Are you wondering whether to buy the all-new iPhone 14 Plus or its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro Max? This article compares both iPhones, so you can know which to buy. Let’s see how they stack up.
Design and display
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Plus have similar designs. Both have flat edges with signature tactile buttons. In both, you get the volume and power buttons. However, the material is different. While the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a stainless steel frame, the iPhone 14 Plus boasts an aluminum frame. Both are durable and improve the feel and look of individual iPhones.
While the size has a minute difference, the chief difference is in their weight. The 13 Pro Max weighs 8.46 ounces, while the 14 Plus weighs 7.16 ounces. As such, the former is heavier. Again, you might not notice this subtle difference.
Both iPhones have a single and dual SIM configuration. However, the 14 Plus also has a dual eSIM model for USA-based customers. This means iPhone 14 Plus sold in the USA will not have a SIM card tray. They also have back and front Gorilla Glass that protects the phone against scratches and drops. The resolution in the 14 Plus is 1284 x 2778 pixels, similar to the 13 Pro Max.
Additionally, the front screen has a ceramic shield for improved protection. Both have a display of 6.7 inches, with 13 Pro Max being the brighter one, thanks to the 1000 nits (HBM). The iPhone 14 Plus has 800 nits (HBM).
The notch houses the front camera and is 20% smaller than the iPhone 12 series. As you’d expect, the Face ID tech in both is similar. The iPhone 14 Plus comes in Midnight, Purple, Red, Blue, and Starlight colors. You can get the iPhone 13 Pro Max in Alpine Green, Sierra Blue, Gold, Silver, and Graphite colors.
Cameras
Strangely, iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system while the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a triple-camera array. On the iPhone 14 Plus, you get a 12mp wide and ultrawide lens. That said, the main camera has larger sensors compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The 13 Pro Max has a 12 MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 12 MP telephoto lens. In the iPhone 14 Plus, you get 3x optical zoom and other features such as PDAF, making its camera superior. And thanks to the larger sensors and aperture, its performance in lowlight settings is better than its predecessor.
Both phones have a 12 MP front camera for better selfies. However, there’s a better performance in the 14 Plus, which is ideal for lowlight settings. This means your face will appear brighter when making video calls. Moreover, you get the all-new Auto Focus mode for more detailed group photos.
Another improvement you’ll get in the 14 Plus is the Photonic Engine. It significantly bolsters the camera performance in low light. In fact, there’s a 2x improvement compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The Action Mode in 14 Plus mitigates the need for a gimbal, which you must use in the 13 Pro Max when recording videos.
Performance
Compared to the iPhone 12 series, both models are faster and more stable. This is thanks to the A15 Bionic chip. However, the iPhone 14 Plus has a more powerful iOS than the 13 Pro Max. In fact, it has an improvement of 18%. As such, you get improved privacy, performance, and processing.
The 14 Plus runs on iOS 16 (upgradable to 16.3), while the 13 Pro Max runs on iOS 15. You can, however, upgrade the iOS 15 to iOS 16.3. As you’d expect, the iOS 16 outshines the iOS 15 in performance, stability, and processing. Both have similar 5-core graphics GPUs for better image processing.
You’ll also get the 6-core CPU with two high-performance and four efficiency cores in the 14 Plus. This means it can handle simultaneous apps running more efficiently than its predecessor. The neuro engine in it also improves performance two-fold.
Both models have 6GB RAM with internal storage ranging from 128GB and 256GB to 512 GB. The 13 Pro Max also has a 1TB option. As you can see, both iPhones offer somewhat similar performance.
Battery and charging
The battery life in both models is fantastic. However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max outshines the 14 Plus in most instances. For example, 14 Plus has up to 26 hours of video playback while 13 Pro Max has up to 28 hours. If streaming, you’ll get up to 20 hours in the 14 Plus and 25 hours in the 13 Pro Max.
Audio playback in 13 Pro Max is 95 hours, while in 14 Plus, it is 100 hours. That’s the only instance the 14 Plus outshines its predecessor. Both are MagSafe compatible, allowing fast wireless charging, and compatible with a 15W adapter. You can also use a USB device, such as a power bank, to charge both phones.
Other features
As expected, the iPhone 14 Plus has added features such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS. Crash Detection activates after a fatal crash, notifying your emergency contacts. The Emergency SOS allows you to send texts via satellite if you are in an area with no cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Conclusion
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus are undoubtedly statement-making phones. They are faster, more reliable, and more technically advanced than their competition. So, which one should you choose? Let us know in the comment section.
