Picking the best iPhone for you can be complicated. There’s the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone SE and four different iPhone 13 models to choose from. Plus, the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 14 are rumored to be on their way soon. But if you narrowed it down to the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro or 13 Pro Max, we’re here to help.
Apple announced its new iPhone lineup at its September event in 2021 alongside the Apple Watch 7, iPad Mini 6 and updated entry-level iPad. The updated iPhone runs on iOS 15 and features a few camera upgrades, upped storage and a new A15 Bionic processor. (Here’s how the iPhone 13 compares to the iPhone 12 lineup, and how the iPhone 13 compares to the iPhone 13 Mini.) Although the iPhone 13 lineup mirrors the iPhone 12, Apple’s 2021 iPhones offer a new design, updated cameras and feature upgrades for a similar price as 2020’s iPhone 12 models. Here’s everything to know.
The iPhone 13 lineup has arrived. Here’s how the different models compare.
Apple/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET
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Review: The iPhone 13 and 13 Mini check all the boxes
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Price: iPhone 13 line (mostly) matches the cost of its predecessor
The iPhone 13 lineup mostly mimics the pricing for the iPhone 12. Although Apple has since done away with the 64GB storage option for its standard and Mini options, the pricing of the iPhone 13 have stayed the same. The iPhone 13 Mini starts at $699 for 128GB of storage. The standard iPhone 13 starts at $799, the Pro starts at $999 and Pro Max at $1,099.
The prices for the Pro versions are similar to other high-end smartphone models like the Galaxy S21 Plus and Galaxy S21 Ultra, which cost $1,000 and $1,200, respectively.
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The prices for the new iPhone increase as you go up in storage, especially since the iPhone features a 1TB storage option for the first time. The extra storage is only available on the Pro models and ups the price of an iPhone 13 Pro Max to $1,599.
Here are US prices for each of the iPhone 13 models:
IPHONE 13 SERIES US PRICES AND STORAGE
| 128GB storage | 256GB storage | 512GB storage | 1TB storage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Mini | $699 | $799 | $999 | NA |
| iPhone 13 | $799 | $899 | $1,099 | NA |
| iPhone 13 Pro | $999 | $1,099 | $1,299 | $1,499 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $1,099 | $1,199 | $1,399 | $1,599 |
Storage: iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have 1TB options
Apple has ditched its 64GB storage option for its new iPhone. The standard iPhone 13 and Mini now come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options, while the Pro and Pro Max also come in a 1TB storage option. This is the first time you have the option to get 1TB of storage on an iPhone.
Size and design: All iPhone 13 models have a 20% smaller notch
All four versions of the iPhone 13 are thicker and heavier than their counterpart in 2020’s lineup, but with a smaller notch. Apple has included a notched display on every iPhone since the 2017 iPhone X, as a place for the selfie camera. The iPhone 13’s notch is 20% smaller than it was on the iPhone 12.
The design of the camera setup shifted for the iPhone 13 Mini. The camera lenses are now situated diagonally from each other, rather than one atop the other like on the iPhone 12 Mini.
The iPhone 13 lineup ranges in screen size from 5.4 inches to 6.7 inches. The iPhone 13 Mini is 5.4 inches, the standard iPhone 13 and Pro models are both 6.1 inches and the Pro Max is 6.7 inches.
iPhone 13 sizes
| iPhone 13 model | Size |
|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Mini | 5.4 inches |
| iPhone 13 standard | 6.1 inches |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 6.1 inches |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 6.7 inches |
iPhone 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max camera testing: Photos from Apple’s highest end 2021 phones
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Display: Only iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have 120Hz refresh rate
The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models both feature a 120Hz display. The number of hertz a phone screen is rated for refers to the number of frames per second it can display, which determines how fast and smooth the screen feels when you’re scrolling through apps and web pages. The standard and Mini models, however, don’t feature the 120Hz display.
Apple seems late to the game, since other high-end smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S21 and OnePlus 9 Pro, already have a 120Hz refresh rate.
Camera: All the upgrades for each iPhone 13 model
The iPhone 13 lineup features a few new camera upgrades, including the addition of cinematic mode and macro photography.
But, similar to the iPhone 12 lineup, the lidar scanner is still only available on the Pro and Pro Max. This is the second generation of iPhones to only feature a lidar scanner on its higher-end models.
The scanner, which made its debut in the 2020 iPad Pro, can be seen on both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The scanner is used to help with autofocus and taking pictures in low lighting. (You can also use lidar to measure your friends’ heights at parties, which is kind of cool.)
iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini camera testing: See how Apple’s new phones take photos
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Read more: What does the iPhone’s lidar feature actually do?
