With each new iPhone release, Apple continues to push the envelope, and display technology is no exception. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max both boast impressive screens, but the differences between them highlight how much progress Apple has made over the years. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these two displays, from size and resolution to new features and visual performance.

Display Size and Design

The first thing you’ll notice about any iPhone is its size and design. Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max feature large screens, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a slightly larger display at 6.9 inches, compared to the 6.7-inch screen on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The increased screen size offers a more immersive experience, whether you’re watching videos, gaming, or simply browsing the web.

On the design front, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features slimmer bezels, allowing for more screen real estate without increasing the physical size of the phone too much. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, while still stunning, looks a bit dated next to the sleeker, more modern look of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Display Technology: OLED vs. Super Retina XDR

Both phones use OLED technology, which provides deep blacks and vibrant colors, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max takes things a step further with Super Retina XDR 2.0 technology. This upgrade enhances color accuracy and brightness levels, offering a more dynamic and true-to-life viewing experience. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also features Super Retina XDR, but it’s the first-gen version, meaning it’s a bit behind in terms of clarity and contrast when compared to the 16 Pro Max.

Another advantage the iPhone 16 Pro Max has is its ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. This feature existed on the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers smoother transitions and animations, especially noticeable when scrolling or switching between apps.

Brightness and HDR Performance

Apple has significantly improved the brightness levels in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a peak brightness of 2,500 nits for HDR content and 1,500 nits for typical use. This is a substantial leap from the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which offers 1,200 nits peak brightness in HDR and 1,000 nits for standard usage.

In real-world terms, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s display excels in outdoor environments, where bright sunlight can make screens difficult to see. The enhanced brightness and HDR performance mean that the newer model offers a superior experience when watching HDR content like movies or playing HDR-supported games.

Color Accuracy and True Tone Technology

Apple has always prided itself on producing devices with superb color accuracy, and both phones continue this tradition. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, however, features even better color calibration, thanks to its upgraded True Tone technology and Wide Color (P3) support.

While the iPhone 13 Pro Max still provides beautiful, vibrant colors, the iPhone 16 Pro Max takes it further, ensuring that images and videos are closer to what the human eye would naturally see. True Tone adjusts the display’s white balance according to the ambient lighting conditions, and the improved version in the iPhone 16 Pro Max means smoother, more seamless transitions between different environments.

Dynamic Island vs. Notch

One of the most significant design changes introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the Dynamic Island, a major departure from the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s traditional notch. The Dynamic Island is a pill-shaped cutout that houses the front camera and Face ID sensors but also adapts to show notifications, music controls, and other interactive elements.

While the notch on the iPhone 13 Pro Max was a signature design element for its time, the Dynamic Island offers more functionality and a modernized look. It frees up more of the screen, making the iPhone 16 Pro Max feel more immersive and innovative in terms of display design.

Always-On Display

The Always-On Display is a feature introduced with newer iPhone models, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This feature allows you to view essential information such as time, widgets, and notifications without fully waking the phone. The display remains dimmed but easily readable.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max lacks this feature, meaning you need to tap the screen or lift the phone to view notifications. The Always-On Display on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, coupled with its low refresh rate, makes it energy-efficient while providing more convenience.

Power Efficiency and Display Impact on Battery Life

Both phones are equipped with efficient OLED displays, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max takes power efficiency a notch higher. Its improved ProMotion technology, paired with the Always-On Display, ensures that the screen only uses as much power as necessary. The 1Hz refresh rate in low-activity situations helps save battery life, making it more efficient than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

While the iPhone 13 Pro Max is no slouch in terms of power efficiency, the enhancements in the iPhone 16 Pro Max offer a noticeable improvement, allowing users to enjoy the larger, brighter display without worrying too much about battery drain.

Gaming and Media Experience

For gamers and media enthusiasts, display quality is key. The iPhone 16 Pro Max elevates gaming and media experiences with its 120Hz ProMotion display, delivering smoother gameplay and responsive touch controls. The higher brightness levels and improved contrast ratio also enhance video playback, providing a cinematic viewing experience.

While the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a solid gaming and media experience, it falls short of the visual and performance improvements of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, particularly when playing graphically intensive games or watching HDR content.

Conclusion

The iPhone 16 Pro Max clearly outshines the iPhone 13 Pro Max in several key areas when it comes to display technology. From the larger size and slimmer bezels to the introduction of Dynamic Island, the enhancements in brightness, color accuracy, and power efficiency make the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s display a superior option for anyone who values a premium visual experience.

However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still an excellent device, offering a top-tier display with vibrant colors and smooth performance. For users who don’t need the absolute latest in display technology, the iPhone 13 Pro Max remains a solid choice.