Starting off the year, the OnePlus 13 is proving to be a much more improved Android phone. One could argue that it really is the best phone the company has delivered to date, especially when it comes to its photo-taking capabilities. Of course, it can’t afford to come up short against the iPhone 16 Pro Max — which tops our best camera phones list. That's why a OnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max photo shootout is necessary.

In his OnePlus 13 review, my colleague says how “it's the improved cameras that are the OnePlus 13's crowning achievement.” I absolutely agree with him on this topic, as I’ve also put the OnePlus 13 cameras to the test, like shooting cinematic video and capturing astrophotography with the flagship model. All of this proves to me why it’s a contender.

However, I need to remind you about the outcome between my OnePlus 12 vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max photo shootout. It was a landslide win for Apple’s flagship, which features a 48MP main shooter, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP selfie camera. This time the outcome may be different because the OnePlus 13 is packing a different set of cameras — a trio of 50MP shooters for the rear cameras and a 32MP selfie cam.

As with all of my other 200 photo face-offs, I take both phones out to capture the same set of photos. After snapping them, I then preview all of my images on the same monitor to inspect all of their differences. Here’s what I found.

OnePlus 13对比iPhone 16 Pro Max：主摄像头性能分析

Initially, my attention is drawn to the main camera shot from the OnePlus 13, as it presents a brighter overall image compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, that impression quickly fades. Upon closer examination of the finer details, it becomes evident that the iPhone’s photo offers sharper details and a more balanced exposure.

The arrangement of flowers in the vase is captured with greater clarity in the shot taken by the iPhone 16 Pro Max, while the neon sign in the upper left maintains its vibrant green and pink hues. Conversely, the OnePlus 13 tends to overexpose the sign, causing the colors to look more washed out.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

OnePlus 13与iPhone 16 Pro Max：动态范围对比

Given my observations of the OnePlus 13's tendency to produce brighter images, it's no surprise that it outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max in terms of dynamic range. When the sun is shining through the trees, the iPhone 16 Pro Max tends to create more of a silhouette effect, while the OnePlus 13 does a better job of illuminating the shadows, revealing the intricate details of the branches.

As my evaluation of the images focuses exclusively on dynamic range performance, I am not allowing the subtler details captured by the OnePlus 13 to sway my judgment.

Winner: OnePlus 13

OnePlus 13与iPhone 16 Pro Max：超广角对比

I'm excited to share that the OnePlus 13 has upgraded to a 50MP ultrawide camera boasting a 120-degree field of view, surpassing the 114-degree field offered by its predecessor, the OnePlus 12. This enhancement levels the playing field with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which also features a 48MP ultrawide camera with an identical 120-degree field of view.

The distinction between the two images becomes apparent when I zoom in on each one. I must say, I prefer the more dramatic appearance of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, primarily because it features a warmer color temperature. However, the OnePlus 13 excels in delivering sharper details across the entire frame. From the sign at the center to the grass in the foreground nearest to me, the OnePlus 13 offers enhanced clarity.

Winner: OnePlus 13

OnePlus 13与iPhone 16 Pro Max：颜色对比

A quick look at the images above makes it hard for me to determine which phone excels in color reproduction. Nonetheless, I must say that I appreciate how both devices beautifully capture the rich, vivid hues of the flowers in the scene.

I've noticed that the OnePlus 13 tends to enhance highlights, which can make certain colors like yellow and orange look a bit oversaturated. In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max showcases deeper color tones, giving it a more pronounced presence when viewed alongside the OnePlus.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

OnePlus 13与iPhone 16 Pro Max：自拍对比

At first glance, the OnePlus 13 seems to have the upper hand with its impressive 32MP selfie camera, but this highlights the fact that specifications alone don't tell the whole story. In reality, the 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera on the iPhone 16 Pro Max produces superior image quality.

