iPhone 13 Pro Vs iPhone 15

iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:313.00

Versus €1,149.00 new

See options
iPhone 15
iPhone 15
Starting at

Refurbished price:399.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 Pro, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 15, launched in September 2023, represent different generations within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium experience, the iPhone 15 introduces a refreshed design with the Dynamic Island and a shift to USB-C connectivity, alongside camera and performance enhancements. The iPhone 13 Pro, on the other hand, features a ProMotion display with an adaptive refresh rate, a feature not present in the standard iPhone 15. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS, ensuring a consistent software ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their practical lifespan.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 13 Pro was released in September 2021, making it two years older than the iPhone 15, which launched in September 2023. This age difference directly impacts the duration of software support.
  • Software Longevity: Both models are compatible with iOS 26, indicating continued software support for the foreseeable future. However, the iPhone 15, being newer, is expected to receive major iOS updates for a longer period than the iPhone 13 Pro.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 15 has a higher repairability score of 7 out of 10, an improvement from its initial 4/10, partly due to software updates making parts calibration easier. The iPhone 13 Pro received an iFixit repairability score of 5 out of 10, with display and battery replacements being relatively straightforward, though other repairs can be more challenging due to multiple screw types and software limitations for third-party components.

Year of Release

2021

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games and multitasking.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 15 features a newer generation processor, which provides enhanced efficiency and performance for everyday applications and more intensive tasks. The iPhone 13 Pro, while still capable, uses an earlier generation processor.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 generally offers smoother multitasking and faster app loading times due to its more advanced internal components. The iPhone 13 Pro, with its slightly older architecture, handles demanding apps and multitasking well, but the newer model provides a more responsive experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 15 has a larger battery capacity (3349 mAh) compared to the iPhone 13 Pro (3095 mAh), which can translate to longer usage times for many users. Real-world usage indicates that the iPhone 15 offers improved battery life over its direct predecessor, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max (a larger variant of the 13 Pro) is noted for its strong battery endurance.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. A key difference is the refresh rate: the iPhone 13 Pro includes ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 15 has a fixed 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness Levels: The iPhone 15 offers higher peak brightness for outdoor use (up to 2000 nits) and HDR content (1600 nits peak), making it more visible in bright sunlight compared to the iPhone 13 Pro's 1200 nits peak HDR brightness and 1000 nits typical brightness.
  • Design Elements: The iPhone 15 introduces the Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout that dynamically displays alerts and background activities, replacing the traditional notch found on the iPhone 13 Pro.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 15 offer advanced camera systems, but with different approaches to photography capabilities.

  • Main Camera System: The iPhone 15 features a 48-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor and 2x telephoto zoom capabilities, allowing for more detailed images and greater flexibility in framing shots. The iPhone 13 Pro has a 12-megapixel main camera but includes a dedicated 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing true optical magnification.
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: Both devices excel in everyday lighting conditions, producing sharp and color-accurate photos. The iPhone 15's larger main sensor generally improves low-light performance and detail capture. The iPhone 13 Pro also offers strong low-light performance, particularly with its Pro camera system features like Night mode.
  • Video Recording: Both models support high-quality video recording. The iPhone 13 Pro offers features like ProRes video recording (with sufficient storage), catering to professional videographers. The iPhone 15 provides robust video capabilities suitable for most users.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two iPhone models, impacting daily convenience and user interaction.

  • Connectivity and Ports: A significant change in the iPhone 15 is the adoption of a USB-C port, replacing the Lightning port found on the iPhone 13 Pro. This allows for broader compatibility with accessories and chargers. Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless internet. The iPhone 15 also features Bluetooth 5.3, an upgrade from the iPhone 13 Pro's Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Build Materials and Design: The iPhone 15 features an aluminum design with a color-infused glass back and a Ceramic Shield front. The iPhone 13 Pro has a more premium feel with a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, also protected by a Ceramic Shield front. The iPhone 15 is notably lighter at 171 grams compared to the iPhone 13 Pro's 204 grams.
  • Sensors and Biometrics: Both models utilize Face ID for secure authentication. The iPhone 15 incorporates a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, potentially offering improved spatial awareness features compared to the first-generation U1 chip in the iPhone 13 Pro.

Weight

203 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C (USB 2)

User feedback for the iPhone 13 Pro often praises its ProMotion display for its smooth visual experience and its dedicated telephoto lens for versatile photography. Some users appreciate its robust build quality. Common criticisms, particularly in comparison to newer models, might revolve around its slightly heavier design and the Lightning port. For the iPhone 15, users frequently highlight the convenience of the USB-C port, the improved brightness of its display, and the enhanced detail from its 48-megapixel main camera. The Dynamic Island is also a noted feature, offering a new way to interact with alerts. Some users, however, might miss the 120Hz refresh rate found in Pro models.

Users prioritizing a smoother, more fluid display experience for scrolling and gaming may find the iPhone 13 Pro's ProMotion technology appealing. Those who value the latest connectivity standard with USB-C, a lighter design, and a higher-resolution main camera with improved outdoor screen visibility will likely lean towards the iPhone 15. For individuals seeking an eco-friendly alternative, considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide a sustainable choice without compromising on performance.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons