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Apple’s 2021 iPhone didn’t really surprise consumers with the addition of major new features or a big redesign, however, the iPhone 13 is still a great device to get if you are due an upgrade. Below we summarise all you need to know about the iPhone 13, so if you’re thinking about getting it but are not sure if it’s worth it, you’ve come to the right place.
Not going to lie to you, the launch of the iPhone 12 was much more exciting as it brought a new flat-edge design with an advanced dual-camera system, MagSafe and 5G. The iPhone 13 on the contrary only brings in the usual upgrades (improved battery life, better camera, better performance) which are the bare minimum we all expect nowadays. That is not to say all these improved features aren’t worth the investment.
The design is almost identical to the iPhone 12 so there’s not much to say here. The main difference is the new diagonal camera arrangement on the back.
The battery life is hands-down the highlight of the iPhone 13. Apple claims that the regular iPhone 13 can last for two-and-a-half hours of usage longer than its predecessor, the iPhone 12, while the Mini version can last an extra one-and-a-half hours. That means you can stream video for up to 15 hours on the new iPhone before you need to charge it. That is a true game-changer as who isn’t tired of carrying their charger everywhere?
Next up is the cameras. Of course the iPhone 13 takes excellent pictures, which if you’ve seen Apple’s latest advertising campaign, you’ll know are that high-quality, they can be printed on billboards. The new dual cameras in the iPhone 13 also have bigger sensors to capture more light, which leads to much clearer and more detailed photos in a low-light setting.
As for performance, Apple says that iPhone 13’s new A15 Bionic processor is 50% faster than the competition. Thanks to this processor the phone runs apps and games smoothly and very quickly. Those who haven’t gotten a new iPhone for a few years, will certainly feel the difference here.
iOS 15
The iPhone 13 runs on the new iOS 15. The new iOS includes a new Focus mode which can be enabled through the dropdown menu.With Focus mode, you set an activity that you're doing (working, reading, exercising), and block out the notifications that are unrelated to said activity. It is essentially an improved version of Do Not Disturb which lets you personalise the apps and people that can contact you based on what you're doing.
Models
The iPhone 13 has four different models which vary in price, physical dimensions, and storage size.
• iPhone 13 mini – this model has a 5.4-inch display, weighs 141g, has a dual rear camera, battery life of up to 17 hours, and can offer storage of up to 512 GB.
• iPhone 13 – the standard iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch display, has a dual rear camera, weighs 174g, has a battery life of up to 19 hours, and can offer storage of up to 512 GB.
• iPhone 13 Pro – this one also has a 6.1-inch display, but it has a triple-camera system, weighs 204g, has a battery life of up to 22 hours, and can offer storage of up to 1TB.
• iPhone 13 Pro Max – the best of the iPhone 13 range has a 6.7-inch display, triple-camera system, weighs 240g, has a battery life of up to 28 hours, and can offer storage of up to 1TB.
How much does the iPhone 13 cost?
• iPhone 13 mini – starting price is £679 and goes up to £979
• iPhone 13 - starting price is £779 and goes up to £1,079
• iPhone 13 Pro - starting price is £949 and goes up to £1,449
• iPhone 13 Pro Max - starting price is £1,049 and goes up to £1,549
If you don’t want to pay this much upright, you can of course get any of the new iPhones from your mobile provider as part of a new contract and pay monthly.
Should I get the new iPhone 13?
If you need a new phone, yes, the iPhone 13 is certainly worth the investment. However, if you are an iPhone 12 user, you won’t feel much of a difference after upgrading to iPhone 13, so it’s probably best to wait for at least another year and see what Apple will unveil in 2022.