Introduction
In 2025, the iPhone 13 Pro Max continues to be one of the best value flagship iPhones you can buy—especially in the Certified Used and Refurbished market. According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, it now starts around $395+, which is a huge drop from its original $1,099 launch price. With Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, ProMotion display, triple-camera system, and premium build quality, it remains a powerful and future-ready device that easily rivals many newer models.
Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone, need a larger display, or want a high-performance smartphone without paying $1,000+, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still a top-tier choice in 2025. Plus, with continued iOS support (including iOS 26), it offers peace of mind and longevity.
Why the iPhone 13 Pro Max Still Holds Up in 2025
Even though Apple has since released the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 lines, the iPhone 13 Pro Max holds its ground impressively well. It features the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14, but with better GPU cores (5-core GPU vs. 4-core in base models), and it comes with a ProMotion 120Hz display, premium stainless steel design, and an excellent triple-camera system with LiDAR.
Its battery life is still among the best of any iPhone, and its photography and video capabilities (including Cinematic Mode, Night Mode on all lenses, and ProRAW/ProRes formats) remain competitive in 2025. For most users, the iPhone 13 Pro Max still delivers more than enough performance, camera quality, and screen experience—making it a smart choice for both power users and value-conscious shoppers.
Performance: A15 Bionic Is Still a Beast
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. This is the same chip used in the iPhone 14, and even in 2025, it delivers blazing-fast performance for everyday tasks, gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Apps launch instantly, animations are smooth, and even demanding tasks like 4K video rendering or augmented reality run effortlessly. It's a processor that’s still overpowered for most users' needs, making the 13 Pro Max feel fast and responsive well into the future.
Display: ProMotion and Super Retina XDR
The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display is a standout feature. It offers stunning clarity, HDR support, deep blacks, and up to 1,000 nits of typical brightness (1,200 nits for HDR). The ProMotion technology allows for a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling, gaming, and animations feel incredibly fluid. If you're coming from a standard 60Hz screen, the difference is immediately noticeable and adds a premium touch to everyday use.
Camera System: Flagship-Level in 2025
The triple 12MP camera system—wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto—delivers exceptional photo and video performance. It supports Night Mode on all lenses, Deep Fusion, Photographic Styles, Macro photography, and Apple ProRAW for high-quality editing. Video capabilities are equally strong, with support for Cinematic Mode, Dolby Vision HDR, and ProRes video. Whether you're capturing family memories, recording social content, or shooting professional-looking videos, the iPhone 13 Pro Max still performs like a flagship camera phone in 2025.
Battery Life and Charging
With its large 4,352 mAh battery, the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers all-day battery life and then some. It remains one of the longest-lasting iPhones Apple has ever made, easily powering through a full day of heavy use. It supports fast charging (up to 50% in around 30 minutes with a 20W adapter), as well as MagSafe and Qi wireless charging. For users prioritizing longevity and minimal charging anxiety, this phone remains a top-tier pick.
iOS 26 and Long-Term Software Support
The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports the latest iOS 26 and is expected to receive software updates through at least 2027 or 2028. With Apple’s track record of long-term support, you can expect regular security patches, new features, and app compatibility for years to come. That makes it a safe investment—not just for 2025, but well into the future. Whether for work, school, or everyday use, the iPhone 13 Pro Max continues to evolve with the software it runs.
Comparison: iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Specs Comparison Table
| Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| Release Year |
2021 |
2020 |
| Chipset |
A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
A14 Bionic |
| Display |
6.7" Super Retina XDR |
6.7" Super Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate |
120Hz ProMotion |
60Hz |
| Rear Cameras |
Triple 12MP + LiDAR |
Triple 12MP + LiDAR |
| Night Mode Video |
Yes |
No |
| Cinematic Mode |
Yes |
No |
| Battery |
~4,352 mAh |
~3,687 mAh |
| MagSafe |
Yes |
Yes |
| iOS Compatibility |
iOS 26 (2025) |
iOS 26 (2025) |
| Starting Price (2025) |
$395+ Certified Used |
$260+ Certified Used |
Performance
The A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a noticeable boost over the A14 Bionic in the 12 Pro Max, particularly with its 5-core GPU—ideal for gaming, rendering, and multitasking. While both chips are fast in 2025, the A15 provides better longevity and smoother performance, especially under load.
Display
Both phones feature gorgeous 6.7-inch OLED displays, but the 13 Pro Max adds 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations significantly smoother. Once you've used 120Hz, going back to 60Hz can feel sluggish—this is a big reason to pick the 13 Pro Max.
Camera
Although both models use a similar triple-camera system, the 13 Pro Max offers enhanced low-light photography and new features like Cinematic Mode and Night Mode for video. For content creators or photography enthusiasts, it’s a meaningful upgrade.
