🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 99 (from laksa090)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa099.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/apple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro\/","crawl_time":1775907397,"first_indexed_time":1632229408,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,wired!www,\/review\/apple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro\/ s443","src_root_hash":"5736512710119187299","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max Review: Top-Tier Phones | WIRED","meta_descriptions":["Apple's top-tier smartphones are great, but there are fewer reasons than ever to shell out for them."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Sep 21, 2021 9:00 AM\nReview: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro\nThis year's top-tier iPhones are great, but there are fewer reasons than ever to shell out for them. \nPhotograph: Apple\nTriangleUp\nBuy Now\nMultiple Buying Options Available\nAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.\nRating:\n8\/10\nGreat performance. Battery comfortably lasts a full day, if not a little more. Excellent camera systems. The new Cinematic Mode for videos is tremendously fun. 120-Hz screen refresh rate makes everything look smooth.\nBase model starts with just 128 GB of storage, which is far too little. Pro models have fewer of the special features that justify the higher prices.\nUsually, we here\nat WIRED recommend the standard iPhone\nas the model to get\nfor\nmost\npeople. This year, Apple made that recommendation even easier to make. \nNo matter which\niPhone 13\nyou buy, you now get 128 gigabytes of storage, as well as Apple's sensor-shift camera stabilization technology, which allows for sharper low-light photos by reducing micro hand-shakes. Both of those features used to be exclusive to the Pro model iPhones. My favorite new camera feature—Cinematic Mode—isn't restricted to one particular model either. WIRED's Lauren Goode tested the\niPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini\n, so I highly suggest you read her review for more reasons on why you probably don't need a Pro. \nBut you've probably already ordered a Pro Max because you want the biggest, bestest, newest gadget out there. And that's fine. Both the\niPhone 13 Pro ($999) and iPhone 13 Pro Max ($1,099)\nare excellent smartphones with a few standout perks. Emphasis on \"a few.\" The improvements over last year's\niPhone 12 Pro range\nare all iterative, though very welcome. \nSilky Smooth \nThe biggest non-camera-related reason to upgrade to the iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max is ProMotion, which is Apple's name for its 120-Hz screen refresh rate technology that debuted on the iPad Pro in 2017. You can\nread more about screen refresh rates\nif you're curious about this feature, but just know the iPhone's screen is doubling the number of images, or frames, it shows per second, from 60 to 120, which makes animations smoother.\nApple's playing catch up, as we've seen Android phones with\nhigh refresh rates\nfor some time (even on\ncheap phones\n), but the implementation here takes into account what you're doing at any given moment\nand\nthe speed at which your finger interacts with the screen. Just sitting on a static home screen? That refresh rate is probably in the low 10s. Wheeling through Instagram? It'll ratchet up to 120. (This dynamic adjustment helps conserve battery life too, since running 120 Hz all the time burns through battery.) The smoother screen experience is noticeable next to last year's iPhone 12 Pro Max. Everything just feels a tiny bit more fluid.\nWith a massive 6.7-inch screen, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the iPhone you'll want to get if you want the biggest display. I also usually recommend the Max because the biggest iPhone often has a few extra tricks up its sleeve, even over the standard Pro. Well, not this year. Both Pro models are nearly identical—they're just separated by size and battery life. I've found myself gravitating to the 6.1-inch Pro's more compact size this time around. It's just so easy to reach all parts of the screen with one hand, and it's not too heavy. Better yet, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything by choosing the smaller Pro. \nOne other Pro-exclusive perk? The displays get a little brighter than the other iPhone 13 models. If you're out on a very sunny day, you'll have an easier time seeing these OLED screens. \nPhotograph: Apple\nBoth are powered by the new A15 Bionic chip, but beware! For the first time, it's\nnot\nthe exact same A15 chip in the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Mini. This year, Apple is adding an extra graphics core for the Pro models, which should mean a boost when gaming or running other visually demanding apps. I noticed\nGenshin Impact\nran smoother on the Pro Max over its predecessor. If you're a heavy gamer, it may make sense to reap the benefit of this extra core. But for everyday tasks, my benchmark computing scores were marginally higher than the results from last year's A14 Bionic.\nApple says it tidied up the internal components to make room for larger batteries on both of these iPhones, and they comfortably last me a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, for example, hit an impressive seven hours of screen on time, with the regular Pro coming in a little behind. That said, it'd be nice if an iPhone was finally able to last two full days. Now\nthat\nwould be a Pro feature.\nPro Camera \nApple may have brought its\nsensor-shift stabilization\ntech to the main camera of every iPhone 13 model, but the Pro iPhones still have different cameras than their more affordable siblings. Sure, all of them have an ultrawide and a main camera, but on the Pro, both can take in more light. That helps produce sharper nighttime photos. Then there's the additional 3x optical zoom camera for more versatility; it can zoom in closer to your subject than last year's Pro could. \nYou can now download iOS 15.4, which allows you to use Face ID even if you have a face mask on, among other new perks. \nAll three cameras are very reliable. You can take a pretty detailed and bright photo after the sun has set, especially now that Apple's Night Mode works on all three sensors. I only wish the camera was better about triggering Night Mode automatically; too often, I got better results after manually turning it on when it was obviously dark enough. Then there's Portrait Mode, which works excellently on shots of my dog, and because of the Pro-exclusive lidar sensor, you can take portrait Night Mode photos, which bests results from competitors like the\nGoogle Pixel 5\n. \nThe ultrawide camera can autofocus this time around, and so it pulls double duty on the Pro models and doubles as a macro camera. Macro is another feature that's available in almost every\naffordable Android phone\n, but Apple offers some of the best image quality here. The camera automatically switches to it when you get really close to a subject. You can get as close as 2 centimeters away—that's 0.78 inches! It’s great for bugs, plants, and my dog’s snoot. It even works in video mode. It’s a fun addition, but I’ve tried macro cameras on other phones before and it inevitably ends up being a feature I completely forget about. I\ndid\nhave some trouble with the autofocus in macro mode; it kept shifting while I tried to hold still, so I recommend using a tripod. The camera also kept switching to the main camera (there’s no dedicated macro mode). To make the experience as smooth as possible, switch to the ultrawide camera first and then move in close to your subject. That way, it won’t try to switch sensors if you move further away. (Apple says it will add a toggle to prevent this switching in an update later this year.)\n1\n\/ 14\nPhotograph: Julian Chokkattu\niPhone 13 Pro, macro camera. Bring the iPhone 13 close enough to a subject (up to 2 cm away), and it'll switch to the ultrawide camera, which can autofocus and doubles as a macro camera. Boop!\nIt's a great camera system, but there's nothing singular here that gives it a sizable edge over last year. Slightly brighter and sharper photos are always welcome, but I'd have loved to see something …\ndifferent\n, not unlike the 10x optical zoom on the\nSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra\n. One thing that\nis\nnew is Photographic Styles, which is a filter, but don't call it that. It's technically four photo styles you choose from\nbefore\nyou take the photo—Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm, Cool—and Apple's image processing smartly applies the changes to the image without affecting things like skin tone. Let's just call it a\nbetter\nfilter, OK? But guess what? It's not exclusive to the Pro models. \nVideo mode, on the other hand, is where I spent most of my time testing these new Pro cameras, and it's all because of Cinematic Mode. I take Portrait Mode photos\nall\nthe time, so you can imagine my excitement when this new mode brought it to video. You get a blur effect, similar to the bokeh you get from professional cameras, around a subject. What's unique here is that Apple recognizes subjects and can automatically shift focus to whatever the subject looks at when they turn their head. If the camera gets it wrong, you can very easily edit the clip to\nchange\nthe focus. It's incredible. \nVideo: Julian Chokkattu\nBut there are some big caveats to Cinematic Mode. You're restricted to 1080p video capture, not 4K. It also needs a lot of light to work effectively, so it's a no-go at night or in low light. I've also had trouble with the focus—when I look back at a door, my dog that's a small distance away, or a tree, the focus keeps staying on me, so I need to manually tap the screen to change it (while filming or post-capture).\nApple says the effect works best when shifting between two faces, and when I tried it with my partner, the camera\ndid\naccurately shift focus to her when I turned away.\nStill, this is the most impressive feature to come out of the new iPhone 13 Pro, and guess what? Yyyep. It's available on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini too. I don't want to make it sound like I'm\nagainst\nall of these features becoming available on the cheaper iPhones—that's fantastic. But there are just not\nthat\nmany other reasons to spend more for the Pros. \nOne last thing might sway you: ProRes video capture. It's a professional-quality video format that gives you more control over your clips when editing, and it's arguably the\nmost\npro feature on this iPhone. Too bad it's not available yet, so I wasn't able to test it. It's expected to arrive on the phone later this year. I want to point out that Apple says if you buy the 128 GB iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, ProRes will only film at 1080p, whereas a phone with 256 GB of storage or more can shoot in 4K. Which begs the question: Why don't the Pro models start with more storage?\nTo Pro or Not to Pro\nOther Pro-specific features include a stainless steel build, which is more durable than the aluminum iPhone 13 and Mini. There's now a 1 terabyte storage option too, which is nice, but again, it'd be nice if the base Pro model started with 256 gigs. That's about it. Apple retained its MagSafe\nmagnetic accessory system\nhere, just like on the cheaper iPhone 13 models, and the devices are all IP68 water resistant. \nBetter gaming performance, a smoother display, long-lasting battery life, along with more and better cameras: These are all great reasons to jump for the Pro.\nIf\nthat's what you prioritize. Just know that, more than ever before, you're getting quite a bit with the non-Pro iPhones. And if that means saving a few hundred bucks that you can spend on the more important things in life, especially in these difficult times, I'd say that's a win.\nJulian Chokkattu\nis Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ...\nRead More\nHardwired to Find the Best of the Best\nUpgrade your life with our\nGear\nnewsletter—get expert-tested product reviews, buying guides, deals, and how-to’s.\nSee More Stuff","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/apple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro\/#main-content)\n\n[SECURITY](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/security\/)\n\n[POLITICS](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/politics\/)\n\n[THE BIG 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CTA:SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/686ea38fcb59aaabef7a795d\/original\/pass\/Wired_Zoom_Rollover_300x200_v2a_Shorter.gif?format=original)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/v2\/offers\/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_NAV_ROLLOVER_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB)\n\n[Sign In](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/auth\/initiate?redirectURL=%2Freview%2Fapple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro%2F&source=VERSO_NAVIGATION)\n\n[Julian Chokkattu](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/julian-chokkattu\/)\n\n[Gear](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/gear)\n\nSep 21, 2021 9:00 AM\n# Review: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro\n\nThis year's top-tier iPhones are great, but there are fewer reasons than ever to shell out for them.