When Apple released the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, it set new benchmarks in the evolution of the iPhone, offering users two choices tailored to different needs and preferences. While both models share some core features, significant differences in camera technology, display capabilities, and storage options distinguish them.
This comparison guide aims to delve deep into these distinctions to help you decide which device might best fit your lifestyle, whether you’re a casual user or a tech-savvy enthusiast seeking top-tier performance and features. We’ll explore how the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro have been designed to grow with you, adapting to the latest technologies and user demands.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Main Differences
- The iPhone 13 Pro has ProMotion technology.
- The iPhone 13 Pro has a telephoto lens and higher optical zoom.
- The iPhone 13 Pro has a LiDAR Scanner to allow for a better augmented reality experience.
iPhone 13: Key Highlights
- A wide range of colour options allows you to customize your phone.
- The A15 Bionic Chip for advanced performance over previous iPhones.
- It is compatible with both MagSafe and Qi Wireless charging systems.
iPhone 13 Pro: Key Highlights
- A 1 TB storage option allows more space to store your photos, videos, and app data.
- ProMotion technology will help take smoother, more true-to-life videos.
- A higher max brightness level gives you an easier time in seeing your phone’s screen in direct sunlight.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro Overview
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 13 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 24, 2021 | September 24, 2021 |
| Dimensions | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in |
| Weight | 6.10 oz | 7.16 oz |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB |
128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1TB |
| Finish Colours | Green Pink Blue Midnight Starlight Red |
Alpine Green Silver Gold Graphite Sierra Blue |
| Screen Size | 6.1 in (diagonal) | 6.1 in (diagonal) |
| Display | Super Retina XDR display All-Screen OLED display True Tone display Wide colour display (P3) Haptic Touch 800 nits max brightness |
Super Retina XDR display All-Screen OLED display True Tone display Wide colour display (P3) Haptic Touch 1000 nits max brightness ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz |
| Resolution | 2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi | 2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi |
| Chip | A15 Bionic Chip | A15 Bionic Chip |
| Water and Dust Resistance | Rated IP68 | Rated IP68 |
| Front Camera | 12 MP True Depth f/2.2 aperture |
12 MP True Depth f/2.2 aperture |
| Rear Camera | Dual Camera System Main: 12MP, ƒ/1.6 aperture Ultra Wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture Optical zoom: Up to 1x |
Pro Camera System Main: 12MP, ƒ/1.5 aperture Ultra Wide: 12MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture Telephoto: 12MP, ƒ/2.8 aperture Optical zoom: Up to 3x |
| Video Recording | 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps |
4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB capacity) |
| Battery | Video playback: Up to 19 hours Audio playback: Up to 75 hours |
Video playback: Up to 22 hours Audio playback: Up to 75 hours |
| Charging | Fast charging: Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes. Wireless charging (MagSafe and Qi) |
Fast charging: Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes. Wireless charging (MagSafe and Qi) |
| Sensors | Barometer High dynamic range gyro High-g accelerometer Proximity sensor Dual ambient light sensors |
Barometer High dynamic range gyro High-g accelerometer Proximity sensor Dual ambient light sensors LiDAR Scanner |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| SIM Card | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM and eSIM) Dual eSIM |
Dual eSIM support14 Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) |
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro Specs: Complete Comparison
Though both iPhones are of the same generation and size, a few notable features set them apart.
Design
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro are the same size but differ in weight and available colours. The iPhone 13 Pro is 7.16 oz, over an ounce heavier than the iPhone 13’s 6.1 oz.
The button, port, and camera placement on both iPhones are the same despite the iPhone 13 Pro’s additional camera on the back. This retains Apple’s classic, intuitive design, allowing for easy use for those familiar with other iPhone models.
The materials used for the iPhones are different, contributing to the difference in weight but without sacrificing resiliency. The iPhone 13 is aluminum with a glass back, making it durable and scratch-resistant, while the iPhone 13 Pro is a step more resilient as it’s made with stainless steel and a textured matte glass back. Both have Ceramic Shield Fronts, keeping the viewing area of your iPhone safe from any accidental drops.