Battery Life
The iPhone 13 Pro Max also has a bigger battery and more efficient chip, resulting in longer battery life—typically 1–2 hours more screen time per charge than the 12 Pro Max.
Software Longevity
Both devices support iOS 26, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max will likely get at least one more year of software updates beyond the 12 Pro Max, giving it a longer usable life.
Verdict
If your budget allows, the 13 Pro Max is worth the extra $130 for better battery, display, camera features, and extended support. But the 12 Pro Max is still a fantastic budget flagship under $300.
Comparison: iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max
Specs Comparison Table
| Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone 14 Pro Max |
| Release Year |
2021 |
2022 |
| Chipset |
A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
A16 Bionic |
| Display |
6.7" Super Retina XDR |
6.7" Super Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate |
120Hz ProMotion |
120Hz ProMotion |
| Dynamic Island |
No |
Yes |
| Always-On Display |
No |
Yes |
| Rear Cameras |
Triple 12MP + LiDAR |
48MP Main + 12MP Ultra + 12MP Telephoto + LiDAR |
| Cinematic Mode |
Yes (1080p) |
Yes (4K) |
| Battery |
~4,352 mAh |
~4,323 mAh |
| iOS Compatibility |
iOS 26 (2025) |
iOS 26 (2025) |
| Starting Price (2025) |
$395+ Certified Used |
$450+ Certified Used |
Performance
The A16 Bionic in the iPhone 14 Pro Max is slightly more efficient than the A15, but real-world performance gains are modest. Both chips deliver top-tier speed in 2025, so this isn’t a major deciding factor unless you want the absolute latest.
Display & Features
Here’s where the 14 Pro Max pulls ahead with features like the Dynamic Island and Always-On Display. While not game-changing, they offer a more modern, interactive user experience. If these features appeal to you, it may justify the $50–$70 price difference.
Camera
The 14 Pro Max introduces a 48MP main sensor with quad-pixel binning for superior detail and low-light performance. It also supports 4K Cinematic Mode and better HDR processing. If you’re into mobile photography or video, this could tip the scales.
Battery & Charging
Both phones have very similar battery life, lasting well over a full day. The 13 Pro Max still holds up impressively and remains one of the longest-lasting iPhones available.
Software Support
The 14 Pro Max will likely receive one more year of updates compared to the 13 Pro Max—giving it a slightly longer runway.
Verdict
If you want the latest camera and display features and are willing to spend around $450+, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is an excellent buy. But for most users, the iPhone 13 Pro Max delivers 90% of the same experience for a lower price—and remains the better value in 2025.
✅ Conclusion: Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max Worth Buying in 2025?
Absolutely. At a starting price of just $395+ for Certified Used and Refurbished models, the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers tremendous flagship value in 2025. You get elite performance from the A15 Bionic chip, one of the best battery experiences ever in an iPhone, a beautiful 120Hz ProMotion display, and a versatile triple-camera system that still competes with newer models.
It supports iOS 26 and will likely receive updates through at least 2027–2028. Unless you specifically want the Dynamic Island or 48MP camera from the iPhone 14 Pro Max, there’s little reason to spend extra. And while the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a good budget alternative around $260+, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the smarter long-term investment for most users.
If you're looking for a powerful, large-screen iPhone that doesn’t break the bank, the iPhone 13 Pro Max remains one of the best deals of 2025.
FAQs: Buying the iPhone 13 Pro Max in 2025
1. How much does the iPhone 13 Pro Max cost in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max models start at around $395+, depending on storage size and condition.
2. Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max still supported by iOS in 2025?
Yes. It supports iOS 26 and will likely receive updates through at least 2027 or 2028.
3. Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max better than the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Yes. It offers better battery life, smoother 120Hz display, improved low-light camera features, and longer software support.
4. What’s the difference between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max?
The 14 Pro Max adds features like Dynamic Island, Always-On Display, and a 48MP main camera. However, real-world performance is only slightly better than the 13 Pro Max, which is often a better value for the price.
5. Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max good for gaming and heavy use?
Absolutely. With the A15 chip and 5-core GPU, it handles intensive apps and games easily, while staying cool and responsive.
6. How long will the iPhone 13 Pro Max stay relevant?
At least 2–3 more years. It’s expected to receive iOS updates through 2027–2028, making it a safe long-term pick.
7. Is it a good phone for photography and video?
Yes. It includes Cinematic Mode, Night Mode video, and excellent stabilization. Its triple-camera system still outperforms many current mid-range phones.
8. Should I buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max or wait for something newer?
If you need a phone now, the 13 Pro Max offers outstanding value. Newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max are significantly more expensive and don’t offer a massive upgrade for most users.
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