As of September 14th, 2021, Apple announced the release of the iPhone 13. The newest iPhone comes in a variety of models, including the iPhone 13, the iPhone 13 mini, the iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Each boasts a bunch of new features, even compared to the iPhone 12. If you're thinking of upgrading your older iPhone, you might be wondering if now is the time to go for the iPhone 13. Read on to learn about all of the features, find out what's different about the iPhone 13, and decide if its time to upgrade.

1

Models

  1. The iPhone 13 comes in the same series of models as the iPhone 12. The iPhone 13 mini is the smallest of the bunch at 5.18 inches (13.2 cm) tall and 2.53 inches (6.4 cm) wide. The iPhone 13 is the next size up at 5.78 inches (14.7 cm) tall and 2.82 inches (7.2 cm) wide.[1] The iPhone 13 Pro is the same size as the iPhone 13, but offers an additional Telephoto lens camera. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also includes the new Telephoto lens and is the largest model at 6.33 inches (16.1 cm) tall and 3.07 inches (7.8 cm) wide.[2]
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2

Camera

  1. All of the iPhone 13 models feature a major camera upgrade. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini now have a larger wide camera sensor that improves your ability to take photos in low light.[3] The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max both offer Night Mode for taking photos after dark or in low light. These models also include a new UltraWide camera and a Telephoto lens. If you're a photographer or use your phone camera for work, an upgrade may really be worth it.[4]
    • The larger wide camera sensor in iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini models contains 1.7-micron pixels that can capture 47% more light than previous models (aside from the iPhone 12 Pro Max).
    • The new Telephoto lens found in iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max models can zoom in and focus on something that's only 2 centimetres (0.79 in) away.
    • The new UltraWide camera on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts an enhanced ability to capture photos in low light.
    • The front camera also contains the same capabilities as the back camera one each model, making for some truly stellar selfies.[5]
3

Video Camera

  1. All of the iPhone 13 models include exciting video camera updates. The video camera now includes something called Cinematic Mode. This new feature allows you to focus the camera on multiple subjects as you shoot. You can even change the focus after you're done shooting. Opt for an upgrade if you're a filmmaker, shoot videos for work, or enjoy posting high-quality video content on social media.[6]
    • Cinematic Mode is shot in Dolby HDR.
    • Just like the camera, the front video camera of all the iPhone 13 models features the same new abilities as the back camera.
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4

Processor

6

Security Update

  1. All iPhone 13 models come with iOS 15. This software upgrade features some majorly important security updates, including the App Privacy Report. This lets you see how apps are accessing your data, as well as what third-party domains they are sharing your data with. If you don't want your data to be shared, the feature also lets you limit how much is shared with these apps. Be aware that all devices starting with the iPhone SE (2nd generation) are able to download the update starting September 20th, 2021.[9]
7

Battery Life

  1. All of the iPhone 13 models include an improved battery. Apple has not released the exact size of the new battery, but its ability to hold a charge has significantly increased compared to all of the previous iPhone 12 models. If you're looking for a phone with longer battery life, you might consider upgrading.[10]
    • The iPhone 13 mini is able to hold a charge for up to 17 hours. This is 2 hours longer than the iPhone 12 mini.
    • The iPhone 13 can hold a charge for up to 19 hours, which is 2 hours longer than the iPhone 12.
    • The iPhone 13 Pro stays charged for up to 22 hours. This is 5 hours longer than the iPhone 12 Pro.
    • The iPhone 13 Pro Max holds a charge for a whopping 28 hours. This is 8 hours longer than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
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8

Model Design

11

Display

  1. All iPhone 13 models include brighter screen capabilities. The iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 mini both have a screen that can get up to 28% brighter (800 nits) than previous models.[16] The iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max can get even brighter at 1,000 nits. Compare that to the iPhone 12 Pro, which could only go up to 800 nits. If you've got the iPhone 12 Pro, it might not be worth upgrading unless you go for the iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max. If you've got any other previous model, these screen capabilities may be a great reason to upgrade.[17]
    • The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini can only go up to 625 nits.
    • Each model can hold this brightness for longer periods of time than previous models. This is due to the phone's improved energy conservation technology.
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13

Price

  1. The prices of each model haven't changed from the iPhone 12 series. Though the exact price depends on whether you get the phone through a carrier and what amount of storage space you desire, the starting prices remain the same. If you do go for a higher storage option, be aware that the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini models with a larger amount of storage are $50 more than their iPhone 12 counterparts. The starting prices for each model are as follows:[20]
    • $699 for the iPhone 13 mini
    • $799 for the iPhone 13
    • $999 for the iPhone 13 Pro
    • $1099 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Can you just switch SIM cards in iPhones?
    Mobile Kangaroo
    Mobile Kangaroo
    Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
    Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.
    Mobile Kangaroo
    Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
    Expert Answer
    Definitely! All iPhones have a slide-out tray on the side. To release it, insert a SIM card removal tool and press straight in until the tray pops out. If you don't have a tool, it's safe to improvise with a paperclip, earring, or anything else that fits in the hole, as long as you remember to push straight in and not pry.
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About This Article

Chiara Corsaro
Co-authored by:
Phone & Computer Repair Technician
This article was co-authored by Chiara Corsaro and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Chiara Corsaro is the General Manager and Apple Certified Mac & iOS Technician for macVolks, Inc., an Apple Authorized Service Provider located in the San Francisco Bay Area. macVolks, Inc. was founded in 1990, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, and is part of the Apple Consultants Network (ACN). This article has been viewed 37,458 times.
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Co-authors: 14
Updated: March 18, 2022
Views: 37,458
Categories: IPhone
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