Is it still worth Buying an iPhone 13 in 2024?

The iPhone 13 remains a topic of interest among tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike. With the rapid pace of technological advancements and the annual release of new models, one question persists: Is the iPhone 13 still a worthwhile purchase this year?

Quick Look at the iPhone 13

Back in 2021, the iPhone 13 hit the shelves with some pretty cool updates, like better battery life, an awesome dual-camera setup, and the A15 Bionic chip that made everything snappier. Fast forward to 2024, and it’s still holding its own, proving to be a solid choice, especially if you’re eyeing the refurbished market.

iPhone 13 Release Price

The iPhone 13 series launch prices in the EU were: iPhone 13 mini at €800, iPhone 13 at €900, iPhone 13 Pro at €1,150, and iPhone 13 Pro Max at €1,250, covering a range from budget-friendly to premium options.

iPhone 13 miniiPhone 13iPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro Max
EUR 800EUR 900EUR 1,150EUR 1,250

iPhone 13 Comparison

FeatureiPhone 13 miniiPhone 13iPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro Max
Display5.4-inch Super Retina XDR6.1-inch Super Retina XDR6.1-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion6.7-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion
Camera SystemDual 12MP: Wide and Ultra WideDual 12MP: Wide and Ultra WideTriple 12MP: Telephoto, Wide, Ultra Wide + LiDAR ScannerTriple 12MP: Telephoto, Wide, Ultra Wide + LiDAR Scanner
Battery Life (Video Playback)Up to 17 hoursUp to 19 hoursUp to 22 hoursUp to 28 hours
Special FeaturesCompact size, powerful performanceBalanced performance, popular choiceAdvanced photography features, ProRAW, ProRes videoLargest display, longest battery life, top-tier camera features

Built Tough

With a Ceramic Shield and aerospace-grade aluminum, this phone is made to last.

iOS Updates for Days: Apple’s got your back with iOS updates expected until at least 2027, keeping your phone up-to-date and secure.

Camera Capabilities 

The iPhone 13’s 12MP dual-camera system is a leap from the iPhone 12, especially with features like sensor-shift optical image stabilization and Cinematic mode, making your photos and videos pop.

FeatureiPhone 13 MiniiPhone 13iPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro Max
Main CameraDual 12MP: Wide and Ultra WideDual 12MP: Wide and Ultra WideTriple 12MP: Telephoto, Wide, Ultra WideTriple 12MP: Telephoto, Wide, Ultra Wide
Wide Lensf/1.6 aperturef/1.6 aperturef/1.5 aperturef/1.5 aperture
Ultra Wide Lensf/2.4 aperture and 120° field of viewf/2.4 aperture and 120° field of viewf/1.8 aperture and 120° field of viewf/1.8 aperture and 120° field of view
Telephoto LensN/AN/Af/2.8 aperture (3x optical zoom in)f/2.8 aperture (3x optical zoom in)
Night ModeYes, on all camerasYes, on all camerasYes, on all camerasYes, on all cameras
Deep FusionYes, on all camerasYes, on all camerasYes, on all camerasYes, on all cameras
Optical Zoom2x optical zoom out2x optical zoom out3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out
Digital ZoomUp to 5xUp to 5xUp to 15xUp to 15x
LiDAR ScannerN/AN/AYesYes
Photographic StylesYesYesYesYes
ProRAWN/AN/AYesYes
ProRes VideoN/AN/AYes, up to 4K at 30 fpsYes, up to 4K at 30 fps
Cinematic ModeYes, up to 1080p at 30 fpsYes, up to 1080p at 30 fpsYes, up to 1080p at 30 fpsYes, up to 1080p at 30 fps

The iPhone 13 and 13 mini offer a basic dual-camera system without a dedicated telephoto lens, focusing on wide and ultra-wide shots. They do not feature optical zoom in the traditional sense but allow for 2x optical zoom out, thanks to their ultra-wide lens, and digital zoom up to 5x.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 13 Pro Pro Max comes with a triple-camera system, including a telephoto lens, which significantly enhances their optical zoom capabilities. They offer 3x optical zoom in, allowing for closer and clearer shots of distant subjects, and 2x optical zoom out, with the ability to use digital zoom up to 15x. 

This makes the Pro and Pro Max models ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals who require versatile shooting options and superior zoom capabilities.

Unlike the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, The iPhone 13 and 13 Mini do not include a LiDAR scanner. While they still offer impressive photography capabilities and support for AR applications, they lack the enhanced depth-sensing and low-light autofocus features provided by LiDAR.

Power Under the Hood 

The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13 is a powerhouse, ensuring your phone runs smoothly, whether you’re gaming or snapping pics.

Using the iPhone 12 (A14 Bionic) as the baseline, the iPhone 13 (A15 Bionic): Shows a notable increase in both CPU and GPU performance compared to the A14, indicating faster processing for everyday tasks and improved graphics handling for gaming and intensive applications.

Model/ChipCPU PerformanceGPU PerformanceNote
iPhone 12 (A14 Bionic)BaseBaseFirst to introduce 5nm technology.
iPhone 13 (A15 Bionic)~15-20% faster~20-30% fasterEnhanced efficiency and performance over A14.
iPhone 14 (A15 Bionic)Similar to iPhone 13Similar to iPhone 13Maintains performance, with improvements in thermal management and power efficiency.

Battery Life: Going the Distance

One of the iPhone 13’s bragging rights is its battery life. Expect around 19 hours of video playback, outperforming its predecessor and giving you more screen time without constantly reaching for the charger.

ModelBattery Capacity (mAh)Video Playback Time (Hours)Audio Playback Time (Hours)
iPhone 12~2,815 mAhUp to 17Up to 65
iPhone 13~3,095 mAhUp to 19Up to 75
iPhone 14~3,279 mAhUp to 20*Up to 80*

*Note: The values for video and audio playback time for the iPhone 14 are estimated based on its increased battery capacity compared to the iPhone 13. Actual performance may vary.

So, Should You Go for It?

If you’re looking for a phone that balances cost with features, the iPhone 13 in 2024 is a smart pick. It’s durable, supports the latest iOS, takes amazing photos, and won’t leave you worrying about battery life.

Looking for deals on the iPhone 13 and similar models? Check out our latest offers and discounts and save up to 40% compared to a new iPhone. All Swappie iPhone come with a 1 year warranty and 14 day free return.