Refurbished iPhone Pro Max Models Compared: Which One Should You Buy? (UK Guide)

Short answer: If you just want the cheapest way into a Pro Max, the refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max still delivers a 120Hz ProMotion display and a genuinely good triple-camera system. If you want the best all-round value, the refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max is the one to look at first — it offers a newer chip, a titanium frame, USB-C and a 5x zoom lens, so compare its live price with the 14 Pro Max before you decide. If you want the largest screen and longest battery life Apple has ever put in an iPhone, the refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max is the current flagship. The 14 Pro Max is worth considering only if you specifically want Dynamic Island and a Lightning-based accessory collection at a mid-range price. Full reasoning, a side-by-side spec table and a generation-by-generation breakdown follow below.

This guide compares only the Pro Max models — iPhone 13 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max, 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max — side by side, to help you pick the right generation of Pro Max. If you want the full deep-dive on any single generation (including the standard, Plus and Pro variants, grading details and more storage/colour options), see our dedicated guides linked in each section below. If you're deciding between a Pro Max and a smaller Pro, standard, or budget iPhone instead, our Best Refurbished iPhone to Buy in 2026 guide covers the whole range.

Why Buy the Pro Max Specifically?

Every generation covered here, the "Pro Max" suffix has meant the same three things relative to the smaller Pro model in the same year: the largest display Apple offers that year, the longest battery life in the lineup, and — until the iPhone 16 Pro closed the gap — the only iPhone with the longest telephoto zoom. If you want a big screen for video, reading, or gaming, and you want to charge less often than with the standard or Pro model, the Pro Max is the one to buy. The trade-off is size and weight: all four models weigh in at over 220g and won't suit anyone who wants a phone that's easy to use one-handed.

The Tech Gadgets currently lists all four Pro Max generations — 13, 14, 15 and 16 — as unlocked, SIM-free refurbished stock, each backed by a 12-month warranty and 30-day return window. Every unit is sold fully unlocked and works with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and most other UK networks.

Pro Max Generations Compared: Full Spec Table

The Starting Price column links to today's live price for each generation. Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair grades are listed on each product page at the same storage tiers — Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest. Live stock by grade, colour and storage changes constantly, so check the variant selector on each product page for exact availability on the day you order.

Note on pricing: refurbished prices don't always follow release order. Live refurbished pricing moves with stock and grading availability, so a newer model such as the 15 Pro Max — the faster, titanium device with USB-C and a longer zoom — can sometimes cost less than the older 14 Pro Max. If you're choosing between those two specifically, check both listings before assuming "newer costs more."

iPhone 13 Pro Max: Who It Suits

The iPhone 13 Pro Max (launched 2021) is the oldest Pro Max The Tech Gadgets currently stocks, and it's the cheapest way to get a 120Hz ProMotion display, a triple-lens Pro camera system, and genuinely long battery life in the Pro Max form factor. Apple specifies the A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU (the higher-binned variant used in the Pro models that year), which remains capable for browsing, streaming, social apps and most games, though it is the oldest chip in this comparison and the first to lose future iOS feature support as Apple's requirements rise.

Apple specifies a Pro triple 12MP camera system on the 13 Pro Max: a Wide lens with a larger sensor and sensor-shift optical image stabilisation (f/1.5), an Ultra Wide (f/1.8), and a 3x optical zoom Telephoto (f/2.8) — plus Smart HDR 4, Night mode across all three lenses, and Apple ProRes video recording. Apple specifies up to 28 hours of video playback on this model, the longest of any iPhone released in 2021, and the display is a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with ProMotion adaptive refresh up to 120Hz. It charges over a Lightning port rather than USB-C, so factor in cable compatibility if your other devices have already moved to USB-C.

Best for: buyers on the tightest Pro Max budget who still want a 120Hz screen and a proper triple-camera system, and who don't mind keeping (or buying) Lightning cables and accessories. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the 13 Pro Max with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options and colours including Alpine Green, Gold, Graphite, Sierra Blue and Silver.

