screen, which provides more room for watching videos, reading, and gaming. Choose based on your preference for screen real estate.
Resolution
The iPhone XS Max has a higher screen resolution at 1242 x 2688 pixels, compared to the iPhone 13 mini's 1080 x 2340. This means the XS Max delivers more detail on its larger display, which is useful for sharper images and text when viewing closely.
Screen Type
The iPhone 13 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which is an enhanced version of OLED technology offering better brightness and contrast. The iPhone XS Max uses Super Retina OLED. This may make the 13 mini's display appear brighter or more vivid in some conditions.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 60 Hz refresh rate, which delivers smooth motion for most everyday activities like scrolling and video playback.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality and front-facing features matter for selfies and video calls. Both phones have the same main camera resolution but differ on the front camera.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 13 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max has a 7 megapixel front camera. The higher megapixel front camera on the 13 mini suits those who often use their front camera for photos or video chats.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means they are similar for everyday photography and video recording, suitable for capturing detailed images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other differences include network support, physical dimensions, and weight. These affect connectivity and how the phones feel in daily use.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 13 mini supports 5G mobile networks, which can provide faster data speeds where available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G networks, which are widely available and reliable. Choose the 13 mini if you want access to 5G connectivity.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 13 mini measures 131.5 mm in height, 64.2 mm in width, and 7.5 mm in depth, weighing 140 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, weighing 208 g. The mini is better for portable use, while the XS Max offers a more substantial feel.
SIM Options and Carrier
Both phones are unlocked and support a physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility in choosing or switching mobile carriers.
Connector Type
Both devices use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, so existing cables and accessories will work with either phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 mini or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 mini if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18)
- you want 5G
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £62 less than the iPhone 13 mini
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2438 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 13 mini often highlight its excellent condition and battery health, sometimes exceeding their expectations even for models rated as good or fair. Many appreciate its compact size and ease of use, with comments on the smooth setup experience and the phone feeling almost like new. Several mention the benefit of the larger storage options and the vibrant screen colours. Users also note the phone's suitability for those moving from smaller or older devices, praising its everyday performance and the convenience of having the latest iOS installed.
For the iPhone XS Max, customers frequently comment on its excellent physical condition and screen quality, with some noting minor scratches that are easily covered by cases. Battery health varies more, with some users reporting shorter battery life and needing replacements. The larger screen is appreciated for media consumption and general use. Some users found setup took longer but were satisfied with the phone's performance once running. A few have experienced issues with features like Face ID but generally found the phone reliable for everyday tasks.
Overall, the iPhone 13 mini suits those who want a smaller phone with good performance and 5G support, while the iPhone XS Max fits users who prefer a larger display and longer battery life, accepting a heavier device. Both models receive positive feedback for condition and usability from their respective buyers.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 13 mini vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £230.09 for the iPhone 13 mini.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 13 mini adds a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels), longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18) and 5G. Refurbished, it costs £62 more (from £230.09 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 mini comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
