The OnePlus 13 has arrived, promising to be a top contender among Android phones, much like the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the Apple arena. Both phones boast impressive hardware and cutting-edge technology, but key differences, including a significant price gap, set them apart. Which of these large-screen powerhouses deserves your attention? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Design and Display: Curves vs. Classic
The OnePlus 13 and iPhone 16 Pro Max embody contrasting design philosophies. The OnePlus 13 opts for a subtly curved display and a smoothly integrated camera module. Its vibrant 6.82-inch AMOLED display boasts a crisp 3168 x 1440 pixel resolution and a buttery-smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Conversely, the iPhone 16 Pro Max retains Apple’s signature flat-edged design and a more prominent, squared-off camera bump. Its slightly larger 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display features a 2868 x 1320 pixel resolution and the same 120Hz ProMotion dynamic refresh rate.
Both devices boast premium construction. The OnePlus 13 combines a glass back with an aluminum frame, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max utilizes a robust titanium frame and glass construction. The choice boils down to personal preference: ergonomic curves for the OnePlus 13 versus Apple’s classic angular aesthetic for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The OnePlus 13’s display offers intriguing features, such as dual simultaneous refresh rates and a glove/wet touch mode. However, inconsistencies with upward swipes, sometimes opening app overviews and other times minimizing apps, detract from the user experience. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s display offers a more consistent and refined experience.
Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Performance: Power vs. Optimization
A person holding the OnePlus 13, showing the wireless charging insert in the camera cutout.
The OnePlus 13, armed with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, excels in benchmarks, gaming, and multitasking. Its generous 12GB to 16GB RAM options ensure seamless performance. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip and 8GB RAM, leverages Apple’s tight hardware-software integration for optimized real-world performance.
Both devices offer blazing-fast storage and 5G connectivity. While the OnePlus 13 might edge out the iPhone 16 Pro Max in raw power, the iPhone’s optimized performance provides a consistently smooth and responsive experience.
Winner: OnePlus 13
Camera: Hasselblad Hues vs. Computational Photography
Close up of the iPhone 16 Pro Max camera
The OnePlus 13 flaunts a triple 50MP camera system (main, ultrawide, and 3x telephoto) co-developed with Hasselblad, focusing on vibrant colors and detailed textures. The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, leveraging Apple’s computational photography prowess for sharp, well-exposed images. While the OnePlus 13 offers higher resolution, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in portrait mode and low-light scenarios.
Winner: Tie
Battery and Charging: Endurance vs. Efficiency
A person holding the OnePlus 13 showing the screen.
The OnePlus 13 boasts a substantial 6,000mAh battery and impressive 80W wired and 50W wireless charging. Tests demonstrate exceptional battery life, easily lasting two to three days with light use. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s smaller 4,685mAh battery relies on efficient power management. While the iPhone’s charging speeds (27W wired, 25W MagSafe) are slower, its optimized software contributes to commendable battery performance.
Winner: OnePlus 13
Software and Updates: Customization vs. Longevity
iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium.
The OnePlus 13 runs OxygenOS, a customizable Android skin offering a blend of stock Android and personalization options. However, OnePlus’s update history is less consistent than Apple’s. The iPhone 16 Pro Max benefits from iOS 18’s seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and a long-term software support commitment, ensuring years of updates.
Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Price and Availability
The OnePlus 13, starting at $900, offers significant savings compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s $1,200 starting price. Storage options vary, with the OnePlus 13 offering 256GB and 512GB, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Verdict: Android Value vs. iOS Ecosystem
iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium.
The OnePlus 13 and iPhone 16 Pro Max are both exceptional smartphones. The OnePlus 13 excels in performance, battery life, and affordability. The iPhone 16 Pro Max shines in its seamless iOS integration, long-term software support, and refined user experience. Your choice depends on your priorities and ecosystem preference.
