iPhone 13 Review – What’s New and Improved?
The iPhone 13 is no longer the newest iPhone, yet it remains a tempting option. With the release of the iPhone 14 and 15 series, which retain the same cameras, display, chipset, and design, the differences between the 13 and its successors are minimal. For a closer look, our iPhone 14 review details the full updates, though many are subtle.
This similarity might be disappointing for some, as we noted in our initial iPhone 13 review that the upgrade from the iPhone 12 was modest, with only a few tweaks. On paper, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Apple had named it the iPhone 12S—the design is nearly identical, specs show little difference, and there aren’t many groundbreaking features.
If you’re hoping for a more significant upgrade, it’s worth noting that new models, such as the iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, were anticipated for September 7. But if you’re ready to purchase now, the iPhone 13 offers a few improvements worth considering.
The standout improvement of the iPhone 13 is its battery life. Apple has historically struggled with battery performance, but we found it hard to drain the iPhone 13’s battery during our daily testing. This model brings a substantial enhancement, making it one of the longest-lasting iPhones to date.
The iPhone 13 also features Apple’s A15 Bionic chipset, which is extremely powerful. Paired with 4GB of RAM, it can handle multiple apps and tasks with ease, delivering smooth and responsive performance.
Camera upgrades are another key benefit. The iPhone 13’s updated dual-camera system offers greater clarity in images, and the inclusion of Sensor Shift optical image stabilization (OIS)—previously available only on Pro Max models—helps prevent blurry shots, even during quick captures.
The display, too, is improved. The OLED technology used in the iPhone 13 produces a brighter, more vibrant picture than earlier standard iPhones, which is especially noticeable if you’re upgrading from an older model like the iPhone XS. Picture quality is fantastic, enhancing the viewing experience for everything from photos to videos.
However, one limitation remains: Apple hasn’t included a 120Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 13. This means the screen isn’t as smooth as that of the iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, so users won’t experience the ultra-responsive feel seen in those higher-end models.
The iPhone 13 starts at $799 / £779 / AU$1,349, offering 128GB of storage as the base model compared to the iPhone 12’s 64GB. Since its launch, the prices have decreased, making it an even more appealing option for buyers seeking value.
At first glance, the iPhone 13 may seem like a modest upgrade, yet its improvements in battery life, performance, screen quality, and camera functionality make it a worthwhile choice for those with an older iPhone or Android device.
iPhone 13 Release Date and Price
iPhone 13 series was announced on September 14, 2021, at Apple’s annual launch event, with pre-orders beginning on September 17. The official release date followed on September 24, making all models available on the same day—unlike the staggered rollout of 2020’s iPhone 12 lineup.
Starting at $799 / £779 / AU$1,349, the iPhone 13 matches the iPhone 12’s launch price in the US and Australia, with a slight decrease in the UK. For this price, you get 128GB of storage, as Apple has retired its 64GB base model—a move that many had anticipated. If you’re looking for more capacity, there’s a 256GB option at $899 / £879 / AU$1,519 and a 512GB model at $1,099 / £1,079 / AU$1,869.
The iPhone 13 is the second most affordable option in its series, with the iPhone 13 mini priced slightly lower at $699 / £679 / AU$1,199. The mini offers a similar experience but in a smaller, more budget-friendly form. On the other end of the spectrum, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max provide enhanced features and, in the case of the Pro Max, a larger screen.
If you’re considering an iPhone 13, it may be worth checking for Apple promo codes to see if you can secure a deal.
Today’s Best Deals
- iPhone 13 (128GB): $392 at Amazon
- iPhone 13 (256GB): $425 at Amazon
- iPhone 13 (512GB): $480 at Amazon
iPhone 13 Design
If you own an iPhone 12, you’re unlikely to spot major design differences between that device and the iPhone 13. However, if you have an older iPhone or an Android handset, the updates may feel more significant.
The iPhone 13 retains the flat-edge design that debuted with the iPhone 12, which gives it a slightly more angular feel than earlier models. Yet, it remains comfortable for one-handed use, offering a solid grip without feeling overly sharp. The phone’s front and back are both glass, though only the front includes Apple’s Ceramic Shield technology, introduced with the iPhone 12. This shield reportedly increases drop resistance by four times compared to older iPhones, although testing it in real-life situations isn’t recommended.
