iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS
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iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at
£418.75£1,049.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone XS?
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £280.40 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone XS differ mainly in size, performance, battery capacity, and camera features. The iPhone 13 Pro Max suits users who want a larger screen for videos and a longer battery life for extended use, along with more RAM and a newer chipset for smoother multitasking. It also supports 5G for faster mobile networks and features a triple rear camera setup and a higher-resolution front camera, appealing to those interested in photography and video calls. The iPhone XS suits buyers who prefer a more compact phone that fits comfortably in one hand, with a good screen resolution and solid performance for everyday tasks, along with fewer storage options.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software compatibility are important for daily use and device longevity.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 4352 mAh battery, which is considerably larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the 13 Pro Max is better suited for users who need longer battery life for activities like gaming, video streaming, or heavy app use. The iPhone XS fits users who use their phone moderately and prefer a smaller device.
Software Updates
This makes either a viable choice if you want to keep your iPhone up to date.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS performance
Performance affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and multitasks. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has newer and more powerful hardware compared to the iPhone XS, which can be noticeable during intensive use.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset with 6 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XS has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM. More RAM and a newer chipset on the 13 Pro Max help keep more apps open simultaneously and improve performance in demanding tasks, making it a strong choice for users who multitask or use high-performance apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a wider range of storage options, from 128GB up to 1TB, suitable for users who need large space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone XS comes with 64GB or 256GB storage, fitting users with more moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS screen
Screen size and resolution influence your viewing experience, especially for watching videos or browsing. Both phones have OLED screens, but they differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen, which provides more room for media and multitasking, ideal for users who prefer a large display. The iPhone XS has a smaller 5.8 inch screen, better suited to those who want a compact phone that fits easily in one hand.
Resolution
The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a resolution of 2778 by 1284 pixels, offering a sharp and detailed image thanks to its larger screen size. The iPhone XS has a resolution of 1125 by 2436 pixels, which remains crisp on its smaller display and is well suited for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS camera
Camera and front camera quality matter for photography, video chat, and selfies. The two phones differ in camera setup and front camera resolution.
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a triple camera setup, providing more versatility for photography with different lenses or zoom options. The iPhone XS has a double camera setup, which covers standard photography needs well. Both have 12 megapixel main cameras, ensuring detailed photos.
Front Camera
The front camera on the iPhone 13 Pro Max is 12 megapixels, offering higher resolution selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XS's 7 megapixels. This makes the 13 Pro Max a good pick for users who prioritise high-quality front-facing photos or video chats.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS size and design
Other features like size, network compatibility, SIM options, and weight affect daily convenience and connectivity. These details help you decide which phone fits your lifestyle best.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports 5G networks, which can offer faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone XS supports 4G, which still provides reliable network coverage for most users.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 13 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and weighs 240 g, making it larger and heavier. The iPhone XS is smaller at 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and weighs 177 g. Users who prefer a compact, lighter phone may find the XS more comfortable to hold and carry.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses dual physical SIM cards, which suits users who want to manage two physical phone lines on one device. The iPhone XS supports one physical SIM and one eSIM, which offers flexibility for combining a physical SIM with a digital one.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 Pro Max or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4352 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £280.40 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 240 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 13 Pro Max often mention that the phone looks like new and the battery life is excellent. Many appreciate the sharp camera and smooth performance. Several say the condition matches their expectations for a refurbished phone, with no scratches or marks. Users highlight the larger screen and how well the phone runs apps and handles everyday tasks. Some buyers were initially cautious about refurbished models but ended up very happy with the quality and value.
For the iPhone XS, customers commonly note that the phone looks spotless and runs smoothly. The compact size is appreciated by those who want a smaller device. Battery life is generally described as good for a day of use, with some mention of charging each evening. The camera quality is good for everyday photography. Most customers are pleased with the phone's condition and performance, though a few report minor marks or issues. Buyers tend to value the XS for its size and solid capabilities.
Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 13 Pro Max fits users seeking a larger screen, longer battery, and advanced camera setup, while the iPhone XS suits those preferring a smaller, lighter phone with strong performance for daily use.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £418.75 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
