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Back in September 2021, the iPhone 13 grabbed attention for its robust A15 Bionic chip and camera system which was significantly better than competitors at the time.
Since then, there have been a lot developments in the world of smartphones, especially in the realm of AI. But does this mean older iPhones are now irrelevant?
In this article, we’ll explore the iPhone 13’s camera performance, design, storage and software against the backdrop of today’s smartphone market to figure out if the iPhone 13 is still good enough to consider buying in 2024.
Quick View: iPhone 13 Pros & Cons
Before we get into the meat of the iPhone 13 in 2024, here’s a quick overview of its pros and cons:
Pros
- Powerful performance: The A15 Bionic chip powering the iPhone 13 is only one generation behind the chip used in the iPhone 15.
- Good base-level storage: The iPhone 13 comes with 128GB storage as standard, compared to 64GB on the iPhone 12.
- Top-quality camera system: Dual 12MP cameras reliably take brilliant all-round photos.
Cons
- No 120Hz display: Only the iPhone 13 Pro and later have a 120Hz refresh rate on their displays. That means the standard version displays slightly less smooth video.
- Fast charging could be faster: The charging speed lags behind competitors from the same year.
- Not a huge difference to the iPhone 12: In reality, the iPhone 13 isn’t a noticeable improvement over the iPhone 12.
Performance and Processor Capabilities
Let’s dive into the heart of what makes the iPhone 13 still relevant today – its high-performance processor. Here’s a side-by-side glance at what’s under the hood, compared to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.
- Processor and Performance:
- The iPhone 13 uses the A15 Bionic chip, which is the same as the base-level iPhone 14. The iPhone 15 uses the A16 Bionic chip.
- All three of the iPhones have a 6-core CPU. However, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 have a 5-core GPU compared to 4 on the iPhone 13.
- Memory:
- iPhone 13 comes with 4 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 14 and 15 have 6 GB. In theory, this should translate into a boost in multitasking efficiency.
- Speed:
- All of this results in a minor 13% performance difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15. Most of us will hardly notice this.
Overall then, the iPhone 13, with its A15 Bionic chip, easily holds its ground in 2024 as a powerful and efficient performer. In short, you don’t need to worry about speed if you want to buy an iPhone 13.
iPhone 13 Camera System
Alright, let’s zoom into the iPhone 13’s camera capabilities, which honestly still snaps like a champ in 2024. Here’s the lowdown:
- Dual 12MP Cameras:
- Main Camera: An f/1.6 aperture with sensor-shift optical image stabilization. Translation? Crisp, clear shots even when your hands are shaking from too much coffee.
- Ultra-Wide Camera: An f/2.4 aperture with a 120° field of view for when you need to capture things like landscapes
- Cinematic Mode:
- iPhones always excel in taking videos. The iPhone 13 is no different with the ability to shoot 4k footage at 60fps. Cinematic Mode is genuinely breathtaking too.
Is the iPhone 13 camera still good in 2024? The short answer is a resounding yes. While the iPhone 15 has a quite ridiculous 48MP main camera, making it a cut above pretty much every smartphone ever released, the iPhone 13 holds its own.
Even against cameras in new phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24, the iPhone 13 still looks great. Of course, cameras are always subjective, but if you aren’t looking for the absolute pinnacle of smartphone photos, the 13 will satisfy your needs.
Most importantly, you can point at pretty much anything with the iPhone 13, take a quick snap, and have yourself a really brilliant photo. The same goes for video, where Apple remains better than any other manufacturer out there.
iPhone 13 Battery Life
iPhones do not generally have the best battery lives. Other flagships, such as those from Google and Samsung, make phones that often have significantly more efficient batteries. That being said, the iPhone 13 saw a solid improvement compared to the iPhone 12:
- Battery capacity:
- iPhone 13: 3227 mAh or a maximum of about 8 hours of video playback
- iPhone 14: 3279 mAh or a maximum of about 9 hours of video playback
- iPhone 15: 3349 mAh or a maximum of about 12 hours of video playback
As you can see, the difference in battery life isn’t huge, but it is significant. Those extra hours between the 13 and 15 are noticeable and mean you will have to charge your phone less.
Still, the iPhone 13’s battery is about average. For reference, the Samsung S23, released the year after, holds about 12 hours of battery for video playback. You aren’t getting the best, but it also isn’t the worst.
Moreover, the iPhone 13 does supports MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W and Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W so you aren’t missing out on the latest charging specs.
You can fully charge the iPhone in about 2 hours and 20 minutes which is pretty slow. Especially compared to models like the Google Pixel 7. Overall, the battery of the iPhone 13 is ok, but could be better. You’ll find it draining quicker than newer devices, it’s up to you to decide whether that’s an issue.
Software Updates and Ecosystem Support
If you’re buying an older iPhone, you’ll want to make sure you have at least a few years of new software support going forward. Here’s what Apple usually commits to:
- iOS Software Updates Lifespan:
- Historically, Apple rolls out between six to eight years of iOS software updates for its iPhones.
- For the iPhone 13, using the average of 7 years as a yardstick, we’re eyeing support up to 2028, although these dates could shift based on Apple’s discretion.
- Service and Parts Availability:
- Apple commits to providing service and parts for at least 5 years post-distribution, with a potential extension to 7 years depending on part availability. This means your iPhone 13 could see hardware support up to 2028.
- Vintage and Obsolete Categories:
- iPhones crossing the 7-year threshold enter the ‘obsolete’ category, with models like the iPhone 5c already there.
- ‘Vintage’ status hits those not sold for more than 5 but less than 7 years, including the likes of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.