We haven’t tested the Ceramic Shield ourselves, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there—though it would have been even better if Apple had extended this protection to the back of the phone as well.
In terms of durability, the iPhone 13 is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, which means it can withstand being submerged in up to six meters of water for 30 minutes. While not fully waterproof, it’s robust enough to handle occasional exposure to water without issue.
As for physical controls, the left edge of the iPhone 13 includes the silence switch, volume buttons, and SIM tray, while the right edge features only the power button, making it easily accessible when you want to wake the phone. The bottom edge houses the speakers and Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, used for both charging and data transfer.
The iPhone 13’s dimensions (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm) make it easy to use with one hand, although those who prefer smaller devices may still lean toward the iPhone 13 mini. It weighs a bit more than the iPhone 12—174g versus 164g—but this increase is subtle and doesn’t affect its handling.
The rear design is simple yet sophisticated, with the Apple logo centered and the camera module positioned in the top-left corner. Apple made a minor adjustment this year by arranging the dual lenses diagonally instead of vertically, which gives it a refreshed look.
You have five color options with the iPhone 13: Blue, Midnight, Starlight (a warm cream color), Product Red, and Pink. These shades are generally muted, so if none appeal to you, it may be worth waiting to see if Apple releases additional colors, as it did with the purple iPhone 12 several months after launch.
One final note: if you’re upgrading from an iPhone 12, be aware that your current cases won’t fit the iPhone 13 due to slight design adjustments.
iPhone 13 Display
The iPhone 13’s display measures 6.1 inches with a resolution of 2532 x 1170, resulting in a crisp Super Retina XDR OLED screen. Apple has ensured the display is bright and vibrant, even under direct sunlight, making it easy to use outdoors without compromising visibility.
With 460 pixels per inch, the resolution is solid and holds up well for everyday tasks, whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing. Although some high-end smartphones offer even higher resolutions, the iPhone 13’s display quality doesn’t feel lacking for regular use.
The phone has thin bezels around the screen, and while there’s still a notch at the top, it’s 20% smaller than that of the iPhone 12, adding a bit more usable screen area. It’s not a huge change, but you’ll notice the extra space, especially if you’re coming from an iPhone 12.
However, the iPhone 13 lacks the 120Hz refresh rate found in the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models, which offer a smoother experience when scrolling and gaming. Instead, the iPhone 13’s display refreshes at the standard 60Hz. For those who have experienced 120Hz on other devices, the difference is noticeable, but it’s not a deal-breaker—more a nice-to-have feature than an essential one.
iPhone 13 Camera
The iPhone 13 camera setup may not look significantly different on the surface compared to its predecessor, but the updates bring some impressive improvements. It includes a dual-camera array on the rear with a 12MP wide camera featuring an f/1.6 aperture and a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view and f/2.4 aperture. Additionally, there’s a 12MP front-facing camera that handles selfies and video calls with ease. While there’s no telephoto lens, digital zoom reaches up to 5x, though it doesn’t match the quality seen on some other flagship devices.
The main 12MP camera offers a noticeable upgrade over the iPhone 12, thanks to larger 1.7µm pixels, up from 1.4µm. This increase contributes to superior picture quality, particularly in low-light situations, where the larger pixels capture more light, resulting in brighter, more detailed images. Additionally, Apple’s Sensor Shift OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) technology, previously exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, is now incorporated in the iPhone 13. This feature provides exceptional image stabilization, allowing you to take sharp photos even if the phone isn’t completely steady.
For everyday photography, this setup is highly versatile. The wide-angle camera’s 120-degree field of view comes in handy for capturing wider scenes or fitting more into a single frame. However, we found ourselves using the main camera most frequently for its superior clarity and overall performance. The digital zoom is helpful up to a certain point but isn’t designed for long-distance shots—users seeking high-quality zoom capabilities might find this to be a limitation.
