SpecPair

Apple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone 15

Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.

Apple iPhone 13
Apple
Apple iPhone 13
$799
Score 8.1/10
VS
Apple iPhone 15
Apple
Apple iPhone 15
$799
Score 8.7/10
Winner

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

SpecificationApple iPhone 13Apple iPhone 15
SoftwareiOS 15iOS 17
Body
Weight174 g171 g
MaterialAluminum frameAluminum frame
IP ratingIP68IP68
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm
Camera
Main camera12 MP48 MP
Front camera12 MP12 MP
Video4K@60fps Dolby Vision4K@60fps Dolby Vision
Ultrawide12 MP12 MP
Memory
RAM4 GB6 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Battery
Capacity3227 mAh3349 mAh
Charging20W wired20W wired
Wireless charging15W MagSafe15W MagSafe
Display
Size6.1 inches6.1 inches
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Resolution2532 x 11702556 x 1179
Refresh rate60Hz60Hz
Brightness (nits)8002000
Processor
CPUHexa-coreHexa-core
GPUApple GPU (4-core)Apple GPU (5-core)
ChipsetApple A15 BionicApple A16 Bionic
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBLightningUSB-C 2.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.05.3

Category Scores

Value
Apple iPhone 138.4
Apple iPhone 158.5
Camera
Apple iPhone 137.6
Apple iPhone 158.9
Battery
Apple iPhone 137.9
Apple iPhone 158.1
Display
Apple iPhone 138.2
Apple iPhone 159.1
Performance
Apple iPhone 138.3
Apple iPhone 158.8

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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