iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11: Should You Upgrade?

As of 2021, there are 1.65 billion active Apple devices.

If you're part of that figure as an Apple user, you might be curious about upgrading your device. 

While the average person isn't buying the latest phone every year, it's nice to have an upgrade. The nice thing about new phones coming out every year is that you choose to upgrade when the new one entices you.

If you're looking to upgrade your iPhone 11, the 13 might be for you. Keep reading, and we'll give you all there is to know about the iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11.

iPhone 11: Does It Still Compare?

iphone 11

The iPhone 11 is still a good phone. Most of the features that are still present on the 12 and 13 started on the 11. That all goes to show how revolutionary the iPhone 11 was. 

Since 2019, Apple has expanded on the features that were introduced in the iPhone 11. Most notably, the Ultra Wide lens was added onto this model and has since been on the 12 and the 13. 

Truly, the iPhone 11 was a trailblazer in terms of features. That said, the big iPhone 11 features got better with every new iteration.

iPhone Price Points

Let's have a look at how these phones compare on the price tag.

iPhone 11: A Budget-Friendly Option

On release, the iPhone 11 was $699 for the 64GB model. Of course, most people spread that out over a payment plan. If you got it from your carrier, that payment plan was tacked to your monthly phone bill.

If you got an iPhone 11 with more memory, your phone was probably in the $800 range. These figures were some of the most reasonable phone prices of the time.

With time, the iPhone 11 went down in terms of price as well. For a brand new iPhone 11 with no trade-in, it's now $499 for the base model. 

If you're noticing that your iPhone 11 is at its end, you could always get a new iPhone 11. Just remember that a lot has improved since 2019.

The price of an iPhone 11, even at release, is hard to beat. Especially with the shortages that the tech industry faces due to the pandemic.

iPhone 13 Price: A Small Jump

The latest iPhone is always going to be a pricey investment. The iPhone 13 is about $100 more than the 11 was on release. This may seem like a bit of a jump, but it's fair.

Aside from inflation, the iPhone 13 also has higher base storage. Apple seemingly has done away with the 64GB base model. Even the 13 Mini starts off at the 128GB mark.

While the release prices are similar, the $799 for the 13 is a far cry from the current price of an 11. If you're on a budget, the $499 price tag of the 11 may seem quite appealing.

iPhone Camera Quality

iphone 13

Smartphone photography becomes a bigger deal every year especially with TikTok and Instagram being at the forefront of social media. 

These phones will give you an immaculate feed no matter which one you choose.

iPhone 11: A Pioneer of Smartphone Photography

As we've mentioned previously, the iPhone 11 was the blueprint for later iPhones. One of the biggest changes the iPhone 11 made was the camera. 

The added lens on the front of the phone shaped the way that new iPhones would look in the coming years. This new lens brought a revolutionary new look to smartphone pictures. 

This iPhone also introduced a night mode for photos. This cool feature made low-light pictures worth the memory they took up. Before the iPhone 11, you were stuck using flash on your nighttime memories.

Just in time for TikTok, the iPhone 11 made it viable to be a content creator with only your iPhone. The camera on the iPhone 11 has the capability to shoot video in 4K up to 60fps. This upgrade made the video you were shooting look better than ever. 

Apple has always been a trailblazer for cameras, but the iPhone 11 knocked it out of the park. Ever since then, iPhones have been at the forefront of smartphone photography.

iPhone 13: Continuing a Legacy

The camera was one of the areas that Apple focused on with the iPhone 13. If you're an iPhone 11 user, the camera app is where you'll see the most change. 

To start off, the iPhone 13 now boasts a new video function. This function is called Cinematic Mode, and it adds a professional look to video in real-time. This feature can be best described as portrait mode for video.

The Cinematic Mode runs Dolby Vision HDR to add a blur to the background of the video. Sadly, for right now, this function is limited to 1080p and 30fps. This feature shows promise but might not blow your mind right now.

This iteration of the iPhone also added some more stabilizing features to videos. It's subtle, but it makes a difference when you're taking a video while moving.

