Apple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
iPhone 15 Plus significantly outperforms the iPhone 13 across nearly every dimension. Picture quality jumps from 800 to 2000 nits brightness, while the 6.7-inch display offers substantially more screen real estate than the 13's 6.1-inch panel. Camera performance is dramatically superior—the 48MP main sensor with computational photography capabilities in the 15 Plus eclipses the 13's 12MP setup, delivering sharper, more detailed photos in various lighting conditions. Battery capacity increases from 3227mAh to 4383mAh, providing noticeably longer endurance on the larger device. Processing power advances via the A16 Bionic chip with improved GPU (5-core vs 4-core), while RAM doubles to 6GB. The 15 Plus adds USB-C and Bluetooth 5.3 for better future-proofing. However, the $100 premium and heavier weight (201g vs 174g) warrant consideration. For anyone prioritizing flagship performance, superior camera quality, larger display, and extended battery life, iPhone 15 Plus delivers substantially better value despite higher cost.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | iOS 17 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 174 g | 201 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 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 | 4383 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 15W MagSafe |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2796 x 1290 |
| 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 Plus
Pros
- Outstanding battery life from large 4383 mAh cell
- Dynamic Island replaces notch on a non-Pro model
- 48 MP main camera is a major upgrade over iPhone 14 Plus
- First USB-C port on a standard Plus model
- Large display great for media consumption
Cons
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion upgrade
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 transfer speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
- Bulky and heavy for everyday use
Related Comparisons
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Apple products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 13 or the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.