If you’re asking about an iPhone vs a Xiaomi in this thread, I think you sort of can guess what answers you’re gonna get, hahaha…

Having used plenty of Xiaomi phones in the past, I can say as far as bang for buck is concerned, nobody beats them in terms of their hardware to price proposition. But their software is a mixed bag - you may love it or loathe it. I’m in the latter category hence I’ve stopped buying Xiaomi phones for a couple of years or more now.

Oh you mean purely camera performance? W

Im using the 13 pro max also, and trust me, just stick with the 13 pro max. Tq

I bought the Xiaomi 13 Ultra while waiting for the 15 Pro Max to be released. I'd say, the Xiaomi UI these days mimic iOS pretty closely - your muscle memory will work things out for you most of the time.
In my personal opinion, it is a more of a solid camera only kind of setup as it's not a very nice phone to use thanks to MIUI. But I'll still keep it and get the iPhone 15 Pro Max

bro and sis, i have been using android all these years.

should i get iphone 14 pro instead of iphone 15 / 15 pro ?

okay,

another case is iphone 15 / 15 plus vs iphone 15 pro

which one is better ?

They definitely improved something in iPhone 15 Pro Max camera that they didn't properly showcase in the September event, because compared to last year iPhone 14 Pro Max, this year video samples that Apple posted are much better video quality in exposure, HDR and even lighting, maybe it was the video ray tracing capability on iPhone 15 Pro series?

In fact, brave enough to livestream an entire Hollywood Awards Show on iPhone 15 Pro Max Cameras alone is wild, Apple is definitely cooking something in this year's Pro.

Ya, the 2023 VMAs live broadcast shot on iPhone 15 Pro can be found here
https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1nAKErELarVGL

Though the broadcast recording above is pre-show, for the recording of main show only on streaming service Paramount+ or TV reruns.

The price jump memang not worth dy, what you get?

A phone which is slightly lighter
A phone with better ergonomics with Curved sides but we eventually use case
A slightly better processor
A slightly better camera system
A not so useful feature which is the dynamic island
Type c and action button (these two are welcomed la)

Our 13 pro max kan, just change the battery and we are good to go dy. imo the 15 pro max is a good phone tbh, but not worth the upgrade.

** the above opinion may change once reviews and battery efficiency tests are out 😛😛, but as of now, not worth the upgrade**

Rather than the lens, i'd say the DoF is largely attributed to the large sensor for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. The Huawei P60 Pro has a faster lens (wider aperture) but negated by a smaller sensor.

Photo outcome especially, it can be frustrating when you're taking close ups, mainly because of these few reasons.
1) Rather far minimum focusing distance, you can't go up close like a typical iPhone
2) Too much bokeh - imagine you're taking photo of a plate of food at an angle; half the plate will be out of focus unless you stop it down to F/4.0 manually from F/1.9; only then it's usable.

Negative points aside, it's really really artistic if you know what you're doing. The 'Leica Authentic' mode is flat enough to be manipulated in post such as Adobe LR, although not at iPhone level

Photo outcome is very usable, I always find Xiaomi's colour science somewhat decent, ever since my first encounter with the brand with the Mi 4i. Which is atypical of a Chinese phone where they usually delivers punchy colours and over-sharpening in their photos.

As i'm getting the iPhone 15 Pro Max, i'm still contemplating to stick as planned with a duo iPhone combination - great for seamless integration, or do a hybrid Mi 13 Ultra - iPhone 15 Pro Max combo - best camera duo in my hands

The overheating issue can be reduced by software update

But uncertain whether Apple going to do it

yes. the only way is to throttle the speed. still, some think it's a minor issue.

looking at how my wife's iPhone 15 Plus is performing till now, I think I'll skip this round Pro series. or getting a Plus.

Did apple already announce it's design flaws?(What am i asking, they sure won't tell the public it was their fault or the fault in their design).
So i guess downclocking means no fix until next generation, bummer~

Just curious whether we can ask to open and touch the case before purchase?

Rhinoshield JellyTint case - it looks like hard case, but not very hard and easier to take out. 😊

Try a different charging brick and cable and see if it yields the same heat during charging.
Yes. If you pay for it yourself.

Might as well buy from SenHeng. Can get 1 year extra warranty. Thats the best reseller IMO. Can't get extra one year warranty for free if you buy from Apple Store. Maybe a free tote bag.
They all look the same old boring to me. 
Err... Never felt good anymore whenever I get my new Iphone every year. Maybe during 3G, 3Gs, 4, 4S, 5, 5S times. But definitely not after that anymore.