The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro:
A Comparison for Every Kind of User
Introduction
Another year, another slate of shiny new iPhones to choose from. Apple‘s iconic smartphone series has been going strong since 2007, improving its game-changing formula with each annual refresh. 2021‘s crop introduced the iPhone 13 family, headlined by the base iPhone 13 and its upmarket sibling, the iPhone 13 Pro. Naturally, this raises the question: what exactly is "Pro" about the pricier model, and which one is the better overall pick?
In this deep dive comparison, we‘ll closely examine how the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro stack up in every key area, from performance and cameras to design and value. Whether you‘re a long-time iPhone user eyeing an upgrade or a new customer trying to navigate Apple‘s lineup, we‘ll provide the insights you need to make the right call.
At a quick glance, the two phones can be difficult to tell apart beyond their differing rear camera arrays. They share the same dimensions, core processor, 5G connectivity, and run identical software. However, a range of important distinctions in their feature sets lead them to be targeted at two different kinds of users. Let‘s begin by taking a look at the key specs of both devices side-by-side.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 13 Pro: Specifications Compared
iPhone 13:
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED display
- A15 Bionic chip
- 128GB/256GB/512GB storage options
- 4GB RAM
- Dual 12MP rear cameras (Wide and Ultra Wide)
- 12MP TrueDepth front camera
- Up to 19 hours video playback battery life
- Aluminum frame
- 174g weight
- Red, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink color options
- Starts at $799
iPhone 13 Pro:
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion (adaptive 120Hz refresh rate)
- A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB storage options
- 6GB RAM
- Triple 12MP rear cameras (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) with LiDAR scanner
- 12MP TrueDepth front camera
- Up to 22 hours video playback battery life
- Stainless steel frame
- 204g weight
- Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue color options
- Starts at $999
Looking at the specs, the iPhone 13 Pro‘s advantages start to come into focus. While the two phones share the same cutting-edge A15 chip, allowing them to blaze through demanding apps and games, the Pro‘s extra GPU core and 2GB additional RAM give it an edge with particularly intensive tasks like video editing and AR experiences. It also boasts superior battery life.
However, the biggest draws of the Pro are undoubtedly its third Telephoto rear camera for optical zoom shots, the LiDAR scanner to enhance low-light photography and AR performance, and the ProMotion display tech that enables buttery-smooth adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz (the standard iPhone 13 is locked to 60Hz). These perks are especially appealing for smartphone photography enthusiasts and those who consume a lot of visual content on their devices.
So does that mean the pricier Pro model is the clear-cut choice for everyone? Not necessarily. At a starting price of $999, it commands a hefty $200 premium over the base iPhone 13. Many users simply won‘t utilize the extra storage options, memory, or niche camera features enough to justify the added cost. The non-Pro‘s aluminum frame also makes it a bit lighter and more comfortable for extended use compared to the Pro‘s surgical-grade stainless steel.
iPhone 13: The New Standard
For the vast majority of users, the iPhone 13 hits an exceptional sweet spot between performance, features, and value. At $799, it‘s certainly not an inexpensive phone, but still comes in below the asking prices of many Android flagships. And yet it packs the most advanced mobile silicon on the market in the A15, providing more power than anyone could need outside of specialized work.
In many ways, the iPhone 13 feels more "Pro" than ever for a base model iPhone. The camera system, while missing the dedicated zoom lens, still features bigger and better sensors than last year‘s already excellent iPhone 12. Photographic Styles allow you to customize your shots with smart filters, while Cinematic mode opens up a new dimension of creative control for video. The Super Retina XDR display is no slouch either, with a peak brightness of 800 nits for great visibility outdoors.
5G support across all iPhone 13 models also means you can take advantage of the fastest cellular data speeds available in your area, great for streaming, remote work, and downloading content on the go. Substantial improvements have been made to battery life as well, with the iPhone 13 lasting up to 2.5 hours longer than its predecessor.
And we can‘t overlook the importance of the iOS ecosystem, providing seamless integration with other Apple devices like Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches. With handy continuity features for tasks like copying and pasting between devices, answering calls and texts on your computer, and sharing files via AirDrop, there‘s a lot of added convenience to enjoy when you go with an iPhone.