In the still photography department, we've seen a lot of improvement in terms of night mode. You'll notice a much faster shutter speed for low-light photography. If you've used an 11, this is a welcome change.

Finally, one of the coolest additions to the iPhone 13 camera comes in the form of Photo Styles. This is the closest the iPhone has come to DSLR photography ever.

Photo Styles allow you to adjust the tone and warmth of your photos as you take them. Unlike filters, these are changes in how the photos are taken. Before the iPhone 13, these adjustments could only be made afterward. 

These are full-time adjustments that stick around for the next time you use your camera. They'll have all your pictures looking crisp. If you want to switch them around, it's as easy as a click of a button.

Is Your Storage Full?

iphone storage

Have you ever tried to download a new app and get an error message? 

Sure, we've come a long way since the pitiful 8GB storage of an iPod Touch of 2010. 

iPhone 11 Storage Might Leave You Wanting More

Storage has always been a struggle for iPhone users, especially those of us on a budget.

The jumps in price between options make the affordable 64GB storage very appealing. With the increase in camera quality, this small storage option isn't worth the bargain. The average size of a picture file these days is 2-8MB, which doesn't even include any downloaded music.

The iPhone 11 does have two larger options for internal storage. The 128GB and 256GB options are much better suited for the enhanced photo quality. There's nothing worse than getting to a concert and seeing your storage is full.

If you're not too much of a digital packrat, the smaller storage option may not bother you. Although, this is a problem that was finally fixed in the iPhone 13. The difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 11 storage options is night and day.

iPhone 13 Sets a New Standard

As we touched on earlier, the iPhone 13 did away with the 64GB base storage. The change is because of the increasing file sizes of the photos iPhones take these days.

The iPhone 13 now goes up to 512GB. This sets an exciting standard for Apple. We may finally free ourselves from that dreaded error message about our storage.

iPhone Batteries 

iphone 13 battery

Android users often hold iPhone batteries against Apple. Sure, iPhones at the beginning almost should have been sold with a portable charger. However, Apple has been doing a lot recently to shed that reputation.

iPhone 11 Battery Still Holds Up

iPhone batteries have been a point of contention for years. They had an unfortunate reputation for batteries long ago, but the 11 set out to change that.

The iPhone 11 boasts 17 hours of video playback. A far cry from the 13 hours of the 11's predecessor, the iPhone X. 

With the amount of use in a workday, the iPhone 11 battery will withstand a full day. Even more so in most cases. 

That said, lithium-ion batteries do deteriorate over time. If you bought your iPhone 11 when it first came out in 2019, your battery likely won't last that long. Apple also makes it difficult to get these batteries replaced.

Of course, starting off with a better battery will limit the effects of the deterioration. The battery in an iPhone 11 is 3110 mAh which was a welcome improvement over the 2716 mAh of the X.

iPhone 13: New Battery for a New Decade

This is the other area that Apple really honed in on with this generation. Clearly, they're determined to shake their bad battery reputation.

With this new battery, you're now looking at close to 20 hours of video playback. With normal usage, you might even be able to go a day or so before you need to charge your phone. 

Again, this is a lithium-ion battery, so it will deteriorate over time. But this battery knocks it out of the park compared to what Apple has released in the past.

The specs for this new battery look a bit different. The battery capacity for the iPhone 13 is 3227 mAh. This iPhone is also chargeable MagSafe for a quick charge on the go.

A Pleasant Tactile Experience

iphone 13

From the beginning, iPhones have felt comfortable to hold. No matter if you spend hours on social media or text when you need to, these phones spend a lot of time in our hands. They should feel nice to hold.

iPhone 11 Construction

The construction of the iPhone 11 makes it polarizing for users in terms of how it feels in your hands. You either love it or you hate it.

It was built to house the best possible battery for the price in 2019, which made it a bit thicker than some people like. That thickness also brought an increased weight to the phone that may warrant using a phone grip.

The iPhone 11 comes in at about 194 grams and 8.3mm thick, which is pretty big. With a phone that hefty, you'd expect a large battery to contribute to the weight. As mentioned, it did have a good battery, but we've come a long way since 2019.

