Apple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone 15
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Both flagship iPhones maintain the $799 price point, but the iPhone 15 delivers meaningful generational improvements that justify its selection. Display quality jumps significantly with 2000 nits peak brightness versus 800 nits on the 13, making outdoor visibility noticeably superior. Camera performance sees the most dramatic upgrade—the 48MP main sensor with computational photography vastly outperforms the 12MP setup, particularly in detail retention and low-light scenarios. Processing power advances from A15 to A16 Bionic, complemented by 6GB RAM versus 4GB, ensuring smoother multitasking and gaming. Battery capacity increases marginally (3349mAh vs 3227mAh), though real-world endurance improves through efficiency gains. USB-C replaces Lightning, future-proofing your ecosystem. iOS 17 introduces more refined features than iOS 15. The iPhone 13 remains competent and cheaper on secondary markets, but for new purchases at identical pricing, iPhone 15 represents substantially better value through superior imaging, brighter screen, and faster performance.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | iOS 17 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 174 g | 171 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3227 mAh | 3349 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 15W MagSafe |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU (5-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A16 Bionic |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 13
Pros
- Significantly improved battery life over iPhone 12
- Cinematic mode for video storytelling
- Strong A15 Bionic chip handles anything
- Bright and vibrant OLED panel
- Solid value compared to Pro tier
Cons
- Only 60Hz display while Android rivals offered 120Hz
- Lightning connector showing its age
- Notch remains largely unchanged
- No telephoto camera
- USB 2.0 transfer speeds over Lightning
Apple iPhone 15
Pros
- Dynamic Island brought to base model
- 48 MP main camera upgrade
- Switched to USB-C port
- Strong A16 Bionic performance
- Comfortable lightweight design
Cons
- Stuck at 60Hz refresh rate
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
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