Display
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro offer similar visual experiences. They have the same screen size, measuring 6.1 in (diagonal), and the same resolution—2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 pixels-per-inch (ppi). This makes gaming and watching videos on your phone easier than ever before.
Both phones also have a Super Retina XDR and all-screen OLED display with True Tone technology, creating an immersive display experience with vibrant colours. The iPhone 13 Pro stands out in low-light conditions with a higher max brightness when compared to the iPhone 13, making it ideal for capturing pictures or browsing social media when you’re out and on the go.
The ProMotion technology integrated into the iPhone 13 Pro also demonstrates Apple’s innovation as it increases fluidity and responsiveness for user interactions. It adjusts the display refresh rate to 120Hz, using adaptive refresh to create a smoother and more responsive touch experience.
Performance
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro feature Apple’s A15 Bionic Chip, which significantly enhances performance, making them ideal for users who demand speed and efficiency in their daily device interactions. While the A15 chip represents a modest advancement over the previous A14 Bionic Chip, it provides noticeable improvements in processing power, especially in gaming and multitasking scenarios. This boost is crucial for users who engage in graphics-intensive tasks or need seamless performance while switching between apps.
The enhanced chip improves battery management, ensuring longer battery life on busy days. This is particularly beneficial for those who rely on their phones for extended periods, whether for work, streaming content, or capturing high-quality photos and videos without worrying about a midday recharge. The combination of faster processing and durable battery life means that the iPhone 13 series is more than capable of handling complex functions beyond basic phone needs, offering a robust tool for power users and tech enthusiasts.
Camera
The main difference between the camera systems of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro is the inclusion of a telephoto lens in the Pro model. This lens, accompanied by a higher optical zoom capability, significantly elevates the quality of photographs, particularly from greater distances. This makes the iPhone 13 Pro perfect for capturing detailed images in nature and wildlife photography, where maintaining a distance from the subject is crucial. The telephoto lens not only facilitates this but also contributes to a richer overall photo quality in everyday use by providing greater flexibility and sharper imagery.
The iPhone 13 Pro has a larger camera module designed to house this additional telephoto lens. This expansion reflects the camera’s advanced capabilities, accommodating the optics that allow photography enthusiasts to achieve professional-grade results.
Additionally, the iPhone 13 Pro has enhanced video capabilities with its ProRes recording. This feature ensures that even home videos benefit from cinematic quality, with smoother motion and superior detail retention at higher resolutions. This makes the iPhone 13 Pro not just a tool for photography enthusiasts but also a potent device for creators looking to produce professional-level video content on a mobile device.
Operating System
Both iPhones were originally launched with iOS 15, a version of Apple’s operating system that introduced significant enhancements, such as improved privacy features, Focus modes to reduce distractions, and a more interactive Maps experience. This operating system supported the iPhone 13 and the iPhone Pro’s functionality and security.
As of the time of writing, both devices remain fully compatible with the latest version, iOS 17. This compatibility is important because it ensures that users can benefit from the newest features and security updates introduced in subsequent versions of iOS.
By supporting the latest iOS, these iPhones continue to offer users a cutting-edge experience, maintaining performance and adding new capabilities. This makes the investment in an iPhone more valuable as it adapts and grows through continuous software enhancements.
Storage
Between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, users have a wide range of storage options that allow them to access the phones at different price points and consider what functionality they want out of their phone. From the most cost-effective but storage-limited 128 GB model to the 1 TB that’s exclusive to the Pro model, there’s an iPhone that can balance your budget and storage needs.
- 128 GB: This is the smallest size offered for these two phones and is also the cheapest. This makes it more affordable, but it will be better suited for people who use their phone primarily for texting and calling, and don’t keep large amounts of photos or app data stored on their device.
- 256 GB: This model offers a bit more storage, allowing users more room for games or downloaded audio and video. However, users may still require an external hard drive or offloading to a computer once in a while to free up space.
- 512 GB: This robust option will cover the storage needs of the majority of users. With plenty of space for pictures, videos, and apps, you won’t have to worry about transferring your content to another storage device very often.
- 1 TB: This storage option is exclusive to the iPhone 13 Pro and will be the most expensive. However, with the Pro’s enhanced performance, having this much data stored in your phone shouldn’t slow you down. The 1 TB model is perfect for people who love to document their lives in pictures and videos or play a lot of mobile games.
