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James Godfrey

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 13, 2011
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Hi all

Having used the standard sized Pro iPhone 7, iPhone XS now iPhone 12, I am contemplating going with the Max next year when my upgrade is due.

I haven’t had a plus sized phone since the iPhone 6 Plus, and never went back since due to its size.

But I am feeling I need more battery life, so am contemplating going Max next year, could anyone tell me what other real world benefits the max size would give me over the standard sized iPhone?

Also your reasons for going max over the standard pro, or reasons why you have had max in the past and have now gone for the smaller size.

Thanks
 
in the same boat. I just ordered a 13Pro Max for the extended battery life and the larger screen (for work and for photography) but I am concerned it might be too big. The thing I love about my 12pro is using it with one hand.

We’ll see. Will report back once Apple is finally ready to deliver (November is the current ETA)
 
I don’t think there are many benefits apart from the bigger battery in the current generation.

I also recommend to try the size during the return period as one handed use may work for some, and not for others. My 12PM is a bit chunky once I add the case. YMMV.
 
Based on the various reviews between the Pro vs Pro Max (PM) models, the main reasons for the PM would be the slightly larger screen and more battery time and if you want to use the Pro Res format esp. in 4k.

Previously had the 6S Plus then the 8 Plus and upgraded to the 13 Pro.
Liked the bigger screen but not the bulkiness of the size as the Plus barely fit into any pockets, bulged out and slipped out so many times over the years.
The Pro fits into pockets and barely notice it that I started to pat down the pockets to make sure it's there. 😂

If you don’t mind the bulliness of a bigger screened iPhone, the Pro Max is fine.

Look at the specs at Apple’s website.

The older Plus models are almost identical to the PM model & within ~1~2 ounces so that imperceptible & negligible weight difference should Not be an issue.
If it is, then one needs to exercise.

Going from a smaller iPhone to the larger PM model will one find a weight difference and you’ll need time to get used to the bigger size esp. to use in one hand.

Otherwise, either the Pro or PM model is fine.

Good luck!
 
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I charge my Max battery once a week lmao lasts forever it's mf tank
 
I have gone large size since my iPhone 6S+. I like having the extra screen real estate and better battery life. I really don't find the extra ~2 oz more in weight too much of an issue.

13 Pro Max is king when it comes to battery life. That and the larger display is pretty much the difference for $100 more over the Pro version.
 
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To the OP, upgrading from the iPhone 12 to iPhone 13 Pro Max would seem to be seriously worth considering beyond just the screen and battery size.

1. ProMotion 120hz adaptive refresh rate screen.
2. Brighter screen at 1k nits with 1200 nits peak with HDR.
3. 20 percent smaller notch.
4. Telephoto lens improved over last year with 3x optical zoom.
5. Improved uktrawide angle with Autofocus making macro photos and video.
6. Wide angle lens with improved OIS.
7. Better low light photos and videos.
8. A15 chip is more efficient and powerful with a 5 core GPU for better gaming and less energy consumption.
9. ProRaw photography and soon ProRes video.
10. Cinematic photo and video. This can be adjusted afterwards.
11. Larger battery.
12. Longer battery life.
13. 10-12 hours plus screen on time.
14. Higher trade-in or resale value.
15. Screen size eliminates the need to carry a tablet.
16. One additional year of iOS updates.
 
in the same boat. I just ordered a 13Pro Max for the extended battery life and the larger screen (for work and for photography) but I am concerned it might be too big. The thing I love about my 12pro is using it with one hand.

We’ll see. Will report back once Apple is finally ready to deliver (November is the current ETA)
I made the switch this year to my first Max iPhone and do not regret it. I had the same concerns as you but found I can easily use the 13 PM with one hand. The phone did look big to begin with but now after 2 weeks everything looks and feels normal to use, if anything I now think the phone now looks small! The battery life is also fantastic and the screen size is awesome.
 
I just went from a 2018 XS Max to the new 13 Pro Max, coming from a 3yr old device, man it's night and day, the pro motion, the new design(for me anyway) just love it, feels bigger, more premium than my XS Max does, and I loved that phone, I have always been a big phone guy, due to my age(37, not that old) my eyes aren't great, I get sick easily, when to California from the 23rd to the 28th last Month, still got sick though first time on a plane, anyway, I do love the bigger screen, had a iPhone 6 for 3 days, got nauseated, took back, got 6+, never looked back on bigger screened phones.

So far the battery life on the 13PM has been great, whatever they call 2022's iPhone, it'll definitely be a huge upgrade for whoever isn't on a 12 or 13 IMO, idk about the 11.
 
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I went from the 12PM to the 13Pro. I wanted the smaller size because of how it fits in my hand and back pocket. Also it weighs less and I like that. I have a 30 minute commute to work each day. I charge my phone to and from work and every time I am in my car. I charge it ever night too. So I actually have to make sure I let it run down occasionally although I don't think it needs it.

If how long the battery will last is important to you go with the 13PM. Otherwise consider size and weight then make your decision.
 