\n\n![WIRED Recommends](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/verso\/static\/wired-us\/assets\/icons\/wired-recommends.svg)\n\n![a row of different colored iPhones](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/6149204955f7b3aea723343d\/master\/w_2560%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg)\n\nPhotograph: Apple\n\nBuy Now\n\nMultiple Buying Options Available\n\n[Buy Now at Amazon (Renewed)](https:\/\/cna.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)\n\n[Buy Now at Swappa (Used)](https:\/\/cna.st\/p\/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi)\n\nComments\n\nSave this story\n\nComments\n\nSave this story\n\nAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.\n\nRating:\n\n8\/10\n\nOpen rating explainer\n\nWIRED\n\nGreat performance. Battery comfortably lasts a full day, if not a little more. Excellent camera systems. The new Cinematic Mode for videos is tremendously fun. 120-Hz screen refresh rate makes everything look smooth.\n\nTIRED\n\nBase model starts with just 128 GB of storage, which is far too little. Pro models have fewer of the special features that justify the higher prices.\n\nUsually, we here at WIRED recommend the standard iPhone [as the model to get](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/iphone-buying-guide\/) for *most* people. This year, Apple made that recommendation even easier to make.\n\nNo matter which [iPhone 13](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/apple-iphone-13-price-specs-release-date\/) you buy, you now get 128 gigabytes of storage, as well as Apple's sensor-shift camera stabilization technology, which allows for sharper low-light photos by reducing micro hand-shakes. Both of those features used to be exclusive to the Pro model iPhones. My favorite new camera feature—Cinematic Mode—isn't restricted to one particular model either. WIRED's Lauren Goode tested the [iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/apple-iphone-13-and-iphone-13-mini), so I highly suggest you read her review for more reasons on why you probably don't need a Pro.\n\nBut you've probably already ordered a Pro Max because you want the biggest, bestest, newest gadget out there. And that's fine. Both the [iPhone 13 Pro (\\$999) and iPhone 13 Pro Max (\\$1,099)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/best-iphone-13-cases-and-accessories\/) are excellent smartphones with a few standout perks. Emphasis on \"a few.\" The improvements over last year's [iPhone 12 Pro range](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/apple-iphone-12-pro-max\/) are all iterative, though very welcome.\n\nSilky Smooth\n\nThe biggest non-camera-related reason to upgrade to the iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max is ProMotion, which is Apple's name for its 120-Hz screen refresh rate technology that debuted on the iPad Pro in 2017. You can [read more about screen refresh rates](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/high-refresh-rate-explained\/) if you're curious about this feature, but just know the iPhone's screen is doubling the number of images, or frames, it shows per second, from 60 to 120, which makes animations smoother.\n\nApple's playing catch up, as we've seen Android phones with [high refresh rates](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/samsung-galaxy-s20\/) for some time (even on [cheap phones](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/best-cheap-phones\/)), but the implementation here takes into account what you're doing at any given moment *and* the speed at which your finger interacts with the screen. Just sitting on a static home screen? That refresh rate is probably in the low 10s. Wheeling through Instagram? It'll ratchet up to 120. (This dynamic adjustment helps conserve battery life too, since running 120 Hz all the time burns through battery.) The smoother screen experience is noticeable next to last year's iPhone 12 Pro Max. Everything just feels a tiny bit more fluid.\n\n![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/6149204955f7b3aea723343d\/1:1\/w_150%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg)\n\nApple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max\n\nRating: 8\/10\n\n[Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https:\/\/cna.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)\n\n[Buy at Swappa (Used)](https:\/\/cna.st\/p\/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi)\n\nAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and\/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/about\/affiliate-link-policy\/)\n\nWith a massive 6.7-inch screen, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the iPhone you'll want to get if you want the biggest display. I also usually recommend the Max because the biggest iPhone often has a few extra tricks up its sleeve, even over the standard Pro. Well, not this year. Both Pro models are nearly identical—they're just separated by size and battery life. I've found myself gravitating to the 6.1-inch Pro's more compact size this time around. It's just so easy to reach all parts of the screen with one hand, and it's not too heavy. Better yet, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything by choosing the smaller Pro.\n\nOne other Pro-exclusive perk? The displays get a little brighter than the other iPhone 13 models. If you're out on a very sunny day, you'll have an easier time seeing these OLED screens.\n\n![iphone 13 pro side view with with three camera lenses visible](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61492049e3c981d3147da111\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_New-Camera-System_09142021.jpg)\n\nPhotograph: Apple\n\n![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/6149204955f7b3aea723343d\/1:1\/w_150%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg)\n\nApple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max\n\nRating: 8\/10\n\n[Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https:\/\/cna.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)\n\n[Buy at Swappa (Used)](https:\/\/cna.st\/p\/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi)\n\nAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and\/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/about\/affiliate-link-policy\/)\n\nBoth are powered by the new A15 Bionic chip, but beware! For the first time, it's *not* the exact same A15 chip in the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Mini. This year, Apple is adding an extra graphics core for the Pro models, which should mean a boost when gaming or running other visually demanding apps. I noticed *Genshin Impact* ran smoother on the Pro Max over its predecessor. If you're a heavy gamer, it may make sense to reap the benefit of this extra core. But for everyday tasks, my benchmark computing scores were marginally higher than the results from last year's A14 Bionic.\n\nApple says it tidied up the internal components to make room for larger batteries on both of these iPhones, and they comfortably last me a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, for example, hit an impressive seven hours of screen on time, with the regular Pro coming in a little behind. That said, it'd be nice if an iPhone was finally able to last two full days. Now *that* would be a Pro feature.\n\nPro Camera\n\nApple may have brought its [sensor-shift stabilization](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/apple-iphone-12-pro-max\/) tech to the main camera of every iPhone 13 model, but the Pro iPhones still have different cameras than their more affordable siblings. Sure, all of them have an ultrawide and a main camera, but on the Pro, both can take in more light. That helps produce sharper nighttime photos. Then there's the additional 3x optical zoom camera for more versatility; it can zoom in closer to your subject than last year's Pro could.\n\n![Overview of iOS 15 features](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/60be802b70d107b3e767d5a6\/master\/w_775%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Apple-WWDC-iOS-15-featured.jpg)\n\n[The Top Features in Apple’s iOS 15—and Its Newest Update](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/apple-iphone-ios-15-ipados-15-new-features\/)\n\nYou can now download iOS 15.4, which allows you to use Face ID even if you have a face mask on, among other new perks.\n\nBy [Brenda Stolyar](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/brenda-stolyar\/) and [Julian Chokkattu](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/julian-chokkattu\/)\n\nAll three cameras are very reliable. You can take a pretty detailed and bright photo after the sun has set, especially now that Apple's Night Mode works on all three sensors. I only wish the camera was better about triggering Night Mode automatically; too often, I got better results after manually turning it on when it was obviously dark enough. Then there's Portrait Mode, which works excellently on shots of my dog, and because of the Pro-exclusive lidar sensor, you can take portrait Night Mode photos, which bests results from competitors like the [Google Pixel 5](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/google-pixel-5\/).\n\nThe ultrawide camera can autofocus this time around, and so it pulls double duty on the Pro models and doubles as a macro camera. Macro is another feature that's available in almost every [affordable Android phone](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/moto-g-2021-all-models\/), but Apple offers some of the best image quality here. The camera automatically switches to it when you get really close to a subject. You can get as close as 2 centimeters away—that's 0.78 inches! It’s great for bugs, plants, and my dog’s snoot. It even works in video mode. It’s a fun addition, but I’ve tried macro cameras on other phones before and it inevitably ends up being a feature I completely forget about. I *did* have some trouble with the autofocus in macro mode; it kept shifting while I tried to hold still, so I recommend using a tripod. The camera also kept switching to the main camera (there’s no dedicated macro mode). To make the experience as smooth as possible, switch to the ultrawide camera first and then move in close to your subject. That way, it won’t try to switch sensors if you move further away. (Apple says it will add a toggle to prevent this switching in an update later this year.)\n\n![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/6149204955f7b3aea723343d\/1:1\/w_150%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg)\n\nApple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max\n\nRating: 8\/10\n\n[Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https:\/\/cna.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)\n\n[Buy at Swappa (Used)](https:\/\/cna.st\/p\/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi)\n\nAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and\/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/about\/affiliate-link-policy\/)\n\n***\n- ![close up of dog's nose](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7d55f7b3aea7233439\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Macro-Camera-Dog-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)\n- ![sunset over a building](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7f1b7f21021061d6e7\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-telephoto-sunrise-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg)\n- ![Image may contain Banister Handrail Railing Transportation Vehicle and Building](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61492243eb28d4df0601bab5\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-ultrawide-domino-park-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)\n- ![close up of flower](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7de022f446dcdff5fe\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Macro-Camera-flower-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)\n- ![a bench in park shot from a distance](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/614921ffe022f446dcdff600\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-main-camera-park-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg)\n- ![woman in park](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7ec4951af374646d54\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Night-portrait-girl-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)\n- ![New York nightscape](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7b55f7b3aea7233435\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-2_iPhone-13-Pro-Max-ultrawide-Night-mode-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg)\n- ![New York nightscape](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d79019a56924fab7f47\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-2_-iPhone-12-Pro-Max-ultrawide-Night-mode-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg)\n- ![wide shot of bench in park](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7be2126c059c232688\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-1_iPhone-13-Pro-Max-3x-optical-zoom-bench-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)\n- ![bench in park](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7aeb28d4df0601bab3\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-1_-Samsung-Galaxy-S21-Ultra-10x-optical-zoom-bench-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg)\n- ![Exterior of church](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7ce2126c059c23268a\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-3_-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-telephoto-Night-mode-fence-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg)\n- ![Exterior of Church shot further back](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7b019a56924fab7f49\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-3_-iPhone-12-Pro-Max-telephoto-Night-mode-fence-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg)\n- ![New York skyline along the water](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7ea61c3e890f31fc3b\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-main-camera-skyline-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)\n- ![dog in park looking to the side](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7fa680b1f2086efee6\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-portrait-mode-dog-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg)\n\n1 \/ 14\n\nPhotograph: Julian Chokkattu\n\niPhone 13 Pro, macro camera. Bring the iPhone 13 close enough to a subject (up to 2 cm away), and it'll switch to the ultrawide camera, which can autofocus and doubles as a macro camera. Boop\\!