The bottom line: the standard iPhone 13 is a complete, extremely capable smartphone package. It has essentially no weaknesses for all but the most demanding use cases and specialized needs. For the typical user, it will provide a wonderful, reliable, and speedy smartphone experience for years to come.
iPhone 13 Pro: For the Uncompromising Power User
With all of that said, there‘s certainly a significant niche that the iPhone 13 Pro aims to satisfy. If you know that you‘ll be pushing your phone to its limits on a regular basis and want the absolute best of the best Apple has to offer, the Pro‘s added benefits can certainly be worthwhile.
Smartphone photographers will appreciate the flexibility of the Telephoto lens, allowing you to capture distant subjects or create more natural depth of field in portraits without resorting to digital zoom. The LiDAR scanner enhances low-light focusing speed and can be used for detailed 3D scanning, while ProRAW support gives you greater control over post-processing.
When it comes to the display, the ProMotion tech is a game changer if you‘ve never used a high refresh rate screen before. Scrolling through web pages and social feeds feels uncannily smooth and responsive, while games that support 120Hz look phenomenal with fluid animations. If you‘re a frequent traveler, the Pro‘s hardier stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield front glass provide some extra peace of mind when it comes to potential drops or dings.
And of course, we can‘t forget the Pro-exclusive Sierra Blue color option. If you‘re fashion-forward and like your tech to make a statement, it‘s a undeniably attractive hue that helps you stand out from the sea of more conventional phone finishes (and provides a status symbol flex while you‘re at it).
Which iPhone 13 Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro comes down to your personal needs and budget. The Pro model‘s power user features are certainly impressive and desirable, but are luxuries rather than necessities for all but the most demanding users.
When making your decision, carefully consider which of the Pro‘s benefits you would realistically take full advantage of. Do you need the absolute maximum storage for a huge photo and video library? Will you utilize the Telephoto camera on a regular basis? Is 5-6+ hours of screen time a day, and a 120Hz refresh rate, worth $200 to you?
If you answered "no" to most of those questions, we would heartily recommend going with the standard iPhone 13 and saving a few hundred dollars. It‘s a phenomenal phone in its own right that meets or exceeds the needs of the vast majority of users, with industry-leading performance, cameras, and ecosystem benefits. With the money saved, you could accessorize your new phone with a case, MagSafe charger, or AirPods, or put it towards an Apple services bundle like Apple One to get even more out of your device.
If you‘re dead set on having the most powerful, full-featured iPhone possible with maximum creative flexibility and you have the budget to match, the iPhone 13 Pro is a stellar choice to future-proof your mobile experience for the long haul. Just make sure you‘ll leverage its unique benefits enough to justify the price of admission.
Whichever model you go with, you‘re getting one of the very best smartphones available today, with world-class hardware and software that perform excellently and work together seamlessly. The iPhone 13 family builds upon Apple‘s long track record of marrying cutting-edge tech with beautiful, user-friendly design, and you‘re unlikely to be disappointed with your purchase.
Looking to the Future
Before you make your final decision, it‘s worth keeping in mind that the iPhone 14 is likely only months away, with Apple expected to announce the next generation of its handsets in September as usual. Rumors suggest the iPhone 14 Pro models may feature an always-on display with widget support, as well as replacing the infamous display notch with a more subtle camera cut-out.
Of course, if you need a new iPhone now, it makes little sense to put your purchase on hold for nearly half a year (and the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro will remain highly capable phones for years to come). But if you suspect you might want the shiniest new features and don‘t mind holding out a bit longer, it may be prudent to wait and see what the iPhone 14 brings to the table before locking yourself into a pricey new device.
Conclusion
With the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, Apple has delivered two phenomenal flagship smartphones with a clear delineation between them. The standard 13 nails all of the essentials, providing a best-in-class core experience with stunning performance, cameras, and an iconic design at a (relatively) approachable price. Meanwhile, the 13 Pro takes everything a step further for uncompromising power users, with meaningful but luxurious extras like a 120Hz display, optical zoom, and LiDAR scanner.
For most typical users, we‘d strongly recommend going with the excellent iPhone 13 and pocketing the savings. But if you know you need the absolute best and will leverage the Pro‘s benefits, it‘s definitely a worthwhile step up. Whichever model you choose, you‘re getting one of the finest smartphones on the market today, with an unmatched blend of hardware prowess, refined software, and a robust supporting ecosystem.
