iPhone 13: Release date, specs, pricing, and news

After months of rumors and leaks, the Apple iPhone 13 series finally came out last September.

The phones may not represent a major design shift over 2020’s iPhone 12 devices, but they still offer many upgrades, new features, and more.

Like the iPhone 12, there are four iPhone 13 models: the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. All four new iPhone models have upgrades, some of which are features that iPhone users have been asking for, for years.

We were able to publish full reviews of the phones. Here’s more of what you can find about the iPhone 13 series.

iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini reviews and features

• The lineup starts with the iPhone 13 mini retailing for $699.
• The device flips the camera layout to a diagonal camera arrangement which offers better, high-quality photos thanks to the larger lenses.
• iPhone 13s come in five new colors, including Blue, Pink, Midnight, Starlight, and a Product Red option.
• While pricing has stayed the same, battery life has significantly changed over the previous iPhone 12 smartphones.

Read our full review here.

iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro max reviews and features

• Pro pricing has also stayed the same as the previous year’s models.
• The iPhone 13 Pro starts at $999, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max retails for $1,099
• It finally offers 120Hz ProMotion, seamlessly increasing or decreasing the refresh rate based on what’s being utilized on the smartphone, saving battery in the process.
• The base iPhone now offers 128GB. This is helpful for those who like to store lots of files and media on their device. However, those relying heavily on cloud services may not notice much difference. Equally important, there’s a new 1TB storage option as well.
• The cameras yield another huge upgrade with physically larger sensors, all with either optical or sensor-shift stabilization, enhanced night mode, macro close-up photography, and Cinema video mode.
• The notch is 20% smaller.
• Battery life is rated at both 1.5 hours and 2.5 hours more, respectively.
• According to reviews, the newest Bionic A15 CPU delivers at least 10% better performance than last year’s models.
• The iPhone 13 Pro colorways are sierra Blue, Gold, Graphite, and Silver.

• The devices have improved 5G performance too. Now, the device supports C-band 5G networks, which could play a significant role in 5G deployment over the next few years.

Read our full review here.

iPhone 13 specs

iPhone 13 design

The iPhone 12 series got a major design overhaul, and as such, we were never expecting the iPhone 13 to get many design changes. The latest devices retain the squared-off edges and large square camera module on offer by Apple’s previous-generation phones. That’s not a bad thing, though — we loved the look of the iPhone 12, and the iPhone 13 still looks great.

There are a few tweaks to the design. Perhaps the most obvious is that the devices have a slightly smaller notch. It’s not a huge difference, but it makes that edge-to-edge display somewhat more immersive. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for the notch-less iPhone we’re all looking forward to.

The other design shift comes to the two non-Pro models. The two devices now have diagonally aligned cameras instead of vertically aligned ones. It’s also not a huge change, but still, a way to tell the phones apart.

The Pro comes in four finishes, including a new Sierra Blue finish. All four have a stainless steel frame. The Pro devices also boast a larger camera module, giving it enough room to get larger camera sensors — which we’ll get into a little later. It doesn’t make a huge difference for those that put their phone in a case. Click the links for the best cases for the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

iPhone 13 display with 120Hz refresh rate

The Pro iPhones got a major display upgrade. After years of high refresh rate on Android phones, Apple’s Pro devices finally got ProMotion displays. That means they offer a 120Hz refresh rate that gives smooth software animations and a responsive feel. This was a long overdue feature, but it’s still nice to see.

As mentioned, unfortunately, the feature is only available for “Pro” models — so the standard devices didn’t get the treatment. Hopefully, that will change for the iPhone 14 series, though only time will tell. Still, all four devices offer excellent OLED displays that look great whether they have high refresh rates or not.

The standard devices got a bit of a display upgrade. The device has a new high-efficiency display that can go up to an impressive 1200 nits.

Despite some early rumors, the display has no Touch ID sensor. That may arrive down the line.

iPhone 13 ultra-wide camera improvements

The iPhone 12 series represented a big step forward for the iPhone’s camera, bringing larger camera sensors with improved low light performance.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, in particular, performed excellently in that respect.