Apple has also introduced Photographic Styles, a feature available through the camera app. This addition lets you customize the look of your photos with presets like Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm, and Cool. Unlike traditional filters, Photographic Styles adjust specific elements within an image rather than overlaying a one-size-fits-all effect, helping you personalize your photos without losing quality. While the difference is subtle, this feature could appeal to those who like to fine-tune their shots.
The 12MP front camera on the iPhone 13 includes an f/2.2 aperture, making it well-suited for selfies and video calls. Apple has consistently delivered quality front-facing cameras, and the iPhone 13 is no exception. While there are no groundbreaking updates here, the front camera remains a strong performer, offering reliable and clear results.
For video enthusiasts, the iPhone 13 can shoot in 4K at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second, along with Full HD options at 30, 60, 120, and 240fps. However, the most exciting addition for videographers is Cinematic Mode, which adds a bokeh effect to videos by blurring the background while keeping the subject in focus. This mode dynamically shifts focus as different subjects enter the frame, creating a cinematic feel that brings a storytelling element to your videos. While it may take some practice to achieve flawless shots, Cinematic Mode is an engaging feature for those who enjoy exploring video effects.
iPhone 13 Specs and Performance
A15 Bionic chipset in the iPhone 13 series is exceptionally powerful, built to enhance the phone’s gaming experience and overall performance. Each model in Apple’s 2021 iPhone 13 lineup is equipped with the A15 Bionic, which Apple boasts is 50% faster in CPU performance and 30% faster in GPU capability than its leading competitors.
Regardless of the accuracy of these statistics, the iPhone 13 undoubtedly stands as one of the most powerful smartphones of its time. While the difference in performance may not be significantly noticeable for those upgrading from an iPhone 12 or even a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, it’s a marked improvement for users with older devices like the iPhone 8 or earlier models.
In our tests, we found that the iPhone 13 could launch apps instantaneously and switch between them with minimal load times. Gaming was similarly effortless, with titles loading as swiftly as they would on Apple’s powerful iPad Pro. The phone’s upgraded GPU, combined with the OLED display, ensured that games looked fantastic and ran smoothly.
In benchmark testing using Geekbench 5, the iPhone 13 achieved an average multi-core score of 4688, significantly outperforming the iPhone 12 (3859), Samsung Galaxy S21 (3367), and OnePlus 9 Pro (3630). While this substantial jump in scores demonstrates the A15’s power, day-to-day users may not feel a stark difference in regular usage, though it’s a substantial leap from much older models.
The A15 Bionic chipset is paired with 4GB of RAM, which, while less than the RAM in most equivalent Android phones, is more than enough to keep the device running smoothly. Apple’s efficient use of RAM in conjunction with its powerful chipset ensures that the iPhone 13 maintains peak performance across various tasks.
Storage options for the iPhone 13 series include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, giving users a range of choices depending on their media needs. We recommend opting for 256GB or 512GB if you plan to store large files, as the base 128GB might be limiting even with iCloud support. Apple’s decision to drop the 64GB base model has been welcomed by many users who felt that option was too minimal for modern smartphone usage.
The iPhone 13 series is also 5G-ready, which provides a level of future-proofing for the device as 5G networks continue to expand globally. While some regions may not yet have full 5G coverage, the inclusion of this capability ensures compatibility with any carrier offering next-gen connectivity.
iPhone 13 Software
iPhone 13 comes pre-installed with iOS 15, giving users access to Apple’s latest software features. While the updates in iOS 15 are more modest compared to the sweeping changes introduced in iOS 14, the new additions offer practical benefits, particularly with the Focus mode.
Focus mode is easily accessible from the dropdown menu and provides a straightforward way to activate Do Not Disturb and other tailored settings for work or sleep. If you need to silence Twitter notifications while working, this feature makes it easy to do so.
While other updates in iOS 15 may be smaller refinements, they enhance the overall user experience, building upon the platform’s previous strengths.
A key advantage of purchasing a new iPhone is long-term software support. Apple’s commitment to software longevity is notable—older devices, like the iPhone 6S, are still compatible with iOS 15. Following this trend, the iPhone 13 can reasonably be expected to receive updates until around 2027, ensuring a future-proof experience for years to come.
iPhone 13 Battery Life
Apple’s iPhone lineup has long been scrutinized for battery life, and while the iPhone 13 doesn’t lead the smartphone pack, it showcases a meaningful improvement. Apple has enhanced the endurance of its latest device compared to prior models, making it an appealing option for those seeking a bit more from their battery.
