iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone XS Max
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iPhone 13 Pro
Starting at
£292.45£949.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 13 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £124.36 less than the iPhone 13 Pro. The iPhone 13 Pro is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 13 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3095 mAh.
iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 13 Pro offers a more compact 6.1 inch screen with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal if you prefer smooth scrolling and a screen that fits comfortably in one hand. The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch display with a slightly higher resolution, suited to those who want more screen space for video and browsing. The 13 Pro has more RAM and a newer chipset, supporting more demanding apps and multitasking. It also supports 5G for faster network speeds. The XS Max has a slightly larger battery capacity. Both phones run iOS and work with physical SIM plus eSIM. Camera resolution is higher on the 13 Pro's front camera, which benefits selfies and video calls. Choose the 13 Pro for performance and smoother display or the XS Max for a bigger screen and a bit more battery capacity.
iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and basic design features that influence daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a battery capacity of 3174 mAh, slightly higher than the iPhone 13 Pro's 3095 mAh. This difference could mean the XS Max lasts a little longer on a full charge, which suits users who want maximum daily battery life without recharging.
Software Updates
This means both devices receive current features and security fixes, keeping them functional and secure for everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance focuses on the processor, RAM, and storage options, which affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking or large files.
Chipset
The iPhone 13 Pro uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic. The newer chipset in the 13 Pro supports faster processing and better efficiency, making it a good choice for users who run demanding apps or multitask frequently.
RAM
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 13 Pro keeps more apps active for smoother switching and multitasking compared to the iPhone XS Max, which has 4 GB of RAM. This difference benefits users who use many apps at once or run memory-intensive applications.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants, offering a wide range for different storage needs. The iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which suits users with different storage requirements.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, refresh rate, and panel type. These affect how the display looks and feels during use, including sharpness, smoothness, and viewing comfort.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen, which offers more space for watching videos, browsing, and reading. The iPhone 13 Pro's 6.1 inch screen is smaller and more compact, fitting more easily in hand or pocket.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 13 Pro features a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming visuals. This higher refresh rate benefits users who value fluid motion on their screen. The iPhone XS Max has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard and suits everyday use.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone XS Max has a resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels, slightly higher than the iPhone 13 Pro's 1170 x 2532 pixels, offering a sharper image on the larger screen. Both phones feature Super Retina OLED panels, with the 13 Pro using the Super Retina XDR OLED, which enhances contrast and brightness for detailed visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities, which matter for photography, video calls, and content creation.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 13 Pro offers a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixel front camera. This suits users who prioritise clear, high-quality front-facing photos or video.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, which provides similar resolution for everyday photography and video recording.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover network compatibility, physical dimensions, weight, and connection options that influence daily handling and connectivity.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 13 Pro supports 5G networks, which can provide faster mobile data speeds where available, suitable for users who want quicker downloads and streaming. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G networks, which remain widely available and reliable for everyday use.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 13 Pro measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.6 mm in depth, weighing 203 g. The iPhone XS Max is taller and wider at 15.75 cm by 7.74 cm, slightly thicker at 0.77 cm, and weighs 208 g. The 13 Pro's smaller size and lighter weight suit users who prefer a more compact device.
SIM and Connector
Both phones support a physical SIM plus eSIM and use the Lightning connector. This means both offer the same flexibility for mobile plans and charging or accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 Pro if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £124.36 less than the iPhone 13 Pro
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 3095 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 13 Pro often highlight its like-new condition and smooth performance. They appreciate the phone's fast and smooth operation for browsing, apps, gaming, and multitasking. Battery life is described as lasting all day by many, even on phones with some battery wear. The screen and camera quality receive positive comments, with some noting the device looks brand new even in fair or good condition. Buyers mention the phone's size as comfortable and the overall value for the price.
For the iPhone XS Max, customers often point out the phone's good condition and large screen size as strong features. Battery life varies in reports, with some noting the battery lasts well, while others found it shorter and replaced it. The larger screen is appreciated for media and browsing. Some mention minor marks or scratches that do not affect their use. The phone is seen as suitable for users who do not need the latest model but want a quality smartphone with a spacious display.
Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 13 Pro fits users wanting performance, a smoother display, and a compact size, while the iPhone XS Max is a solid choice for those preferring a larger screen and slightly longer battery on a 4G network.
iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 13 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 13 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £292.45 for the iPhone 13 Pro.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3095 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 Pro 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 Pro adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz) and a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £124.36 more (from £292.45 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
