You’re searching for the iPhone 13 Plus because you want that perfect middle ground. You want the massive 6.7-inch screen of a Pro Max but without the heavy stainless steel price tag. It makes total sense. Honestly, the "Plus" branding is exactly what Apple used for years with the 6, 7, and 8. But here is the weird thing: the iPhone 13 Plus doesn’t actually exist.
If you go to an Apple Store and ask for one, the genius behind the bar will probably point you toward the iPhone 14 Plus or the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It’s a common mix-up. Apple skipped the "Plus" name for years, opting instead for the "Mini" during the 13-series era. They only brought the Plus back in 2022 with the 14 lineup.
So, if you are looking for a big-screen experience from the 13-generation, you’re basically looking at the 13 Pro Max. If you want the affordable big-screen vibe, you’re looking at the 14 Plus. Let’s break down what really happened and which one you should actually buy in 2026.
The Mystery of the Missing iPhone 13 Plus
When Apple dropped the 13 series back in 2021, the lineup was simple but narrow. You had the 13 Mini (5.4 inches), the standard 13 (6.1 inches), the 13 Pro (6.1 inches), and the 13 Pro Max (6.7 inches). There was a huge gap. If you wanted a big screen, you had to pay the "Pro" tax.
Many people misremember the 13 Pro Max as an iPhone 13 Plus because it occupies that same physical footprint. It’s got that expansive Super Retina XDR display that’s perfect for watching Netflix or scrolling through endless TikToks. But it’s a tank. We are talking about a 240-gram beast.
The actual "Plus" model—the iPhone 14 Plus—was Apple's way of fixing this mistake. They realized people loved big screens but didn't necessarily need three camera lenses or a 120Hz ProMotion display. By the time 2026 rolled around, the used and refurbished markets became flooded with these models, making the confusion even worse.
Why people still hunt for the 13 series
The A15 Bionic chip. That’s the short answer. It was so good that Apple actually reused it in the 14 and 14 Plus. If you buy a standard 13 today, you’re getting almost the exact same performance as the 14 Plus, just in a smaller body.
But let's be real. Size matters. If you’re used to a small phone, jumping to a 6.7-inch screen feels like holding a tablet.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Plus: The Real Choice
Since the iPhone 13 Plus isn't a thing, your real decision is between the old flagship and the newer "budget" big phone.
The 13 Pro Max is arguably one of the best iPhones ever made. It was the first one to really nail battery life. I remember reviewers like MKBHD and the team at The Verge being genuinely stunned that a phone could last two full days. It has a stainless steel frame that feels incredibly premium, even if it’s a bit of a fingerprint magnet.
On the flip side, the iPhone 14 Plus (the one people usually mean when they say 13 Plus) is made of aluminum. It’s significantly lighter. If you’ve ever dropped a Pro Max on your face while lying in bed, you’ll know why 37 grams of weight difference actually matters.
- Display: Both are 6.7 inches. The 13 Pro Max has ProMotion (120Hz), so scrolling feels like butter. The 14 Plus is stuck at 60Hz.
- Cameras: The 13 Pro Max has a dedicated Telephoto lens for 3x zoom. The 14 Plus only has Wide and Ultra Wide.
- Battery: It’s a toss-up. Both are absolute endurance kings.
Common Misconceptions About the 13 Generation
One of the biggest lies on the internet is that you need the newest model for a good camera. Honestly, the sensor-shift optical image stabilization that debuted on the 12 Pro Max was standard across the entire 13 line. Whether you’re on a 13 Mini or the 13 Pro Max, your photos are going to look sharp.
Another thing? The notch. The 13 series was the first time Apple actually shrunk it. It’s 20% smaller than the one on the iPhone 12. It’s not the "Dynamic Island" you see on the 15 or 16, but it gives you back a decent chunk of screen real estate.
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Some people think the iPhone 13 Plus exists because of "fake" listings on sites like eBay or certain international marketplaces. Often, these are just mislabeled standard iPhone 13s or, in worse cases, 14 Plus models that sellers are trying to move quickly. Always check the model number in Settings > General > About.
Is the 13 series still worth it in 2026?
It’s a fair question. We are several generations ahead now. However, Apple’s software support is legendary. The 13 series is currently running the latest iOS with zero lag.
If you find a "deal" on an iPhone 13 Plus, you are likely looking at a refurbished 13 Pro Max. At this point in 2026, the battery health on a used 13 Pro Max might be dipping toward 80%. That’s where you have to be careful. A 14 Plus will likely have a fresher battery and will get software updates for at least a year longer.
Technical Reality Check
Let’s look at the A15 Bionic for a second. It has a 6-core CPU and, in the Pro models (and the 14 Plus), a 5-core GPU. The standard 13 only has a 4-core GPU. Will you notice? Probably not unless you're playing Genshin Impact on high settings. For Instagram, email, and YouTube, it’s basically overkill.
How to buy the "Plus" experience without the "Plus" name
If you’re dead set on the 13th generation but want the big screen, here’s how to navigate the market:
- Search for "iPhone 13 Pro Max" instead. This is the hardware you're actually dreaming of.
- Check for 120Hz. If the screen doesn't feel incredibly smooth when you scroll, it's not a Pro model.
- Verify the colors. The 13 Pro Max came in Alpine Green and Sierra Blue. The 14 Plus (the "accidental" 13 Plus) has colors like Purple and Yellow.
- Weight is the giveaway. If it feels light for its size, it’s a Plus model. If it feels like a brick of premium metal, it’s a Pro Max.
The 13 series remains a high-water mark for Apple. It was the last generation with the SIM card tray in the US (the 14 and newer are eSIM only). For travelers or people who like swapping cards, that alone makes the 13-gen hardware more valuable than the newer "Plus" models.
Stop looking for a ghost. The iPhone 13 Plus never rolled off the assembly line, but its spirit lives on in the 13 Pro Max and the subsequent 14 Plus. Decide whether you want the luxury of the Pro or the lightweight practicality of the 14 Plus, and you'll be much happier with your purchase.
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Check the battery cycle count before buying any used device from this era. If it's over 500 cycles, factor in the cost of a replacement battery at an Apple-authorized service provider. Look for models with at least 128GB of storage; the 64GB days are long gone and simply aren't enough for modern apps and 4K video.