\n***\n\nIt's a great camera system, but there's nothing singular here that gives it a sizable edge over last year. Slightly brighter and sharper photos are always welcome, but I'd have loved to see something … *different*, not unlike the 10x optical zoom on the [Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra\/). One thing that *is* new is Photographic Styles, which is a filter, but don't call it that. It's technically four photo styles you choose from *before* you take the photo—Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm, Cool—and Apple's image processing smartly applies the changes to the image without affecting things like skin tone. Let's just call it a *better* filter, OK? But guess what? It's not exclusive to the Pro models.\n\nVideo mode, on the other hand, is where I spent most of my time testing these new Pro cameras, and it's all because of Cinematic Mode. I take Portrait Mode photos *all* the time, so you can imagine my excitement when this new mode brought it to video. You get a blur effect, similar to the bokeh you get from professional cameras, around a subject. What's unique here is that Apple recognizes subjects and can automatically shift focus to whatever the subject looks at when they turn their head. If the camera gets it wrong, you can very easily edit the clip to *change* the focus. It's incredible.\n\nPlay\/Pause Button\n\nVideo: Julian Chokkattu\n\nBut there are some big caveats to Cinematic Mode. You're restricted to 1080p video capture, not 4K. It also needs a lot of light to work effectively, so it's a no-go at night or in low light. I've also had trouble with the focus—when I look back at a door, my dog that's a small distance away, or a tree, the focus keeps staying on me, so I need to manually tap the screen to change it (while filming or post-capture).\n\nApple says the effect works best when shifting between two faces, and when I tried it with my partner, the camera *did* accurately shift focus to her when I turned away.\n\nStill, this is the most impressive feature to come out of the new iPhone 13 Pro, and guess what? Yyyep. It's available on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini too. I don't want to make it sound like I'm *against* all of these features becoming available on the cheaper iPhones—that's fantastic. But there are just not *that* many other reasons to spend more for the Pros.\n\n![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/6149204955f7b3aea723343d\/1:1\/w_150%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg)\n\nApple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max\n\nRating: 8\/10\n\n[Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https:\/\/cna.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)\n\n[Buy at Swappa (Used)](https:\/\/cna.st\/p\/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi)\n\nAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and\/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/about\/affiliate-link-policy\/)\n\nOne last thing might sway you: ProRes video capture. It's a professional-quality video format that gives you more control over your clips when editing, and it's arguably the *most* pro feature on this iPhone. Too bad it's not available yet, so I wasn't able to test it. It's expected to arrive on the phone later this year. I want to point out that Apple says if you buy the 128 GB iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, ProRes will only film at 1080p, whereas a phone with 256 GB of storage or more can shoot in 4K. Which begs the question: Why don't the Pro models start with more storage?\n\nTo Pro or Not to Pro\n\nOther Pro-specific features include a stainless steel build, which is more durable than the aluminum iPhone 13 and Mini. There's now a 1 terabyte storage option too, which is nice, but again, it'd be nice if the base Pro model started with 256 gigs. That's about it. Apple retained its MagSafe [magnetic accessory system](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/best-iphone-12-cases-and-accessories\/) here, just like on the cheaper iPhone 13 models, and the devices are all IP68 water resistant.\n\nBetter gaming performance, a smoother display, long-lasting battery life, along with more and better cameras: These are all great reasons to jump for the Pro. *If* that's what you prioritize. Just know that, more than ever before, you're getting quite a bit with the non-Pro iPhones. And if that means saving a few hundred bucks that you can spend on the more important things in life, especially in these difficult times, I'd say that's a win.\n\n![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/6149204955f7b3aea723343d\/1:1\/w_150%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg)\n\nApple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max\n\nRating: 8\/10\n\n[Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https:\/\/cna.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)\n\n[Buy at Swappa (Used)](https:\/\/cna.st\/p\/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi)\n\nAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and\/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/about\/affiliate-link-policy\/)\n\n[Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https:\/\/cna.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)\n\n[Buy at Swappa (Used)](https:\/\/cna.st\/p\/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi)\n\n## Comments\n[Back to top](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/apple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro\/#main-content)\n\nThere aren’t any comments yet.\n\nBe the first to start the conversation\\!  \n You need an account to add or like comments.\n\n[Sign in or create account](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/auth\/initiate?redirectURL=%2Freview%2Fapple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro%2F%3Fsource%3DCOMMUNITY_LOGIN%23leave-a-rating&source=COMMUNITY_LOGIN)\n\n[![](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/65e837c3237d9447be5378b7\/1:1\/w_90%2Cc_limit\/Julian%2520Chokkattu.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/julian-chokkattu\/)\n\n[Julian Chokkattu](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/julian-chokkattu\/) is Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ... [Read More](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/julian-chokkattu)\n\nSenior Editor, Gear\n\nTopics[Shopping](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/shopping\/)[review](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/review\/)[apple](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/apple\/)[iPhone](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/iphone\/)[phones](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/phones\/)\n\n### Hardwired to Find the Best of the Best\nUpgrade your life with our *Gear* newsletter—get expert-tested product reviews, buying guides, deals, and how-to’s.\n\nSee More Stuff\n\n[Review: Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/video\/watch\/review-apple-iphone-13-pro-and-pro-max\/)\n\nThe iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max come with the A15 Bionic chip, a bigger battery, and Apple's sensor-shift camera stabilization technology, which allows for sharper low-light photos. Reviews Editor Julian Chokkattu gives up the rundown of both, and why you might want to stick with the non-pro version.\n\n[![ZOOM IN \\<br\\> Insights at the intersection of technology, power, and culture \\<br\\> Subscribe today for only \\<del\\>\\$4\\<\/del\\> \\<strong\\>\\$2\/month\\<\/strong\\> and get access to exclusive benefits including \\<strong\\>5 all-new premium newsletters.\\<\/strong\\> \\<br\\> CTA:SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/686ea46a1d57bf34560db527\/original\/pass\/Wired_Zoom_Footer_Desktop_940x140_v2e.gif?format=original)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/v2\/offers\/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_FOOTER_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB)\n\n[![WIRED](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/verso\/static\/wired-us\/assets\/logo-reverse.svg)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/)\n\nWIRED is obsessed with what comes next. Through rigorous investigations and game-changing reporting, we tell stories that don’t just reflect the moment—they help create it. 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[Ad Choices](http:\/\/www.aboutads.info\/)\n\n###### Select international site\nUnited States\n\n- [Italia](https:\/\/www.wired.it\/)\n- [Japón](https:\/\/wired.jp\/)\n- [Czech Republic & Slovakia](https:\/\/www.wired.cz\/)\n\nYour Privacy Choices","attrs_readable_markdown":"Sep 21, 2021 9:00 AM\n\n## Review: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro\n\nThis year's top-tier iPhones are great, but there are fewer reasons than ever to shell out for them.\n\n![WIRED Recommends](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/verso\/static\/wired-us\/assets\/icons\/wired-recommends.svg)\n\n![a row of different colored iPhones](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/6149204955f7b3aea723343d\/master\/w_2560%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg)\n\nPhotograph: Apple\n\nBuy Now\n\nMultiple Buying Options Available\n\nAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.\n\nRating:\n\n8\/10\n\nGreat performance. Battery comfortably lasts a full day, if not a little more. Excellent camera systems. The new Cinematic Mode for videos is tremendously fun. 120-Hz screen refresh rate makes everything look smooth.\n\nBase model starts with just 128 GB of storage, which is far too little. Pro models have fewer of the special features that justify the higher prices.\n\nUsually, we here at WIRED recommend the standard iPhone [as the model to get](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/iphone-buying-guide\/) for *most* people. This year, Apple made that recommendation even easier to make.\n\nNo matter which [iPhone 13](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/apple-iphone-13-price-specs-release-date\/) you buy, you now get 128 gigabytes of storage, as well as Apple's sensor-shift camera stabilization technology, which allows for sharper low-light photos by reducing micro hand-shakes. Both of those features used to be exclusive to the Pro model iPhones. My favorite new camera feature—Cinematic Mode—isn't restricted to one particular model either. WIRED's Lauren Goode tested the [iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/apple-iphone-13-and-iphone-13-mini), so I highly suggest you read her review for more reasons on why you probably don't need a Pro.\n\nBut you've probably already ordered a Pro Max because you want the biggest, bestest, newest gadget out there. And that's fine. Both the [iPhone 13 Pro (\\$999) and iPhone 13 Pro Max (\\$1,099)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/best-iphone-13-cases-and-accessories\/) are excellent smartphones with a few standout perks. Emphasis on \"a few.\" The improvements over last year's [iPhone 12 Pro range](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/apple-iphone-12-pro-max\/) are all iterative, though very welcome.