iPhone 13 Review Summary

Introduction

• Launch of iPhone 13 coincides with autumn.
• Features include faster chipset, bigger battery, larger camera sensor, and smaller notch.
• Question raised: Is it enough to entice upgrades from the iPhone 12?

Design and Build

• Similar design to iPhone 12 with a smaller notch for selfie camera and Face ID.
• Slightly heavier (10 grams more) than iPhone 12.
• Rear cameras have a new diagonal arrangement.
• Durable design with IP68 water and dust resistance (survive 30 minutes at 6 meters).
• Flat Corning-made glass back with signature Apple logo, good grip from flat aluminum frame.

Display

• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
• Protected by Ceramic Shield.
• Standard 60Hz refresh rate, unlike the Pro models which have 120Hz.
• Increased max brightness: 800 nits (up from 640 nits on iPhone 12).
• Excellent color accuracy, HDR10, and Dolby Vision support.

Audio

• Stereo speakers (one at the bottom, one at the top).
• Good sound quality and balance; no 3.5mm jack.

Storage Options

• Doubled base storage compared to iPhone 12.
• Options for 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB (non-expandable).

Performance

• Equipped with A15 Bionic chipset.
• Provides excellent performance with 5G connectivity.
• CPU performance: Up to 15% better than iPhone 12.
• GPU performance not as strong as Pro models (4 cores vs. 5 in Pro).

Battery Life

• 3240mAh battery (larger than iPhone 12's 2815mAh).
• Achieved an 89-hour endurance rating.
• Better video playback and web browsing (3 hours more than iPhone 12).
• Lacks a charger in the box; charges to 54% in 30 minutes with 20W charger.
• Supports 15W wireless charging with MagSafe charger.

Camera System

• Dual cameras: 12MP main and 12MP ultra-wide.
• Main camera has a larger sensor with sensor shift stabilization.
• Improvement in low-light performance, but photos similar to iPhone 12.
• Night mode performs well, but differences compared to iPhone 12 are minimal.
• Selfies: Excellent quality with great detail, contrast, and dynamic range.
• Video recording up to 4K at 60fps with all cameras.
• New Cinematic mode for video with adjustable focus.

User Interface

• Runs iOS 15 with new focus options for notifications.
• Upgraded Safari browser design.
• No fingerprint reader, but continues with Face ID for security.
• Intuitive and responsive interface with promise of five years of software updates.

Conclusion

• Overall, iPhone 13 is a strong phone with durable design, powerful hardware, and excellent camera system.
• Recommended, but minimal upgrades from iPhone 12; not compelling enough for current iPhone 12 users to switch.