If you bought the iPhone 13 when it was released in 2021, then you might well be approaching the end of your contract and considering an upgrade to one of the best iPhones available. These days, that means considering whether to buy the newly released iPhone 15.
Two years can be a long time in smartphone development, and as you can imagine, the iPhone 15 features some big improvements over the iPhone 13. We’re still testing the new phone for our full review, but based on our iPhone 15 hands-on, we can talk in some detail about what’s different in an iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 13 comparison.
Design and Build Quality
- iPhone 15: Apple has continued its commitment to sleek and premium design with the iPhone 15. It features a glass back and an aluminum frame, which gives it a high-end feel. The iPhone 15 comes in a variety of colors, including Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink. One noticeable change in the design is the curved edges of the iPhone 15, which make it more comfortable to hold compared to the straight edges of the iPhone 13.
- iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 also boasts a premium build with its glass back and aluminum frame. It is available in a range of colors, including Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink. However, the iPhone 13 has straight edges, which some users find less comfortable to hold than the curved edges of the iPhone 15.
- Verdict: Both phones offer premium build quality and aesthetics, but the iPhone 15 has the edge with its curved edges, which improve ergonomics.
Display
- iPhone 15: The iPhone 15 features a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. It supports HDR content and offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits (typical) and 2000 nits (outdoor). The display features True Tone technology and has a 60Hz refresh rate.
- iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 also sports a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. It supports HDR content and offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits (HDR). Like the iPhone 15, it has True Tone technology and a 60Hz refresh rate.
- Verdict: Both phones offer high-quality displays, but the iPhone 15 has a slight advantage with its improved outdoor brightness.
Performance
- iPhone 15: The iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 Bionic chipset, which is expected to deliver substantial performance gains over its predecessor, especially in graphics performance. It comes with 6GB of RAM, which should ensure smooth multitasking and app performance.
- iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 is equipped with the A15 Bionic chipset, which is still a powerful and capable processor. It has 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most tasks and offers good overall performance.
- Verdict: The iPhone 15 is likely to offer better overall performance, especially in graphics-intensive tasks, thanks to its A16 Bionic chipset and higher RAM capacity.
Camera
- iPhone 15: The iPhone 15 features an upgraded 48MP main camera, inherited from last year’s Pro models. This higher-resolution sensor allows for more detailed photos, and users have the option to shoot at the full 48MP resolution or the default 24MP setting. The iPhone 15 also improves zoom shots without a dedicated telephoto lens by cropping in on the shot for more detail and sharpness. Additionally, the camera enhancements include improvements in Portrait mode, Night mode, and Smart HDR.
- iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 features a 12MP main camera, which delivers good-quality photos. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of detail and flexibility as the 48MP main camera on the iPhone 15. While the iPhone 13 still performs well in various lighting conditions, it lags behind in terms of camera capabilities compared to the iPhone 15.
- Verdict: The iPhone 15 offers significant camera improvements with its 48MP main sensor and enhanced software features, making it a superior choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life
- iPhone 15: Apple has not officially disclosed the battery size of the iPhone 15, but it is expected to have a higher-capacity battery compared to the iPhone 13. The spec sheet indicates longer battery life for video playback, streaming video, and audio playback on the iPhone 15 compared to the iPhone 13.
- iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 is equipped with a 3240mAh battery, which provides good battery life for most users. It can easily last a full day with regular usage.
- Verdict: While the exact battery size of the iPhone 15 remains undisclosed, the improvements in battery life on the spec sheet suggest that it may outperform the iPhone 13 in this regard.
Connectivity
- iPhone 15: One notable change in connectivity is the shift from the Lightning port to a USB-C port on the iPhone 15. This change was driven by an EU regulation requiring support for common charging standards. Charging speeds remain at 20W, similar to the iPhone 13. Only the iPhone 15 Pro models offer faster data transfer through USB 3 support.
- iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 uses the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. It also supports fast charging, but the data transfer speed is not as fast as that of the iPhone 15 Pro models.
- Verdict: The switch to USB-C on the iPhone 15 may inconvenience current Lightning users but aligns with common charging standards and offers faster data transfer on the Pro models.
Software
- iPhone 15: The iPhone 15 comes with iOS 17, the latest version of Apple’s operating system. It introduces new features and improvements in performance and security. iOS updates are likely to be supported for several years.
- iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 runs on iOS 15, which was the latest version at the time of its release. It still receives updates and security patches, but it may have a shorter update lifespan compared to the iPhone 15.
- Verdict: Both phones run on the latest versions of iOS available at their respective release dates, but the iPhone 15 is likely to receive software updates for a longer period.
Price
iPhone 15: The starting price for the iPhone 15 is $799, which is the same as the launch price of the iPhone 13 two years ago. Apple also offers trade-in options, allowing users to get up to $370 off their purchase when trading in their iPhone 13.
iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 is now available at a reduced price of $599, making it a more budget-friendly option for users who want the core iPhone experience without the latest upgrades.
Verdict: The iPhone 13 offers good value for users looking for a more budget-friendly iPhone, while the iPhone 15 maintains a competitive price point with added features and improvements.
Conclusion
In the iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 15 comparison, it’s clear that the iPhone 15 brings several significant improvements, including a better camera, potentially longer battery life, a sleeker design with curved edges, and the transition to USB-C. However, the iPhone 13 still offers a solid smartphone experience with a more budget-friendly price tag.
Whether you should upgrade from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 15 depends on your priorities. If you’re a photography enthusiast, desire the latest features, and can afford the upgrade, the iPhone 15 is a compelling choice. On the other hand, if you’re content with the iPhone 13’s performance and features, it remains a capable smartphone that offers good value for a reduced price.
Before making a decision, consider your specific needs, budget, and how important the latest upgrades are to your smartphone experience.