For the full picture on the entire iPhone 13 range — including the standard 13, 13 Mini and 13 Pro — see our iPhone 13 series buying guide.

iPhone 14 Pro Max: Who It Suits

The iPhone 14 Pro Max (launched 2022) was the first Pro Max to introduce two features that are now standard across the whole Pro line: Dynamic Island, which replaced the notch with an interactive pill-shaped cutout for notifications and Live Activities, and an Always-On display, made possible by a new 1Hz refresh rate that lets the lock screen show the time and widgets without fully waking the phone. Apple specifies the A16 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU, a step up from the A15 in the 13 Pro Max, and it continues to receive current iOS updates.

Apple specifies a 48MP Main camera (up from 12MP on the 13 Pro Max) alongside a 12MP Ultra Wide and a 12MP 3x optical zoom Telephoto, plus 4K ProRes video recording. Battery life is rated by Apple at up to 29 hours of video playback, and the display remains a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with ProMotion 120Hz, now paired with the Always-On capability. Like the 13 Pro Max, it uses a Lightning port rather than USB-C.

Best for: buyers who specifically want Dynamic Island and Always-On display but don't need the titanium frame, USB-C or longer 5x zoom that arrived with the 15 Pro Max. Because refurbished pricing doesn't always follow release order (see the pricing note above), most buyers comparing purely on value should check the 15 Pro Max listing before committing to a 14 Pro Max at today's prices. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the 14 Pro Max with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage in Deep Purple, Gold, Silver and Space Black.

For the full picture on the entire iPhone 14 range — including the standard 14, 14 Plus and 14 Pro — see our iPhone 14 series buying guide.

iPhone 15 Pro Max: Who It Suits

The iPhone 15 Pro Max (launched 2023) introduced two changes that reshaped the entire Pro Max line going forward: a titanium frame, replacing the stainless steel used on the 13 and 14 Pro Max, and a switch to USB-C charging with USB 3 speeds, replacing Lightning. Apple specifies the titanium chassis as lighter than the equivalent stainless steel design used previously. Under the hood, Apple specifies the A17 Pro chip, built on a 3-nanometre process with a 6-core GPU — the biggest single generational jump in this comparison.

The headline camera upgrade was the 5x optical zoom Telephoto lens using a "tetraprism" folded-lens design, which Apple specifies as exclusive to the Pro Max model at launch (the standard 15 Pro kept a 3x zoom that year). Combined with a 48MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide, Apple specifies seven usable focal lengths across the three lenses on this model. Apple specifies up to 29 hours of video playback, matching the 14 Pro Max, and the display remains a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with ProMotion 120Hz and Always-On. The 15 Pro Max also introduced the customisable Action button, replacing the physical mute switch used on every iPhone since the original.

Best for: buyers who want the best overall value in this comparison — a titanium build, USB-C, a genuinely useful 5x zoom and one of the fastest chips here, sometimes at a lower live price than the older 14 Pro Max. This is the model we'd point most undecided buyers toward. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the 15 Pro Max from 256GB — there is no 128GB option, reflecting Apple's original launch configuration — with 512GB and 1TB also available, in Black, Blue, Natural and White Titanium finishes.

For the full picture on the entire iPhone 15 range — including the standard 15, 15 Plus and 15 Pro — see our iPhone 15 series buying guide.

iPhone 16 Pro Max: Who It Suits

The iPhone 16 Pro Max (launched 2024) is the newest and largest model in this comparison, and the current flagship in The Tech Gadgets' refurbished range. Apple specifies a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display — larger than the 6.7-inch panel used on every Pro Max from the 13 through the 15 — still with ProMotion up to 120Hz and Always-On. Apple specifies the A18 Pro chip, its fastest mobile chip at launch, with a 6-core CPU (2 performance and 4 efficiency cores) and 6-core GPU, and the 16 Pro Max ships capable of running Apple Intelligence features on-device where supported by your region and iOS version.

Apple specifies a redesigned camera system: a 48MP Fusion Main camera with a faster sensor supporting 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120fps, a 48MP Ultra Wide (up from 12MP on the 15 Pro Max), and a 12MP 5x optical zoom Telephoto. The 16 Pro Max also introduced the Camera Control button, a dedicated capacitive control for quickly accessing camera settings and Visual Intelligence. Apple specifies up to 33 hours of video playback — the longest of any model in this comparison — alongside Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. Like the 15 Pro Max, it charges over USB-C and keeps the titanium frame, now in Black, White, Natural and Desert Titanium finishes.

