tech2video · 11/12/2021
Long-term test · about 10 weeks of daily use compared with the previous model
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max earns a clear recommendation this year thanks to noticeable gains in display and battery.
Likes- Display is noticeably better, with a 120 Hz panel
- Battery lasts well beyond a day
- Optimized charging works well overnight
Dislikes- Expensive
- Few changes beyond display and battery
MajorTech · 06/11/2021
Long-term review · weeks of daily use
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has been very satisfying after weeks of use, with a very good everyday camera and good grip.
Likes- Very good everyday camera with strong low-light results
- Good grip, especially without a case
- Smooth performance, including the 120 Hz display
- Macro mode useful for close-up shots
Dislikes- Cinematic mode sometimes keeps the wrong area blurred
- Early quirks in the new cinematic mode
MajorTech · 26/09/2021
Early review · first days of daily use
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has impressed in early use, and its 120 Hz display and better camera make the upgrade worthwhile.
Likes- Camera improvements, especially night and ultra-wide shots
- The smooth 120 Hz display feels worth it
- Strong A15 performance for demanding tasks
- Battery clearly better than the previous Pro Max
Dislikes- Battery verdict still pending while iCloud data downloads
- Some minor drawbacks the reviewer plans to cover later
André D'Jesús · 26/01/2025
Retro review · several weeks of daily use
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is a strong value pick for 2025, with performance and battery that still hold up.
Likes- Long battery life
- Smooth performance for everyday use and gaming
- Appealing blue colour
- Very good camera and ProRes support
Dislikes- Large, heavy size can feel uncomfortable
- Design barely changed from newer iPhones
MARCIANOTECH · 02/11/2024
Long-term test · three years of daily use and repair
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is still worth it, especially used, though it misses Apple Intelligence.
Likes- Battery health still around 86 percent after three years
- Photos and 4K 24 fps video still look great
- Expected to get several more iOS updates
- Feels well kept despite heavy daily use
Dislikes- No Apple Intelligence support
- Slightly slower with the newest iOS version
PP World · 26/01/2022
Hands-on tests · cinematic mode and ProRes by two filmmakers
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max's cinematic mode is useful for vlogs and web content, but its cinema claims are overstated.
Likes- Useful for field vlogging and journalism
- Visible image and video improvement over earlier phones
- Automatic blur effects convincing for casual users
Dislikes- Cinema marketing is overstated for filmmakers
- Automatic modes limit creative control
- Blacks cannot be crushed on purpose, and exposure cannot be pushed
Nightech · 08/10/2021
Personal review · several months of use
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is not the most exciting phone, but it is the best tool for people who value its approach.
Likes- Top-tier 5G speed and stability
- Excellent screen
- Natural Face ID unlocking
- Strong, consistent ecosystem
Dislikes- Large size is awkward in a pocket
- Little change from the previous generation
- The ecosystem feels fairly closed
Frandroid · 01/10/2021
Hands-on test · one week of use · camera and battery
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is a clear upgrade over the previous model, with photos as the biggest gain.
Likes- 120 Hz display is clearly better
- Battery life noticeably improved
- Photo quality and night mode improved
- Cinematic mode is fun to use
Dislikes- No headphone jack port
- Photos could still be better
- Photo style presets do not suit every scene
Quentin MASSON · 29/09/2021
Unboxing and full test · camera and macro checks
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has many strengths, especially the camera and design, but cinematic mode, Lightning and missing Touch ID hold it back.
Likes- Excellent camera with much better night mode
- Macro mode works well for very small subjects
- Longer battery life than the previous Pro Max
- Attractive design and brighter OLED display with 120 Hz
Dislikes- Cinematic video mode limited in resolution and frame rate
- Still uses a Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Touch ID is still missing
Phonandroid · 06/10/2021
Comparison and full test · Pro and Pro Max
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max offers excellent performance, screen and photos, though it is expensive and sold with few accessories.
Likes- Excellent performance
- Excellent screen and battery life
- Very strong photo results
- Cinematic mode works well
Dislikes- Very high price
- Light box with no case included
- Only a cable is provided for charging
Evosmart · 16/05/2022
Long-term test · six months of daily use
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is recommended, especially used, though rivals beat it on zoom and sunlight display.
Likes- Excellent video quality for vlogging
- Battery lasts a full weekend with heavy use
- Reliable everyday performance over six months
Dislikes- Zoom and night mode trail rival flagships
- Display is harder to read in direct sunlight
Francesco Baistrocchi · 22/02/2022
Long-term test · five months of daily use
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is a top-tier phone with excellent battery life, recommended without doubt for anyone who needs a phone now.
Likes- Battery life is excellent, often lasting two days
- Display is ProMotion and a clear improvement
- Ecosystem support and performance are strong
Dislikes- Can be large and heavy for some users
- Lightning port limits data transfer speed
- Some find it heavy in the hand
OutOfBit · 06/11/2021
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is an excellent smartphone, not worth upgrading from the 12 Pro Max, but worthwhile from older models.
Likes- Smooth performance and iOS experience
- Clearly improved camera
- Improved display
- Solid build quality
Dislikes- Very high price
- Lightning port still present
- iOS limitations
Giulio Brotini · 02/11/2021
Long-term review · one month of daily use
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is a great phone with battery and display gains, but its software on the large screen still needs work.
Likes- Battery life is excellent
- Display is much better than the 12
- Design feels clearly improved
Dislikes- Steel frame attracts fingerprints heavily
- Software is poorly optimised for the large display
- No split view and only one app per screen
- Lockscreen wastes space and has no always-on display
Mirko_Zein · 22/10/2021
Full review · almost one month of testing
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is strong for photo and video work, but most buyers should look at smaller models, and it is not worth upgrading to.
Likes- Improved camera for photo and video
- Better display
- Improved battery life
Dislikes- Only small changes compared to the previous model
- Price is the highest among smartphones
- Mainly suited to professional photo and video users
CMAG · 30/09/2021
Hands-on review · camera, video and performance tests
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is a great phone for iOS fans, with an excellent camera and display.
Likes- Excellent video recording and stabilisation
- Very good camera for photos and video
- Beautiful display
- Smooth, well-optimised performance
Dislikes- Interface could be more customisable
- No headphone jack and no memory expansion
andreagaleazzi · 29/09/2021
Short review · battery stress test and one-hand use
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is suited to intensive users despite its weight, with battery life as the deciding factor.
Likes- Battery life clearly longer than the regular model
- Suited to intensive use, filming and creator apps
- Same camera and display as the regular model
Dislikes- Heavy and hard to use one-handed
- Less comfortable for daily use