Battery and Charging
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro have improved battery performance over earlier models and seamlessly integrate wireless and advanced charging capabilities, letting you get the most life out of your phone.
- Wireless charging: Both iPhone models offer MagSave and Qi Wireless charging, giving you more options for charging your phone with these unique magnetic charging stations.
- Fast Charging: Both iPhones offer fast charging, up to 50% in just 30 minutes, ensuring that your phone doesn’t lose power on you in a critical moment when you’re on the go.
- Video playback: The iPhone 13 offers video playback for up to 19 hours, while the iPhone 13 Pro offers up to 22 hours, letting you watch videos for longer before needing to charge.
- Audio Playback: Both iPhones have the same audio playback capabilities, allowing you to listen to your music or podcasts for up to 75 hours before you need a charge.
Audio
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro enhance your listening experience with advanced audio features. These models support a wide range of high-definition audio formats, including Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), AAC, and Dolby Atmos. The inclusion of spatial audio playback further elevates the experience, creating a three-dimensional sound space that makes it feel as if the audio is coming from all around you. This feature is particularly impactful when watching movies or playing games. Support for Dolby Atmos, on the other hand, ensures that sound is dynamically adjusted to the environment of the content, providing a more vibrant and realistic audio experience.
Whether you’re listening through headphones or the iPhone’s built-in speakers, these technologies work together to deliver crisp, clear, and engaging sound that enhances every interaction. Advanced audio capabilities transform the way users experience content, making both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro ideal for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Features
Safety: Both iPhones offer Emergency SOS, allowing you to quickly contact help. You can also select emergency contacts to be alerted after you finish an emergency call.
Security: Both are protected by Face ID, meaning only you or another authorized user can access your iPhone when locked.
Apple Pay: Both iPhones offer Apple Pay, which is enabled by your Face ID in-store and online.
Splash, Water, and Dust Resistance: Both are rated IP86, and they can be submerged for up to 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 6 meters.
Price Comparison
The iPhone 13 is available new, starting at $849 for the 128 GB model, but it can be purchased for around $549 through the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) market. The iPhone 13 Pro can no longer be purchased new but is available for as low as $699 in CPO condition. These prices are subject to change depending on the phone’s storage capacity and CPO market fluctuation.
* Price updated as of October 2024
Availability
The iPhone 13 can still be purchased new from various retailers, while the iPhone 13 Pro is only available for purchase from verified resellers.
Mobile Klinik is proud to offer both iPhone models in Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) condition. We rigorously test and inspect our devices to meet users’ needs, ensuring you get the best experience and life out of your like-new phone.
What’s The Verdict?
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro both represent an advancement of Apple’s iPhone technology and innovation, but which should you buy? This will come down to what you need out of your phone for daily use. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine which iPhone is right for you:
- Are you looking to purchase a brand-new device?
- How much data do you anticipate needing to store directly on your device?
- What is your budget?
- Do you often take photos or videos?
- Do your activities require high processing power?
By knowing what you want out of your phone, you can compare the capabilities of these phones and decide whether the standard model or Pro model iPhone 13 is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro The Same Size?
Yes, they’re the same size, both measuring 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in with a 6.1 in screen measured diagonally. However, they are not the same weight—the iPhone 13 is 6.10 oz, and the iPhone 13 Pro is 7.16 oz. This is due to the added weight of the telephoto lens and its stainless steel casing, whereas the iPhone 13 is aluminum.
When Were The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Released?
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro were released on September 24, 2021.
Can You Use The Same Case For The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro?
No, you can’t use the same case for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro. Although they have the same dimensions, the size of the camera module is different between models. The cut-out for it in cases intended for an iPhone 13 would not fit an iPhone 13 Pro.
Is The iPhone 13 Pro More Expensive Than The iPhone 13?
It depends on whether you are buying your iPhone new or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). The iPhone 13 Pro is no longer available for purchase new, and starts at $699 from CPO retailers, while a new iPhone 13 costs $849. A CPO iPhone 13 is cheaper, at $549.