Key Points
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a large and heavy phone, which may be inconvenient for those not used to owning a large smartphone.
- The price of the iPhone 13 Pro Max is high, even for older models, making it less attractive compared to other options.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers significant improvements in features and performance.
- Apple releases new iPhones annually, making it worth considering waiting for the next model rather than purchasing the current one.
- Alternatives to the iPhone 13 Pro Max include the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Apple Watch Series 8.
Apple’s Pro Max line is an instant hit every fall, and older models are attractive thanks to discounts. You may want to avoid the iPhone 13 Pro Max, however, despite current deals and the phone’s flagship features. While it’s still an attractive smartphone with premium features, it’s also a device that was released in 2021.
Reasons to Avoid an iPhone 13 Pro Max
Whether your handset is on its last legs or you’re simply looking for a new smartphone, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is a fantastic device. There were some complaints like fast charging and cinematic mode, but these are the biggest reasons to avoid an iPhone 13 Pro Max today.
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Camera array with 12MP Telephoto, Wide, and Ultra Wide cameras
- 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- Carrier Locked
![Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 256 GB [Locked] + Carrier Subscription](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/31zjY4rISlL._SL500_.webp)
It’s a Huge Phone
Have you owned a large phone in the phablet class before? If not, you could be in for a big surprise after purchasing the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It’s well-built but heavy at 8.46 ounces without a case. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is comparable in weight but doesn’t feel as bulky, although it has a 6.8-inch display.
It’s a minor challenge if you’re owned other phones over 6.5 inches in the past. It’s something that can cause problems depending on where and how you use the smartphone, however. Want to take a chunky phone with a 6.7-inch display to the gym or hiking? The iPhone 13 Pro Max is waterproof, but it’s not fun to have in your pocket during any activity.
The size of the iPhone 13 Max Pro is certainly going to be an issue if you’re not used to owning a large smartphone. That’s a drawback, and so is the price tag that comes along with this high-end device.
The Price Tag
Apple is known for producing devices with prices well above other companies with similar products. Fans of the brand understand that some of that is due to Apple’s mystique, plus features exclusive to the company’s mobile operating system.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max launched with a price of $1,099 for the base configuration. That price increases with every storage tier, topping out at $1,599 for the 1TB iPhone 13 Pro Max. While you might expect a significant price drop after a few years on the market, that’s not necessarily the case. Unless you’re willing to buy a used or refurbished iPhone 13, you may be surprised by the cost of this device today.
An unlocked iPhone 13 Pro Max is around $850 for a “renewed” smartphone. That’s less than a $300 discount on a used two-year-old phone. That’s also the 128GB price, not for a larger variant. It’s one of the bigger reasons to avoid the iPhone 13 Pro Max, especially considering the next topic on our list.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max
Another reason to skip the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the company’s latest flagship — the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Released a year after the previous generation, Apple’s new phone features a number of improvements over the previous version.
Cinematic mode was a cool addition to the iPhone, but it was capped at 1080p on the iPhone 13. The iPhone 14 Pro Max can handle 4K cinematic video and has a faster processor under the hood. Users may not notice a huge difference in performance, but you can’t miss the Dynamic Island. It’s the company’s innovative way of using the notch and was initially a major selling point for the handset.
The camera array also received a nice upgrade. Apple swapped out the 12MP main camera for a 48MP sensor, which allows users to snap images in ProRAW mode. The selfie camera provides better detail, and the rear camera combo excels during low-light situations. As for the Dynamic Island, the company’s catchy video tells you everything you need to know about the new feature.
Those features and the display’s ability to drop the refresh rate down to 1Hz are good reasons to avoid the older iPhone 13 Pro Max. Unfortunately, Apple will retire the iPhone 14 and its siblings later his year when the new iPhone 15 arrives.
Apple’s Upgrade Cycle
Apple, like most major smartphone manufacturers, releases new devices annually. That means every year, a new iPhone will launch that’s a little better than the last version. It’s great for Apple fanatics and consumers who love new technology, but it’s a reason to make other users pause.
There’s only so far a company can go with mobile tech on a yearly basis. You’re unlikely to see a huge leap from the previous generation when it comes to performance. Features like new cameras and more luxurious displays are major selling points. While the company has done an excellent job of keeping its lineup fresh, it’s been a while since we’ve seen a significant change.
You could purchase the iPhone 13 Pro Max now, or you could wait and pick up the iPhone 15 Pro Max in the fall. Wait another 4-6 months, and you’ll have an idea of what Apple is doing with the iPhone 16. The company doesn’t miss an upgrade cycle, and the previous models don’t get much cheaper when Apple launches new smartphones.
Alternatives to the iPhone 13 Pro Max
If the prospect of purchasing a new iPhone 13 Pro Max doesn’t seem as enticing, there are other options available. While you won’t find any Android handsets on our list, these Apple devices are suitable replacements for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
iPhone 14 Pro Max
One of the biggest reasons to avoid an iPhone 13 Pro Max today is the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The company’s latest flagship is its fastest phone to date. While it’s not a massive upgrade over the previous model, it’s a huge leap forward if you’re sporting an older Apple device.
