iPhone purchasers must make a difficult choice: buy the iPhone 13, which is unquestionably one of the greatest phones right now, or wait until the autumn for any upgrades the iPhone 14 has to offer. The iPhone 13 debut was several months ago, and the iPhone 14 is most certainly on the way soon.
One or more of the complications are no longer factors. Apple’s latest phones, notably the iPhone 13 Pro models, were in low supply when we initially published this piece due to supply chain problems. However, you can now order a phone straight from Apple and have it on your own in a matter of days at most.
Therefore, choosing whether to purchase an iPhone 13 or wait for the iPhone 14 is similar to making any other buy-or-wait option. It mostly depends on your own circumstances—if you must a phone immediately, purchase one—and the characteristics you deem essential. But making that choice might be made easier if you are aware of what is already accessible and what is most likely to develop.
Here is what you get with an iPhone 13 and how Apple’s alleged plans for new iPhones later this year may affect your choice to purchase.
iPhone 13: What’s currently accessible
There were four distinct iPhone 13 versions available when it launched in September of last year. The greatest iPhone currently available is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which is our favorite of the lot. But it’s also the costliest; at $100 less, the iPhone 13 Pro has a smaller display but many of the same capabilities.
The iPhone 13’s $799 price tag and combination of features and value will appeal to the majority of consumers. The 5.4-inch screen of the iPhone 13 mini, the least expensive of the new iPhones, limits its appeal to those who like compact phones.
| iPhone 13 mini | iPhone 13 | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 13 Pro Max | |
| Starting price | $699 | $799 | $999 | $1,099 |
| Storage | 128, 256, 512GB | 128, 256, 512 GB | 128, 256, 512, 1TB | 128, 256, 512, 1TB |
| Screen size | 5.4 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080/476 | 2532 x 1170/460 | 2532 x 1170/460 | 2778 x 1284/458 |
| Adaptive refresh Rate | No | No | Up to 120Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Rear cameras | Dual 12MP (Wide, ultrawide) | Dual 12MP (Wide, ultrawide) | Pro 12MP (Telephoto, Wide, Ultra Wide) | Pro 12MP (Telephoto, Wide, Ultra Wide) |
| Camera Zoom | None / 5x digital | None / 5x digital | 3x optical / 15x digital | 3x optical / 15x digital |
| Front Facing Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Colors | Red, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink | Red, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink | Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue | Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue |
| Size | 5.2 x 2.5 x 0.3 inches | 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches | 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches | 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.3 inches |
| Weight | 4.97 ounces | 6.14 ounces | 7.2 ounces | 8.5 ounces |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery Capacity | 8:41 | 10:33 | 11:42 | 12:16 |
The A15 Bionic chip, the most powerful mobile CPU we’ve tested, powers all four iPhone 13 versions. With the Pro versions adding a telephoto lens to the two cameras found in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, each of the four iPhone models is also rated as one of the top photography phones. Every model furthermore features the Cinematic mode function, which lets you smoothly change the focus of a movie you’re recording.
The larger batteries in every variant of the iPhone 13 were arguably the most appreciated change. With the exception of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the iPhone 12 series was a letdown in terms of battery life, so it’s encouraging to see Apple buck that trend with its successor model.
You can decide which model is best for you with our comparison of the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro. We also examine the variations between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Although any iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12 comparison will reveal some advancements from year to year, the largest benefits will be realized if you move from an earlier iPhone. A substantial improvement in low-light images compared to a phone that was released just three years ago can be seen in our iPhone 13 vs. iPhone XR camera comparison, for instance.
Apple has only released the iPhone SE since the debut of the iPhone 13 that time (2022). Later, when we’re more focused on the iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 13 debate, we’ll discuss a little more about that particular gadget.
Coming in 2022: Rumored features for the iPhone 14.
Even though the iPhone 13 was released more than six months ago, it still has that new iPhone smell. Nevertheless, the iPhone 14 is already in construction, and rumours about its purported specifications are starting to circulate. As the release date of the iPhone 14 draws nearer, anticipate more of those leaks.
We wouldn’t expect Apple to stray from its long-standing practice of releasing significant iPhone updates in the fall, so as of this writing, we’re still about five months away from seeing the iPhone 14. These, however, are the supposed changes and improvements that may be on the way, assuming you can wait that long.
Faster Processor
We anticipate that the iPhone 14 will bring a new system-on-chip, as is typical for every new iPhone generation. That most likely indicates that the A15 Bionic silicon that drives the devices from this year will be replaced. If Apple’s chip supplier shifts to a 4-nanometer technology, which can fit more transistors onto the chip than the 5nm A15, you’d think the device would be speedier and more power-efficient.
Nevertheless, generational performance increases are sometimes imperceptible to the human eye. Even if you’ve had your current iPhone for years, a CPU update wouldn’t be sufficient to put off an upgrade.
This year’s situation is further complicated by the notion that the A16 Bionic will only be available in the iPhone 14 Pro variants. Apple’s less expensive iPhones would basically have more RAM than previously if the normal iPhone 14 Pro were to switch to the A15 Bionic version that drives the iPhone 13 Pro models.