\n\nSilky Smooth\n\nThe biggest non-camera-related reason to upgrade to the iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max is ProMotion, which is Apple's name for its 120-Hz screen refresh rate technology that debuted on the iPad Pro in 2017. You can [read more about screen refresh rates](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/high-refresh-rate-explained\/) if you're curious about this feature, but just know the iPhone's screen is doubling the number of images, or frames, it shows per second, from 60 to 120, which makes animations smoother.\n\nApple's playing catch up, as we've seen Android phones with [high refresh rates](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/samsung-galaxy-s20\/) for some time (even on [cheap phones](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/best-cheap-phones\/)), but the implementation here takes into account what you're doing at any given moment *and* the speed at which your finger interacts with the screen. Just sitting on a static home screen? That refresh rate is probably in the low 10s. Wheeling through Instagram? It'll ratchet up to 120. (This dynamic adjustment helps conserve battery life too, since running 120 Hz all the time burns through battery.) The smoother screen experience is noticeable next to last year's iPhone 12 Pro Max. Everything just feels a tiny bit more fluid.\n\nWith a massive 6.7-inch screen, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the iPhone you'll want to get if you want the biggest display. I also usually recommend the Max because the biggest iPhone often has a few extra tricks up its sleeve, even over the standard Pro. Well, not this year. Both Pro models are nearly identical—they're just separated by size and battery life. I've found myself gravitating to the 6.1-inch Pro's more compact size this time around. It's just so easy to reach all parts of the screen with one hand, and it's not too heavy. Better yet, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything by choosing the smaller Pro.\n\nOne other Pro-exclusive perk? The displays get a little brighter than the other iPhone 13 models. If you're out on a very sunny day, you'll have an easier time seeing these OLED screens.\n\n![iphone 13 pro side view with with three camera lenses visible](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61492049e3c981d3147da111\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_New-Camera-System_09142021.jpg)\n\nPhotograph: Apple\n\nBoth are powered by the new A15 Bionic chip, but beware! For the first time, it's *not* the exact same A15 chip in the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Mini. This year, Apple is adding an extra graphics core for the Pro models, which should mean a boost when gaming or running other visually demanding apps. I noticed *Genshin Impact* ran smoother on the Pro Max over its predecessor. If you're a heavy gamer, it may make sense to reap the benefit of this extra core. But for everyday tasks, my benchmark computing scores were marginally higher than the results from last year's A14 Bionic.\n\nApple says it tidied up the internal components to make room for larger batteries on both of these iPhones, and they comfortably last me a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, for example, hit an impressive seven hours of screen on time, with the regular Pro coming in a little behind. That said, it'd be nice if an iPhone was finally able to last two full days. Now *that* would be a Pro feature.\n\nPro Camera\n\nApple may have brought its [sensor-shift stabilization](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/apple-iphone-12-pro-max\/) tech to the main camera of every iPhone 13 model, but the Pro iPhones still have different cameras than their more affordable siblings. Sure, all of them have an ultrawide and a main camera, but on the Pro, both can take in more light. That helps produce sharper nighttime photos. Then there's the additional 3x optical zoom camera for more versatility; it can zoom in closer to your subject than last year's Pro could.\n\n![Overview of iOS 15 features](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/60be802b70d107b3e767d5a6\/master\/w_775%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Apple-WWDC-iOS-15-featured.jpg)\n\nYou can now download iOS 15.4, which allows you to use Face ID even if you have a face mask on, among other new perks.\n\nAll three cameras are very reliable. You can take a pretty detailed and bright photo after the sun has set, especially now that Apple's Night Mode works on all three sensors. I only wish the camera was better about triggering Night Mode automatically; too often, I got better results after manually turning it on when it was obviously dark enough. Then there's Portrait Mode, which works excellently on shots of my dog, and because of the Pro-exclusive lidar sensor, you can take portrait Night Mode photos, which bests results from competitors like the [Google Pixel 5](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/google-pixel-5\/).\n\nThe ultrawide camera can autofocus this time around, and so it pulls double duty on the Pro models and doubles as a macro camera. Macro is another feature that's available in almost every [affordable Android phone](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/moto-g-2021-all-models\/), but Apple offers some of the best image quality here. The camera automatically switches to it when you get really close to a subject. You can get as close as 2 centimeters away—that's 0.78 inches! It’s great for bugs, plants, and my dog’s snoot. It even works in video mode. It’s a fun addition, but I’ve tried macro cameras on other phones before and it inevitably ends up being a feature I completely forget about. I *did* have some trouble with the autofocus in macro mode; it kept shifting while I tried to hold still, so I recommend using a tripod. The camera also kept switching to the main camera (there’s no dedicated macro mode). To make the experience as smooth as possible, switch to the ultrawide camera first and then move in close to your subject. That way, it won’t try to switch sensors if you move further away. (Apple says it will add a toggle to prevent this switching in an update later this year.)\n\n***\n![close up of dog's nose](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7d55f7b3aea7233439\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Macro-Camera-Dog-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![sunset over a building](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7f1b7f21021061d6e7\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-telephoto-sunrise-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg) ![Image may contain Banister Handrail Railing Transportation Vehicle and Building](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61492243eb28d4df0601bab5\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-ultrawide-domino-park-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![close up of flower](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7de022f446dcdff5fe\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Macro-Camera-flower-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![a bench in park shot from a distance](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/614921ffe022f446dcdff600\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-main-camera-park-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) ![woman in park](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7ec4951af374646d54\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Night-portrait-girl-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![New York nightscape](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7b55f7b3aea7233435\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-2_iPhone-13-Pro-Max-ultrawide-Night-mode-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) ![New York nightscape](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d79019a56924fab7f47\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-2_-iPhone-12-Pro-Max-ultrawide-Night-mode-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg) ![wide shot of bench in park](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7be2126c059c232688\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-1_iPhone-13-Pro-Max-3x-optical-zoom-bench-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![bench in park](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7aeb28d4df0601bab3\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-1_-Samsung-Galaxy-S21-Ultra-10x-optical-zoom-bench-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) ![Exterior of church](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7ce2126c059c23268a\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-3_-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-telephoto-Night-mode-fence-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg) ![Exterior of Church shot further back](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7b019a56924fab7f49\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-3_-iPhone-12-Pro-Max-telephoto-Night-mode-fence-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) ![New York skyline along the water](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7ea61c3e890f31fc3b\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-main-camera-skyline-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![dog in park looking to the side](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61491d7fa680b1f2086efee6\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-portrait-mode-dog-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg)\n\n1 \/ 14\n\nPhotograph: Julian Chokkattu\n\niPhone 13 Pro, macro camera. Bring the iPhone 13 close enough to a subject (up to 2 cm away), and it'll switch to the ultrawide camera, which can autofocus and doubles as a macro camera. Boop\\!\n***\n\nIt's a great camera system, but there's nothing singular here that gives it a sizable edge over last year. Slightly brighter and sharper photos are always welcome, but I'd have loved to see something … *different*, not unlike the 10x optical zoom on the [Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/review\/samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra\/). One thing that *is* new is Photographic Styles, which is a filter, but don't call it that. It's technically four photo styles you choose from *before* you take the photo—Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm, Cool—and Apple's image processing smartly applies the changes to the image without affecting things like skin tone. Let's just call it a *better* filter, OK? But guess what? It's not exclusive to the Pro models.\n\nVideo mode, on the other hand, is where I spent most of my time testing these new Pro cameras, and it's all because of Cinematic Mode. I take Portrait Mode photos *all* the time, so you can imagine my excitement when this new mode brought it to video. You get a blur effect, similar to the bokeh you get from professional cameras, around a subject. What's unique here is that Apple recognizes subjects and can automatically shift focus to whatever the subject looks at when they turn their head. If the camera gets it wrong, you can very easily edit the clip to *change* the focus. It's incredible.\n\nVideo: Julian Chokkattu\n\nBut there are some big caveats to Cinematic Mode. You're restricted to 1080p video capture, not 4K. It also needs a lot of light to work effectively, so it's a no-go at night or in low light. I've also had trouble with the focus—when I look back at a door, my dog that's a small distance away, or a tree, the focus keeps staying on me, so I need to manually tap the screen to change it (while filming or post-capture).\n\nApple says the effect works best when shifting between two faces, and when I tried it with my partner, the camera *did* accurately shift focus to her when I turned away.\n\nStill, this is the most impressive feature to come out of the new iPhone 13 Pro, and guess what? Yyyep. It's available on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini too. I don't want to make it sound like I'm *against* all of these features becoming available on the cheaper iPhones—that's fantastic. But there are just not *that* many other reasons to spend more for the Pros.\n\nOne last thing might sway you: ProRes video capture. It's a professional-quality video format that gives you more control over your clips when editing, and it's arguably the *most* pro feature on this iPhone. Too bad it's not available yet, so I wasn't able to test it. It's expected to arrive on the phone later this year. I want to point out that Apple says if you buy the 128 GB iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, ProRes will only film at 1080p, whereas a phone with 256 GB of storage or more can shoot in 4K. Which begs the question: Why don't the Pro models start with more storage?