It’s unclear if Apple expanded the physical battery size in the iPhone 13, but the performance uplift suggests some internal optimizations. Pre-launch rumors indicated Apple might increase battery capacity across the board, and initial findings back this up. According to Apple’s estimates, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max are built to offer longer usage times, and in real-world tests, the battery indeed stands out.
Through daily use, the iPhone 13 regularly makes it through a full day with ease, with enough power left for a few extra hours. Pushing the phone to its limits, streaming video nonstop from morning until night, the device managed to maintain 20% battery by the end of the day. This was with the screen brightness set to maximum for nearly nine hours straight. While Android devices still offer more substantial battery life overall, this improvement is a commendable upgrade for Apple users and makes the iPhone 13 a solid choice for those who want a more resilient daily driver.
When it comes to charging, the iPhone 13 supports 20W fast charging, which provides a reasonable boost but is not the fastest on the market. In testing, the phone charged from empty to 26% in just 15 minutes and hit 51% within 30 minutes. This charging speed isn’t revolutionary, but it’s effective for a quick boost during the day if you’re in a hurry. Wireless charging is also available, maxing out at 15W. While this isn’t the fastest wireless charging available, it’s convenient for users who prefer to go cable-free or have access to a Qi charger.
As with recent iPhone models, Apple has opted not to include a charger in the box. This choice aligns with Apple’s eco-friendly initiative to reduce e-waste, assuming many users already own a compatible Lightning charger. For those who don’t, Apple offers a 20W charger for purchase at $19 / £19 / AU$29. Alternatively, third-party chargers can often be found at lower prices, and users with older iPhone chargers may want to consider upgrading to make the most of the 20W fast-charging capability.
Today’s Best Deals
- iPhone 13 (128GB): $392 at Amazon
- iPhone 13 (256GB): $425 at Amazon
- iPhone 13 (512GB): $480 at Amazon
Should You Buy the iPhone 13?
Buy it if…
You’re upgrading from an older iPhone If you’re currently using an older model, like the iPhone 8 or iPhone XR, the iPhone 13 offers a big step up in performance, battery life, and camera quality. For anyone with an iPhone older than the iPhone 12, this upgrade is packed with new features and technology that make the experience significantly better.
You want a reliable battery life Battery life on the iPhone 13 is much improved, outlasting previous models by a considerable margin. If you’ve been dealing with a battery that barely makes it through the day, the iPhone 13 is a great choice, as it’s designed to keep up with a full day’s usage.
You need powerful performance With Apple’s latest A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone 13 is exceptionally powerful. If you’re looking for a phone that can handle demanding apps, games, and multitasking, this is one of the most capable iPhones without moving up to the Pro models.
Don’t buy it if…
You already own an iPhone 12 For iPhone 12 owners, the iPhone 13 doesn’t offer major changes. The upgrades are mostly incremental, so unless you’re set on having the latest, it may not feel like a big enough difference to justify the cost.
You prefer a smaller screen The iPhone 13 mini delivers nearly the same specs in a more compact design, ideal for users who prefer a smaller phone. If portability or one-handed use is a priority, the iPhone 13 mini could be a better fit.
You’re looking for a budget-friendly option Although more affordable than other recent models, the iPhone 13 is still on the pricier side. If budget is a concern, you might consider alternatives like the iPhone SE, or a range of capable Android phones that offer good features at a lower price.
Verdict
The iPhone 13 may not redefine the smartphone landscape, but it certainly stands out as a robust upgrade within Apple’s lineup. With notable enhancements in battery life, a faster processor, and a superior camera system, the iPhone 13 provides a reliable and efficient smartphone experience for users.
If you find that the high-end features of the Pro models aren’t necessary for your needs, the iPhone 13 offers exceptional performance at a more accessible price point. It’s an excellent choice for both casual users and those who depend on their phones for everyday tasks, striking an impressive balance between quality and functionality.
