The iPhone 13 Pro Max was the first iPhone with a 120Hz ProMotion display and, at the time, the longest-lasting battery Apple had shipped. On MTN it now appears mostly as certified pre-owned, which makes battery health the figure that decides whether it is a good buy.
Get that number in writing. A 13 Pro Max with a healthy battery is still an excellent large phone; one with a degraded battery is a daily frustration, and the model’s reputation rests entirely on that component.
Everything else about it — the triple camera, the 6.7-inch ProMotion screen — has aged well.
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| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Monthly instalment | High on a Pro Max — the 24-month total is the figure that matters |
| Which plan tier | Determines the data and the advertised price |
| Data allocation | Check the anytime portion, not the headline number |
| Storage size | Pro Max models span several tiers at very different prices |
| Handset condition | New or certified pre-owned |
| Insurance | The outstanding balance is large if the handset is lost or stolen |
| Trade-in value | Materially changes which deal is actually cheapest |
| Battery health | Critical on any pre-owned Pro Max |
Pricing, bundles and stock change regularly. Confirm the current deal and the total contract cost with MTN before applying.
Compare by network, brand or budget
Against other networks. See Telkom iPhone 13 Pro Max contract deals and iPhone 13 Pro Max Contract Deals Vodacom.
Against newer Pro Max models on MTN. The 14 Pro Max adds the Dynamic Island and a 48MP camera. See iPhone 14 Pro Max Contract Deals MTN.
Against a current standard iPhone. Newer chip, USB-C and years more support at a similar monthly cost — but a smaller screen and no telephoto lens. A genuine trade-off.
Best-fit use cases
Use-case considerations
You want a large ProMotion screen cheaply. The core argument, and this is where 120Hz first arrived on iPhone.
Battery life matters to you. With a healthy cell this remains one of the longest-lasting iPhones Apple has made.
You want a telephoto lens on a budget. The 3x reach is useful and much cheaper here than on current models.
The listed battery health is low. Then walk away or budget a replacement — on this model that figure is the whole decision.
You want USB-C. Not this generation; it uses Lightning.
You need years of software support. A newer handset will outlast this one comfortably.
Related parent and child options
Related child pages
- MTN deals — MTN’s full contract range.
- MTN iPhone deals — every iPhone MTN lists.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max contract deals — the model across all networks.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max Contract Deals MTN — the next generation on the same network.
- iPhone 13 Pro contract deals — the compact version of the same generation.
What to check before applying
- Total contract cost — monthly instalment × 24, plus any upfront amount.
- The data allocation, and how much of it is anytime data.
- Storage capacity on the specific listing.
- Data allocation, and what happens when it runs out — out-of-bundle rates or a hard stop.
- Handset condition — new or certified pre-owned — and the warranty.
- Early cancellation terms, including the outstanding handset balance.
- What the plan reverts to at the end of the term.
- Insurance, since the outstanding balance stays payable if the handset is lost or stolen.
- MTN coverage at your home and work addresses.
MTN contract applications are subject to MTN’s own checks — identification, proof of address, banking details, RICA registration, and generally a credit and affordability assessment. Requirements can change. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
How is the battery on a used 13 Pro Max?
It shipped with exceptional battery life, but capacity degrades with age and charge cycles. Ask for the health percentage in writing — anything well below 85% will be noticeable, and on this model that figure decides the purchase.
Was this the first iPhone with 120Hz?
Yes. ProMotion arrived on the iPhone 13 Pro models, which is one reason this generation still feels current in use despite its age.
Does it have USB-C?
No, it uses Lightning. Apple moved the iPhone to USB-C with the 15 generation.
Is a newer standard iPhone a better buy?
It depends what you value. A current standard model has a newer chip, USB-C and more support; the 13 Pro Max has a bigger ProMotion screen and a telephoto lens. Compare on which you would notice.
What happens at the end of the contract?
The handset is paid off and becomes yours, but the plan commonly continues month-to-month at the same price unless you act. Diarise the end date and either move to SIM-only or upgrade — continuing means paying a handset-inclusive rate for service alone.
Can I keep my number if I switch to MTN?
Number portability applies between South African providers, so you can bring your existing number. Confirm the porting process and timing before switching, and do not cancel your old plan until the port has completed.
Compare your options: browse the full MTN range, or see contract deals South Africa.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock and availability can change.