iPhone 13 Pro Vs iPhone 15

iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro
Starting at

£235.00

£949.00 new

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iPhone 15
iPhone 15
Starting at

£319.00

£699.00 new

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Ratings

The iPhone 13 Pro, released in 2021, and the iPhone 15, launched in 2023, are both premium smartphones from Apple. While they share the same operating system and a familiar design language, the iPhone 15 introduces a modern interface element, an updated camera system, and a universal charging port, distinguishing it from its predecessor. Both devices run on Apple's iOS, offering a consistent user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 15, being two years newer, will receive iOS updates for a longer period than the iPhone 13 Pro, extending its software longevity by approximately one to two years.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 13 Pro features a stainless steel frame, offering a robust feel, while the iPhone 15 uses an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, contributing to a lighter device. Both models incorporate Ceramic Shield on the front for enhanced drop protection.
  • Repairability: Both devices are designed with Apple's ecosystem in mind, and their repairability scores are generally comparable, though specific component availability might vary over time.

Year of Release

2021

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two iPhones cater to demanding tasks, with some key differences.

  • Processor: The iPhone 15 is equipped with a newer-generation processor, offering improved efficiency and slightly faster performance compared to the iPhone 13 Pro's capable chip.
  • Everyday Use: Both phones handle daily applications, multitasking, and graphic-intensive games smoothly. The iPhone 15 provides a bit more headroom for future demanding apps and offers slightly better power efficiency.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 15 generally offers improved battery life for typical usage scenarios, benefiting from its more efficient processor and optimized components, meaning less frequent charging for many users.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology: Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 15 utilize a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Refresh Rate: A key difference is the refresh rate; the iPhone 13 Pro features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 15 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Interface: The iPhone 15 boasts higher peak brightness, making it more visible in direct sunlight, and integrates the Dynamic Island for interactive alerts and activities, a feature not present on the iPhone 13 Pro.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both iPhones deliver excellent results, with the newer model introducing significant advancements.

  • Main Camera: The iPhone 13 Pro features a versatile triple 12MP camera system, including a dedicated telephoto lens and a LiDAR scanner for improved low-light focusing. The iPhone 15 upgrades to a 48MP main camera, which uses pixel binning to produce detailed 24MP photos and offers a 2x optical quality telephoto option by cropping the main sensor.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 15 benefits from next-generation portrait mode features and improved low-light performance, capturing more detail and better color accuracy in challenging conditions.
  • Video and Audio: Both models are capable of high-quality video recording. For audio, both provide clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and offer a good stereo speaker experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two models.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless speeds. The iPhone 15 may include slightly newer Bluetooth standards.
  • Charging Port: The iPhone 13 Pro uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port, while the iPhone 15 adopts the more universal USB-C port, allowing for broader compatibility with chargers and accessories.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 13 Pro, with its stainless steel frame, is noticeably heavier than the iPhone 15, which features a lighter aerospace-grade aluminum frame. The iPhone 15 also introduces a color-infused glass back, offering a different aesthetic.

Weight

203 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The choice between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 15 depends on individual priorities and usage patterns. Users often praise the iPhone 13 Pro for its ProMotion 120Hz display, which provides an exceptionally smooth visual experience, and its dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. However, some users note its heavier build and the Lightning port as areas where it shows its age.

The iPhone 15 is frequently lauded for its modern Dynamic Island interface, the versatility of its 48MP main camera with improved computational photography, and the convenience of its USB-C port. Criticisms sometimes point to its standard 60Hz display, which might feel less fluid compared to the ProMotion models, and the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens, relying instead on digital zoom from the main sensor.

Users prioritizing a smoother display experience and a dedicated telephoto camera may find the iPhone 13 Pro to be a compelling option. Conversely, those who value the latest camera technology, a modern interactive display, universal charging, and a lighter design will likely find the iPhone 15 better suited to their needs. Both models offer a robust smartphone experience, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either device, enabling informed and sustainable choices.

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