I’ve had the iPhone 13 Pro Max in my hands for the last two days. Although I’m not ready for a full review, I am ready to give my initial impressions:
- It feels slightly heavier than the iPhone 12 Pro Max, but the extra battery life makes it worth it (more on that in a little bit).
- The screen is definitely brighter. And I could be wrong, but it also seems slightly more colorful.
- The camera lenses definitely protrude enough to be slightly annoying. Once it’s in a case, it’s not as bothersome.
- The smaller notch does make a difference despite what some others are saying. However, it is slightly taller than the 12′s notch.
- The gold version looks and feels so premium. Whatever version you get, please be sure to get a screen protector and a sleeve.
- Cinematic mode is great, but it only operates at 1080p — something I and others will not use that much.
- There are notable improvements on the new camera, and it is especially noticeable with night shots.
- The new macro photo mode takes amazing pictures. However, it keeps on switching with other lenses when it thinks you’re moving too far away.
- The camera focuses faster, especially when you zoom in on the subject.
- The 120Hz refresh rate doesn’t seem like that much of a big deal if you’ve used other displays that have the same rate. However, once you go back to 60Hz, you realize the advantage of a 120Hz screen.
- The stereo sound is the same as it was on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and that definitely isn’t a bad thing.
- The star of the iPhone 13 Pro Max series is battery life. I haven’t done numeric tests yet, but I’m shocked at how good it is. Unfortunately, the 13 Pro Max also takes slightly longer to completely charge.
- The only time I have noticed a major difference with the new A15 Bionic chip is when I edited a video right from the phone. Otherwise, you won’t notice much of an improvement in regular tasks.
Right now, I would say that if you have an iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max, there isn’t a significant reason to upgrade. But for those who have any model in the iPhone 11 or earlier series, the upgrade will be well worth it.