Having used the iPhone 13, I quickly realized that it’s essentially a more affordable version of the iPhone 14. Despite lacking the allure of being the latest model still offers a comparable experience. However, its budget-friendly nature may cause it to be overlooked by those who prioritize having the newest device.

During my time with the iPhone 13, I discovered that if you’re not fixated on having the absolute latest features, you’ll find value in what it offers. It features a good display identical to the iPhone 14, a slightly better battery life, a powerful chip that holds up well even after almost two years, and it supports the latest iOS 16 for a fresh user experience.

Design and Build Quality

iPhone 13 review

The iPhone 13 maintains the signature look also found in the newer iPhone 14. I appreciate this continuation, as it represents an updated version of the previous iPhone 12 with a smaller notch. The device also features a boxy frame reminiscent of the iPhone 4S, which I particularly like. Its contemporary display contributes to a futuristic yet minimal aesthetic, enhancing the overall appeal.

Apart from the minor details incorporated, the phone appears identical to the iPhone 14, extending from the power button and volume switch markings down to the speakers, lightning port, and the back. However, focusing on its color, the variant I possess is blue, and I find it quite appealing. The darker matte sides, coupled with a true blue glass back, provide the device with a perfect amount of depth, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Display and Speaker

iPhone 13 display review

The iPhone 13 boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display, mirroring the specifications of the iPhone 14. This ensures a commendable viewing experience, providing great value for your investment. During my usage, the display showcased impressive visuals, and the responsiveness was notably precise, creating a satisfying overall feel. While the 60Hz refresh rate met expectations and felt smooth, I couldn’t help but wish for a higher 120Hz rate. Despite this, the performance was generally satisfactory, with minor frame rate drops observed in specific apps like Eventbrite.

The bezels surrounding the screen are remarkably slim, elegantly hugging the display and contributing to an overall cleaner aesthetic. Unlike older iPhone models the bezels are not just aesthetically pleasingly small but also narrower, enhancing the device’s modern appearance.

In terms of brightness, the iPhone 13 boasts a range of 800 to 1200 nits, matching the specifications of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. The brightness performance was notably impressive; even in environments with minimal shade, visibility remained clear, making phone use at work hassle-free.

Regarding the size, whether it’s a preference or not can vary. To help you decide, here are some pros and cons to consider. The advantages of a moderately sized screen include a satisfying viewing experience, ease of use (especially compared to the larger iPhone 14 Pro Max), and better pocket compatibility. The only drawback is that it doesn’t match the size of the Plus or Pro Max models, potentially impacting the viewing experience. However, with a 6.1-inch display, it’s not considered small, and there are no significant downsides. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on individual needs.

One notable absence is the lack of a fingerprint sensor, although Face ID provides excellent facial recognition. While Face ID is robust, the addition of a fingerprint sensor would have been appreciated for alternative unlocking methods. Despite this, the display’s resolution ensures an exceptional viewing experience, making activities such as watching videos and playing games enjoyable.

The iPhone 13 is equipped with powerful speakers that deliver impressive sound quality during use. I found the speakers to be particularly effective when watching videos on social media or YouTube in a home setting. Notably, even at lower volume levels, the audio was loud enough to be enjoyable without needing to turn it up to the maximum.

However, during my testing with music playback, I observed that while the speakers can produce high volume levels, the audio quality diminishes when pushed to the maximum. It’s worth considering this aspect if optimal audio quality is a priority, especially when playing music at louder volumes.

Software and Performance

The iPhone 13 runs on iOS 16, providing a familiar experience with features like the app drawer for organized app storage. The device benefits from the new wallpaper system, offering a significant upgrade that contributes to a smoother overall feel. Despite these positive aspects, there were occasional instances freezing, requiring a restart to resolve the issue. Although this could be inconvenient, such occurrences were not frequent. Overall, the software performed smoothly, resembling the experience on the iPhone 14. From a software perspective doesn’t deviate significantly from other models.

I tested out gaming on my iPhone 13, specifically playing Asphalt 9, a demanding game that puts the chip to the test. The performance held up admirably, with no significant lags experienced during gameplay. Another noteworthy aspect is the extended software support, with the promise of receiving four to five more years’ worth of upgrades. This ensures longevity and keeps the device up-to-date with the latest software advancements, making it a reliable choice for the long term.

Battery Life

iPhone 13 is equipped with a 3200 milliamp-hour battery, matching the specifications of the iPhone 14. I found that the battery easily lasted throughout the day, even with heavy use. As someone who typically engages in various activities such as writing scripts, video shooting, social media scrolling, watching YouTube videos, and texting friends, I consistently achieve over six hours of screen time per day. Notably, I only charge my phone overnight.

While I do use power-saving mode, there were instances where I maximized its usage, and it still performed exceptionally well. As a quick estimate, my battery usually hovers around 10% by the end of the day, demonstrating greater efficiency compared to my iPhone 14. Currently, my battery health stands at 92%, and I hope it maintains this level of performance, breaking the trend of significant battery life drops seen in previous iPhones.

Turning to charging, it’s honest to say that the speed is not exceptional. Reaching 100% takes well over an hour. However, considering the long-lasting battery, the trade-off is reasonable, requiring only one charge to sustain the device’s usage throughout the day.

Camera

The iPhone 13 has a 12-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel front, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. It has a good zoom mode and good shutter speed, capturing most cars beautifully. The camera performs well in different environments, including daytime, portrait mode, street objects, sky, and nature. Inside photos are slightly more detailed than iPhone 12, and the camera handles good lighting for overall nice shots. The iPhone 13 is one of the best older phones in this price range for video shooting, with various modes and frame rates to choose from. The video stabilization is impressive, allowing for handheld use and smooth movements. Overall, the iPhone 13 has an amazing video camera that consistently delivers good shots, making it a great choice for content shooters or those seeking a solid camera.

Final Thought

Now the final question, Is the iPhone 13 a good phone to buy over the iPhone 14?

Well, I would say that it’s a really great phone, and in terms of value, it’s a much better buy than the iPhone 14. It has a really nice display that is the exact same as the iPhone 14, a great battery life that is better than the iPhone 14, and a great build quality that is the exact same as the iPhone 14. As far as price goes, it’s $100 cheaper. So, in my honest opinion, it’s just a much better choice. If you are someone who prefers the iPhone 13, it’s a phone that you’ll be very satisfied with.

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The iPhone 13 is a highly recommended choice over the iPhone 14, with a comparable display, superior battery life, identical build quality and a $100 lower price tag.

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أنا أبرار خان، مهووس بالتكنولوجيا. أحب استكشاف أحدث الأجهزة، وكتابة تقييمات عن المنتجات التقنية، ومشاركة آخر أخبار التكنولوجيا.

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