iPhone 13 vs iPhone 13 Pro: To Pro or Not to Pro?

In the first quarter of 2022, Apple held about 50% of the smartphone market. If you want to go with the most popular phone company, you should compare and contrast the iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro.

Both models are excellent, but one might be better for you than the other. Before you choose one, you should learn about the specs and consider what you need from your mobile device.

Read on to learn what the regular and pro iPhones have to offer.

iPhone 13

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The iPhone 13 is an excellent iPhone model for many people. If you want to purchase this version, you should learn about its specs to make sure the phone will work for you.

Price

iphone 13 price

Of the current iPhone models, the 13 is one of the more affordable choices. It starts at $799 for the basic version, but you can add more storage for an extra $100 or $300.

If you want to buy the phone and connect to a carrier later, you'll have to pay $829 for the basic specs. Now, if you can find a used one, you may pay less, but used iPhone 13s aren't super common yet.

When Apple releases the next line of iPhones, this one will probably drop in price. Then, you could get it for a better deal.

Camera

iphone 13 camera

Smartphone cameras have come a long way over the years, and you can use them for many things. The regular iPhone 13 features a wide lens and an ultra wide lens for the back camera.

You can take photos in cinematic mode and take high-resolution videos. Its front camera offers portrait mode and can take 12MP photos with or without a retina flash.

Plus, you'll use the front camera to set up and use Face ID. Face ID works well for unlocking your device or using Apple Pay to make purchases online or in stores.

Power and Storage

iphone 13 storage

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When you purchase an iPhone 13, you get to choose from 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. The line of iPhone 13s is the most powerful yet, and the regular version is a great choice.

It uses an A15 bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and a 4-core GPU. You can do a lot with the iPhone thanks to its battery and power, though some models are more powerful.

Body Construction

iphone 13 body frame

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An iPhone 13 has a ceramic shield front, while the back uses aerospace-grade aluminum. It's water-resistant for up to 30 minutes as long as the depth doesn't exceed six meters.

The back material works well with wireless chargers so that you don't have to use the lightning cable.

You can choose from a variety of colors, including green, pink, blue, midnight, starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED. If you buy a red phone, your purchase will help support fighting AIDS.

Display

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Image credit: Trending Technology Press

The iPhone 13 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. It's also an all-screen OLED display with a resolution of 460 PPI with 2532-by-1170-pixels.

Other features include a True Tone display and haptic touch to help react to what you do with the phone. Usually, it reaches 800 nits of brightness, but it can reach 1200 nits using the HDR display.

Accessory and Case Availability

iphone 13 accessories and phone cases

Some people don't want to use a case for their iPhone 13, but having a case is a good idea. The phone may be durable, but it's still smart to protect it from drops or other issues.

You can find a variety of cases in different colors to suit your style. Clear cases are also available if you want to show off the color of the iPhone itself.

As mentioned, the iPhone 13 works with wireless chargers using MagSafe or Qi technology. You can buy those from Apple or a third party, and the same is true of a fast charging block.

Phone Availability

iPhone 13 phone availability

As of June 2022, the iPhone 13 lineup is the most recent from Apple. That means it's easy to find a new iPhone 13 from Apple or through a reputable dealer or phone carrier.

You can order the phone online or find one available in a store to purchase. Even after new iPhone models come out, the 13 will still probably be readily available new and refurbished models may hit the market.

Battery Life and Function

iphone 13 battery life

You'll get a built-in lithium-ion battery, which is standard among smartphones, and you can recharge it. The iPhone works with Qi and MagSafe wireless charging, and it also works with fast charging cables.

Fast charging can give you 50% battery in about half an hour of charging time. Even without fast charging, an iPhone can charge relatively quickly.

Unfortunately, you'll have to purchase a fast charging block or a wireless charger separately. However, you can also charge the phone using your laptop or with an older iPhone charging cable and block.

iPhone 13 Pro

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Maybe you've compared the iPhone 13 to a Samsung Galaxy. If you know you want an Apple device, though, you should compare the regular iPhone to the iPhone 13 Pro.

Here's what you should know about this iPhone model.

Price

iphone 13 pro price

As the name suggests, the iPhone 13 Pro offers more features and capabilities. That means you can expect to pay a bit extra for what your new phone can do.

The basic iPhone 13 Pro starts at $999 for a new one. Depending on the amount of storage you select, you might need to pay $100, $300, or $500 more.

Unlike the regular iPhone 13, you don't have to pay extra for an unlocked 13 Pro. It costs the same whether you connect to a carrier now or later.

Camera

iphone 13 pro camera

One of the most significant differences between an iPhone 13 Pro vs 13 is the camera. The Pro has the same wide and ultra wide lenses as the regular iPhone.

However, it also features a telephoto lens and a LiDAR Scanner when you use Night Mode. That helps you take better pictures in low light or similar situations.

You can zoom in on something up to 15 times, and the images can still come out great. You'll also get access to Apple ProRAW, which helps you edit photos in new ways.