\n\nTo Pro or Not to Pro\n\nOther Pro-specific features include a stainless steel build, which is more durable than the aluminum iPhone 13 and Mini. There's now a 1 terabyte storage option too, which is nice, but again, it'd be nice if the base Pro model started with 256 gigs. That's about it. Apple retained its MagSafe [magnetic accessory system](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/best-iphone-12-cases-and-accessories\/) here, just like on the cheaper iPhone 13 models, and the devices are all IP68 water resistant.\n\nBetter gaming performance, a smoother display, long-lasting battery life, along with more and better cameras: These are all great reasons to jump for the Pro. *If* that's what you prioritize. Just know that, more than ever before, you're getting quite a bit with the non-Pro iPhones. And if that means saving a few hundred bucks that you can spend on the more important things in life, especially in these difficult times, I'd say that's a win.\n\n[![](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/65e837c3237d9447be5378b7\/1:1\/w_90%2Cc_limit\/Julian%2520Chokkattu.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/julian-chokkattu\/)\n\n[Julian Chokkattu](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/julian-chokkattu\/) is Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ... [Read More](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/julian-chokkattu)\n\n### Hardwired to Find the Best of the Best\nUpgrade your life with our *Gear* newsletter—get expert-tested product reviews, buying guides, deals, and how-to’s.\n\nSee More Stuff","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Sep 21, 2021 9:00 AM Review: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro This year's top-tier iPhones are great, but there are fewer reasons than ever to shell out for them. Photograph: Apple TriangleUp Buy Now Multiple Buying Options Available All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Rating: 8/10 Great performance. Battery comfortably lasts a full day, if not a little more. Excellent camera systems. The new Cinematic Mode for videos is tremendously fun. 120-Hz screen refresh rate makes everything look smooth. Base model starts with just 128 GB of storage, which is far too little. Pro models have fewer of the special features that justify the higher prices. Usually, we here at WIRED recommend the standard iPhone as the model to get for most people. This year, Apple made that recommendation even easier to make. No matter which iPhone 13 you buy, you now get 128 gigabytes of storage, as well as Apple's sensor-shift camera stabilization technology, which allows for sharper low-light photos by reducing micro hand-shakes. Both of those features used to be exclusive to the Pro model iPhones. My favorite new camera feature—Cinematic Mode—isn't restricted to one particular model either. WIRED's Lauren Goode tested the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini , so I highly suggest you read her review for more reasons on why you probably don't need a Pro. But you've probably already ordered a Pro Max because you want the biggest, bestest, newest gadget out there. And that's fine. Both the iPhone 13 Pro ($999) and iPhone 13 Pro Max ($1,099) are excellent smartphones with a few standout perks. Emphasis on "a few." The improvements over last year's iPhone 12 Pro range are all iterative, though very welcome. Silky Smooth The biggest non-camera-related reason to upgrade to the iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max is ProMotion, which is Apple's name for its 120-Hz screen refresh rate technology that debuted on the iPad Pro in 2017. You can read more about screen refresh rates if you're curious about this feature, but just know the iPhone's screen is doubling the number of images, or frames, it shows per second, from 60 to 120, which makes animations smoother. Apple's playing catch up, as we've seen Android phones with high refresh rates for some time (even on cheap phones ), but the implementation here takes into account what you're doing at any given moment and the speed at which your finger interacts with the screen. Just sitting on a static home screen? That refresh rate is probably in the low 10s. Wheeling through Instagram? It'll ratchet up to 120. (This dynamic adjustment helps conserve battery life too, since running 120 Hz all the time burns through battery.) The smoother screen experience is noticeable next to last year's iPhone 12 Pro Max. Everything just feels a tiny bit more fluid. With a massive 6.7-inch screen, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the iPhone you'll want to get if you want the biggest display. I also usually recommend the Max because the biggest iPhone often has a few extra tricks up its sleeve, even over the standard Pro. Well, not this year. Both Pro models are nearly identical—they're just separated by size and battery life. I've found myself gravitating to the 6.1-inch Pro's more compact size this time around. It's just so easy to reach all parts of the screen with one hand, and it's not too heavy. Better yet, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything by choosing the smaller Pro. One other Pro-exclusive perk? The displays get a little brighter than the other iPhone 13 models. If you're out on a very sunny day, you'll have an easier time seeing these OLED screens. Photograph: Apple Both are powered by the new A15 Bionic chip, but beware! For the first time, it's not the exact same A15 chip in the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Mini. This year, Apple is adding an extra graphics core for the Pro models, which should mean a boost when gaming or running other visually demanding apps. I noticed Genshin Impact ran smoother on the Pro Max over its predecessor. If you're a heavy gamer, it may make sense to reap the benefit of this extra core. But for everyday tasks, my benchmark computing scores were marginally higher than the results from last year's A14 Bionic. Apple says it tidied up the internal components to make room for larger batteries on both of these iPhones, and they comfortably last me a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, for example, hit an impressive seven hours of screen on time, with the regular Pro coming in a little behind. That said, it'd be nice if an iPhone was finally able to last two full days. Now that would be a Pro feature. Pro Camera Apple may have brought its sensor-shift stabilization tech to the main camera of every iPhone 13 model, but the Pro iPhones still have different cameras than their more affordable siblings. Sure, all of them have an ultrawide and a main camera, but on the Pro, both can take in more light. That helps produce sharper nighttime photos. Then there's the additional 3x optical zoom camera for more versatility; it can zoom in closer to your subject than last year's Pro could. You can now download iOS 15.4, which allows you to use Face ID even if you have a face mask on, among other new perks. All three cameras are very reliable. You can take a pretty detailed and bright photo after the sun has set, especially now that Apple's Night Mode works on all three sensors. I only wish the camera was better about triggering Night Mode automatically; too often, I got better results after manually turning it on when it was obviously dark enough. Then there's Portrait Mode, which works excellently on shots of my dog, and because of the Pro-exclusive lidar sensor, you can take portrait Night Mode photos, which bests results from competitors like the Google Pixel 5 . The ultrawide camera can autofocus this time around, and so it pulls double duty on the Pro models and doubles as a macro camera. Macro is another feature that's available in almost every affordable Android phone , but Apple offers some of the best image quality here. The camera automatically switches to it when you get really close to a subject. You can get as close as 2 centimeters away—that's 0.78 inches! It’s great for bugs, plants, and my dog’s snoot. It even works in video mode. It’s a fun addition, but I’ve tried macro cameras on other phones before and it inevitably ends up being a feature I completely forget about. I did have some trouble with the autofocus in macro mode; it kept shifting while I tried to hold still, so I recommend using a tripod. The camera also kept switching to the main camera (there’s no dedicated macro mode). To make the experience as smooth as possible, switch to the ultrawide camera first and then move in close to your subject. That way, it won’t try to switch sensors if you move further away. (Apple says it will add a toggle to prevent this switching in an update later this year.) 1 / 14 Photograph: Julian Chokkattu iPhone 13 Pro, macro camera. Bring the iPhone 13 close enough to a subject (up to 2 cm away), and it'll switch to the ultrawide camera, which can autofocus and doubles as a macro camera. Boop! It's a great camera system, but there's nothing singular here that gives it a sizable edge over last year. Slightly brighter and sharper photos are always welcome, but I'd have loved to see something … different , not unlike the 10x optical zoom on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra . One thing that is new is Photographic Styles, which is a filter, but don't call it that. It's technically four photo styles you choose from before you take the photo—Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm, Cool—and Apple's image processing smartly applies the changes to the image without affecting things like skin tone. Let's just call it a better filter, OK? But guess what? It's not exclusive to the Pro models. Video mode, on the other hand, is where I spent most of my time testing these new Pro cameras, and it's all because of Cinematic Mode. I take Portrait Mode photos all the time, so you can imagine my excitement when this new mode brought it to video. You get a blur effect, similar to the bokeh you get from professional cameras, around a subject. What's unique here is that Apple recognizes subjects and can automatically shift focus to whatever the subject looks at when they turn their head. If the camera gets it wrong, you can very easily edit the clip to change the focus. It's incredible. Video: Julian Chokkattu But there are some big caveats to Cinematic Mode. You're restricted to 1080p video capture, not 4K. It also needs a lot of light to work effectively, so it's a no-go at night or in low light. I've also had trouble with the focus—when I look back at a door, my dog that's a small distance away, or a tree, the focus keeps staying on me, so I need to manually tap the screen to change it (while filming or post-capture). Apple says the effect works best when shifting between two faces, and when I tried it with my partner, the camera did accurately shift focus to her when I turned away. Still, this is the most impressive feature to come out of the new iPhone 13 Pro, and guess what? Yyyep. It's available on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini too. I don't want to make it sound like I'm against all of these features becoming available on the cheaper iPhones—that's fantastic. But there are just not that many other reasons to spend more for the Pros. One last thing might sway you: ProRes video capture. It's a professional-quality video format that gives you more control over your clips when editing, and it's arguably the most pro feature on this iPhone. Too bad it's not available yet, so I wasn't able to test it. It's expected to arrive on the phone later this year. I want to point out that Apple says if you buy the 128 GB iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, ProRes will only film at 1080p, whereas a phone with 256 GB of storage or more can shoot in 4K. Which begs the question: Why don't the Pro models start with more storage? To Pro or Not to Pro Other Pro-specific features include a stainless steel build, which is more durable than the aluminum iPhone 13 and Mini. There's now a 1 terabyte storage option too, which is nice, but again, it'd be nice if the base Pro model started with 256 gigs. That's about it. Apple retained its MagSafe magnetic accessory system here, just like on the cheaper iPhone 13 models, and the devices are all IP68 water resistant. Better gaming performance, a smoother display, long-lasting battery life, along with more and better cameras: These are all great reasons to jump for the Pro. If that's what you prioritize. Just know that, more than ever before, you're getting quite a bit with the non-Pro iPhones. And if that means saving a few hundred bucks that you can spend on the more important things in life, especially in these difficult times, I'd say that's a win. Julian Chokkattu is Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ... Read More Hardwired to Find the Best of the Best Upgrade your life with our Gear newsletter—get expert-tested product reviews, buying guides, deals, and how-to’s. See More Stuff