New Model Size
The iPhone 13 small, which has that specific screen size, is most likely the last of its sort. (If you do like smaller phones, now is the perfect opportunity to upgrade.) Apple is said to go big with the iPhone 14 with a less expensive 6.7-inch variant that will serve as a larger screen version of the 6.1-inch iPhone 14.
If this rumour comes true and Apple introduces the iPhone 14 Max, it will provide a big-screen choice for less money than the Pro Max devices now on the market. It may make sense for big-screen phone enthusiasts who can’t afford an iPhone 13 Pro Max to wait until the autumn.
No Notch
Apple reduced the notch by 20%, but some who like a display that is as clear and uncluttered as possible don’t think this is sufficient. With the iPhone 14, which is said to be removing the notch from at least some of its variants, they could get their wish.
Apple would need to find a solution to store its Face ID sensors at the bottom of the notch. That reportedly entails two punch holes, one for the camera and the other for the required sensors, according to some speculations. The latter is supposed to be a cutout in the form of a pill.
It is probable that only the iPhone 14 Pro versions will get the new design without the notch. The notch will presumably remain in place on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max.
Faster Refresh Rates
greater universal speed of refresh Speaking about features exclusive to the Pro versions, Apple included variable refresh rates for the iPhone’s screen at the appropriate moment. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 small can only scale up to 60Hz, while the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max can scale up to 120Hz for smoother browsing and more immersive gaming.
For the iPhone 14, we anticipate a shift, with entry-level models receiving their own fast-refreshing screens. Although some speculations suggest Apple may provide the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max 90Hz panels, the expected outlook is not promising. Whatever happens, it appears that 120Hz rates will only be available on Pro versions, as Apple seeks to set the iPhone 14 Pro apart from its more affordable counterparts.
Always-on display for Pro Models
For Pro models, an always-on display Apple is allegedly providing the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max with always-on display support, in part because of the previously mentioned improved refresh rates. For years, Apple has envied Android phone users for their practical lock screen widgets, which can be used even when the phone is off.
If this rumor is true, it would appear to be a natural progression from the new lock screen design in iOS 16 because you would be able to read important information at a glance without touching your screen or the lock button. This is a major incentive to hold off till the iPhone 14 Pro models, even though the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max also feature adjustable refresh rates that can decrease low enough to utilize an AOD.
Better cameras
Similar to the aforementioned quicker processor, camera advancements are very expected to occur. The specific changes Apple will make and which models will receive the most attention are less certain. One recurrent rumour is on the iPhone 14 Pro versions, which may include a 48MP primary camera. Specific camera enhancements have yet to be reported. That would be a significant improvement above the 12MP sensor that Apple employs in its iPhone 13 range.
Another report is that the iPhone 14 will also receive an improvement to the front-facing camera. The front camera on the iPhone 14 appears to be getting a larger aperture and autofocus, which might greatly enhance the selfie potential. However, because the technology is apparently three times as costly as the front camera on the iPhone 13, it might result in a price increase.
Touch ID is back
With the introduction of Face ID and the notch in the iPhone X, Apple removed the fingerprint sensors from the iPhone. However, iPhone lovers would like the reintroduction of Touch ID if only because Apple’s otherwise excellent face-scanning technology fails to function while you’re wearing a mask. And many of us are if only indoors, these days. But with iOS 15.4, which introduced support for Face ID with masks, all of that could have changed.
There is no agreement on whether Touch ID will be back in the iPhone 14 or what shape it will take; a sensor beneath the display is a possibility, or Apple may decide to include it into the power button as it does on the iPad Air and iPad mini now in use. You might not want to count Touch ID as one of your reasons to hold out for an iPhone 14 though, given how uncertain its future is.
What about iPhone SE?
The iPhone 13 versions aren’t Apple’s only new phones in recent months, as was already mentioned. The same A15 Bionic chipset seen in the smartphones released last autumn is also found in the iPhone SE (2022), which is also available. As a result, the iPhone SE will have a 5G connection and perform better than its predecessor. And you can have it all for $429, which is $270 cheaper than the price of the iPhone 13 mini.
The iPhone SE hasn’t altered much else, either. The design of the 2022 model, which was influenced by the iPhone 8, is still present, and there is only one back camera lens. More importantly, Apple chose not to include a Night mode on the iPhone SE (2022), which is unquestionably the feature we were most disappointed about.
Deal seekers who are turned off by the hefty price of the flagship iPhones will be drawn to the iPhone SE. Those looking for a deal won’t likely find much happiness with the phones arriving in the autumn because the iPhone 14 is anticipated to start at $799. Additionally, if Apple does indeed remove the mini from its portfolio as has been predicted, aficionados of small phones will only have the iPhone SE to choose from. (Once the iPhone 14 is out, it’s likely that the iPhone 13 small will still be offered at a modest discount.)
Is it better to buy the iPhone 13 now or wait for something else?
You can decide if the iPhone 13 is the appropriate phone for you or whether you’re better off waiting for features that are more in line with your wish list using the rumours about what Apple is planning, hopefully. Again, there is no one correct answer to this query; it all depends on the features you are looking for in a phone and the likelihood that Apple will offer them, either now or in the future.