Apple iPhone 13 review
iPhone 13 test
Although iPhone 13 is no longer the latest flagship Apple, it may prove to be a more viable purchase than its newer successor. The iPhone 14 series, as well as the already available 15 and 16 models, have made some changes, but at first glance, the main model in these series is almost twin to the iPhone 13 - it has the same cameras, processor, display and design. So what makes the iPhone 13 still so attractive?
Battery: Unprecedented durability by any standards Apple
One of the key strengths of the iPhone 13 is its battery performance. In the past, iPhones have not been famous for their long battery life on a single charge, but iPhone 13 definitely breaks out of this trend. During intensive testing, the device impressed with its endurance - even under heavy load it was difficult to discharge it in a day. The long-awaited improvement in this regard is the result of the introduction of more efficient components and software optimization. As a result, the iPhone 13 offers one of the best batteries in the history of the series.
Apple has not revealed whether it has increased the battery capacity compared to previous models, but the noticeably longer battery life on a single charge suggests that the change has taken place. For many users, especially those who value reliability in daily use, this aspect may be crucial when choosing a new smartphone.
Performance: the power of the A15 Bionic processor
At the heart of the iPhone 13 is the A15 Bionic chip - one of the most powerful mobile processors on the market at launch. It works together with 4 GB of RAM, which, although it may seem modest compared to Android smartphones, works extremely efficiently thanks to advanced software optimization. In practice, the iPhone 13 handles any app, multitasking and high-resolution games in no time, offering smoothness and responsiveness at the highest level.
In performance tests (Geekbench 5 benchmark), the iPhone 13 achieved impressive results. In the multi-core test, it scored 4687 points, putting it at the top among smartphones on the market, ahead of models such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 and OnePlus 9 Pro. This is a significant advantage, especially for those planning to switch from older iPhone models or Android-based devices.
Screen: OLED with some compromises
The iPhone 13's display is a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. The brightness of the screen has been significantly improved over previous models, making the phone perform well even in harsh sunlight. With a resolution of 460 pixels per inch, the image is sharp and crisp, and the OLED technology offers deep blacks and intense colors that make using the device a pleasure.
Unfortunately, the iPhone 13 does not offer the higher 120Hz refresh rate found on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models. The standard 60Hz may seem less smooth compared to newer devices that use ProMotion technology, especially when scrolling web pages or playing intense games. However, for most users the difference will not be that noticeable, and the lack of this feature should not weigh on the purchase decision.
Cameras: Subtle but significant improvements
At first glance, the iPhone 13's camera specifications are not much different from the previous year's model, but Apple has made some significant improvements, both in hardware and software. On the back, you'll find two cameras: a 12 MP main camera with an f/1.6 aperture, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle one with an f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree viewing angle. A telephoto lens is missing here, which means that the zoom relies only on a digital solution, but for most users the quality of photos taken under normal conditions will be fully satisfactory.
the iPhone 13 uses Sensor Shift OIS optical image stabilization technology, which was previously only available on the Pro Max model. This is a huge advantage, especially for those who like to take dynamic photos without worrying about blurry images. Also new are "Photo Styles," which are predefined effects that allow you to adjust the color and contrast of your photos to suit your preferences. This is an interesting feature, although it won't be a key feature for many.
Video: Movie mode and professional capabilities
the iPhone 13 also offers extensive video recording features. The phone allows video recording in 4K quality at 24, 30 and 60 frames per second, as well as in Full HD at up to 240 frames per second. The biggest novelty in this category is the so-called "movie mode", which allows recording with a background blur effect (bokeh) and dynamic focus switching between objects in the frame. This tool is dedicated to both amateurs and more advanced users who want to create more professional-looking video footage.
Charging and battery: Apple finally improves performance
One of the biggest complaints about previous generations of iPhones was poor battery performance. the iPhone 13, however, changes that picture - it offers a battery that easily lasts a full day of heavy use. Even with the battery set to full brightness and heavy use of apps and multimedia, the iPhone 13 manages to end the day with more than 20% power reserve. In tests of streaming video playback, the device ran for about 10 hours, which puts it at the top in terms of endurance on a single charge.
The iPhone 13's fast charging is powered by up to 20W, allowing the battery to charge to 50% in about 30 minutes. However, as in previous years, you won't find a charger in the package, which Apple explains with environmental concerns.
Summary: Is the iPhone 13 still a good choice?
Although the iPhone 13 is no longer the latest model in the range Apple, it is still an extremely attractive choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful smartphone. Improved battery performance, a powerful A15 Bionic processor, an improved camera and a solid OLED screen make it a proposition worth considering, especially for those planning to switch from older iPhone models or from Android.
Some shortcomings, such as the lack of a 120Hz refresh rate or a telephoto lens, may be noticeable, but for the average user, the iPhone 13 offers everything that can be expected from a modern smartphone at the highest level.