Home
Trade-in

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max

Shop iPhone
  • 24-month warranty
  • Free standard delivery on orders over £50
  • 14-day returns
  • Excellent customer support

iPhone 13

Starting at

£249.06£599.00 new
See options

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Starting at

£1,209.00
See options
(623 reviews)
(85 reviews)

What's the difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 17 Pro Max?

iPhone 13 vs 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 13 starts at £249.06, £959.94 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2025.

Refurbished from

£249.06£1209

Chipset

Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)Apple A19 Pro

RAM

4 GB12 GB

Battery

3240 mAh4823 mAh, 5088 mAh

Screen size

6.1 inch6.9 inch

Screen type

OLEDSuper Retina XDR
  • Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
  • The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
  • Battery: 3240 mAh on the iPhone 13, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 17 Pro Max differ significantly across key areas, offering options for different needs. The iPhone 13 is suited to users who want a compact, straightforward device with good battery life and solid everyday performance. The iPhone 17 Pro Max caters to those who prefer a larger, sharper screen with smoother visuals, more memory for multitasking, and advanced cameras for detailed photos. The 17 Pro Max also features a USB-C connector and larger storage options, which might appeal to power users or those who want more flexibility. Both support 5G and unlocked use, so connectivity is strong on either device.

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery capacity and operating system. These factors influence how long the phone runs between charges and which system you use.

Battery Capacity

The iPhone 13 has a 3240 mAh battery, suitable for typical daily use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger battery capacity with values of 4823 mAh and 5088 mAh available, which means it can last longer under heavy use or multitasking. If you often use your phone throughout the day without frequent recharging, the 17 Pro Max's larger battery capacity is beneficial.

Operating System

The iPhone 13 runs iOS 15, providing a reliable and familiar software experience. The iPhone 17 Pro Max runs iOS, indicating it uses a current version of the operating system.

Battery

3240 mAh4823 mAh, 5088 mAh

Foldable

N/ANo

Ip rating

IP68IP68

OS at launch

iOS 15N/A

Software updates

Supported, up to iOS 27Supported, up to iOS 27

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20212025

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance

Performance depends on chipset, memory, and storage options. These affect how quickly apps run, multitasking ability, and how much data or media you can store.

Processor Power

The iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features the Apple A19 Pro chipset. The newer chipset in the 17 Pro Max is designed to handle more demanding tasks and complex applications, appealing to users who prioritise speed and efficiency.

Memory Capacity

The iPhone 13 has 4 GB of RAM, which is suitable for everyday apps and basic multitasking. The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with 12 GB of RAM, allowing you to keep many apps open simultaneously and supporting more intensive workflows, which is useful if you multitask heavily or use memory-intensive apps.

Storage Options

The iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers larger capacities from 256GB up to 2TB. This makes the 17 Pro Max suitable for users who store large amounts of media, apps, or files on their device.

Chipset

Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)Apple A19 Pro

RAM

4 GB12 GB

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen

Screen quality is about size, resolution, refresh rate, and panel type. These influence how clear, smooth, and immersive your viewing experience is.

Screen Size and Resolution

The iPhone 13 has a 6.1 inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a larger 6.9 inch Super Retina XDR screen with a higher resolution of 2868 x 1320 pixels. The bigger and sharper display of the 17 Pro Max is suited to those who watch videos, browse, or read on a larger, more detailed screen.

Refresh Rate

The iPhone 13 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which delivers smooth visuals for everyday use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max doubles this with a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid motion. This is noticeable for users who enjoy gaming or frequent scrolling.

Refresh rate

60 Hz120 Hz

Resolution

1170 x 25322868x1320

Screen size

6.1 inch6.9 inch

Screen type

OLEDSuper Retina XDR

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera

Audiovisual features include camera resolutions, which affect photo and video quality, especially for selfies and detailed shots.

Front Camera

The iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel front camera, good for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has an 18 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and may produce sharper self-portraits or clearer video chats.

Main Camera

The iPhone 13 uses a 12 megapixel main camera suitable for everyday photography. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48 megapixel main camera, offering higher detail capture for photos. This suits users interested in photography or who want more flexibility in cropping and editing images.

Front camera

12 megapixels18 megapixels

Main camera

12 megapixels48 megapixels

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design

Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, connectors, network support, and SIM options, which affect handling, connectivity, and compatibility.

Size and Weight

The iPhone 13 measures 146.7 mm by 71.5 mm with a depth of 7.7 mm and weighs 174 g. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is larger at 163.4 mm by 78 mm, thicker at 8.8 mm, and heavier at 233 g. The 13 is suited to those wanting a lighter, more compact phone, while the 17 Pro Max provides a bigger device that may feel more substantial in hand.

Connector Type

The iPhone 13 uses a Lightning connector, common on many Apple devices. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses USB-C, which is widely used across many modern devices and accessories, potentially simplifying cable use if you have other USB-C gadgets.

Network and SIM

Both devices support 5G for fast mobile data speeds. Each supports both a physical SIM card and eSIM, offering flexibility in how you manage mobile connections. Both come unlocked for use with any compatible carrier.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

LightningUSB-C

Depth

7.7 mm8.8 mm

Height

146.7 mm163.4 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

24 September 2021N/A

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

173 g233 g

Width

71.5 mm78 mm

iPhone 13 or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?

Buy the iPhone 13 if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £249.06, £959.94 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • you want an OLED screen
  • you want a lighter build (173 g vs 233 g)

Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if

  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
  • you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)

What our customers say

Customers who chose the iPhone 13 appreciate its condition and reliability. Many mention it looks like new and works well for everyday use. Battery life is often praised, especially when opting for models with new or high battery health. Users find the phone easy to set up and suitable for first-time iPhone owners or those wanting a straightforward device. The compact size and screen are suitable for users favouring a lighter phone that still performs well.

Reviews for the iPhone 17 Pro Max highlight satisfaction with its condition and performance. Customers note the phone works smoothly and supports easy app transfers. The larger screen and enhanced features appeal to users wanting a bigger device with strong capabilities. Some mention minor issues with call quality or device cleanliness, but overall the phone is praised for working as described with good battery health. The choice of storage options and USB-C connector are appreciated by those with higher demands.

Both devices receive positive feedback for their quality and condition. The iPhone 13 is well suited for those who want a compact, dependable phone for everyday use, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max fits customers who prefer a larger screen, more memory, and advanced cameras for a richer multimedia experience.

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs

iPhone 13 vs 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.

The iPhone 13 is cheaper refurbished, from £249.06 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The iPhone 13 has 3240 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

The iPhone 13 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £959.94 more (from £1209 vs £249.06).

Refurbished, the iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.

Add device
Add device
Add device
Add device