Another thing that you might expect for the extra weight would be a screen protector. We all know the look of a shattered iPhone. Unfortunately, this wasn't included on the iPhone 11.

The lack of a built-in screen protector on the iPhone 11 is a glaring con. These devices are expensive, so you want them to last.

iPhone 13 Construction

The iPhone 13 came out of the gate with a kick-butt battery. You'd think this would lead to a heftier device. As it turns out, not at all.

The iPhone 13 came with many quality-of-life upgrades that made the phone itself smaller. It might be surprising, but a better battery fits in this small frame with no problem.

The weight of the 13 comes in at 174 grams, and it's 7.65mm thick. The better battery is a welcome addition, but so is the built-in screen protector. New iPhones come with a built-in ceramic shield to help them withstand everyday wear and tear. 

Another change in the construction of the device is its resistance to water. The iPhone 13 can withstand being submerged in up to six meters of water for 30 minutes.

For comparison, the iPhone 11 could only take 30 minutes at two meters. Obviously, don't chuck your phone in the toilet for fun. This just means you don't have to buy a whole new phone if the worst happens.  

Crystal Clear Display

iphone 13 display

Apple prides itself on using cutting-edge tech in its devices. The screen and display are the first things we notice when we hold a new device. 

The iPhone 13 display is night and day compared to the iPhone 11. We'll get into the differences, but we couldn't resist that spoiler.

iPhone 11 Specs for Display

These iPhones have a 6.1-inch LCD screen. These screens are capable of quality of just over 720p. Don't let YouTube lie to you when it says you're watching at 1080p.

These screens were fine at the time, but now that we're up to 8K, 720p is like the stone age. We said that the camera could shoot up to 4K. However, the display lacked that ability. 

On smaller screens, it's a little hard to tell the resolution. Most people aren't watching Mad Max: Fury Road on their phones. If they are, there are more unenjoyable aspects of the situation than the resolution.

If you've been using an iPhone 11, you probably haven't noticed the low resolution. It's not necessarily something you notice until you see the better version.

Another aspect of the display we'll touch on is the brightness. The maximum brightness of an iPhone 11 tops at 625 nits. This can be annoying in areas with high light since it can be hard to see your phone. 

iPhone 13 Specs for Display

The major thing about the display in the iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11 conversation is the type of screen. Starting with the iPhone 12, Apple switched to OLED screens. This gave the screens HD capabilities. 

Finally, if you want, you can now watch 4K movies on your phone. Again, if you've been using an iPhone 11, you'll notice how crisp the iPhone 13's display looks. 

The screen is the same size, but this increased resolution is a great addition. Everything from TikTok to YouTube will look that much better.

Finally, the brightness got brought up to 800 nits. It can also go up to 1200 nits for HDR, which is thanks to the OLED screen.

The increased resolution is something you'll notice as you play with the new phone. Not everyone is a reviewer, but most people notice changes as they become apparent. 

Processing Power

iphone 13 processor

As smartphones stick around, they're slowly replacing computers for a lot of people. These days, it's important for phones to have the processing power to fill those shoes. 

iPhone 11 Processing

The iPhone 11 is armed with an A13 bionic chip and 4GB of RAM. 

Essentially, what this means is that it's fast and efficient compared to its predecessor. The ideal combination for a device is that it can do a lot without chewing through your battery life. 

As you may have guessed, with that battery life of this bad boy, it does this pretty well. 

iPhone 13 Processing

Now, the A13 chip was good in 2019, but what about this new phone? 

The iPhone 13 comes equipped with an A15 bionic chip. That alone is much better than the iPhone 11. But the RAM is actually the same at 4GB. 

The A15 chip is much faster and more efficient than the A13 in the iPhone 11. This allows for the phone to do more of what a computer can do. Obviously, you can't edit a feature-length film on the 13, but it'll do more than the 11.

Accessory Availability 

iphone 11 ring holder

We all want them to be protected. iPhone cases are the best way to give your phone a personal touch while providing protection for your phone. 

iPhone 11 Accessories

As the iPhone 11 gets older, you can't help but wonder if you'll still be able to find cases. Companies naturally focus on newer models of phones as they come out. This is a valid concern.