Apple brought that tech to the entire iPhone 13 lineup. It helps the devices offer better low light performance and stabilization.

Like the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini, the two lower-end models still have dual-camera setups. One with one 12-megapixel wide and the other with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera.

In addition, the Pro devices still have a triple camera setup, which adds a 12-megapixel telephoto camera to the mix.

Also, the Pro devices offer an improved 6-element ultra-wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture.

This ensures they can perform better in low-light conditions and allows the device to take macro photography without needing a dedicated macro camera.

Also, the telephoto camera on the Pro models finally offers up to 3x optical zoom, making for a total of 6x zoom range when you factor in the ultra-wide camera.

The phone series offers some new software features too. They have a new Cinematic Mode feature, which is basically Portrait Mode for video recording.

The mode lets you change focus by tapping on subjects on the display. The iPhones also offer a new AI-based filter system called “Styles.”

Front-Facing Camera Features

The 12-megapixel f/2.2 camera housed in the notch display supports a bunch of the photographic features found in the rear camera.

Each photographic style gives some form 0f creative control over your selfies.

Features like Night mode, Dolby Vision HDR recording, deep fusion, and cinematic mode shoots. You can now shoot movie-like videos with depth field effects with the iPhone 13 cinematic mode.

Video Recording

Image source: Apple

Apple announced that the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini also supports 4K video recording at 24, 25, 30, and 60 frames per second.

The camera upgrades also support HDR video shooting with Dolby Vision up to 4k at 60 fps. Additionally, you can choose to record your videos in 1080p as well as 720p.

iPhone 13 smart camera features

Smart HDR 4

With this powerful feature, the iPhone 13 model’s camera can recognize about four people in a scene. The enhanced lighting and contrast provide even skin tones for each individual in HDR photos and videos.

The colors of images and videos are perfectly optimized and more realistic than those from the previous smartphones.

Night mode

Images in extremely low light scenes still come out nearly perfect with the iPhone 13 night mode feature.

Deep fusion

Deep fusion helps to bring out the best image skin tones, texture, and detail for images taken in mid to low-lighting conditions.

Portrait mode

The portrait mode focuses on the subject of the photo and then blurs out the background.

Portrait lighting

This feature adds effects to the lighting of Portrait mode photos. Effects include Stage, Stage Mono, High-key Mono, Natural, Studio, and Contour.

Photographic Styles

This smart, adjustable filter feature adds or softens the color display of images without altering the skin tone. Its application to an image is selective, unlike an ordinary filter feature that alters the whole image.

The preset Photographic styles include:

Rich Contrast- gives a darker shadow and deeper color

Vibrant- helps boost colors

Warm- gives golden undertones

Cool- accentuates blue undertones

These photographic styles feature gives the exact look and feel you want your image to have. The camera applies the preset style you choose on every picture you take in photo mode.

Panorama

This feature permits the iPhone 13 to capture panoramic shots of about 63 megapixels.

Burst mode

The burst mode lets you record quick events by capturing a series of quality images simultaneously.

How to Choose Photographic Styles on an iPhone 13

Your iPhone 13 camera is automatically set to “Standard” by default. To choose from the preset Photographic Styles, follow the steps below:

• Open your Camera app and tap the arrow pointed upward at the middle of the top of your screen

• Next, tap the Photographic styles button, the first icon at the top right of your iPhone 13 screen.

• Swipe left to preview and choose from the various preset styles. You can customize your preferred preset style by tapping on the Warmth and Tone controls below the frame. The slider helps you adjust the values of the preset style.

• Tap the reset button at the bottom right when you are done.

TrueDepth Camera system and Face ID

During the unveiling of the iPhone X on the 12th of September 2017, Apple launched the facial recognition system (Face ID).

The biometric authentication feature was improved and passed down to the iPhone 13 models.

With this current iPhone design, the TrueDepth camera system houses the Face ID components in the notch display.

The Face ID works with sensors and cameras to unlock the iPhone, authenticate Apple Pay payments, allow access to some protected apps, and so on.

Further, the Face ID feature can work in low light and in the dark, with sunglasses, hats, or scarves. A Dot Projector casts thousands of invisible infrared dots on the skin surface to form a 3D facial scan.

