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
| Feature | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| Display Resolution | 2796 × 1290 px | 2778 × 1284 px |
| Rear Camera | Dual-lens | Triple-lens |
| Main Camera Megapixel | 48 MP | 12 MP |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| SoC / Processor | A18 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Neural Engine Performance | ~2× faster NPU | — |
| Battery Capacity | ~4674 mAh | ~4350 mAh |
| Video Playback (Max) | Up to 27 hours | — |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| MagSafe Charging Power | Up to 25 W | Up to 15 W |
| Weight | ~199 g | ~240 g |
| Body Thickness | ~7.8 mm | ~7.65 mm |
| Connectivity (Wi-Fi) | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Physical Buttons | Action Button + Camera Control Button | None new |
| Thermal Design | Improved aluminum substructure | Standard |
| Operating System at Launch | iOS 18 | iOS 15 / iOS 16 |
| Apple Intelligence Support | Supported | Not at launch |
| SIM Configuration | Dual SIM + expanded eSIM support | Dual SIM |
| Interface Elements | Includes both Action and Camera buttons | No Action/Camera buttons |
| Screen Brightness (Max HDR) | Up to ~2000 nits | Up to ~1200 nits |
| Price | Check iPhone 16 Plus Price | Check 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
| Feature | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| Display Size | 6.7-inch | 6.7-inch |
| OLED Panel Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Dynamic Island | Present | Present |
| Front Camera Resolution | 12 MP TrueDepth | 12 MP TrueDepth |
| Face ID | Face ID facial recognition | Face ID facial recognition |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| MagSafe Support | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Storage Options (Multiple Choices) | Up to 1 TB | Up to 1 TB |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.x | Bluetooth 5.x |
| 5G Support | Yes | Yes |
| Haptic Feedback (Taptic Engine) | Yes | Yes |
| iOS Compatibility | Supported | Supported |
| 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? Is the display technology the same on both phones? Do both iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max support Face ID? Is the front camera different between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max? Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max have Dynamic Island? Do both phones support 5G connectivity? Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max have the same water resistance? Do both iPhones support MagSafe accessories? Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max come with stereo speakers? Do both models support wireless charging? Are the storage options similar on both phones? Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max use haptic feedback? Do both phones run on the same iOS software? Do both iPhones support Bluetooth for accessories? Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro Max have long-term software support? |
