When you’re in the market for a new phone, its size is important, but there is so much more to it than that. As phones get smarter you want to make the right choice for you, so how do the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone XS Max compare?

Let’s start with the obvious, screen size. The iPhone XS Max has a screen that’s over an inch bigger than the iPhone 13 mini’s screen. 6.5 inches compared to 5.4. If you’re someone who likes to watch a lot of Netflix or even TikTok on your phone then a big screen is a plus. The same goes for gamers. As for screen quality, the iPhone XS Max has an excellent OLED screen, much like the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 13 mini does have the edge on brightness and image sharpness, simply because it’s 3 years newer. That said, the iPhone XS Max holds its own well.  It has the same 4GB RAM as the iPhone 13 mini and the same option for up to 512 Gb of storage. Both of these phones have 2 x 12 MP rear cameras for great photos – the only difference is the iPhone XS Max offers 2X optical zoom which is better than the digital zoom on the iPhone 13 mini, but the latter has an ultra-wide angle lens.

In terms of processors, the iPhone 13 mini is far more advanced with Apple’s A15 bionic processor, compared to the A12 bionic on the iPhone XS Max, so if you want a fast device, this is the phone for you. The iPhone 13 mini also has better battery life, you’ll get around 32 hours of average usage, while the iPhone XS Max will give you 25. The iPhone 13 mini is easier to grip as it measures 131.5 x 64.2 mm and weighs just 141 g, the XS Max measures 158.2 x 77.9 mm and weighs 208 g. 

If you like a big screen, you’ll be better with the iPhone XS Max, but if you want an easy-to-hold, powerful phone then get the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone XS Max cost a couple of hundred dollars more than the iPhone 13 mini on release, but you can now get a great deal on either phone when you buy refurbished.