During a facial scan, thousands of infrared dots map the curves of the human face to be detected by an infrared camera.

The facial map efficiency is related to the powerful A15 Bionic chip. With this feature, the iPhone can authenticate identities even when some facial accessories obscure the face.

Using Face ID With an Apple Watch

Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

Using the “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature, you can still use your iPhone if you use face masks often. This convenience feature acts as an alternative authentication measure to unlock the devices of those who mask up.

Unfortunately, you cannot use this alternate authentication feature for the other access control features listed above.

Also, this feature would only work with an unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch. You can get one in an Apple store if you must.

Wireless Connectivities

Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

5G Connectivity

You would find antenna bands on either of the top sides of the phone. You can also find another one beneath the power button on the iPhone. This antenna is known as the 5G mmWave antenna.

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini 5G connectivity support gives better video streaming quality and higher definition quality during FaceTime calls.

Gamers are not left out. 5G significantly improves the speed of gaming.

With the Smart Data mode, your iPhone 13 automatically reverts to lower connectivity options when the high-speed internet speed is unnecessary. Apple built this automated action to preserve battery life.

The 5G mmWave antenna unlocks an accelerated 5G connection capacity, enhancing wider coverage, unlimited data plans, and user performance.

This antenna will only be seen on iPhones that would sell in the U.S

The iPhone 13 models were also designed to use the lightning cable for charging purposes. It also has speaker holes positioned at the bottom of the frame just beside where the mic is placed.

Bluetooth 5.0

Apple’s latest devices support improved Bluetooth connectivity – Bluetooth 5.0. This feature is an upgrade from the previous Bluetooth 4.0.

It offers a better connection over a longer distance for iOS users. Unfortunately, we are yet to see a significant upgrade on the Bluetooth feature that would make it a suitable data transfer alternative.

However, this upgrade for newer iPhones is excellent for streaming music through a wireless device like the Airpods.

WIFI 6

Without a doubt, Apple gave an upgrade to the previous wifi connectivity feature. This upgrade uses 802.11ax with 2×2 MIMO and has a lower latency and much faster connection.

With a 75% lower latency compared to 802.11ac, wifi 6.0 will surely give an overall improved wifi experience to iOS users.

in-store

SIM slot

A single SIM slot can be seen on the left side of the smartphone.

Is the iPhone 13 dual SIM?

Yes! The iPhone 13 has one slot for a physical nano-SIM and supports eSIM technology.

eSIM technology allows you to add a cellular plan to your iOS device without using a physical SIM card. The iPhone SE, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Pro models were built to use the eSIM technology.

That means you can use Dual SIM technology on the iPhone 13, but you can’t use two physical SIM cards.

Square bump

The newly improved camera design is on the noticeable square bump at the back of the new iPhone. Unlike the iPhone 12 series, which had vertical lens displays, the iPhone 13 models have a diagonal lens layout.

Apple has divulged that the new camera lens arrays support more recent camera technologies like sensor-shift optical image stabilization.

That said, the iPhone 13, equipped with an Ultra-wide camera, provides far better photos and video shots.

Neural Engine

The iPhone 13 uses the 16-core Neural Engine to perform about 15.8 trillion operations per second. Further, you can use it for enhanced video recordings with powerful features like Cinematic Mode and Smart HDR 4.

RAM

Compared to the previous iPhone models, the new iPhone 13s is not different in RAM sizes. The iPhone 13 Pro models have 6GB RAM, and the ordinary 13 models come with 4GB RAM.

Internal storage space

The iPhone 13 models have an internal storage capacity of up to 128GB. Surprisingly, the iPhone 13 and its mini version can request to expand their internal storage space up to 512GB.

Additionally, the Pro models have a maximum internal storage space of 1TB

The new iPhone also has a built-in barometer, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor.

iPhone 13 battery life

All four models of the iPhone 13 received a battery boost.

The iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 13 Pro offer 1.5 hours longer battery life than the iPhone 12 Mini. Also, standard iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max get a 2.5-hour improvement over their 12 counterparts.

