iPhone 13 Pro Max review

Design and Build Quality — iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a phone that makes its presence known. It is noticeably heavy at 240 grams, and its wide build means it is best suited for larger hands. The stainless steel frame feels premium but attracts fingerprints easily. The back uses Apple's Ceramic Shield glass, which offers strong drop resistance, though many will still want a case for such an expensive device. The camera module protrudes by a couple of millimeters, causing the phone to wobble when used on a flat table.

The notch is smaller than before, and the phone carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Apple uses recycled materials in its construction, which is a positive environmental note. For more on how this compares to other flagships, check out our phone reviews.

Display and Performance — iPhone 13 Pro Max

The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display is a highlight, offering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that Apple calls ProMotion. This makes scrolling and animations feel fluid. The screen is bright and sharp, ideal for media consumption. Under the hood, the A15 Bionic chip delivers top-tier speed, handling demanding apps and games with ease. The phone comes with 6GB of RAM and storage options from 128GB up to 1TB. Battery life is excellent, rated for up to 28 hours of video playback.

Charging is capped at around 27W wired and 15W via MagSafe, but no charger is included in the box. The phone supports 5G and improved speakers. To see where this model sits in the lineup, visit our phone directory.

Camera System and Capabilities — iPhone 13 Pro Max

The triple camera system consists of a 12MP main, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP 3x telephoto lens. This setup offers great versatility, allowing for wide shots and optical zoom. The camera software benefits from the A15 chip, enabling features like improved low-light performance and better video recording. The telephoto lens is particularly useful for portraits and distant subjects. The camera bump is noticeable and unprotected despite the sapphire glass lens covers. For videographers, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a strong contender, with smooth stabilization and high-quality capture.

The system is a clear step up from previous generations, making it one of the best camera phones of its time.

Battery Life and Charging — iPhone 13 Pro Max

Battery life is where this phone truly is notable. Apple rates the large battery for up to 28 hours of video playback, and in daily use that means most people can easily get through a full day and well into the next before needing to recharge. The phone supports 27W-class wired charging, but you have to supply your own adapter because Apple no longer includes one in the box — only a Lightning to USB-C cable is provided.

You can use any USB Power Delivery 2.0 charger rated for 20W or higher to reach full speed. Wireless charging is supported via MagSafe at up to 15W, or you can use standard Qi chargers at a slower pace. The big battery and efficient A15 chip work together to give this model a clear advantage over smaller iPhones.

Software, Storage, and Extra Features — iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 Pro Max runs iOS and is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which at launch was among the fastest mobile processors available. Apple doesn't officially state the amount of RAM, but reports indicate 6GB is on board — up from 4GB on the previous generation. Storage options start at 128GB and go all the way up to 1TB, so you can choose how much space you need for apps, photos, and videos.

The phone is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, and it uses a stainless steel frame with Ceramic Shield glass on the front. The display notch is smaller than its predecessor, but the camera module still protrudes by about two to three millimeters, causing the phone to wobble noticeably when placed flat on a table. The shiny stainless steel sides also collect fingerprints easily. An phone finder tool can help you compare other models if the weight or price are concerns.

Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max right for you?

iPhone 13 Pro Max Review: Is It Still Worth It?

If you value long battery life and the biggest, brightest iPhone screen, the 13 Pro Max remains a compelling choice even years after its launch. The 120Hz ProMotion display is smooth and responsive, the triple-camera system (12MP main, ultrawide, and 3x telephoto) delivers excellent photos and video, and the A15 chip handles everything with ease. But the phone is undeniably heavy at 240 grams and large, so it may not suit everyone. The price is also steep, starting at $1,099 and reaching $1,599 for the 1TB model.

For many, the standard iPhone 13 Pro offers the same core performance in a lighter, cheaper package — you can run a side-by-side comparison to see the differences. No charger is included, and the camera bump can be annoying if you use the phone on a desk. But if you can carry the weight and afford the cost, this is still one of the best iPhones for power users.