If Apple pulls through on their promises and track record, then buying an iPhone 13 is a safe bet. You’ll have support for at least the next 3 years and probably beyond.
Even if you do surpass that timeframe, the latest iOs version will still run fine without updates, unless there are any major bugs to fix.
Build Quality and Display
Apple is the king of build quality. In 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max versions impressed with a high-quality titanium shell. Other products like Vision Pro also find strengths in just how well made they are and how pretty they look. Does the iPhone 13 hold up?:
- Design
- A Corning glass screen with an aluminium frame and glass back, just like the iPhone 12, 14 and 15.
- Display
- 800 nits typical brightness with a peak of 1200 nits.
- 60Hz refresh rate.
Unless you desperately want a titanium phone, for which you will need to buy an iPhone 15 Pro or a Samsung S24 Ultra, then the iPhone 13 is exactly the same as other models. The build quality is excellent as usual.
In terms of brightness, the 13 and 14 are the same, whereas the iPhone 15 has a typical 1000 nits rating. As before, this isn’t a huge difference, but the maximum of 2000 nits in direct sunlight is noticeably better.
As for refresh rate, look, this is a very minor gripe. Newer phones have 120Hz displays meaning animations and videos can appear smoother. But honestly, the average user will either not notice or find a reason to care. All in all, it isn’t a reason not to buy the iPhone 13.
iPhone 13 Price and Value
Now, down to the juicy bit, the reason why you might want to buy an iPhone 13; to save a lot of money.
- Base-model 128GB iPhone 13 prices:
- New from Apple: $599/£599
- Refurbished from BestBuy: $529
- New from Amazon: $508/£499
- Other Storage prices:
- 256GB Model: $699/£699 from Apple
- 512GB Model: $899/£899 from Apple
That should make for pretty happy reading. Whilst $599 is still a lot of money, it is a great deal. You are getting a top-quality phone that is still entirely relevant and competitive today from one of the best manufacturers.
For comparison, a new iPhone 12 costs around $400/£400 and the iPhone 14 $699/£699. That means the iPhone 13 sits in a sort of sweet spot. There isn’t much point in paying the extra $100/£100 for the iPhone 14, and the money you do pay for the iPhone 13 means you get a few more years of future-proofing.
The base-level iPhone 15 costs $799/£799. Unless you just want the most recent bit of tech, or need a 48MP camera, then there is certainly no reason to invest the extra cash.
My opinion? If you want to save money, buy an iPhone 13, or an iPhone 12 for even more savings. You won’t be disappointed.
iPhone 13 Alternatives
It isn’t all Apple though in this price bracket, there are other options that just about offer more value for money.
If we work on the proviso that you are looking to spend about $600/£600, then you can get some really excellent phones. Right now, the Google Pixel 8, Google’s latest flagship, costs $599/£599 from the Google Store. Or you can save on Amazon where the Pixel 8 currently costs $499 or £554.
The Pixel 8 is a truly excellent phone. The best of 2023 for many people. But is the Pixel 8 better than the iPhone 13? On balance, yes, especially if you like Google’s style of photos.
What about something different? Well, the Nothing Phone (2) sells for $519/£519 at the time of writing from Nothing’s website or, for 512GB of storage space, $519/£519 from Amazon.
If you aren’t wedded to the Apple ecosystem, then these options are great. Both the Nothing Phone (2) and Pixel 8 are better phones than the 13. But not by a huge amount.
Their batteries are significantly more efficient and their displays brighter. Their cameras (subjectively) produce more refined images and they have highly customisable operating systems.
So, it’s up to you and your preferences. In my opinion, $600/£600 is better spent on a newer Android device. Equally, that doesn’t mean $600 is bad value for an iPhone that is only two generations old.
Conclusion
Deciding if the iPhone 13 is still worth buying in 2024 is ultimately down to your own preferences.
Objectively, the 13 is still a great phone that holds its own against even the latest smartphones from both Apple and Android manufacturers. Whether that means you should buy it or not depends on two main things.
Firstly, are you only open to an Apple device? If you love the Apple ecosystem and want a new phone, the iPhone 13 is a definite buy. If not, there are plenty of excellent phones for a similar price.
Secondly, do you care about having the absolute latest and greatest specifications? If yes, then you’ll need to cough up about another $300/£300 for something like an iPhone 15. If not, then hey, you’ve got so many options to choose from and the iPhone 13 is one of them.
Would you buy an iPhone 13 in 2024? Let me know below!
Next: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Review: Who Are They For?
FAQs
What iPhone model should I consider purchasing in 2024?
If you want something that will satisfy you for the next three to five years, anything from the iPhone 13 above is a strong contender. The more money you can spend, the more life you’ll get out of your phone. Apple supports its phones for at least 5 years.
How long is the lifespan of an iPhone 13?
With proper care, an iPhone 13 can serve you well for several years. Typically, users keep their iPhones for about three to four years before getting a new one but they should last longer. If you opt for a battery replacement when needed, you could potentially extend your iPhone 13’s lifespan to six or more years.
What features can we expect from the iPhone in 2024?
The anticipated iPhone model in 2025, which could be the iPhone 16, could feature under-display Face ID technology. This would increase the available display area by eliminating the need for the full Dynamic Island, although a camera cutout will still be present.
Additionally, it is projected to have an enhanced 24-megapixel front-facing camera, which will offer substantial improvements in image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Are there any iPhones that will become obsolete in 2024?
Typically, Apple provides updates and support for iPhones for several years post-release, and obsolescence usually occurs gradually as new iOS updates are no longer compatible with older models. The latest iPhone to become obsolete was the iPhone 5.
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