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Review: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro This year's top-tier iPhones are great, but there are fewer reasons than ever to shell out for them. ![WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/verso/static/wired-us/assets/icons/wired-recommends.svg) ![a row of different colored iPhones](https://media.wired.com/photos/6149204955f7b3aea723343d/master/w_2560%2Cc_limit/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg) Photograph: Apple Buy Now Multiple Buying Options Available [Buy Now at Amazon (Renewed)](https://cna.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) [Buy Now at Swappa (Used)](https://cna.st/p/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi) Comments Save this story Comments Save this story All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Rating: 8/10 Open rating explainer WIRED Great performance. Battery comfortably lasts a full day, if not a little more. Excellent camera systems. The new Cinematic Mode for videos is tremendously fun. 120-Hz screen refresh rate makes everything look smooth. TIRED Base model starts with just 128 GB of storage, which is far too little. Pro models have fewer of the special features that justify the higher prices. Usually, we here at WIRED recommend the standard iPhone [as the model to get](https://www.wired.com/gallery/iphone-buying-guide/) for most people. This year, Apple made that recommendation even easier to make. No matter which [iPhone 13](https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-13-price-specs-release-date/) you buy, you now get 128 gigabytes of storage, as well as Apple's sensor-shift camera stabilization technology, which allows for sharper low-light photos by reducing micro hand-shakes. Both of those features used to be exclusive to the Pro model iPhones. My favorite new camera feature—Cinematic Mode—isn't restricted to one particular model either. WIRED's Lauren Goode tested the [iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-13-and-iphone-13-mini), so I highly suggest you read her review for more reasons on why you probably don't need a Pro. But you've probably already ordered a Pro Max because you want the biggest, bestest, newest gadget out there. And that's fine. Both the [iPhone 13 Pro (\$999) and iPhone 13 Pro Max (\$1,099)](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-iphone-13-cases-and-accessories/) are excellent smartphones with a few standout perks. Emphasis on "a few." The improvements over last year's [iPhone 12 Pro range](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-12-pro-max/) are all iterative, though very welcome. Silky Smooth The biggest non-camera-related reason to upgrade to the iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max is ProMotion, which is Apple's name for its 120-Hz screen refresh rate technology that debuted on the iPad Pro in 2017. You can [read more about screen refresh rates](https://www.wired.com/story/high-refresh-rate-explained/) if you're curious about this feature, but just know the iPhone's screen is doubling the number of images, or frames, it shows per second, from 60 to 120, which makes animations smoother. Apple's playing catch up, as we've seen Android phones with [high refresh rates](https://www.wired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-s20/) for some time (even on [cheap phones](https://www.wired.com/story/best-cheap-phones/)), but the implementation here takes into account what you're doing at any given moment and the speed at which your finger interacts with the screen. Just sitting on a static home screen? That refresh rate is probably in the low 10s. Wheeling through Instagram? It'll ratchet up to 120. (This dynamic adjustment helps conserve battery life too, since running 120 Hz all the time burns through battery.) The smoother screen experience is noticeable next to last year's iPhone 12 Pro Max. Everything just feels a tiny bit more fluid. ![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https://media.wired.com/photos/6149204955f7b3aea723343d/1:1/w_150%2Cc_limit/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg) Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max Rating: 8/10 [Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https://cna.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) [Buy at Swappa (Used)](https://cna.st/p/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi) All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https://www.wired.com/about/affiliate-link-policy/) With a massive 6.7-inch screen, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the iPhone you'll want to get if you want the biggest display. I also usually recommend the Max because the biggest iPhone often has a few extra tricks up its sleeve, even over the standard Pro. Well, not this year. Both Pro models are nearly identical—they're just separated by size and battery life. I've found myself gravitating to the 6.1-inch Pro's more compact size this time around. It's just so easy to reach all parts of the screen with one hand, and it's not too heavy. Better yet, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything by choosing the smaller Pro. One other Pro-exclusive perk? The displays get a little brighter than the other iPhone 13 models. If you're out on a very sunny day, you'll have an easier time seeing these OLED screens. ![iphone 13 pro side view with with three camera lenses visible](https://media.wired.com/photos/61492049e3c981d3147da111/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_New-Camera-System_09142021.jpg) Photograph: Apple ![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https://media.wired.com/photos/6149204955f7b3aea723343d/1:1/w_150%2Cc_limit/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg) Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max Rating: 8/10 [Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https://cna.st/p/pp6mqReKsrj9MVz1kosEEzKsHsyoc6rF1eSV8rsHCoZ2zraVzEA13cmLKTedjmStm21yAmQU9wGQHb8stHDrLGfPhVdnQUj2rv2X9D41SipkDZhikG35AHQSUB8ox1wDDScEExRqTFJpLEkDataQ1TM6Cs8FqnM3mPyHjsUChQtKQ2xop4CWH2goBZYyCffnknRFFp8kirqaAq16yRBjXqJYyLrPUY9nvAWc5WrCxkuBsiSkCNAgSmLqethRNSdGaJACyXVVGVyp6RJgMqW19K8YjqTjKZ6vXZA7CAAPcjcmgi8Tg1XeHnEaUNnktvVgytia2XcbyBGS9WouRQWzXHg3h6yRxscMwZd3tbW2JJg9iAofvkPbTp6o31ou32rGvWLerWiD4zyybmLtX77P1wpyBYfQtvxrVEiDV49vNcZoCFPwxLLN5S21Mr94khTWXrdA1Q51E8PGCdgNF5pYZp29EsUt1BdWTjRhnweTdL1b2FioSiJmCB28cCRcefeCD39pGp4N6XDuZBsEaK4NT9Ub7i7C5kS95byfRkyr7jziXdQWKG5rmVFEcyK9NcHi1jsqPCY8NS7wdapZ8kGERxygGhVcfzpAFyX2JNzYND5oZQWB4JbQvJHxv2LE19g8Bhxq5qfyeBKcsD4N4gLdA6UEFYREJz8mtqgxs8FPzRcC7De4M3hn4N2qHFqFfuirksTqr1Pq35JxmzwEHaSdMq12m3BUz) [Buy at Swappa (Used)](https://cna.st/p/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi) All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https://www.wired.com/about/affiliate-link-policy/) Both are powered by the new A15 Bionic chip, but beware! For the first time, it's not the exact same A15 chip in the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Mini. This year, Apple is adding an extra graphics core for the Pro models, which should mean a boost when gaming or running other visually demanding apps. I noticed Genshin Impact ran smoother on the Pro Max over its predecessor. If you're a heavy gamer, it may make sense to reap the benefit of this extra core. But for everyday tasks, my benchmark computing scores were marginally higher than the results from last year's A14 Bionic. Apple says it tidied up the internal components to make room for larger batteries on both of these iPhones, and they comfortably last me a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, for example, hit an impressive seven hours of screen on time, with the regular Pro coming in a little behind. That said, it'd be nice if an iPhone was finally able to last two full days. Now that would be a Pro feature. Pro Camera Apple may have brought its [sensor-shift stabilization](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-12-pro-max/) tech to the main camera of every iPhone 13 model, but the Pro iPhones still have different cameras than their more affordable siblings. Sure, all of them have an ultrawide and a main camera, but on the Pro, both can take in more light. That helps produce sharper nighttime photos. Then there's the additional 3x optical zoom camera for more versatility; it can zoom in closer to your subject than last year's Pro could. ![Overview of iOS 15 features](https://media.wired.com/photos/60be802b70d107b3e767d5a6/master/w_775%2Cc_limit/Gear-Apple-WWDC-iOS-15-featured.jpg) [The Top Features in Apple’s iOS 15—and Its Newest Update](https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-ios-15-ipados-15-new-features/) You can now download iOS 15.4, which allows you to use Face ID even if you have a face mask on, among other new perks. By [Brenda Stolyar](https://www.wired.com/author/brenda-stolyar/) and [Julian Chokkattu](https://www.wired.com/author/julian-chokkattu/) All three cameras are very reliable. You can take a pretty detailed and bright photo after the sun has set, especially now that Apple's Night Mode works on all three sensors. I only wish the camera was better about triggering Night Mode automatically; too often, I got better results after manually turning it on when it was obviously dark enough. Then there's Portrait Mode, which works excellently on shots of my dog, and because of the Pro-exclusive lidar sensor, you can take portrait Night Mode photos, which bests results from competitors like the [Google Pixel 5](https://www.wired.com/review/google-pixel-5/). The ultrawide camera can autofocus this time around, and so it pulls double duty on the Pro models and doubles as a macro camera. Macro is another feature that's available in almost every [affordable Android phone](https://www.wired.com/review/moto-g-2021-all-models/), but Apple offers some of the best image quality here. The camera automatically switches to it when you get really close to a subject. You can get as close as 2 centimeters away—that's 0.78 inches! It’s great for bugs, plants, and my dog’s snoot. It even works in video mode. It’s a fun addition, but I’ve tried macro cameras on other phones before and it inevitably ends up being a feature I completely forget about. I did have some trouble with the autofocus in macro mode; it kept shifting while I tried to hold still, so I recommend using a tripod. The camera also kept switching to the main camera (there’s no dedicated macro mode). To make the experience as smooth as possible, switch to the ultrawide camera first and then move in close to your subject. That way, it won’t try to switch sensors if you move further away. (Apple says it will add a toggle to prevent this switching in an update later this year.) ![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https://media.wired.com/photos/6149204955f7b3aea723343d/1:1/w_150%2Cc_limit/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg) Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max Rating: 8/10 [Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https://cna.st/p/pp6mqReKsrj9MVz1kosEEzKsHsyoc6rF1eSV8rsHCoZ2zraVzEA13cmLKTedjmStm21yAmQU9wGQHb8stHDrLGfPhVdnQUj2rv2X9D41SipkDZhikG35AHQSUB8ox1wDDScEExRqTFJpLEkDataQ1TM6Cs8FqnM3mPyHjsUChQtKQ2xop4CWH2goBZYyCffnknRFFp8kirqaAq16yRBjXqJYyLrPUY9nvAWc5WrCxkuBsiSkCNAgSmLqethRNSdGaJACyXVVGVyp6RJgMqW19K8YjqTjKZ6vXZA7CAAPcjcmgi8Tg1XeHnEaUNnktvVgytia2XcbyBGS9WouRQWzXHg3h6yRxscMwZd3tbW2JJg9iAofvkPbTp6o31ou32rGvWLerWiD4zyybmLtX77P1wpyBYfQtvxrVEiDV49vNcZoCFPwxLLN5S21Mr94khTWXrdA1Q51E8PGCdgNF5pYZp29EsUt1BdWTjRhnweTdL1b2FioSiJmCB28cCRcefeCD39pGp4N6XDuZBsEaK4NT9Ub7i7C5kS95byfRkyr7jziXdQWKG5rmVFEcyK9NcHi1jsqPCY8NS7wdapZ8kGERxygGhVcfzpAFyX2JNzYND5oZQWB4JbQvJHxv2LE19g8Bhxq5qfyeBKcsD4N4gLdA6UEFYREJz8mtqgxs8FPzRcC7De4M3hn4N2qHFqFfuirksTqr1Pq35JxmzwEHaSdMq12m3BUz) [Buy at Swappa (Used)](https://cna.st/p/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi) All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https://www.wired.com/about/affiliate-link-policy/) * - ![close up of dog's nose](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7d55f7b3aea7233439/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Macro-Camera-Dog-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) - ![sunset over a building](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7f1b7f21021061d6e7/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-telephoto-sunrise-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg) - ![Image may contain Banister Handrail Railing Transportation Vehicle and Building](https://media.wired.com/photos/61492243eb28d4df0601bab5/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-ultrawide-domino-park-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) - ![close up of flower](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7de022f446dcdff5fe/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Macro-Camera-flower-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) - ![a bench in park shot from a distance](https://media.wired.com/photos/614921ffe022f446dcdff600/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-main-camera-park-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) - ![woman in park](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7ec4951af374646d54/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Night-portrait-girl-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) - ![New