Apple’s iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini have two improved cameras, with 12-megapixel wide and ultrawide lenses. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have three new rear cameras, with 12-megapixel wide, ultrawide and telephoto lenses. All of the iPhones in Apple’s 2021 lineup can also take night mode shots for the first time. Apple also gave the Pro models a more advanced version of ProRes video.
The iPhone 13 Pro, shown above, has wide angle, ultrawide and telephoto cameras.
Screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNET
Battery: The iPhone 13 is said to have more battery life than before
Apple says the new iPhones sport longer battery life than the iPhone 12 lineup. The extended battery life results from a combination of a bigger battery, iOS 15 and the A15 Bionic chip, according to Apple.
It says the iPhone 13 and iPhone Mini hold a charge for 17 and 19 hours of video playback, respectively. The iPhone 13 Pro is said to live for 22 hours, and the iPhone Pro Max for 28 hours.
Apple doesn’t disclose exact battery specs for its iPhones, but a teardown by iFixit reveals significantly more capacious cells than in 2020’s models. Notably, the iPhone 13 Pro has a smaller battery than the iPhone 13, apparently because the Pro’s screen uses less energy.
If you’re itching for more about the iPhone 13, take a look at which color you should buy and which settings to change right away. You can also check out everything that was announced at Apple’s event, including the Apple Watch 7, iPad Mini 6 and updated entry-level iPad. And, here’s how to download and install iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 if you haven’t already.
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max specs
| iPhone 13 Mini | iPhone 13 | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 13 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, resolution | 5.4-inch OLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels | 6.7-inch OLED; 2,778×1,284 pixels |
| Dimensions (Inches) | 5.18 x 2.53 x 0.3 in | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 in | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 in | 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.3 in |
| Dimensions (Millimeters) | 132 x 64 x 7.65 mm | 147 x 72 x 7.65 mm | 147 x 72 x 7.65 mm | 161 x 78 x 7.65 mm |
| Weight (Ounces, Grams) | 4.97 oz; 141g | 6.14 oz; 174g | 7.19 oz; 204g | 8.48 oz; 240g |
| Mobile software | iOS 15 | iOS 15 | iOS 15 | iOS 15 |
| Camera | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto) | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto) |
| Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps | HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps | ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage)* | ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage)* |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | No | No | No | No |
| Battery | Undisclosed; Apple lists 17 hours of video playback | Undisclosed; Apple lists 19 hours of video playback | Undisclosed; Apple lists 22 hours of video playback | Undisclosed; Apple lists 28 hours of video playback |
| Fingerprint sensor | No (Face ID) | No (Face ID) | No (Face ID) | No (Face ID) |
| Connector | Lightning | Lightning | Lightning | Lightning |
| Headphone jack | No | No | No | No |
| Special features | 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) | 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) | ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz; lidar scanner; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) | ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz; lidar scanner; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) |
| Price off-contract (USD) | $699 (128GB), $799 (256GB), $999 (512GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | $999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB) | $1,099 (128GB), $1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB) |
| Price (GBP) | £679 (128GB), £779 (256GB), £979 (512GB) | £779 (128GB), £879 (256GB), £1,079 (512GB) | £949 (128GB), £1,049 (256GB), £1,249 (512GB), £1,449 (1TB) | £1,049 (128GB), £1,149 (256GB), £1,349 (512GB), £1,549 (1TB) |
| Price (AUD) | AU$1,199 (128GB), AU$1,369 (256GB), AU$1,719 (512GB) | AU$1,349 (128GB), AU$1,519 (256GB), AU$1,869 (512GB) | AU$1,699 (128GB), AU$1,869 (256GB), AU$2,219 (512GB), AU$2,569 (1TB) | AU$1,849 (128GB), AU$2,019 (256GB), AU$2,369 (512GB), AU$2,719 (1TB) |
The iPhone Mini 13 is the entry-level model in Apple’s new 2021 iPhone line. It’s the most affordable model, and offers the smallest screen size of the four — 5.4 inches.
The standard iPhone sports a 6.1-inch screen and two rear cameras. For 2021, Apple is pledging longer battery life, improved cameras and better durability versus the iPhone 12.
The Pro version of the iPhone 13 adds a third rear camera with 3x optical zoom (up from 2x on the iPhone 12), a stainless steel body and a ProMotion screen with refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling.
The Pro Max is Apple’s largest iPhone, with a 6.7-inch screen. It’s basically an upscaled version of the iPhone 13 Pro. Like that model, storage options for the Pro Max extend to a whopping 1TB for the first time.