iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max
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iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at
£418.75£1,049.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £250.66 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 Max.
- 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 3174 mAh.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max differ clearly in performance, screen technology, battery size, and network capabilities. The iPhone 13 Pro Max suits you if you want a larger screen with a higher refresh rate for smoother visuals, longer battery life, and faster 5G connectivity. It also offers more RAM and storage options up to 1TB, useful for heavy app use and storing lots of files. The iPhone XS Max fits well if you prefer a slightly smaller, lighter phone with solid performance and a Super Retina OLED display.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support, which affect how long each phone lasts and stays current.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 4352 mAh battery, which is notably larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the 13 Pro Max will last longer between charges, suiting users who need extended battery life for heavy daily use or travel.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options, influencing speed, multitasking, and storage capacity. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers newer components and more memory.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset with 6 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XS Max has the Apple A12 Bionic with 4 GB of RAM. This means the 13 Pro Max handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly, ideal if you use many apps at once or play graphics-heavy games.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB sizes, offering more space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which suits users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality is key for viewing experience. Both phones use OLED technology but differ in resolution, refresh rate, and size, affecting clarity and smoothness.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 120 Hz refresh rate, doubling the iPhone XS Max's 60 Hz. This higher rate provides smoother motion when scrolling or gaming, making it better for users who value fluid visuals.
Resolution and Size
The 13 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 2778x1284, offering a slightly larger and sharper display compared to the XS Max's 6.5 inch screen at 1242 x 2688. This extra size and resolution suit those who watch videos or read on their phone often.
Screen Type
Both phones use OLED panels, with the XS Max featuring a Super Retina OLED. Both provide vivid colours and deep blacks, so screen quality remains excellent on either device.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera specs matter if you take selfies or photos regularly. Both phones share the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to 7 megapixels on the iPhone XS Max. This means sharper selfies and video calls on the 13 Pro Max, which suits users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, making them similar for everyday photography and video capture.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other factors like size, weight, network, SIM type, and connectors can influence daily convenience and compatibility.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports 5G networks and uses dual physical SIM cards, which is useful if you want faster mobile data and separate SIMs without eSIM. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G and uses a physical SIM plus eSIM, suiting users with simpler SIM needs.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is larger at 160.8 mm tall and 78.1 mm wide, weighing 240 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, and lighter at 208 g. If you prefer a lighter or more compact device, the XS Max fits better.
Connector and Build
Both phones use the Lightning connector and share the same depth of 7.7 mm, so charging and case compatibility will be similar.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 Pro Max or iPhone XS Max: 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 3174 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £250.66 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (208 g vs 240 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 13 Pro Max often mention how the phone looks like new and performs well across battery life, display, and camera. Many highlight excellent battery life and smooth performance, with some noting the device feels like new despite being refurbished. The larger screen and sharp camera receive praise, and users appreciate the unlocked SIM for flexibility. Several customers mention choosing the 13 Pro Max for its condition and reliability, which matches their expectations for a refurbished device.
For the iPhone XS Max, customers report good condition and solid functionality, especially when opting for higher refurbishment grades. Battery life is generally described as good but can be shorter than newer models, with some users replacing batteries for longer use. The screen quality and overall value for price stand out, making it a popular choice for those who want a quality smartphone without the newest features. Some mention minor cosmetic marks that do not affect usability.
Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 13 Pro Max appeals to those wanting longer battery life, more power, and a larger display, while the iPhone XS Max is suited for users looking for a reliable, lighter device with good screen quality at a lower price point.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs XS Max 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 Max. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £418.75 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 3174 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 Max 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 Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