Apple’s premium smartphone has a gorgeous 6.7-inch Super Retina OLED display. It also has True Tone color and HDR, which is great whether you’re gaming or snapping photos with the new camera array. The front-facing camera takes fantastic selfies, but the rear module has a 48MP sensor and three 12MP sensors.
Marco photography and ProRAW mode are flagship features, and the phone can take 4K video at 60 frames per second. It’s waterproof, dust-resistant, and has the new Dynamic Island feature. It’s a unique twist on the top-notch, and the company’s A16 processor keeps things humming along smoothly. The phone has plenty of pop. The battery should get most users through the day with room to spare as well.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is an excellent choice for consumers interested in a high-end device from Apple. You won’t be disappointed with its power or performance, and it will still feel like a premium handset several years from now. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is available in four colors and capacities from 128GB to 1TB.
- 6.7-inch Super Retina display
- 4K Cinematic Mode with Dolby Vision
- Dynamic Island
- Apple's A16 Bionic processor
Apple Watch Series 8
While often viewed as a smartphone accessory, some smartwatches have just as much functionality. If you’re not ready to step into the company’s newest handsets, you may want to consider the cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 8.
The Apple Watch Series 8 lets you enjoy the perks of the iOS ecosystem without toting a smartphone around. You can make and take calls directly from your wrist while keeping track of your general health and well-being. It has sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and ECG. It’s also the wearable from the company with Crash Detection outside of the pricey Watch Ultra.
While the Series 8 isn’t as durable as the Ultra, it’s dustproof. You also won’t have to take it off in the pool. Fitness apps are plentiful, along with a wide variety of apps specifically designed for the wearable. The Always-On Retina display can crank out 1,000 nits of brightness, and battery life is solid if you’re not heavy on GPS or cellular data.
While the Apple Watch SE is the most affordable way to pick up a wearable from Apple, the Series 8 is the best choice for most consumers. It’s slightly larger and sturdier with the same sensors found on the Watch Ultra but at half the price. The Apple Watch Series 8 is available in two sizes at 41 or 45mm and several colors, including Project RED.
- Always-On Retina Display
- Health tracking with ECG
- GPS and Cellular connectivity
- SOS with Crash Detection
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Our last alternative to the iPhone 13 Pro Max is arguably the best reason to avoid that handset or the iPhone 14 Pro Max completely. Apple’s yearly upgrades are due to arrive this fall, which means the world will be introduced to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The display on this device is rumored to be receiving an upgrade to thinner bezels to match a more rounded design. Apple could also go with a titanium frame on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They may also include an action button like the one on the Watch Ultra. While an extra button would be a major change, a bigger change would be the inclusion of a USB-C port in place of the Lighting connector.
When it comes to cameras, the rear sensors could see an improvement with a periscope telephoto lens. That would be a fun addition, especially if it comes with variable zoom. While many of these rumors may not pan out, the phone will likely get a faster processor with Apple’s A17 Bionic chip. It will also arrive with a new version of the company’s mobile OS, which is sure to bring new features to the table.
The Wrap-Up
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a great phone and a device that blew Apple fans away when it initially hit the streets. While it can still hold its own today and remain serviceable for years to come, it’s a bad buy when you consider the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The price difference is negligible between new versions of these handsets, and the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max will arrive with a comparable price point as well.
Better Alternatives to the iPhone 13 Pro Max
| Alternatives to the iPhone 13 Pro Max | |
|---|---|
| The iPhone 14 Pro Max | |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | |
| iPhone 15 models coming out this fall |
- $1,199.00Buy on Amazon
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Camera array with 12MP Telephoto, Wide, and Ultra Wide cameras
- 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- Carrier Locked
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2023 09:20 am GMT - $924.99Buy on Amazon
- 6.7-inch Super Retina display
- 4K Cinematic Mode with Dolby Vision
- Dynamic Island
- Apple's A16 Bionic processor
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2023 04:16 pm GMT - $494.00Buy on Amazon
- Always-On Retina Display
- Health tracking with ECG
- GPS and Cellular connectivity
- SOS with Crash Detection
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2023 09:25 am GMT
Summary Table
| Reasons To Avoid | Details |
|---|---|
| Itâs a Huge Phone | The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a large phone in the phablet class, which can be inconvenient for some users, especially during physical activities. |
| The Price Tag | The iPhone 13 Pro Max launched with a price of $1,099 for the base configuration, which increases with every storage tier, topping out at $1,599 for the 1 TB iPhone 13 Pro Max. |
| The iPhone 14 Pro Max | The iPhone 14 Pro Max, released a year after the iPhone 13 Pro Max, features a number of improvements over the previous version, including 4K cinematic video and a faster processor. |
| Appleâs Upgrade Cycle | Apple releases new devices annually, which means a new iPhone will launch every year thatâs a little better than the last version. This can make previous models seem outdated quickly. |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Cincila/Shutterstock.com.
