Apple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone X
The Verdict
iPhone 13 decisively outpaces the aging iPhone X across nearly every dimension. The A15 Bionic processor crushes the A11 in raw performance, delivering roughly 40% faster CPU speeds and superior GPU capabilities. Display technology favors the 13 with its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR panel reaching 800 nits versus the X's 625 nits, though both use OLED technology. Camera performance tilts toward the 13, featuring dual 12MP lenses with Dolby Vision 4K recording at 60fps, while the X relies on an older optical setup without computational photography advances. Battery capacity on the 13 measures 3227 mAh with modern 15W MagSafe wireless charging, substantially outlasting the X's 2716 mAh with only 7.5W charging. The 13 includes 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and 4GB RAM versus the X's Wi-Fi 5 and 3GB RAM. Both maintain IP67/IP68 water resistance and 174g weight. Software support strongly favors the 13, running iOS 15 with years of updates remaining, while the X launched on iOS 11. At $799 versus $999, the iPhone 13 represents superior value with modern internals, better cameras, larger screen, improved battery life, and faster charging. The iPhone X feels dated by comparison, making the 13 the clear choice for anyone seeking current technology and longevity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 13 if…
- →Significantly improved battery life over iPhone 12
- →Cinematic mode for video storytelling
- →Strong A15 Bionic chip handles anything
Buy the Apple iPhone X if…
- →Revolutionary edge-to-edge OLED display design
- →Face ID introduced biometric innovation
- →Wireless charging support
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 X
Pros
- Revolutionary edge-to-edge OLED display design
- Face ID introduced biometric innovation
- Wireless charging support
- Premium stainless steel and glass build
- Animoji with TrueDepth camera
Cons
- First-gen Face ID was slower than Touch ID
- Notch design was polarizing
- $999 starting price was unprecedented
- No headphone jack or adapter in box
- Fragile all-glass construction
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | iOS 11 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 174 g | 174 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Stainless steel frame, glass back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 7 MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Telephoto | — | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 64 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3227 mAh | 2716 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 7.5W Qi |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 5.8 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2436 x 1125 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 625 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Hexa-core (2x2.39 GHz + 4x1.7 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU (3-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A11 Bionic |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | Lightning |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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