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Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying? What we think

We take a look at the 2021 model

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on July 18, 2023
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With the launch of Apple’s iPhone 15 swiftly approaching, you might be asking whether the iPhone 13 is still worth buying. Well, that depends on what you want and need from a mobile device. If you don’t need the very latest tech or highest definition cameras on the market, the iPhone 13 is a great option for a cheaper price than the iPhone 14 and other new iPhone models.

Want to find out more? Read on.

Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying?

If you want to buy an iPhone, but don’t have the cash to splash out on the latest iPhone 14, the Pro Max versions, or the upcoming iPhone 15, you might want to take a look at some of the older models. The iPhone 13 is an iOS device which comes with all the great features you’d expect from the Apple smartphones, but at a reduced price compared to the newer models. 

You can buy the iPhone 13 direct for $699 for 128GB of storage – which isn’t exactly cheap. However, it’s still far cheaper than the iPhone 14, and the upcoming iPhone 15, which will retail for upwards of $1000. So if you want to save a few hundred bucks and you aren’t fussed about having the latest upgrade, it might be one to check out. However, you’ll probably want to take a look at the specifications first. In this article, we’re focusing on the standard iPhone 13, not the iPhone 13 Mini or iPhone 13 Pro Max models. 

Features and specifications

FeatureiPhone 13
Storage128, 256, 512 GB
Screen Size and resolution6.1 inches / 2532 x 1170/460
Weight6.14 ounces
CPUA15 Bionic
Rear CameraDual 12MP (Wide ƒ/1.6 aperture, ultrawide ƒ/2.4 aperture and 120° field of view.)
Front Camera12MP TrueDepth
Battery3,227mAh
iPhone 13 specs

There’s a lot to love about the iPhone 13, which comes with most of the features of the iPhone 14 but with some major enhancements. The CPU, the A15 bionic chip, is a speedy processor. Like the A14 Bionic, the A15 features a 6-core CPU and a 4-core GPU. However, notable enhancements are present with a 16-core Neural Engine dedicated to machine learning and AI, an upgrade from the 8-core Neural Engine found in the previous chipset. The design features a smaller notch than predecessors, though still with the Face ID and low light and smart HDR capabilities from the front camera. 

Like most iPhones, the cameras are the star of the show. The diagonal camera takes in 47% more light than the iPhone 12, and features 12 MP back and front-facing cameras. The Cinematic mode allows super-stabilized videos, and the HDR Dolby Vision provides great depth to videos in up to 4K resolution. There’s great low-light performance thanks to night mode and the new photonic engine. Like the iPhone 12, the Deep Fusion feature brings out texture and detail by analyzing multiple exposures at pixel level.

There is a variety of storage options. There’s eSim support plus standard physical sim card support, which make transferring between phones easier if you are upgrading. Plus, safety features like crash detection and emergency SOS via satellite give the phone a degree of utility beyond just entertainment. 

How long will the iPhone 13 last?

In general, iPhones are designed to last for several years with regular software updates and proper care. Apple typically provides software updates for several years after a device’s release, ensuring it remains compatible with the latest apps and features. The iPhone 13, when brought new, will probably last around 3 years before features start to decline in effectiveness.

Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying? Gloria’s Thoughts

Although it might not be as much of a bargain as the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 is still a more affordable option than the 14. Plus, with the upcoming launch of the iPhone 15, the cost will probably drop, making it a worthwhile purchase for the budget conscious Apple enthusiast. However, it still will be more expensive than earlier models (which may not work as well).

As a tech and AI writer for PC Guide, Gloria is interested in what new technology means for the future of consumer electronics and digital and broadcast journalism.