Best for: buyers who want Apple's largest and longest-lasting iPhone screen, the newest chip and camera hardware, and don't mind paying the highest price in this comparison for it. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the 16 Pro Max with 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage confirmed against Apple's official specifications; the live listing also shows a 2TB variant, which is a store-listed option rather than an Apple-confirmed launch configuration, so double-check that specific storage tier's availability before ordering if 2TB matters to you.

For the full picture on the entire iPhone 16 range — including the standard 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16e — see our iPhone 16 series buying guide.

What Changed From Generation to Generation

Looking across all four Pro Max generations side by side, the changes cluster into a few clear jumps rather than a steady straight line:

Design and materials

The 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max both use a stainless steel frame with a Ceramic Shield front. The 15 Pro Max switched to titanium, a change Apple specifies as reducing weight versus the equivalent steel design, and the 16 Pro Max kept titanium while growing the screen to 6.9 inches, making it both lighter-feeling per inch of screen and physically larger than its predecessors.

Charging port: Lightning to USB-C

The 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max both charge over Lightning. The 15 Pro Max was the first Pro Max — and the first iPhone in Apple's history — to switch to USB-C, with Apple specifying USB 3 speeds on the Pro models specifically (the standard 15 and 15 Plus kept USB 2 speeds over the same USB-C port). The 16 Pro Max continues with USB-C and USB 3. If you already own USB-C cables and accessories from other devices, the 15 and 16 Pro Max will fit straight into that ecosystem; if you have a drawer full of Lightning cables, the 13 or 14 Pro Max avoids buying new ones.

The screen: Dynamic Island, Always-On, and a bigger panel

The 13 Pro Max uses Apple's older notch design. The 14 Pro Max introduced Dynamic Island and Always-On display — both features Apple has kept on every Pro Max since. The 15 Pro Max kept the same 6.7-inch size but added the titanium frame and Action button around it. The 16 Pro Max is the only model here with a genuinely larger panel, growing to 6.9 inches — noticeably bigger in hand than the 6.7-inch screens used from 2021 through 2023.

Cameras: from 12MP to 48MP, and the arrival of tetraprism zoom

The 13 Pro Max's main camera is 12MP; from the 14 Pro Max onward, Apple moved to a 48MP main sensor (using pixel-binning to output high-quality 12MP photos by default, with a full 48MP ProRAW option). Telephoto zoom stayed at 3x optical through the 13 and 14 Pro Max, then jumped to 5x with the 15 Pro Max's tetraprism folded-lens design — a feature Apple specified as exclusive to the Pro Max that generation, since the standard 15 Pro kept 3x. The 16 Pro Max kept the 5x tetraprism telephoto and upgraded the Ultra Wide lens from 12MP to 48MP, its biggest ultra-wide jump in this comparison.

Chip and battery life

Chip generation moves in lockstep with the model year: A15 Bionic (13 Pro Max) → A16 Bionic (14 Pro Max) → A17 Pro (15 Pro Max, the first 3-nanometre iPhone chip) → A18 Pro (16 Pro Max, the only chip here built for on-device Apple Intelligence). Apple's stated video playback battery life has climbed steadily too: 28 hours (13 Pro Max) → 29 hours (14 and 15 Pro Max) → 33 hours (16 Pro Max), the last figure boosted partly by the larger 16 Pro Max chassis housing a bigger battery cell.

How to Choose Between Them

If budget is your main constraint, start at the bottom of the table and work up: the iPhone 13 Pro Max remains a genuinely capable phone with a 120Hz screen, a real Pro camera system, and the lowest price in this comparison — though as the oldest model here, it will be the first to see its iOS feature support start narrowing as Apple's requirements rise. If you want the best value for money rather than the lowest price, compare the live listings for the 14 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max directly before buying — as noted above, the newer, better-specified 15 Pro Max doesn't necessarily cost more. If screen size and battery life matter more than price, the 16 Pro Max's 6.9-inch display and 33-hour battery rating make it the clear pick, provided you're comfortable with the largest and heaviest phone in this comparison and the highest price.

