Iphone 15 Pro Max Vs 13 Pro Max Is The Screen Size Difference Even Noticeable

When upgrading from one flagship iPhone to another, especially within the Pro Max line, it’s natural to expect meaningful improvements. The jump from the iPhone 13 Pro Max to the iPhone 15 Pro Max brings several advancements — but one of the most subtle changes is in screen size. At first glance, the numbers suggest only a minor increase: from 6.7 inches to 6.7 inches. Yes, both devices share the same diagonal measurement. However, slight refinements in bezel design and aspect ratio have led to nuanced differences in usable screen space and visual immersion. So, is this change actually noticeable in everyday use?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on how you use your phone, your sensitivity to design details, and whether you’re holding both devices side by side. Let’s explore the real-world implications of these seemingly identical screens and determine whether the evolution matters.

Screen Specifications: A Closer Look

On paper, both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays measuring 6.7 inches diagonally. But that doesn’t tell the full story. Apple has quietly refined the display layout across generations, primarily by reducing bezel thickness and adjusting the curvature at the edges.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max benefits from Apple’s latest manufacturing techniques, including slightly tighter screen integration and improved edge-to-edge continuity. While the active display area remains nearly identical, the overall footprint of the device is marginally smaller due to narrower side borders. This means more screen in a body that feels just as manageable — if not slightly sleeker.

“Even fractional gains in screen real estate can improve readability and media consumption over time.” — Dr. Lena Park, Human-Device Interaction Researcher, MIT Media Lab

Physical Dimensions and Ergonomics

Despite the shared screen size, there are measurable differences in physical design that influence perceived screen presence.

Feature	iPhone 13 Pro Max	iPhone 15 Pro Max
Display Size (Diagonal)	6.7 inches	6.7 inches
Bezel Width (Estimated)	~2.5 mm	~2.0 mm
Front Screen Area (Approx.)	181 cm²	183 cm²
Device Height	160.8 mm	159.9 mm
Device Width	78.1 mm	76.7 mm
Weight	240 g	221 g

The reduction in width and weight on the iPhone 15 Pro Max contributes to a perception of a more modern, compact feel — despite housing the same-sized display. This makes one-handed reach slightly easier, particularly for users with average or smaller hands. The narrower frame also means less dead space around the screen when viewing videos or reading articles.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos or read long-form content, even a 1–2mm reduction in bezel width can reduce eye strain by minimizing distractions at the screen edges.

User Experience: Is the Difference Noticeable?

To assess whether the screen size difference is perceptible, consider three key scenarios: daily browsing, media consumption, and multitasking.

• Browsing and Scrolling: In apps like Safari or Twitter, the extra ~2 cm² of screen area on the 15 Pro Max allows for roughly two additional lines of text to be visible at once. This may seem trivial, but over hours of scrolling, it reduces the number of swipes needed and improves flow.
• Video Viewing: When watching widescreen content, the slightly taller effective display (due to reduced black bars and optimized scaling) enhances immersion. On the iPhone 15 Pro Max, letterboxing during cinematic films appears marginally thinner, making the image feel larger relative to the device.
• Split-Screen Multitasking: iOS 17 introduces improved multitasking features, especially on iPadOS-inspired workflows. With a fractionally larger usable height, the 15 Pro Max provides slightly more vertical room when using Slide Over or picture-in-picture modes.

However, unless you’re placing both phones side by side, most users won’t spontaneously notice the screen difference. The brain adapts quickly to display proportions, and since resolution (2796 × 1290 pixels) and pixel density (~460 ppi) remain nearly identical, sharpness and clarity are indistinguishable to the naked eye.

Mini Case Study: Longtime User Upgrades After Two Years

James, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used his iPhone 13 Pro Max daily for work — capturing client previews, editing on Lightroom, and managing communications. After upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he didn’t immediately register any screen size change. “I expected something dramatic,” he said. “But after a week, I realized photos looked just a tiny bit more expansive in landscape mode. And when I edit with split-screen tools, I don’t feel as cramped.”

It wasn’t the screen size itself that stood out — it was the combination of slimmer bezels, lighter weight, and improved brightness (up to 2000 nits peak HDR) that collectively enhanced the viewing experience. For James, the screen felt “more immersive” without technically being “bigger.”

What Really Changed: Beyond Screen Size

The true value of the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display lies not in raw dimensions but in qualitative upgrades:

• ProMotion Adaptive Refresh Rate: Maintained at up to 120Hz, but now more efficient with dynamic refresh rates dropping to 1Hz where appropriate.
• Peak Brightness: Increased from 1200 nits (typical) on the 13 Pro Max to 2000 nits in HDR — a game-changer for outdoor visibility.
• Color Accuracy: Improved calibration and support for wider color gamut in professional workflows.
• Always-On Display: Introduced in the 13 Pro Max and refined in the 15 model with better dimming and customization.

These enhancements compound the viewing experience far more than a fractional increase in screen area ever could. In direct sunlight, the 15 Pro Max remains legible where its predecessor begins to wash out. During nighttime reading, the deeper blacks and smoother dimming reduce eye fatigue.

Checklist: How to Evaluate the Screen Difference Yourself

1. Hold both devices side by side in the same lighting conditions.
2. Open the same app (e.g., Messages or Safari) and scroll simultaneously.
3. Play a 4K HDR video and observe black bar thickness and brightness.
4. Try typing with one hand — note which device feels more balanced.
5. Use split-view mode in Notes or Mail to test vertical space utilization.
6. View a photo gallery in landscape — check if images appear more spacious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max screen actually bigger than the 13 Pro Max?

No, both have a 6.7-inch diagonal measurement. However, the 15 Pro Max has marginally slimmer bezels and a slightly larger usable screen area due to design refinements. The difference is minimal but contributes to a more modern look and feel.

Can I see the screen difference without comparing them side by side?

Most users cannot detect the screen size difference in isolation. The improvements are subtle and best appreciated through cumulative factors like brightness, weight, and bezel thinness rather than outright size.

Does the screen upgrade justify upgrading from the 13 Pro Max?

If screen quality is your primary concern, the jump may not be worth it alone. However, combined with brighter display, lighter titanium frame, USB-C port, and Action Button customization, the overall package offers meaningful usability gains — especially for professionals relying on visual accuracy.

Conclusion: Subtlety With Substance

The screen size difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max is technically negligible, yet perceptually relevant when considered alongside broader design evolutions. You won’t suddenly gain a dramatically larger canvas, but you will enjoy a more refined, immersive, and responsive display experience shaped by incremental progress.

Apple’s approach here reflects a mature product strategy: instead of chasing bigger numbers, they optimize what already works. The result is a display that feels more integrated, more durable, and more capable — even if the specs sheet doesn’t shout about it.

💬 Have you upgraded from the 13 Pro Max to the 15 Pro Max? Did you notice the screen difference? Share your experience and help others decide whether the subtle evolution adds up to real-world value.