Verdict
The iPhone 13 Pro Max remains surprisingly capable for a 2021 flagship. ProMotion, strong battery life and a versatile triple-camera system keep it relevant, but its 240g body, Lightning port and lack of newer AI features make it sensible only at clearly reduced prices.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max was the first large iPhone to combine excellent battery endurance with a 120Hz ProMotion display, and both strengths remain relevant. Its 6.7-inch OLED is still smooth and bright, while the A15 Bionic with five-core GPU handles modern apps and games with little difficulty.
The triple 12MP camera system includes wide, ultrawide and 3x telephoto cameras. Newer iPhones have higher-resolution main sensors and more advanced zoom, but the 13 Pro Max still captures excellent photos and particularly strong video. Macro photography and ProRAW add flexibility for more demanding users.
Age is easiest to feel in the hardware design. At around 240g, the stainless-steel body is very heavy, and Lightning is less convenient now that Apple has moved to USB-C. It also does not support Apple Intelligence.
The other practical issue is battery condition. A well-maintained or refurbished unit can still deliver excellent endurance, but an original battery may have lost substantial capacity after several years. If the battery is healthy and the price is right, the 13 Pro Max remains a high-quality older flagship.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- 6.7-inch 120Hz ProMotion OLED
- Strong A15 Bionic performance
- Triple cameras with 3x optical zoom
- Excellent video recording
- Premium build
Cons
- Very heavy
- Lightning connector
- No Apple Intelligence
- Older camera hardware than newer Pro models
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iPhone 13 Pro Max have a 120Hz display?
Yes. It supports ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.
How much optical zoom does it have?
It has a dedicated 3x optical telephoto camera.
What should I check before buying one used?
Battery health, display condition, camera operation, Face ID and whether the device has had non-genuine repairs are the most important checks.