iPhone 13 Vs iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:249.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:519.99

Versus €1,239.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, are both smartphones from Apple's lineup. While the iPhone 13 represents a solid foundation with its core capabilities, the iPhone 15 Pro introduces several advancements, including a more advanced display, enhanced camera system, and a redesigned build. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS, ensuring a consistent software experience, though the 15 Pro benefits from a longer support window and newer features.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support and physical resilience. The iPhone 13, having been released in 2021, is expected to receive major iOS updates until approximately 2028, with security updates potentially extending beyond that. The iPhone 15 Pro, being a 2023 model, benefits from a longer projected software support timeline, likely extending well past 2028, offering users more years of access to the latest features and security patches.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 15 Pro, as a newer device, will receive major operating system updates for a longer period, providing extended access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover, offering protection against drops. The iPhone 15 Pro introduces a titanium frame, which contributes to a lighter build, while the iPhone 13 uses an aluminum frame.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 13 initially received a repairability score of 5/10 from iFixit, which improved to 6/10 after an iOS update addressed Face ID issues related to screen replacements. The iPhone 15 Pro initially received a 4/10, but recent updates have promoted its repairability score to 7/10, allowing for easier part calibration for some components.

Year of Release

2021

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro show a generational leap, impacting everything from app responsiveness to demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The iPhone 13, powered by its A15 Bionic chip, handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience for most activities. The iPhone 15 Pro, featuring a more advanced processor, offers significant improvements in speed and efficiency, particularly noticeable in resource-intensive applications and graphics-heavy games.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 Pro delivers a snappier and more responsive experience across the board, with faster app loading times and smoother transitions, especially when handling multiple applications simultaneously.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 generally offers a full day of battery life for moderate usage. The iPhone 15 Pro, despite its more powerful internals, often matches or slightly exceeds this, thanks to improved power efficiency, though heavy users might still find themselves charging daily.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer various storage configurations, with the iPhone 13 available up to 512GB and the iPhone 15 Pro extending up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for media and applications.

Memory

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro shares a common foundation but diverges significantly in advanced features and brightness levels. Both devices feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors.

  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPhone 13 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 15 Pro elevates the visual experience with ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can scale up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, and down to 1Hz for power efficiency.
  • Brightness Levels: The iPhone 13 offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone 15 Pro significantly increases these figures, reaching 1000 nits typical, 1600 nits peak HDR, and an impressive 2000 nits peak for outdoor visibility.
  • Display Features: The iPhone 15 Pro introduces the Dynamic Island, an interactive area around the front camera and sensors, and an Always-On display, which are not present on the iPhone 13.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro offer distinct capabilities, with the Pro model providing a more versatile and advanced photography and videography experience. The iPhone 13 features a dual-camera setup with Wide and Ultra Wide lenses, capable of capturing detailed photos and Cinematic mode video.

  • Camera System: The iPhone 13 includes a 12MP Wide and 12MP Ultra Wide camera. The iPhone 15 Pro boasts a more comprehensive Pro camera system, featuring a 48MP Main camera, a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, and a 12MP Telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 15 Pro's 48MP Main camera allows for super-high-resolution photos and offers more flexibility in focal lengths. It also provides enhanced low-light performance and advanced features like ProRes video recording and improved computational photography.
  • Video Quality: Both devices offer high-quality video recording, but the iPhone 15 Pro supports more advanced video formats like ProRes, offering greater control for professional videographers. The iPhone 15 Pro also benefits from improved optical image stabilization.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core components, several practical elements differentiate the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro, influencing daily usability and interaction. These include changes in connectivity, physical design, and user interface elements.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 13 utilizes the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 15 Pro transitions to a USB-C port, offering broader compatibility with other devices and faster data transfer speeds. Both support 5G cellular connectivity.
  • Design and Materials: The iPhone 13 features an aluminum frame with a glass back. The iPhone 15 Pro introduces a titanium frame, making it lighter and offering a refined brushed texture. It also features thinner display bezels.
  • User Interface Elements: The iPhone 13 features a traditional mute switch. The iPhone 15 Pro replaces this with a customizable Action Button, allowing users to quickly access various functions like the camera, flashlight, or voice memos.

Weight

173 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro cater to different user needs and priorities. Users frequently praise the iPhone 13 for its reliable performance, good camera capabilities, and solid battery life, making it a dependable device for everyday use. Some common criticisms, however, point to its 60Hz display and the presence of a notch, which are areas where newer models have evolved.

The iPhone 15 Pro is often lauded by users for its significantly improved display with ProMotion, the versatile Pro camera system, and the enhanced performance for demanding applications. The introduction of the Action Button and USB-C port are also frequently highlighted as practical upgrades. Some users have noted that while the battery life is generally good, heavy usage can still lead to daily charging, and some initial reports mentioned heating issues, though these were largely addressed with software updates.

Users prioritizing a smooth visual experience, advanced photography features, and the latest performance capabilities will find the iPhone 15 Pro well-suited to their needs. Its longer software support also makes it a choice for those seeking extended longevity. Conversely, users who value a proven, reliable smartphone for general use, and do not require the absolute latest in display or camera technology, may find the iPhone 13 to be a capable device. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to new purchases.

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