Complete guide to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 13 Pro, 15 Plus and 17
Everything about the iPhone Pro Max and Pro line-up, including the iPhone 16, 14, 13, 15 Plus and 17. A clear guide to picking the right iPhone for you.
Choosing between an iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus and the new iPhone 17 is rarely obvious: on paper the gaps look small, but in daily use they change the price you pay, the battery life you feel and how long the phone stays up to date.
This guide breaks down the key differences across the Pro, Pro Max and Plus models, with a comparison table, advice by use case, and a look at buying refurbished — the best way to get a Pro model without paying new-device prices.
Understanding the iPhone Pro Max and Pro line-up
Apple's range works on two axes. First size: standard and Pro models sit around 6.1 in, Plus and Pro Max around 6.7-6.9 in. Second finish level: Pro models add a premium metal chassis, a 120 Hz ProMotion display, an optical telephoto lens and more advanced photo/video processing.
The classic mistake is buying the newest model by reflex. In practice a refurbished iPhone 13 Pro still delivers about 90 % of the modern experience for a fraction of the cost, while an iPhone 16 Pro Max only makes sense if you genuinely use its record battery life and camera system.
The models in detail
iPhone 13 Pro: best value on the refurbished market
Released in 2021, it brought 120 Hz ProMotion to the Pro line. 6.1 in Super Retina XDR display, A15 Bionic chip, triple 12 MP camera with macro ultra-wide and 3x telephoto, stainless steel chassis.
Strengths: still perfectly smooth, excellent battery life, Cinematic mode. Limits: 12 MP main sensor (versus 48 MP later), Lightning port, and a software support window that will end sooner than newer models.
iPhone 14 Pro: the technology jump
The iPhone 14 Pro is the clearest break in this list. It introduces the Dynamic Island, the always-on display, and above all the 48 MP main sensor with the Photonic Engine. A16 Bionic chip, 1-120 Hz adaptive 6.1 in screen, 2,000 nits outdoors, crash detection and satellite emergency SOS.
The 48 MP sensor enables lossless 2x crop, effectively giving you four useful focal lengths. For many buyers it is the sweet spot between modern features and refurbished pricing.
iPhone 15 Plus: big battery without the Pro price
The iPhone 15 Plus isn't a Pro, and that's the point. It keeps the 6.7 in screen, the XXL battery and the move to USB-C, while dropping the telephoto and 120 Hz to stay considerably cheaper.
A16 Bionic chip, 48 MP main sensor, lighter aluminium body, Dynamic Island. Battery life is among the best in the whole Apple range, often beating the 6.1 in Pro models.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: the top of the range
A 6.9 in display — the largest ever on an iPhone — titanium chassis, A18 Pro chip, 5x telephoto, 48 MP ultra-wide, dedicated Camera Control button and 4K 120 fps video.
This is the one to get if you shoot photo or video seriously, or use your phone as a primary work tool. Its only real drawback is the format: at 6.9 in it isn't a one-handed device.
iPhone 17: the current generation
The iPhone 17 brings long-time Pro features to the standard line: 120 Hz ProMotion, a brighter and tougher panel, a new-generation chip and clear efficiency gains. The series spans a standard model, a slim version, then iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max with advanced telephoto and improved cooling.
The gap between a standard iPhone 17 and a Pro has narrowed: the difference now comes down mostly to cameras and materials.
Comparison table
| Model | Display | Chip | Camera | Port | Best for | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Pro | 6.1 in · 120 Hz | A15 | 12 MP · 3x zoom | Lightning | Tight budget, daily use | 12 MP sensor, shorter support |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 6.1 in · 120 Hz · always-on | A16 | 48 MP · 3x zoom | Lightning | Best price/tech balance | Still Lightning |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 6.7 in · 60 Hz | A16 | 48 MP · dual camera | USB-C | Battery life, big screen | No 120 Hz or telephoto |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 6.9 in · 120 Hz | A18 Pro | 48 MP · 5x zoom | USB-C | Photo/video, pro use | Size, price |
| iPhone 17 | 6.3 in · 120 Hz | New generation | 48 MP | USB-C | New buyers, longest support | New-device price |
Price and storage options
Pro models start at 128 or 256 GB depending on generation and go up to 1 TB. 256 GB is the balanced pick if you shoot a lot of video; 128 GB is fine with cloud backup. Note that a storage upgrade often costs more than the price gap between two refurbished generations.
How to choose the right iPhone
Lowest price with a genuine Pro experience → refurbished iPhone 13 Pro.
Best overall value → iPhone 14 Pro: 48 MP, Dynamic Island and always-on for a much lower price than new.
Video, reading, two-day battery → iPhone 15 Plus.
Serious photography and video → iPhone 16 Pro Max, for the 5x zoom and high-frame-rate video.
Longest software support → iPhone 17.
Buying refurbished: what to check
A certified refurbished iPhone costs 30-50 % less than new. Check three things: battery health (aim for 85 % minimum or a new battery), carrier unlock status, and the warranty — at CoinMobile every device is tested on 40+ points and covered for 12 months.
Browse our refurbished iPhones or all refurbished smartphones to compare live pricing.
FAQ
What's the difference between Pro and Pro Max? Screen size, battery size and, on some generations, telephoto reach. Chips and main sensors are identical.
Is the iPhone 13 Pro still worth buying? Yes, refurbished. It stays smooth, supported, and lasts a full day.
Older Pro or newer standard model? Older Pro for camera and display; newer standard for software longevity.
Is the 15 Plus better than the 14 Pro? Yes if battery and screen size matter most; no if photography does.
How long do iPhones get updates? Apple typically provides five to six years of major iOS updates.