The mini also allows up to 17 hours of video playback (13 hours when streaming) and 55 hours of audio playback.

For the iPhone 13, users can go up to 19 hours watching videos and 15 hours streaming online. Also, the audio playback period stretches up to 75 hours.

Apple says this is mainly due to a more efficient chip (the A15 Bionic chip) and software. If you’re looking for the best iPhone 13 charger, see here.

The iPhone 13 has a 3,227 mAh battery life compared to the 2,815 mAh in the iPhone 12. Further, the iPhone 13 mini is equipped with a 2,406 mAh battery life capacity instead of the 2,227 mAh in the iPhone 12 mini.

All the iPhone 13 models have been equipped to provide longer battery life spans compared to their predecessors.

The iPhone 13 models support fast charging using a Lightning to USB-C cable and a 20W power adapter. Here’s the fun part- you can charge your iPhone 13 up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes!

MagSafe charger

The iPhone 13 continues to use the MagSafe charger technology for charging. This charging technology, in the form of a magnetic ring, is strapped onto the back of the iPhone 13 models.

It charges at the rate of 15W, which is higher than the Qi-based chargers, which charge iOS devices at 7.5W.

Charging your iPhone 13

Be reminded that Apple no longer includes power adapters in their phone packages. You may have to purchase a compatible adapter (20W USB-C power adapter) separately.

Further, to make the right purchasing decisions, the power adapter purchased separately must meet the following recommended specifications:

• Frequency: 50 to 60 Hz, single phase
• Line Voltage: 100 to 240V AC
• Output Voltage/Current: 9 VDC/2.2 A
• Minimum Power Output: 20 W
• Output Port: USB-C

What is the difference between iPhone 12 and 13?

There are a few differences between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 13. The two phones offer mostly the same design. However, the camera lenses are diagonally-aligned instead of vertically aligned. The iPhone 13 also has Apple’s upgraded A15 Bionic chip over the A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12. And the device has Apple’s sensor-shift camera tech.

Basically, the phones are very similar, but the iPhone 13 has a slightly better processor and a slightly better camera. If you have an iPhone 12, you don’t need an iPhone 13.

Is the iPhone 13 waterproof?

No, the iPhone 13 is not waterproof — it’s water-resistant. There is a difference to note. Waterproof means that a device is impervious to water. Water-resistant means it can handle some water in some situations, but with caveats. The iPhone 13 actually offers pretty good water resistance — it has an IP68 water-resistance rating. In this case, that means it can withstand being submerged in up to six meters of water for up to 30 minutes.

Is the iPhone 13 the same size as the iPhone 11?

It’s a similar size, but it’s not the same. The iPhone 11 is 5.94 inches tall, 2.98 inches wide, and 0.33 inches thick. The iPhone 13, on the other hand, is 5.78 inches tall, 2.81 inches wide, and 0.30 inches thick. In other words, the iPhone 13 is smaller in every way — but only a little.

Is the iPhone 13 dual SIM?

Yes! The iPhone 13 has one slot for a physical nano-SIM and supports eSIM technology. That means that you can use Dual SIM technology with the iPhone 13, though you can’t use two physical SIM cards.

Further differences between and iPhone 11 and iPhone 13

The iPhone 11 uses the A13 Bionic chip instead of the more powerful A15 chip used by the iPhone 13.

The 13 uses the new Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps, while the iPhone 11 has no cinematic mode option.

The non-Pro versions of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 13 use the dual camera system. However, the iPhone 13 camera has bigger rear camera lenses known to have wider apertures and better image quality.

The iPhone 13 leads the iPhone 11 using a New 16-core Neural Engine dedicated to swift Artificial intelligence and Machine learning operations. The iPhone 11 uses the 8-core Neural Engine.

All iPhone 11 smartphones have a Glass front and back, while Apple built the iPhone 13 with a Ceramic Shield front.

The ceramic shield is a tougher glass used as improved drop protection for new iPhone smartphones. Apple adopted this ceramic shield as a screen guard because of its resistance to scratches and bumps.

Lastly, due to its unusual construction, this screen guard will likely stay in one piece instead of shattering when damaged.

