iPhone 13 Vs iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:235.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:421.00

Versus €979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, represent different generations within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the iOS ecosystem, the iPhone 15 Plus introduces a larger display, a more advanced camera system, and an updated charging port, distinguishing it from its predecessor. These differences cater to varying user preferences regarding screen size, photographic capabilities, and modern connectivity standards.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 13 was released in September 2021, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 15 Plus, which launched in September 2023. This two-year difference directly impacts the expected duration of software support.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 13 is anticipated to receive major iOS updates until at least 2027, and potentially into 2028, with security patches continuing for an extended period. The iPhone 15 Plus, being newer, will benefit from a longer period of major iOS updates, extending its software lifespan further into the future.
  • Durability Features: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to offer enhanced drop performance. They also share an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating protection against submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 13 initially received a repairability score of 5 out of 10, which later improved to 6 out of 10 after a software update addressed issues with Face ID functionality post-screen replacement.

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding multimedia. Both devices offer robust performance, though the newer model benefits from advancements in processing power and efficiency.

  • Processing Capabilities: The iPhone 13 is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications, multitasking, and mobile gaming smoothly. The iPhone 15 Plus features a more advanced processor, providing enhanced speed and efficiency for more demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphically intensive games.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 generally offers good battery life, often lasting a full day for many users under typical usage conditions. The iPhone 15 Plus is noted for its exceptional battery endurance, frequently lasting more than a full day, even with heavy usage, making it suitable for users who prioritize extended time away from a charger.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both models are available with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone 15 Plus, with its more recent processor and increased RAM (6GB compared to the iPhone 13's 4GB), offers a slightly more responsive and fluid user experience, particularly when switching between multiple applications or handling large files.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a key aspect of smartphone usage, and both iPhones deliver high-quality displays, though with notable differences in size and brightness.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both devices feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch display, offering a compact viewing experience. The iPhone 15 Plus provides a larger 6.7-inch display, which enhances media consumption and productivity tasks.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both displays offer high pixel densities (around 460 pixels per inch), ensuring sharp text and detailed images. The iPhone 13 has a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels, while the iPhone 15 Plus features a slightly higher resolution of 2796x1290 pixels, maintaining clarity across its larger screen.
  • Brightness and Features: The iPhone 13 offers a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone 15 Plus significantly boosts brightness, with a typical brightness of 1000 nits, a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, and an impressive peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, improving visibility in bright sunlight. Both models maintain a 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 15 Plus also integrates the Dynamic Island, a feature that dynamically adapts to show alerts and activities.

Audiovisual

Both iPhones offer capable camera systems for capturing photos and videos, with the newer model introducing significant advancements in sensor technology.

  • Main Camera System: The iPhone 13 features a dual 12-megapixel camera system, comprising a wide-angle lens with an f/1.6 aperture and an ultra-wide-angle lens with an f/2.4 aperture. The iPhone 15 Plus upgrades to an advanced dual-camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor (f/1.6 aperture) and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens (f/2.4 aperture). The larger main sensor on the iPhone 15 Plus allows for 2x optical zoom and the capture of super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP).
  • Low-Light Performance and Features: The iPhone 13 provides good low-light performance for still photography, with decent video capabilities in challenging lighting conditions. The iPhone 15 Plus, benefiting from its larger main sensor and the Photonic Engine, offers improved low-light performance for both photos and videos, capturing more detail and reducing noise. Both models include sensor-shift optical image stabilization for sharper images and smoother videos.
  • Front Camera and Video: Both devices are equipped with a 12-megapixel front-facing camera. For video recording, both support 4K video capture. The iPhone 15 Plus further enhances video capabilities with features like Cinematic mode, which provides a shallow depth of field effect.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two iPhone models, impacting daily convenience and connectivity.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Plus support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for wireless communication. A significant difference lies in their charging and data ports: the iPhone 13 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port, while the iPhone 15 Plus adopts the more universal USB-C port, though with USB 2.0 transfer speeds.
  • Biometrics and Design: Both models utilize Face ID for secure authentication. In terms of physical design, both feature an aluminum frame and a glass back. The iPhone 13 has dimensions that result in a weight of approximately 173 grams. The iPhone 15 Plus, with its larger screen, measures 160.9 mm in height, 77.8 mm in width, and 7.8 mm in depth, weighing 201 grams.
  • Build Materials: Both devices incorporate durable materials, including the Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced resilience against drops. The iPhone 15 Plus also features a color-infused glass back.

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Plus offer distinct advantages, catering to different user priorities. The iPhone 13 is often praised by users for its balanced performance, reliable camera system, and solid battery life for its generation. Some common criticisms for the iPhone 13 include its 60Hz display, which some users find less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates.

The iPhone 15 Plus, on the other hand, receives significant acclaim for its exceptional battery life, often extending beyond a full day of heavy use, and its larger, brighter display. Users appreciate the enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions and the immersive viewing experience. A frequent point of discussion for the iPhone 15 Plus is its continued use of a 60Hz refresh rate, which some users note as a limitation when compared to more premium models.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with dependable performance for everyday tasks may find the iPhone 13 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a larger screen for media consumption, extended battery life, and a more advanced camera system will likely lean towards the iPhone 15 Plus. Both models represent quality options, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either device, allowing consumers to make informed and sustainable choices.

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