iPhone 13 Vs iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:232.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:317.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, represent different approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform and share a similar design language, the iPhone 14 Plus distinguishes itself with a significantly larger display and enhanced battery capacity, alongside subtle camera and safety feature improvements. Both models offer a familiar user experience, but cater to different preferences regarding device size and usage.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan, including software support, physical durability, and ease of repair.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 13 was released in September 2021, making it approximately one year older than the iPhone 14 Plus, which launched in October 2022. This difference in release date typically translates to a longer period of official software updates for the newer model.
  • Software Longevity: Both devices are expected to receive iOS updates for several years from their respective release dates. The iPhone 14 Plus, being a year newer, will likely benefit from an additional year of major iOS updates compared to the iPhone 13, extending its software longevity.
  • Physical Durability and Repairability: Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering comparable protection against everyday hazards. However, the iPhone 14 series introduced a redesigned internal architecture that makes back glass repairs easier and less costly, potentially extending the practical lifespan for users who might experience such damage.

Year of Release

2021

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus are powered by the same generation of Apple's processor, but there are subtle differences in their configurations that impact performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks and multitasking.

  • Processor Capabilities: While both devices utilize the same A15 Bionic processor, the iPhone 14 Plus incorporates the version with a 5-core GPU, similar to what was found in the iPhone 13 Pro models. The iPhone 13, on the other hand, uses a 4-core GPU version of the A15 Bionic. This means the iPhone 14 Plus offers slightly enhanced graphics performance, which can be noticeable in demanding games or graphically intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM, an increase from the 4GB found in the iPhone 13. This additional RAM can contribute to smoother multitasking, allowing more applications to remain open in the background without needing to reload, and generally improving overall system responsiveness, especially for users who frequently switch between apps.
  • Battery Behavior: A significant difference lies in battery capacity. The iPhone 14 Plus features a larger 4325 mAh battery, providing up to 26 hours of video playback, compared to the iPhone 13's 3227 mAh battery, which offers up to 19 hours of video playback. This translates to noticeably longer usage times for the iPhone 14 Plus, making it better suited for heavy users or those who need extended battery life throughout the day.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is characterized by vibrant displays, though the iPhone 14 Plus offers a larger canvas for content consumption.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The primary distinction is size: the iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 14 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch display. This larger screen on the 14 Plus provides a more expansive viewing area, which can enhance the experience for watching videos, browsing, or gaming.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 13 offers a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels with a pixel density of 460ppi. The iPhone 14 Plus, with its larger screen, has a resolution of 2778x1284 pixels, resulting in a slightly lower pixel density of 458ppi. In practical terms, both displays offer excellent sharpness and clarity for typical viewing distances, with the difference in pixel density being minimal and unlikely to be noticeable to most users.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, meaning the screen refreshes 60 times per second. While this provides a smooth experience for most daily tasks, it does not offer the fluid scrolling and animation of higher refresh rate displays found in some other devices. Both displays achieve a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions, including bright outdoor environments.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus offer capable camera systems, but the newer iPhone 14 Plus introduces several enhancements that improve photography and videography, particularly in challenging conditions.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones are equipped with a dual 12MP camera system, comprising a wide and an ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 14 Plus features a main camera with a larger sensor and a faster f/1.5 aperture, compared to the iPhone 13's f/1.6 aperture. This allows the iPhone 14 Plus to capture more light, leading to improved performance in low-light scenarios and faster capture times.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus benefits from Apple's Photonic Engine, a computational photography pipeline that enhances image quality in mid-to-low light, resulting in brighter and more detailed photos with reduced noise. For video, the iPhone 14 Plus introduces Action Mode, which provides advanced stabilization for smooth footage even when recording while moving. Cinematic Mode on the 14 Plus also supports 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, an upgrade from the 1080p on the iPhone 13.
  • Front Camera: The front-facing TrueDepth camera on the iPhone 14 Plus receives an upgrade with autofocus and a wider f/1.9 aperture, compared to the iPhone 13's fixed-focus f/2.2 aperture. This enhancement improves low-light selfies and video calls, offering sharper and more detailed self-portraits.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features and design elements differentiate the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus, influencing daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity and Safety Features: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 14 Plus, however, includes Bluetooth 5.3, an upgrade from the iPhone 13's Bluetooth 5.0, potentially offering more stable connections and improved power efficiency with compatible accessories. Additionally, the iPhone 14 Plus introduces Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection, providing advanced safety capabilities not found on the iPhone 13.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch display and weighs approximately 174 grams. The iPhone 14 Plus, with its 6.7-inch display, is a larger and heavier device, weighing around 203 grams. This size difference impacts one-handed usability and pocketability; the iPhone 13 is more compact, while the 14 Plus offers a more expansive viewing experience. Both maintain the flat-edged design and Ceramic Shield front.
  • Ports and Authentication: Both models continue to use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. For biometric security, both rely on Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking. A notable difference in the US models of the iPhone 14 Plus is the exclusive support for eSIM, foregoing a physical SIM card tray, whereas the iPhone 13 supports both physical SIM and eSIM.

Weight

173 g

150 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus cater to slightly different user needs, primarily distinguished by screen size, battery life, and a few key enhancements in the newer model. Users frequently praise the iPhone 13 for its solid overall performance, capable camera system, and comfortable 6.1-inch form factor, often considering it a well-rounded device for everyday use. However, some users have noted its 60Hz display as a point of criticism, especially when compared to devices with higher refresh rates.

The iPhone 14 Plus, on the other hand, receives significant acclaim for its expansive 6.7-inch display and notably extended battery life, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize media consumption and prolonged usage without frequent charging. Its camera improvements, particularly in low-light performance and the addition of Action Mode for video, are also frequently highlighted as valuable upgrades. However, like the iPhone 13, the 14 Plus retains a 60Hz display, which some users find less fluid than higher refresh rate screens.

Users prioritizing a more compact device that still delivers strong performance and a capable camera will find the iPhone 13 well-suited to their needs. Its smaller size makes it easier for one-handed operation and pocketability. Conversely, users who desire a larger screen for immersive viewing, require exceptional battery longevity, and appreciate enhanced camera features for dynamic video recording and improved low-light photography, will likely lean towards the iPhone 14 Plus. Both devices offer a reliable iOS experience, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference for size and how heavily one relies on battery life and advanced camera capabilities. For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for acquiring these devices.

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