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iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: which should you buy used?

The real differences between the 13 Pro Max and the 16 Pro Max, what each costs QDN Certified today, and a short answer on which one to pick.

The short answer

The 16 Pro Max is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, Apple Intelligence and the bigger screen. Used, the gap is about $274. The 13 Pro Max is the value pick if those features are not something you would use.

iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro Max

QDN Certified, 15-month warranty

from $594$1,399

2 in stock · launched at $1,099

Shop used 13 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Pro Max

QDN Certified, 15-month warranty

from $868$1,199

126 in stock · launched at $1,199

Shop used 16 Pro Max

What actually differs

Only the rows where the two phones are not identical. A tick marks the side that wins the row.

  • The 16 Pro Max runs the A18 Pro, a generation ahead of the A15 Bionic. Day to day both feel quick; the gap shows in games, video export and how many years of iOS updates lie ahead.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • Only the 16 Pro Max supports Apple Intelligence (writing tools, notification summaries, the smarter Siri). If that matters to you, it settles the choice.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • The 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.9″ against 6.7″. Bigger is better for video and reading; smaller is easier one-handed.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • Cameras: the 13 Pro Max has 12 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide, 12 MP telephoto; the 16 Pro Max has 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra wide, 12 MP telephoto.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • The 16 Pro Max zooms to 5× optically; the 13 Pro Max stops at 3×. For concerts, sport and kids on a stage, the longer lens is the one you will use.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • The 16 Pro Max adds the Camera Control button for opening the camera and adjusting exposure or zoom without touching the screen.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • Battery: Apple rates the 16 Pro Max at up to 33 hours of video playback against 28 for the 13 Pro Max. On a used phone the listing's battery health matters as much as this number.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • The 16 Pro Max charges over USB-C, the same cable as a MacBook or iPad; the 13 Pro Max still uses Lightning.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • The 16 Pro Max has the Dynamic Island; the 13 Pro Max has the older notch.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • The 16 Pro Max has the customisable Action button in place of the mute switch.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • The 13 Pro Max has a stainless steel frame; the 16 Pro Max is titanium.

    Preference

  • The 16 Pro Max is lighter: 227 g against 238 g.

    16 Pro Max wins

  • The 16 Pro Max supports Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance via satellite; the 13 Pro Max predates that feature.

    16 Pro Max wins

iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: full spec sheet

Apple’s published specifications. Highlighted rows differ.

iPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone 16 Pro Max
Released
20212024
Display
6.7″, 120 Hz ProMotion, Notch6.9″, 120 Hz ProMotion, Dynamic Island
Chip
A15 BionicA18 Pro
RAM
6 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it)8 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it)
Rear cameras
3: 12 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide · 12 MP telephoto3: 48 MP main · 48 MP ultra wide · 12 MP telephoto
Optical zoom
3× telephoto5× telephoto
Battery
Up to 28 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery)Up to 33 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery)
Charging port
LightningUSB-C (USB 3)
Frame
Stainless steelTitanium
Weight
238 g227 g
5G
YesYes
Satellite SOS
NoYes
Apple Intelligence
NoYes
Action button
No (ring/silent switch)Yes
Camera Control
NoYes
Apple launch price
$1,099$1,199

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iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: common questions

What is the biggest difference between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The 16 Pro Max runs the A18 Pro, a generation ahead of the A15 Bionic. Day to day both feel quick; the gap shows in games, video export and how many years of iOS updates lie ahead.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max worth the extra over the iPhone 13 Pro Max?

The 16 Pro Max is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, Apple Intelligence and the bigger screen. Used, the gap is about $274. The 13 Pro Max is the value pick if those features are not something you would use.

Which has the better camera, the iPhone 13 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Cameras: the 13 Pro Max has 12 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide, 12 MP telephoto; the 16 Pro Max has 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra wide, 12 MP telephoto.

Which has the better battery?

Battery: Apple rates the 16 Pro Max at up to 33 hours of video playback against 28 for the 13 Pro Max. On a used phone the listing's battery health matters as much as this number.

Do both support Apple Intelligence?

Only the iPhone 16 Pro Max does. Apple Intelligence needs an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 16 or later.

How much do the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max cost used?

Right now: iPhone 13 Pro Max from $594; iPhone 16 Pro Max from $868. Each QDN listing is one specific phone with its storage, colour and battery health shown.

Related comparisons

Used iPhone 13 Pro Max from $594

Each QDN listing is one specific phone: storage, colour and battery health shown up front. Inspected, unlocked, 15-month warranty, free US shipping.

  • 15-month warranty
  • Free US shipping
  • Case, protector & cable included
Shop 13 Pro Max Let the finder choose