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No one knows what the 14 will look or feel or weight like. Everything we heard so far has been rumors and sometimes they're right, but alot of times they're wrong. If you don't held a the 12 PM or 13 PM, you might not like it. The size is a turn off for alot of people, stating that it's too big. Some people prefer the 11 PM as the "right" size for them. Some still thinks the 11 PM is also too big.

I'm not sure why you would look at the max since you stated you don't like big sizes. You can get away with the regular 13 or 13 Pro since both have great battery life. That should be your target and not the max series, since that's what you want.
 
I went from the 12 pro to the 12 max and love it. Bigger screen and better battery life. I no longer need a power bank with me. The phone will last morning till night.
 
I'm in the minority, but I'm majorly regretting getting the Max.

I went from a 12 Pro and ordered both a 13 Pro and 13PM so I could try them both out. I felt that the 13PM was bigger and better and the weight wasn't *that* much of an issue and so I returned the Pro Friday to make sure I hit the 14 day period.

Big mistake.

A weekend of using the PM exclusively has made me realize just how unwieldy it is. The finger gymnastics are a pain, the phone is too slippery and fragile without a case but with a case, it adds more heft and size and using it one handed is a ballache. And I didn't realize just how much I DID use it one-handed. I work out, but I clearly have weak wrists because it hurts after a while.

Sadly, it took me using it as a daily driver to find this out, rather than just carrying it around as a second phone which is what I was doing.

It's my own stupid fault but I'm stuck with it now (and I know this is a first world problem!) Even if I could convince Apple to take it back now beyond the 14 days, the actual 13 Pro is out of stock for at least a month due to the chip shortage.

Sigh.
 
I'm in the minority, but I'm majorly regretting getting the Max.

I went from a 12 Pro and ordered both a 13 Pro and 13PM so I could try them both out. I felt that the 13PM was bigger and better and the weight wasn't *that* much of an issue and so I returned the Pro Friday to make sure I hit the 14 day period.

Big mistake.

A weekend of using the PM exclusively has made me realize just how unwieldy it is. The finger gymnastics are a pain, the phone is too slippery and fragile without a case but with a case, it adds more heft and size and using it one handed is a ballache. And I didn't realize just how much I DID use it one-handed. I work out, but I clearly have weak wrists because it hurts after a while.

Sadly, it took me using it as a daily driver to find this out, rather than just carrying it around as a second phone which is what I was doing.

It's my own stupid fault but I'm stuck with it now (and I know this is a first world problem!) Even if I could convince Apple to take it back now beyond the 14 days, the actual 13 Pro is out of stock for at least a month due to the chip shortage.

Sigh.
I did this same thing with the 12 series. Ended up going back to the Pro. Stinks that you're past the 14 days.
 
Posted this in another thread about 13 Pro or 13 Pro Max:

I never had a plus size or max phone, until the 13 Pro Max. I’ve had it for 3 days now and I mostly enjoy it. Typing is much nicer and the battery is amazing. I keep looking for negatives. A couple are struggling at times putting it in my pocket and one handed/ease of use.

I keep thinking I will grow tired of the weight and size. It causes some anxiety thinking I may regret it after my 14 days are up. I pickup my wife’s 13 Pro and it feels small. Crazy after only 3 days. But even though it’s “small” it feels more comfortable, natural. Not sure if that makes sense.

I’ve got 11 days to decide. Not sure what I’ll do but I keep looking for stock for the 13 Pro to pop up at a local Apple store. If I was betting on or against myself, I’d bet I’ll choose the comfort and peace of mind of the 13 Pro. Decisions, decisions…
 
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Posted this in another thread about 13 Pro or 13 Pro Max:

I never had a plus size or max phone, until the 13 Pro Max. I’ve had it for 3 days now and I mostly enjoy it. Typing is much nicer and the battery is amazing. I keep looking for negatives. A couple are struggling at times putting it in my pocket and one handed/ease of use.

I keep thinking I will grow tired of the weight and size. It causes some anxiety thinking I may regret it after my 14 days are up. I pickup my wife’s 13 Pro and it feels small. Crazy after only 3 days. But even though it’s “small” it feels more comfortable, natural. Not sure if that makes sense.

I’ve got 11 days to decide. Not sure what I’ll do but I keep looking for stock for the 13 Pro to pop up at a local Apple store. If I was betting on or against myself, I’d bet I’ll choose the comfort and peace of mind of the 13 Pro. Decisions, decisions…
I'm in California (LA). Where are you seeing the Pros pop up? I can't seem to see any..
 
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Was on an XS Max, and changed to the 13 Pro Max. After using it for almost 2 weeks, did not like the significant heft the Max has and swapped to the 13 Pro.

The larger screen and better battery life of the Pro Max is nice, but not for the additional weight. However one thing that is still taking time to become accustomed to is the noticeable camera hump protrusion, Pro or Pro Max.
 
If I manage to get a Pro, selling the Max hopefully won't be a problem since they're like gold dust and this one is well cared for
this is exactly what I did with my 12 Max/Pro dilemma! I actually made a little $ since Max's were still hard to come by in my color when I sold it.
 
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