One more practical factor: cable and accessory compatibility. If you or your household already run USB-C accessories (chargers, car mounts, MagSafe-style docks), the 15 Pro Max or 16 Pro Max will slot straight in. If you have existing Lightning cables, car chargers or docks you want to keep using, the 13 Pro Max or 14 Pro Max avoids an accessory re-buy.

Condition Grades, Warranty and Returns

Every Pro Max generation on The Tech Gadgets is sold across four condition grades: Like New, Excellent, Very Good, and Fair. Exact cosmetic grading criteria for each tier (what specific marks or wear are permitted at each grade) are not published on the individual product pages, so if the precise cosmetic condition matters to you, check the product photos for your chosen grade and colour, or contact The Tech Gadgets before ordering. Box contents and repair history are likewise not confirmed on the product pages — the same applies there: ask before you buy if this affects your decision. We're not going to guess at percentages or contents that aren't published; if you need that level of detail, get in touch with the store directly.

All refurbished units come with a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults (this excludes battery wear, physical damage, water damage and electrical/short-circuit damage) and a 30-day return window from delivery — contact The Tech Gadgets before sending anything back. Every phone across all four generations is sold fully unlocked and SIM-free, so any of them should work with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and most other UK and international networks, subject to normal compatibility if you're porting a number.

None of the product listings for these four models currently states a specific battery health percentage for the refurbished units on sale. As with any used phone, some reduction in maximum battery capacity versus new is normal and expected; if battery health matters to your decision, contact The Tech Gadgets directly to ask before ordering, rather than relying on Apple's "when new" battery playback figures quoted in the table above, which describe the device's original specification rather than the condition of any specific refurbished unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which refurbished iPhone Pro Max is the best value in the UK right now?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers the strongest combination of price and specification — a titanium frame, USB-C, a 5x zoom camera and the A17 Pro chip — and it doesn't necessarily cost more than the older iPhone 14 Pro Max, so check both live prices. If you want the absolute lowest entry price for a Pro Max, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is cheaper still, though it's an older chip and camera system with a Lightning port.

Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max still worth buying in 2026?

Yes, for budget-focused buyers. It still runs current iOS, offers a 120Hz ProMotion display and a genuine Pro triple-camera system, and it's the cheapest Pro Max The Tech Gadgets currently stocks. Its main drawbacks against the newer models are the older A15 Bionic chip, a 3x (rather than 5x) telephoto zoom, and a Lightning rather than USB-C port. As with any older device, it will be the first in this comparison to lose future iOS feature support as Apple's system requirements rise.

What's the actual difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max?

The 16 Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch display (versus 6.7 inches on the 15 Pro Max), a newer A18 Pro chip built for on-device Apple Intelligence, an upgraded 48MP Ultra Wide camera (versus 12MP on the 15 Pro Max), a dedicated Camera Control button, and a longer-rated battery life of up to 33 hours versus 29 hours. Both models share a titanium frame, USB-C charging and the same 5x tetraprism telephoto zoom. The 16 Pro Max carries a meaningfully higher price on The Tech Gadgets' current listings.

Do all these Pro Max models come unlocked and work with any UK network?

Yes. The Tech Gadgets sells all four generations — 13, 14, 15 and 16 Pro Max — fully unlocked and SIM-free, and they should work with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and most other UK and international networks. If you're porting an existing number, it's still worth confirming compatibility with your specific network before ordering.

Which Pro Max has the best camera for zoom photography?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max both use the same 5x optical zoom tetraprism telephoto lens, making them the strongest choices in this comparison for anyone who regularly shoots distant subjects, wildlife, or sports from the sidelines. The 16 Pro Max adds a higher-resolution 48MP Ultra Wide lens on top of that, giving it an edge for wide-angle and low-light ultra-wide shots specifically, while the core zoom capability is effectively matched between the two. The iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max are limited to 3x optical zoom.

Related guides: iPhone 13 series · iPhone 14 series · iPhone 15 series · iPhone 16 series · Best refurbished iPhone to buy in 2026 · Refurbished iPhones under £200