Power and Storage

iphone 13 pro storage

The iPhone 13 Pro comes with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB or storage. It features the same A15 bionic chip as the regular iPhone 13 as well as the same 6-core CPU.

However, this model comes with a 5-core GPU and a 16-core neural engine. That helps you get more power than on many other iPhones.

Body Construction

iphone 13 pro body frame

Image credit: Creative Bloq

If you get an iPhone 13 Pro, you'll get the same ceramic shield front as on the regular iPhone. However, the back uses surgical-grade stainless steel instead of aluminum.

The phone is water-resistant for up to half an hour when the phone doesn't go more than six meters deep. You'll get to choose from alpine green, silver, gold, graphite, and sierra blue for the color.

Display

iphone 13 pro display

Image credit: Longhill NJ

When it comes to the display, you get all of the same iPhone 13 features, from a Retina XDR display to True Tone and HDR. The screen is the same size, so it's 6.1 inches on the diagonal that you can keep clean to enjoy the display.

Its resolution is the same as the regular iPhone 13, but it can typically reach 1000 nits of brightness. You'll also get ProMotion technology that refreshes the screen as quickly as 120Hz.

Accessory and Case Availability

iphone 13 pro accessories and phone cases

The iPhone 13 Pro is popular enough that you can choose from a variety of cases and other accessories. Of course, you can buy a case from Apple or a third party, which might have more options.

Since the model works with wireless chargers, you can also shop for MagSafe and Qi accessories. And you might want to purchase a bigger power block to take advantage of fast charging.

Phone Availability

iphone 13 pro phone availability

Image credit: Pure Android World

As of now, it's easiest to find a new iPhone 13 Pro since it's the current pro model. In a few years, you may still be able to get a new one, or you can shop for a refurbished iPhone.

Whether you buy new or not, make sure you buy from a reputable seller. Apple, phone carriers, and certain retailers sell genuine Apple devices, so you do your research to avoid scams.

Battery Life and Function

iphone 13 pro battery life

The iPhone 13 Pro can last for up to 22 hours of video playback, but that decreases to 20 hours if you stream everything. If you prefer to listen to audio, you can get up to 75 hours of battery.

With a fast charging block, you can charge the phone for 30 minutes and get up to 50% battery. The battery works very well, but it can lose some of its power over time just like any smartphone battery.

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro: A Comparison

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 13 Pro To Pro or Not to Pro

It's great to know about the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 features separately. However, you should compare the features directly to help choose which phone is better for you.

Which Model Has the Better Camera?

The iPhone 13 Pro has the better camera thanks to the telephoto lens. It also offers features like macro photography, Apple ProRAW, and ProRes technology.

However, the front camera is mostly the same aside from the ProRes feature. Depending on your needs, the regular iPhone 13 camera might work well.

Which Phone Is Cheaper?

Of course, you have to consider your personal budget when shopping for a new phone. When controlling for storage and other features, the iPhone 13 is cheaper than the Pro.

However, the basic iPhone 13 Pro is the same cost as upgrading the storage on the 13. You'll want to consider all of the features you want to determine how much you need to spend on an iPhone.

Which iPhone Has More Storage and Power?

The iPhone 13 Pro offers more storage options, including 1 TB, while the 13 only reaches 512 GB. A Pro model also has more power with its 5-core GPU compared to the 4-core GPU on the regular iPhone.

However, if you don't plan on getting a ton of storage, both models run very similarly. That can be nice since you can focus on other specs to help make your choice.

Now, don't forget the cost of the extra storage. An iPhone 13 with 256 GB of storage costs less than the Pro with 128 GB. Meanwhile, a Pro with 256 GB is the same as a regular iPhone with 512 GB.

Which One Has the Best Body Construction?

A lot of smartphones use excellent materials, including the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro. Both use the same ceramic shield front, which is durable without making the phone hard to use.

However, the stainless steel on the iPhone 13 Pro is a bit stronger than the aluminum on the 13. That can make it a better choice if you tend to drop your phone often.

Another thing to consider, though, is the color. It's not the most important factor, but if you prefer a color that only one iPhone comes in, you might select that model.

Which Has the Best Display?

Both iPhone 13 models have very similar displays. The two differences include higher nits on the iPhone 13 Pro and the addition of ProMotion technology.

However, the models are the same size and use the same display aside from those minor changes. You should test both out at a local store near you.

Then, you can decide if the ProMotion display makes enough of a difference for you. If not, you can stick with the regular iPhone 13 if it meets your other needs.

Which Device Has More Battery Life?

The iPhone 13 Pro has more battery life, so you can get more use out of it on a single charge. However, the compatibility with wireless charging and fast charging might make the difference minimal.

If you're able to set your phone down for half an hour, you can add a lot more battery to it with the right cable. Then, you can use the phone all day whether you get the Pro or not.

Which iPhone 13 Model Will You Get?

When shopping for a new smartphone, you should compare the iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro. Both models are very similar and share most of their specs.

However, the iPhone 13 Pro offers a better camera and a slightly better screen. Keep that in mind when choosing your next phone.

And if you also want to get a case for that new purchase, check out our selection.

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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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