iPhone 13 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 13 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £80.97 less than the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 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, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 13 and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone 13 offers a smaller 6.1 inch screen with a slightly lower resolution but includes 5G connectivity, a newer chipset, and a higher capacity battery. The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen with a higher resolution, making it well suited for those who want a bigger display for video or browsing. Both have 4 GB of RAM and similar camera megapixels, but the iPhone 13 has a higher resolution front camera for selfies. Weight and size vary, with the XS Max being larger and heavier. Storage options overlap but start at a higher capacity for the iPhone 13. Choose the iPhone 13 for newer performance and 5G, or the iPhone XS Max for a larger screen and resolution.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and operating system. These factors affect how long a device runs between charges and the software experience you can expect.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 has a battery capacity of 3240 mAh, while the iPhone XS Max has 3174 mAh. This means the iPhone 13 may offer slightly longer battery life between charges, which can be helpful if you use your phone heavily throughout the day.
Operating System
The iPhone 13 comes with iOS 15, providing a more recent software version. The iPhone XS Max is listed simply with iOS.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options you choose. These determine how smoothly apps run and how much data you can store.
Chipset
The iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, offering efficient and capable performance for demanding apps and tasks. The iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic.
RAM
Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, which helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly during everyday use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, starting at a higher base storage. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with a lower entry point for those who need less storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, refresh rate, and panel type. These aspects influence how sharp and smooth your viewing experience is.
Screen Size
The iPhone 13 has a 6.1 inch screen, which is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen, providing more space for watching videos and browsing.
Resolution
The iPhone XS Max has a resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels, which is higher than the iPhone 13's 1170 x 2532 pixels. This means the XS Max offers a sharper image, especially noticeable on its larger screen.
Screen Type and Refresh Rate
Both phones feature OLED type screens, with the XS Max specifying Super Retina OLED. Both have a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual specifications focus on cameras, which are important for photos and video calls.
Front Camera
The iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel front camera, offering higher resolution selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels.
Main Camera
Both phones feature a 12 megapixel main camera, which suits everyday photography needs well.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs include size, weight, connectivity, and other features that affect daily use and convenience.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 13 measures 146.7 mm by 71.5 mm and weighs 174 g, making it more compact and lighter. The iPhone XS Max is larger at 157.5 mm by 77.4 mm and heavier at 208 g, which may suit those who prefer a bigger device.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 13 supports 5G networks, allowing access to faster mobile internet where available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, which still provides reliable connectivity for most everyday use.
SIM Card Options
Both phones have a physical SIM slot plus eSIM support, giving flexibility for using multiple numbers or plans.
Connector and Carrier
Both devices use the Lightning connector and come unlocked, which means you can use them with any compatible network.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- 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)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £80.97 less than the iPhone 13
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 13 generally praise its condition, noting that the phones look like new and work perfectly. Many mention the battery holds up well, especially when choosing models with a new battery fitted. The setup process is described as easy and the phones are appreciated for their reliability and speed. Some customers highlight the compact size and the good colour options. A few mention minor issues but overall satisfaction with the phone's performance and appearance is strong.
For the iPhone XS Max, customers appreciate the larger screen and find the phones in very good condition with solid battery life when refurbished well. Some highlight the excellent value for the price and the quality of the screen. A few mention minor issues such as a non-working Face ID or low call volume in rare cases. Overall, users find the XS Max suitable for those who want a bigger display and still good performance.
The iPhone 13 suits buyers wanting a slightly smaller, lighter phone with newer software and 5G support. The iPhone XS Max fits those who prefer a larger screen and are happy with 4G connectivity. Both devices have strong customer approval for condition and usability.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 13 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £249.06 for the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 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 adds a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 3174 mAh), a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels) and longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18). Refurbished, it costs £80.97 more (from £249.06 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