York nightscape](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7b55f7b3aea7233435/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-2_iPhone-13-Pro-Max-ultrawide-Night-mode-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) - ![New York nightscape](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d79019a56924fab7f47/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-2_-iPhone-12-Pro-Max-ultrawide-Night-mode-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg) - ![wide shot of bench in park](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7be2126c059c232688/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-1_iPhone-13-Pro-Max-3x-optical-zoom-bench-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) - ![bench in park](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7aeb28d4df0601bab3/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-1_-Samsung-Galaxy-S21-Ultra-10x-optical-zoom-bench-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) - ![Exterior of church](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7ce2126c059c23268a/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-3_-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-telephoto-Night-mode-fence-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg) - ![Exterior of Church shot further back](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7b019a56924fab7f49/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-3_-iPhone-12-Pro-Max-telephoto-Night-mode-fence-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) - ![New York skyline along the water](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7ea61c3e890f31fc3b/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-main-camera-skyline-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) - ![dog in park looking to the side](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7fa680b1f2086efee6/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-portrait-mode-dog-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) 1 / 14 Photograph: Julian Chokkattu iPhone 13 Pro, macro camera. Bring the iPhone 13 close enough to a subject (up to 2 cm away), and it'll switch to the ultrawide camera, which can autofocus and doubles as a macro camera. Boop\! * It's a great camera system, but there's nothing singular here that gives it a sizable edge over last year. Slightly brighter and sharper photos are always welcome, but I'd have loved to see something … different, not unlike the 10x optical zoom on the [Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra](https://www.wired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra/). One thing that is new is Photographic Styles, which is a filter, but don't call it that. It's technically four photo styles you choose from before you take the photo—Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm, Cool—and Apple's image processing smartly applies the changes to the image without affecting things like skin tone. Let's just call it a better filter, OK? But guess what? It's not exclusive to the Pro models. Video mode, on the other hand, is where I spent most of my time testing these new Pro cameras, and it's all because of Cinematic Mode. I take Portrait Mode photos all the time, so you can imagine my excitement when this new mode brought it to video. You get a blur effect, similar to the bokeh you get from professional cameras, around a subject. What's unique here is that Apple recognizes subjects and can automatically shift focus to whatever the subject looks at when they turn their head. If the camera gets it wrong, you can very easily edit the clip to change the focus. It's incredible. Play/Pause Button Video: Julian Chokkattu But there are some big caveats to Cinematic Mode. You're restricted to 1080p video capture, not 4K. It also needs a lot of light to work effectively, so it's a no-go at night or in low light. I've also had trouble with the focus—when I look back at a door, my dog that's a small distance away, or a tree, the focus keeps staying on me, so I need to manually tap the screen to change it (while filming or post-capture). Apple says the effect works best when shifting between two faces, and when I tried it with my partner, the camera did accurately shift focus to her when I turned away. Still, this is the most impressive feature to come out of the new iPhone 13 Pro, and guess what? Yyyep. It's available on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini too. I don't want to make it sound like I'm against all of these features becoming available on the cheaper iPhones—that's fantastic. But there are just not that many other reasons to spend more for the Pros. ![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https://media.wired.com/photos/6149204955f7b3aea723343d/1:1/w_150%2Cc_limit/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg) Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max Rating: 8/10 [Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https://cna.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) [Buy at Swappa (Used)](https://cna.st/p/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi) All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https://www.wired.com/about/affiliate-link-policy/) One last thing might sway you: ProRes video capture. It's a professional-quality video format that gives you more control over your clips when editing, and it's arguably the most pro feature on this iPhone. Too bad it's not available yet, so I wasn't able to test it. It's expected to arrive on the phone later this year. I want to point out that Apple says if you buy the 128 GB iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, ProRes will only film at 1080p, whereas a phone with 256 GB of storage or more can shoot in 4K. Which begs the question: Why don't the Pro models start with more storage? To Pro or Not to Pro Other Pro-specific features include a stainless steel build, which is more durable than the aluminum iPhone 13 and Mini. There's now a 1 terabyte storage option too, which is nice, but again, it'd be nice if the base Pro model started with 256 gigs. That's about it. Apple retained its MagSafe [magnetic accessory system](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-iphone-12-cases-and-accessories/) here, just like on the cheaper iPhone 13 models, and the devices are all IP68 water resistant. Better gaming performance, a smoother display, long-lasting battery life, along with more and better cameras: These are all great reasons to jump for the Pro. If that's what you prioritize. Just know that, more than ever before, you're getting quite a bit with the non-Pro iPhones. And if that means saving a few hundred bucks that you can spend on the more important things in life, especially in these difficult times, I'd say that's a win. ![Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max](https://media.wired.com/photos/6149204955f7b3aea723343d/1:1/w_150%2Cc_limit/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg) Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max Rating: 8/10 [Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https://cna.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) [Buy at Swappa (Used)](https://cna.st/p/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi) All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https://www.wired.com/about/affiliate-link-policy/) [Buy at Amazon (Renewed)](https://cna.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) [Buy at Swappa (Used)](https://cna.st/p/CeRptrQEFLdUo3knZ5WADzkhPSnCbEJeG5y8LFC689KHz6f8BsQgrhzBABVQtyhoZNoz7ki7ukVf9yPb5KbWCYbWdiSpGURnnjP3BAfrZrPG2P2mk4VPrEiMZNErMXDBo36iLLXwS1etKPv1pwEtds8p1XaXo3K8DCdZwn6Ntd5FH3c6LCzYgqtZb5mx3w6QLvfgF2AxvdVpEDFRnQqtAWu8bBYFMvEXR8NpnLXgm7KsmMDugr3AnQCXLegjdPZ2S7Nn561ijJo2LAZCpwVFiiN9eENV6zjstoVq7A4LdWny6EVbiykcRBoEsJkHr9a5UAhv9U1UKViZgfkRBmmfQq5goRgYPQkgQof7VpD2sKUJHXfch3Lhx7Qns9cL5iZHoQXVUebcyvFPhb9K33fwYRnPhV4nHx9rt5KzswuupNW1GN96Pwczi) ## Comments [Back to top](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro/#main-content) There aren’t any comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation\! You need an account to add or like comments. [Sign in or create account](https://www.wired.com/auth/initiate?redirectURL=%2Freview%2Fapple-iphone-13-pro-max-and-iphone-13-pro%2F%3Fsource%3DCOMMUNITY_LOGIN%23leave-a-rating&source=COMMUNITY_LOGIN) [![](https://media.wired.com/photos/65e837c3237d9447be5378b7/1:1/w_90%2Cc_limit/Julian%2520Chokkattu.jpg)](https://www.wired.com/author/julian-chokkattu/) [Julian Chokkattu](https://www.wired.com/author/julian-chokkattu/) is Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ... [Read More](https://www.wired.com/author/julian-chokkattu) Senior Editor, Gear Topics[Shopping](https://www.wired.com/tag/shopping/)[review](https://www.wired.com/tag/review/)[apple](https://www.wired.com/tag/apple/)[iPhone](https://www.wired.com/tag/iphone/)[phones](https://www.wired.com/tag/phones/) ### Hardwired to Find the Best of the Best Upgrade your life with our Gear newsletter—get expert-tested product reviews, buying guides, deals, and how-to’s. See More Stuff [Review: Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max](https://www.wired.com/video/watch/review-apple-iphone-13-pro-and-pro-max/) The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max come with the A15 Bionic chip, a bigger battery, and Apple's sensor-shift camera stabilization technology, which allows for sharper low-light photos. Reviews Editor Julian Chokkattu gives up the rundown of both, and why you might want to stick with the non-pro version. 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Readable Markdown	Sep 21, 2021 9:00 AM ## Review: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro This year's top-tier iPhones are great, but there are fewer reasons than ever to shell out for them. ![WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/verso/static/wired-us/assets/icons/wired-recommends.svg) ![a row of different colored iPhones](https://media.wired.com/photos/6149204955f7b3aea723343d/master/w_2560%2Cc_limit/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_Colors_09142021.jpg) Photograph: Apple Buy Now Multiple Buying Options Available All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Rating: 8/10 Great performance. Battery comfortably lasts a full day, if not a little more. Excellent camera systems. The new Cinematic Mode for videos is tremendously fun. 120-Hz screen refresh rate makes everything look smooth. Base model starts with just 128 GB of storage, which is far too little. Pro models have fewer of the special features that justify the higher prices. Usually, we here at WIRED recommend the standard iPhone [as the model to get](https://www.wired.com/gallery/iphone-buying-guide/) for most people. This year, Apple made that recommendation even easier to make. No matter which [iPhone 13](https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-13-price-specs-release-date/) you buy, you now get 128 gigabytes of storage, as well as Apple's sensor-shift camera stabilization technology, which allows for sharper low-light photos by reducing micro hand-shakes. Both of those features used to be exclusive to the Pro model iPhones. My favorite new camera feature—Cinematic Mode—isn't restricted to one particular model either. WIRED's Lauren Goode tested the [iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-13-and-iphone-13-mini), so I highly suggest you read her review for more reasons on why you probably don't need a Pro. But you've probably already ordered a Pro Max because you want the biggest, bestest, newest gadget out there. And that's fine. Both the [iPhone 13 Pro (\$999) and iPhone 13 Pro Max (\$1,099)](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-iphone-13-cases-and-accessories/) are excellent smartphones with a few standout perks. Emphasis on "a few." The improvements over last year's [iPhone 12 Pro range](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-12-pro-max/) are all iterative, though very welcome. Silky Smooth The biggest non-camera-related reason to upgrade to the iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max is ProMotion, which is Apple's name for its 120-Hz screen refresh rate technology that debuted on the iPad Pro in 2017. You can [read more about screen refresh rates](https://www.wired.com/story/high-refresh-rate-explained/) if you're curious about this feature, but just know the iPhone's screen is doubling the number of images, or frames, it shows per second, from 60 to 120, which makes animations smoother. Apple's playing catch up, as we've seen Android phones with [high refresh rates](https://www.wired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-s20/) for some time (even on [cheap phones](https://www.wired.com/story/best-cheap-phones/)), but the implementation here takes into account what you're doing at any given moment and the speed at which your finger interacts with the screen. Just sitting on a static home screen? That refresh rate is probably in the low 10s. Wheeling through Instagram? It'll ratchet up to 120. (This dynamic