To wrap things up, the iPhone 13 uses a 6.7-inches Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, unlike the iPhone 11, which uses a 6.1-inches Liquid Retina HD display.

Apple Trade-in at an Apple store

Image source: Apple

Apple allows you to trade in your eligible iOS device at their stores for credit toward your next purchase. You can also qualify for an Apple Gift Card, which you can use anytime.

Irrespective of your iPhone model, or its condition, you stand a chance to get something tangible if you trade in with an Apple store.

This process can be concluded in just three simple steps:

Step 1

Find an Apple store near you and proceed to value the worth of your iOS device. You’ll get a quote for what your device is worth. Next, apply for credit towards a new device of your choice.

Step 2

Transfer your data from your current device to the new one when you get it. Then, carefully follow the steps to wipe out the data from your traded device.

Users with iOS 15 may have temporary access to iCloud storage to back up their data and apps to the new device.

Step 3

If you choose to trade your old or current device for an Apple Gift card, you can just mail it in. After the cost of the device has been cross-checked, Apple will send your gift card to you immediately.

Apple self-service repair program

Image source: Apple

Apple devised a means to assist its users in repairing broken devices from the comfort of their homes. This self-service repair program is an alternative for those without an Apple Authorized Service Provider close by.

It is also an excellent option for those with the knowledge of repairs who wish to handle such problems on their own. Using this option might save a few bucks, but carefully handling iPhone repairs is no joke.

Furthermore, you might as well be sacrificing your chances of getting a warranty in case of a clumsy repair job.

The tools and needed parts are sold for the same amount that Apple pays when they’re ordered in-store

For now, this program is only available for iPhone SE or iPhone 13 smartphones.

FAQ

Is iPhone 13 worth buying in 2021?

The iPhone 13 was Apple’s market-leading smartphone at the time of its launch in September 2021. This new phone arrived loaded with powerful performances, argued to be the best performance from any iPhone at its unveiling.

With a significant increase in sales, the arrival of the iPhone 13 marked its territory as Apple’s leading iPhone on the market.

Many users are psyched by the powerful tools and features of the new chip (A15 Bionic) that the new iPhone 13 was equipped with.

What is the difference between iPhone 12 and 13?

The major difference in both iPhones is the performance.

Apple built both iPhones with 6-core CPUs with two performance and four efficiency cores. However, the iPhone 13 has a slight advantage thanks to its new and more powerful chip (A15 Bionic).

Does iPhone 13 have fingerprint?

Sadly, no. Apple did not integrate a fingerprint sensor on any part of the iPhone 13. But there is the presence of another exciting feature- the Face ID sensors.

Is iPhone 13 Pro Magnetic?

The iPhone 13 Pro has built-in magnets that permit a magnetic attachment for faster wireless charging.

Does iPhone 13 Pro come with a charger?

Apple no longer adds a charger to the box of newly purchased iPhones. However, you can easily buy one online or at an Apple retail store.

Does iPhone 13 have dual SIM?

You can use two active eSIMs or an eSIM and a nano-SIM on iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 mini.

Similarly, the iPhone 11, iPhone 12 models, iPhone XR, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XS can all use the dual SIM feature. The exception is that they would only be allowed to use an eSIM and a nano-SIM

Does iPhone 13 have Bluetooth?

The iPhone 13 supports dual-frequency GPS, Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band wifi 6E, and other connectivity features.

How do you screenshot on an iPhone 13?

Hold down the power and volume-up buttons together.

Release both buttons after a flash has appeared on your screen.

You’d notice a thumbnail display at the lower-left corner of your screen. There is your screenshot.

Does iPhone 13 have a home button?

No, iPhone 13 does not have a physical home button.

Can iPhone 13 take pictures underwater?

Yes, you can.

In fact, you can dive down to about 2 meters below water to take pictures. The new iPhones have been built with IP68/IP67 classification. This means your iPhone 13 can withstand 30 minutes at a depth of 2 meters below water.

Can iPhone 13 go in saltwater?

Saltwater will cause corrosion to your iPhone’s interior boards if exposed to such. That said, be smart enough to avoid exposing your iPhone or other gadgets to water or saltwater.