iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 13 Pro Max – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 16 Plus & iPhone 13 Pro Max share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 16 Plus rather than the iPhone 13 Pro Max

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Plus

  • The iPhone 16 Plus features the A18 Bionic chip for faster performance, improved energy efficiency, and advanced AI capabilities, whereas the iPhone 13 Pro Max uses the older A15 Bionic chip.
  • iPhone 16 Plus has 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM for smoother multitasking and better handling of intensive apps, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max has 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM.
  • It comes with a larger 4674 mAh battery for longer screen-on time and extended video playback, whereas the iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a smaller 4352 mAh battery.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus supports USB-C charging with faster 25 W MagSafe wireless charging for quicker recharges and universal cable compatibility, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max uses Lightning with slower 15 W MagSafe charging.
  • iPhone 16 Plus includes a new Camera Control button for quicker access to photography and video features, whereas the iPhone 13 Pro Max does not have a dedicated camera button.
  • It supports Wi-Fi 7 for higher wireless speeds and more reliable connections in crowded environments, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max supports Wi-Fi 6.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus features a lighter 199 g build for improved portability and comfort during extended use, whereas the iPhone 13 Pro Max weighs around 240 g.
  • iPhone 16 Plus integrates an improved thermal architecture with an aluminum substructure for better heat dissipation and sustained performance, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a standard thermal design.

Maybe the iPhone 13 Pro Max price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 16 Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 13 Pro Max
Display Resolution2796 × 1290 px2778 × 1284 px
Rear CameraDual-lensTriple-lens
Main Camera Megapixel48 MP12 MP
RAM8 GB6 GB
SoC / ProcessorA18 BionicA15 Bionic
Neural Engine Performance~2× faster NPU
Battery Capacity~4674 mAh~4350 mAh
Video Playback (Max)Up to 27 hours
Charging PortUSB-CLightning
MagSafe Charging PowerUp to 25 WUp to 15 W
Weight~199 g~240 g
Body Thickness~7.8 mm~7.65 mm
Connectivity (Wi-Fi)Wi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
Physical ButtonsAction Button + Camera Control ButtonNone new
Thermal DesignImproved aluminum substructureStandard
Operating System at LaunchiOS 18iOS 15 / iOS 16
Apple Intelligence SupportSupportedNot at launch
SIM ConfigurationDual SIM + expanded eSIM supportDual SIM
Interface ElementsIncludes both Action and Camera buttonsNo Action/Camera buttons
Screen Brightness (Max HDR)Up to ~2000 nitsUp to ~1200 nits
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Plus PriceCheck iPhone 13 Pro Max Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Size: Both models feature the same generous 6.7-inch screen, offering immersive viewing for video, gaming, and multitasking.
  • OLED Panel Type: Both utilize Apple’s Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its exceptional contrast, deep blacks, and color accuracy.
  • Dynamic Island: This unique UI element is present in both, delivering a more interactive design focus around the front camera area.
  • Refresh Rate: The 13 Pro Max has the ProMotion 120 Hz refresh; the 16 Plus is presumed to offer the same smooth motion experience for scrolling and animations.
  • Front Camera Resolution: Each device features a 12 MP TrueDepth front-facing camera that excels in selfies and Face ID authentication.
  • Face ID: Both phones include Apple’s secure facial recognition system, enabling fast authentication and secure payments.
  • Stereo Speakers: Dual-speaker audio is integrated into both, ensuring immersive sound when watching movies, playing games, or making calls.
  • MagSafe Support: You can attach magnetic accessories and charge wirelessly with MagSafe on either device.
  • Wireless Charging Capability: Both models support Qi-based wireless charging, though the 16 Plus offers higher wattage.
  • Water Resistance Rating: Each phone is rated IP68, meaning they are dust-tight and can handle submersion in water up to a certain depth.
  • Storage Options: Both offer multiple storage tiers, including high-capacity choices up to around 1 TB—great for photo/video storage.
  • Bluetooth Version: Both support Bluetooth 5.x, enabling fast and efficient connectivity with audio and smart accessories.
  • 5G Support: Both devices are 5G-capable, ensuring access to high-speed mobile data where available.
  • Haptic Feedback (Taptic Engine): Taptic feedback across the system gives tactile responses for notifications, UI interactions, and more.
  • iOS Compatibility: Both models remain compatible with the latest iOS updates and Apple ecosystem features.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 13 Pro Max
Display Size6.7-inch6.7-inch
OLED Panel TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Dynamic IslandPresentPresent
Front Camera Resolution12 MP TrueDepth12 MP TrueDepth
Face IDFace ID facial recognitionFace ID facial recognition
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
MagSafe SupportYesYes
Wireless Charging CapabilityYesYes
Water Resistance RatingIP68IP68
Storage Options (Multiple Choices)Up to 1 TBUp to 1 TB
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.xBluetooth 5.x
5G SupportYesYes
Haptic Feedback (Taptic Engine)YesYes
iOS CompatibilitySupportedSupported
Price Check iPhone 16 Plus Price Check iPhone 13 Pro Max Price

FAQ

Does the iPhone 16 Plus have a bigger display than the iPhone 13 Pro Max?
No, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max feature a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, giving users the same large screen size for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking.

Is the display technology the same on both phones?
Yes, both models use OLED Super Retina XDR technology, ensuring deep blacks, vivid colors, and sharp brightness levels, although the iPhone 16 Plus slightly improves brightness for outdoor visibility.

Do both iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max support Face ID?
Yes, both smartphones include Apple’s TrueDepth camera system with Face ID for secure facial recognition, enabling authentication for unlocking, apps, and Apple Pay.

Is the front camera different between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Both devices use a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera that delivers sharp selfies, accurate portrait shots, and reliable Face ID functionality.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max have Dynamic Island?
Yes, both models integrate the Dynamic Island, an interactive UI element around the front camera cutout that displays alerts, notifications, and live activities.

Do both phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max are equipped with 5G modems, allowing faster data speeds, smoother streaming, and low-latency gaming on compatible networks.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max have the same water resistance?
Yes, both devices are rated IP68, meaning they are resistant to dust and can withstand water immersion up to a certain depth for a limited time.

Do both iPhones support MagSafe accessories?
Yes, both phones feature MagSafe technology, allowing users to attach magnetic cases, wallets, chargers, and other accessories for seamless wireless charging and add-ons.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max come with stereo speakers?
Yes, both devices are equipped with stereo speaker systems that provide clear, immersive sound for watching content and playing music.

Do both models support wireless charging?
Yes, both support wireless charging through Qi-compatible chargers, but the iPhone 16 Plus improves charging speed compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Are the storage options similar on both phones?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max are available in multiple storage configurations, including higher capacities up to 1 TB for users who need extensive storage.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max use haptic feedback?
Yes, both devices integrate Apple’s Taptic Engine, providing precise haptic responses for system navigation, notifications, and gaming interactions.

Do both phones run on the same iOS software?
Both models are compatible with iOS 18, though the iPhone 16 Plus launches with it pre-installed while the iPhone 13 Pro Max receives it as an update, ensuring both stay within the Apple ecosystem.

Do both iPhones support Bluetooth for accessories?
Yes, both include Bluetooth 5.x technology for connecting wireless headphones, smartwatches, and other compatible accessories.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max have long-term software support?
Yes, both devices will receive several years of iOS updates, though the iPhone 16 Plus will naturally be supported for longer due to its newer release date.

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