adjustment helps conserve battery life too, since running 120 Hz all the time burns through battery.) The smoother screen experience is noticeable next to last year's iPhone 12 Pro Max. Everything just feels a tiny bit more fluid. With a massive 6.7-inch screen, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the iPhone you'll want to get if you want the biggest display. I also usually recommend the Max because the biggest iPhone often has a few extra tricks up its sleeve, even over the standard Pro. Well, not this year. Both Pro models are nearly identical—they're just separated by size and battery life. I've found myself gravitating to the 6.1-inch Pro's more compact size this time around. It's just so easy to reach all parts of the screen with one hand, and it's not too heavy. Better yet, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything by choosing the smaller Pro. One other Pro-exclusive perk? The displays get a little brighter than the other iPhone 13 models. If you're out on a very sunny day, you'll have an easier time seeing these OLED screens. ![iphone 13 pro side view with with three camera lenses visible](https://media.wired.com/photos/61492049e3c981d3147da111/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-Review-Apple_iPhone-13-Pro_New-Camera-System_09142021.jpg) Photograph: Apple Both are powered by the new A15 Bionic chip, but beware! For the first time, it's not the exact same A15 chip in the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Mini. This year, Apple is adding an extra graphics core for the Pro models, which should mean a boost when gaming or running other visually demanding apps. I noticed Genshin Impact ran smoother on the Pro Max over its predecessor. If you're a heavy gamer, it may make sense to reap the benefit of this extra core. But for everyday tasks, my benchmark computing scores were marginally higher than the results from last year's A14 Bionic. Apple says it tidied up the internal components to make room for larger batteries on both of these iPhones, and they comfortably last me a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, for example, hit an impressive seven hours of screen on time, with the regular Pro coming in a little behind. That said, it'd be nice if an iPhone was finally able to last two full days. Now that would be a Pro feature. Pro Camera Apple may have brought its [sensor-shift stabilization](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-12-pro-max/) tech to the main camera of every iPhone 13 model, but the Pro iPhones still have different cameras than their more affordable siblings. Sure, all of them have an ultrawide and a main camera, but on the Pro, both can take in more light. That helps produce sharper nighttime photos. Then there's the additional 3x optical zoom camera for more versatility; it can zoom in closer to your subject than last year's Pro could. ![Overview of iOS 15 features](https://media.wired.com/photos/60be802b70d107b3e767d5a6/master/w_775%2Cc_limit/Gear-Apple-WWDC-iOS-15-featured.jpg) You can now download iOS 15.4, which allows you to use Face ID even if you have a face mask on, among other new perks. All three cameras are very reliable. You can take a pretty detailed and bright photo after the sun has set, especially now that Apple's Night Mode works on all three sensors. I only wish the camera was better about triggering Night Mode automatically; too often, I got better results after manually turning it on when it was obviously dark enough. Then there's Portrait Mode, which works excellently on shots of my dog, and because of the Pro-exclusive lidar sensor, you can take portrait Night Mode photos, which bests results from competitors like the [Google Pixel 5](https://www.wired.com/review/google-pixel-5/). The ultrawide camera can autofocus this time around, and so it pulls double duty on the Pro models and doubles as a macro camera. Macro is another feature that's available in almost every [affordable Android phone](https://www.wired.com/review/moto-g-2021-all-models/), but Apple offers some of the best image quality here. The camera automatically switches to it when you get really close to a subject. You can get as close as 2 centimeters away—that's 0.78 inches! It’s great for bugs, plants, and my dog’s snoot. It even works in video mode. It’s a fun addition, but I’ve tried macro cameras on other phones before and it inevitably ends up being a feature I completely forget about. I did have some trouble with the autofocus in macro mode; it kept shifting while I tried to hold still, so I recommend using a tripod. The camera also kept switching to the main camera (there’s no dedicated macro mode). To make the experience as smooth as possible, switch to the ultrawide camera first and then move in close to your subject. That way, it won’t try to switch sensors if you move further away. (Apple says it will add a toggle to prevent this switching in an update later this year.) * ![close up of dog's nose](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7d55f7b3aea7233439/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Macro-Camera-Dog-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![sunset over a building](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7f1b7f21021061d6e7/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-telephoto-sunrise-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg) ![Image may contain Banister Handrail Railing Transportation Vehicle and Building](https://media.wired.com/photos/61492243eb28d4df0601bab5/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-ultrawide-domino-park-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![close up of flower](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7de022f446dcdff5fe/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Macro-Camera-flower-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![a bench in park shot from a distance](https://media.wired.com/photos/614921ffe022f446dcdff600/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-main-camera-park-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) ![woman in park](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7ec4951af374646d54/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Night-portrait-girl-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![New York nightscape](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7b55f7b3aea7233435/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-2_iPhone-13-Pro-Max-ultrawide-Night-mode-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) ![New York nightscape](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d79019a56924fab7f47/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-2_-iPhone-12-Pro-Max-ultrawide-Night-mode-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg) ![wide shot of bench in park](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7be2126c059c232688/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-1_iPhone-13-Pro-Max-3x-optical-zoom-bench-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![bench in park](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7aeb28d4df0601bab3/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-1_-Samsung-Galaxy-S21-Ultra-10x-optical-zoom-bench-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) ![Exterior of church](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7ce2126c059c23268a/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-3_-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-telephoto-Night-mode-fence-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.JPG.jpg) ![Exterior of Church shot further back](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7b019a56924fab7f49/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-COMPARISON-3_-iPhone-12-Pro-Max-telephoto-Night-mode-fence-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) ![New York skyline along the water](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7ea61c3e890f31fc3b/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-main-camera-skyline-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg) ![dog in park looking to the side](https://media.wired.com/photos/61491d7fa680b1f2086efee6/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Gear-JC-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-portrait-mode-dog-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg.jpg) 1 / 14 Photograph: Julian Chokkattu iPhone 13 Pro, macro camera. Bring the iPhone 13 close enough to a subject (up to 2 cm away), and it'll switch to the ultrawide camera, which can autofocus and doubles as a macro camera. Boop\! * It's a great camera system, but there's nothing singular here that gives it a sizable edge over last year. Slightly brighter and sharper photos are always welcome, but I'd have loved to see something … different, not unlike the 10x optical zoom on the [Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra](https://www.wired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra/). One thing that is new is Photographic Styles, which is a filter, but don't call it that. It's technically four photo styles you choose from before you take the photo—Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm, Cool—and Apple's image processing smartly applies the changes to the image without affecting things like skin tone. Let's just call it a better filter, OK? But guess what? It's not exclusive to the Pro models. Video mode, on the other hand, is where I spent most of my time testing these new Pro cameras, and it's all because of Cinematic Mode. I take Portrait Mode photos all the time, so you can imagine my excitement when this new mode brought it to video. You get a blur effect, similar to the bokeh you get from professional cameras, around a subject. What's unique here is that Apple recognizes subjects and can automatically shift focus to whatever the subject looks at when they turn their head. If the camera gets it wrong, you can very easily edit the clip to change the focus. It's incredible. Video: Julian Chokkattu But there are some big caveats to Cinematic Mode. You're restricted to 1080p video capture, not 4K. It also needs a lot of light to work effectively, so it's a no-go at night or in low light. I've also had trouble with the focus—when I look back at a door, my dog that's a small distance away, or a tree, the focus keeps staying on me, so I need to manually tap the screen to change it (while filming or post-capture). Apple says the effect works best when shifting between two faces, and when I tried it with my partner, the camera did accurately shift focus to her when I turned away. Still, this is the most impressive feature to come out of the new iPhone 13 Pro, and guess what? Yyyep. It's available on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini too. I don't want to make it sound like I'm against all of these features becoming available on the cheaper iPhones—that's fantastic. But there are just not that many other reasons to spend more for the Pros. One last thing might sway you: ProRes video capture. It's a professional-quality video format that gives you more control over your clips when editing, and it's arguably the most pro feature on this iPhone. Too bad it's not available yet, so I wasn't able to test it. It's expected to arrive on the phone later this year. I want to point out that Apple says if you buy the 128 GB iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, ProRes will only film at 1080p, whereas a phone with 256 GB of storage or more can shoot in 4K. Which begs the question: Why don't the Pro models start with more storage? To Pro or Not to Pro Other Pro-specific features include a stainless steel build, which is more durable than the aluminum iPhone 13 and Mini. There's now a 1 terabyte storage option too, which is nice, but again, it'd be nice if the base Pro model started with 256 gigs. That's about it. Apple retained its MagSafe [magnetic accessory system](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-iphone-12-cases-and-accessories/) here, just like on the cheaper iPhone 13 models, and the devices are all IP68 water resistant. Better gaming performance, a smoother display, long-lasting battery life, along with more and better cameras: These are all great reasons to jump for the Pro. If that's what you prioritize. Just know that, more than ever before, you're getting quite a bit with the non-Pro iPhones. And if that means saving a few hundred bucks that you can spend on the more important things in life, especially in these difficult times, I'd say that's a win. [![](https://media.wired.com/photos/65e837c3237d9447be5378b7/1:1/w_90%2Cc_limit/Julian%2520Chokkattu.jpg)](https://www.wired.com/author/julian-chokkattu/) [Julian Chokkattu](https://www.wired.com/author/julian-chokkattu/) is Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ... [Read More](https://www.wired.com/author/julian-chokkattu) ### Hardwired to Find the Best of the Best Upgrade your life with our Gear newsletter—get expert-tested product reviews, buying guides, deals, and how-to’s. See More Stuff
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