Even though it is an aging iPhone, you shouldn't have any problems finding a new case. It's still new enough that accessories are still being made. 

Have a quick look at our iPhone 11 phone case collection, and you'll be sure to find something you love. Our cases give you a sleek look and protection all in one.

iPhone 13 Accessories

Picking up a case before you have your new phone is perfect so you can put it on as soon as you get it. Besides, buying a new case will build hype for when you get your new phone.

iPhone 13 accessories are going to be around for a while. Typically, companies will keep cases in stock for quite a few generations.

If you're looking for a case to build the anticipation for your new phone, check out our collections. You'll be sure to find something you love.

iPhone 11 Availability

We all know that the supply chain has been a little wacky lately. Besides the pandemic, the crypto craze led to the microchip shortage that's going on right now. You might be wondering how this affects iPhone availability.

If you look on Apple's website currently, you'll see that the iPhone 11 is available. There are only two storage options available, unfortunately. 

That said, this availability is great if you're looking for your phone bill to be a bit lower. You'll be getting a new device for a pretty hefty discount, especially if you're not bothered about the new iPhone 13 features.

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11: Which Is Better?

iphone 11 vs iphone 13

If you're still not sure if you want to upgrade, don't worry. We've got you covered. We'll quickly go over some categories and give you our recommendations.

Price Point

If you're on a budget and just need a new phone, it's hard to argue with a $499 price tag. The iPhone 11 is still a killer phone, and that price is hard to beat. 

The iPhone 13 has a ton of cool features that aren't on the 11, but a budget is a budget. The iPhone 11 is the obvious winner for the price point category.

Camera

The iPhone 11 pioneered a lot of the camera features that the iPhone 13 has. The cameras on both phones are fantastic. 

With that said, the iPhone 11 walked so the iPhone 13 could run. The new video and photo features on the iPhone 13 are some of the best on the market. 

The new DSLR-like Photo Styles function brings smartphone photography to a whole new level. Additionally, the faster shutter speed for low-light photography is a quality-of-life improvement. 

In terms of video, even though Cinematic Mode is limited, it shows promise of a new future for the iPhone. With every generation, we get closer to filming professionally with iPhones.

If you're trying to improve your Instagram feed, the iPhone 13 camera is for you. The iPhone 13 took what the iPhone 11 was trying to do and made it better. It's an obvious winner for this category.

Storage

No matter if you want to fill the 512GB with family photos or memes, the iPhone 13 has you covered. 

If you want to avoid those pesky error messages, we recommend the iPhone 13, or at least going up a storage bracket.

Construction

The construction of a phone can be extremely personal. If you're used to how your iPhone 11 feels in your hand, that's fine.

The key thing about construction is to remember that the iPhone 13 offers more protection. Overall, the iPhone 13 is going to withstand more abuse than an 11. For us, that makes it a winner.

Display

Naturally, in three years, there were improvements to the display of the iPhone, especially in terms of what kind of screen Apple uses on their devices. 

The OLED screen brought 4K capabilities to the iPhone. It just makes sense when the device can capture in 4K. 

For the sake of HD, the iPhone 13 is the best choice for display.

Processing

The processing power of an iPhone 13 out-performs the 11; there's no getting around that. However, depending on what you do with your phone, you may not need the extra power.

This is another category where it's up to personal preference. On paper, the 13 wins, but in practice, it's a little subjective.

iPhone 13 or 11: The Choice Is Yours

Buying a new phone is always exciting. If you've been thinking about upgrading, the iPhone 13 is a fantastic choice. 

In the iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11 debate, it comes down to you. The iPhone 13 brings some great new features to the table. But if you're not into the features, you can always see what the next iPhone brings.

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Kristel Silang
Kristel is the Content Marketing Manager for i-Blason. She has been in the marketing industry for 12 years with expertise on content marketing, search engine optimization, and photography. Previous publications she has contributed to include The Manila Times, Compound Butter, and Livingston County CVB.

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