The richness of detail is what stands out the most, especially in the stubble on my face and the fabric texture of my hoodie. When you examine it closely, you'll notice that the Ray-Ban logo on my sunglasses is also highlighted beautifully by the iPhone's photography.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

OnePlus 13与iPhone 16 Pro Max的肖像模式对比

The OnePlus 13's tendency to enhance brightness in photos is clearly visible in these side-by-side portrait comparisons. I appreciate the sharpness, detail, and clarity in both images; however, the OnePlus 13 significantly boosts the exposure in the shadows, making my face and the darker areas of my hoodie look unnaturally bright.

On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers a more realistic portrait image. Additionally, I believe both devices excel at separating me from the background.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

OnePlus 13与iPhone 16 Pro Max：微距摄影对比

I'm honestly surprised because the macro photography capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro Max have been outstanding. However, that seems to have changed with the OnePlus 13, which appears to outperform it slightly. This is noteworthy, especially since I've always favored the ultrawide camera performance of the OnePlus over that of the iPhone.

In general, both images are impressive with their intricate details. However, upon closer examination, I find myself favoring the OnePlus 13's photos for their enhanced contrast and clarity. While the differences may be subtle, they are significant enough for me to declare a clear winner.

Winner: OnePlus 13

OnePlus 13与iPhone 16 Pro Max：变焦对比

The most fascinating aspect of the photo shootout between the OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is their telephoto zoom capabilities. On one hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts an impressive 5x optical zoom with its telephoto lens. However, the OnePlus 13 shouldn’t be underestimated, thanks to its advanced image processing algorithms and AI-powered enhancements.

Let's begin with the initial collection of zoomed-in photos of the sign above, taken at 5x zoom. I'm quite impressed with the OnePlus 13's performance when compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, especially considering that the OnePlus has a telephoto lens with only 3x optical zoom. The level of detail captured is remarkable, particularly in the wood grain and textures, which appear almost indistinguishable. However, I would have to concede that the iPhone does manage to capture just a bit more detail.

There’s quite a bit of AI wizardry at play with the 25x zoom images I took of the emblem on the wooden sign. The OnePlus 13 not only offers greater contrast but also impressively reveals the wood's textures. I notice this transformation in real time; the picture appears blurry on the OnePlus 13’s screen, but once the shot is finalized, the image quality is noticeably improved.

Winner: OnePlus 13

OnePlus 13对比iPhone 16 Pro Max：全景拍摄

Similar to my comparison between the OnePlus 12 and iPhone 16 Pro Max in a photo shootout, I need to closely examine the details to see how each device performs with panoramas. It's evident from the images above that the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in managing the brightness of the sun, which looks overly bright and washed out in the OnePlus 13's shot.

Additionally, I have a strong preference for the warmer color temperature produced by the iPhone 16 Pro Max, particularly noticeable with the dunes on the left side of the image. Lastly, the iPhone offers a touch more clarity with the wooden rails.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

OnePlus 13 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Performance in Low Light Conditions

Strangely, the OnePlus 13 still struggles to outperform the iPhone when it comes to low-light photography, even though I often observe it producing a brighter image in regular lighting situations. As always, I conduct this test in my backyard, which is almost completely dark.

Although the OnePlus 13 shows progress compared to its predecessor in low light photography, it still falls short of the brighter exposure offered by the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, the iPhone captures more intricate details in the tree branches. Overall, I would say that this is the best low light performance I've encountered with a OnePlus device so far, but it remains behind Apple's capabilities.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

OnePlus 13 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Conclusion

I never expected the competition to be so tight, but the photo shootout between the OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max surprised me. For the first time since its launch, the iPhone 16 Pro Max managed to clinch a narrow victory — highlighting the diminishing difference in performance between these flagship devices compared to earlier versions.

Although it fell slightly short in some areas, I must commend the OnePlus 13 for breaking free from the negative perceptions that plagued its predecessors. Its impressive dynamic range and AI-boosted zoom capabilities highlight the significant advancements in image processing technology. I'm still trying to understand how OnePlus utilizes AI to improve its zoom photography, especially considering the limitations of its optical zoom camera.

Apple may have triumphed in this competition, but given how closely OnePlus managed to challenge it, I'm excited to see what other Android devices will bring for the remainder of the year.