iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro: 4-Year Pro Upgrade
iPhone 13 Pro Max owners face the same upgrade question as 13 Pro owners. iPhone 17 Pro was runner-up Best Camera at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. The 4-year jump is enormous — and includes Apple Intelligence support that the 13 Pro Max lacks.
Updated · Verdict based on MKBHD Smartphone Awards results and spec analysis.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Apple · 2021 · From $1099
iPhone 17 Pro
Apple · 2025 · From $999
Round wins
iPhone 13 Pro Max: 0 · iPhone 17 Pro: 6
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 17 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion | 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz ProMotion |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A19 Pro |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Camera | 12MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP 3x telephoto | 48MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 12MP 5x telephoto |
| Battery | 4,352 mAh | 3,700 mAh |
| OS | iOS 15 | iOS 19 |
| Starting price | $1099 | $999 |
| Released | 2021 | 2025 |
Round-by-round breakdown
Apple Intelligence
Winner: iPhone 17 ProiPhone 17 Pro fully supports it. iPhone 13 Pro Max does NOT (RAM threshold not met).
Display
Winner: iPhone 17 ProiPhone 17 Pro: ~4,000 nits peak. iPhone 13 Pro Max: ~1,200 nits peak. 3x brighter.
Performance
Winner: iPhone 17 ProA19 Pro is roughly 80% faster than A15 Bionic across CPU/GPU.
Camera
Winner: iPhone 17 ProTriple 48MP system on 17 Pro vs 12MP main + 12MP ultra + 12MP 3x telephoto on 13 Pro Max. ProRes Log video on the 17 Pro is in another universe.
Build
Winner: iPhone 17 ProiPhone 17 Pro: titanium + USB-C. iPhone 13 Pro Max: stainless + Lightning.
Battery
Winner: iPhone 17 ProiPhone 17 Pro: 7–8 hours screen-on. iPhone 13 Pro Max on 4-year-old battery: 4–5 hours.
Final verdict
Yes, upgrade — easy call after 4 years. Apple Intelligence support, USB-C, titanium, ProRes Log, dramatic camera improvements, brighter display, and longer battery. The 13 Pro Max is at the edge of meaningful useful life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I upgrade from iPhone 13 Pro Max to iPhone 17 Pro?
Yes — easy call. Apple Intelligence, USB-C, titanium, ProRes Log, and material camera/display improvements. The 13 Pro Max is showing its age.
iPhone 13 Pro Max or iPhone 17 Pro Max?
iPhone 17 Pro Max — same 4-year jump applies but you get an even larger battery for the size class.
Cheaper upgrade options?
iPhone 16 Pro at $899 (MKBHD's 2024 Best Camera winner) — same fundamental camera as 17 Pro for $200 less.