The iPhone 16 is here (it comes with some exciting new features), and many iPhone 13 users have been waiting for it mainly for two reasons: the iPhone 14 and 15 didn’t seem like major upgrades, and three years is a good time to switch to a new phone. If you’re one of those people, you’re on the right page. Here’s an iPhone 16 vs. 13 comparison to help you answer the “Is this the time to upgrade?” question. Read on.
Here’s a quick recap of what you get when upgrading from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 16:
- Brighter display with Ceramic Shield 2.0
- Action Button
- Camera Control
- 50% Faster Processor
- Support for AAA Games
- Apple Intelligence
- 3 Additional Software Updates
- Improved Cameras
- Better Battery Life
- Faster 25W MagSafe Charging
- Satellite Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 7
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: Specifications
Here’s a spec-based comparison between iPhone 16 and iPhone 13:
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ OLED, 2556 x 1179 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi), HDR10 and Dolby Vision, 1,000 nits max (typical); 1,600 nits peak (HDR); 2,000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum brightness | 6.1″ OLED, 2532 x 1170-pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi), HDR10 and Dolby Vision, 800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR) brightness |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Processor | A18 Bionic (second-gen 3nm) New 6-core CPU New 5-core GPU New 16-core neural engine | A15 Bionic (5nm) 6‑core CPU 4-core GPU 16-core neural engine |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main (f/1.6, 26mm) 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120˚, 13mm) | 12MP main (f/1.6, 26mm) 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.4, 120˚, 13mm) |
| Front Camera | 12MP (f/1.9), SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 12MP (f/2.2), SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) |
| Battery | 3557 mAh | 3227 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless, 7.5W Qi wireless | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless, 7.5W Qi wireless |
| Connectivity | USB-C 2.0, 5G (sub‑6 GHz), LTE, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 2nd-gen Ultra WideBand chip, NFC, Satellite connectivity | USB-C 2.0, 5G (sub‑6 GHz), LTE, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Ultra WideBand chip, NFC |
| Other Features | IP68 rating, Face ID, Ceramic Shield 2.0 | IP68 rating, Face ID, Ceramic Shield |
| Dimensions | Width: 71.6 mm, Height: 147.6 mm, Thickness: 7.80 mm | Width: 71.5 mm, Height: 146.7 mm, Thickness: 7.65 mm |
| Weight | 170 grams | 173 grams |
| Launch Price | $799 | $799 |
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: Design
The iPhone 13 has a compact form factor with flat edges and a diagonally placed camera module housing two rear cameras. The iPhone 16 retains a similar edgy design but features a vertical camera module at the rear. It’s slightly thicker at 7.80 mm compared to the iPhone 13’s 7.65 mm thickness, yet a bit lighter at 170 grams versus the latter’s 173 grams.
Overall, the iPhone 16 is marginally thicker, wider, and taller. It also features an Action button and a capacitive Camera Control button for capturing photos, videos, and controlling zoom and focus within the Camera app. Additionally, you get new color options with a vibrant finish that helps differentiate it from the iPhone 13.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: Display
The iPhone 13 boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels and a peak brightness of 1200 nits in HDR mode and 800 nits in general high-brightness mode. It also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision. However, it’s a 60Hz screen with a traditional notch.
The iPhone 16 inherits its display from the iPhone 15. It’s a 6.1-inch OLED display but significantly brighter, reaching 2000 nits of peak brightness outdoors. The general brightness is also improved at 1000 nits. It retains the Dynamic Island notch but, unfortunately, remains a 60Hz display.
So, when upgrading from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 16, you gain the Dynamic Island and a substantially brighter display. While a 120Hz panel would have been a welcome addition, it seems we’ll likely have to wait another year for that.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: Performance
The iPhone 13 is powered by the A15 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM. In contrast, the iPhone 16 boasts the A18 chipset, built on TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, along with 8GB of RAM as standard. This processor is 50% faster than the iPhone 13’s chip, and its new 5-core GPU supports ray-tracing.
Apple has increased the RAM to accommodate Apple Intelligence features on iOS 18. This powerful new hardware translates to faster app launches, quicker game load times, and improved overall efficiency on the iPhone 16.
You’ll also be able to enjoy AAA games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil 4, which were previously limited to iPhone 15 Pro models. Furthermore, the iPhone 16 can run Apple AI features (more on that later).
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: Cameras
The iPhone 16’s cameras represent a major upgrade from the iPhone 13. It now features a 48-megapixel (f/1.6) primary rear camera with pixel-binning support, along with a 12-megapixel (f/2.2) ultra-wide-angle lens. The front-facing camera is a 12-megapixel (f/1.9) shooter.
These enhancements, coupled with new image processing capabilities, should deliver significantly better photos and videos compared to the aging 12-megapixel setup on the iPhone 13. Furthermore, the iPhone 16’s uniquely oriented dual rear camera system can capture both 3D “Spatial” photos and videos.
While the iPhone 13 remains suitable for everyday photos and social media, it does produce less detailed and grainy photos in low-light conditions by today’s standards. This is an area where the iPhone 16 offers a noticeable improvement.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: Battery and Charging
The iPhone 16 comes with a 3561 mAh battery, which is about 6% larger than the iPhone 13’s 3227 mAh cell. That, combined with a newer and more efficient A18 chip, should result in significantly longer battery life. However, wired charging speeds remain the same (20W) on both iPhones.
On the plus side, Apple has boosted MagSafe wireless charging support from 15W to 25W on the iPhone 16. This translates to a longer-lasting battery that can also charge faster wirelessly, although the difference won’t be drastic.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: Connectivity
The iPhone 16 features a USB-C 2.0 port, faster WiFi 7, and the newer Bluetooth 5.3 standard. It also offers satellite connectivity for emergency calls and messages.
In contrast, the iPhone 13 has a Lightning port, older WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, and lacks satellite connectivity. These connectivity enhancements alone give the iPhone 16 a significant edge and may be enough to tempt you to upgrade.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: Software Updates
The iPhone 13 originally shipped with iOS 15 at launch. It has received updates up to iOS 18 so far, and considering Apple’s regular 5-6 year update cycle for iPhones, it will likely be updated until 2026 or 2027, potentially reaching iOS 20 or 21.
In contrast, the iPhone 16 ships with iOS 18 out-of-the-box, giving you updates until around 2029 or 2030, possibly up to iOS 23 or 24. That gives the iPhone 16 a longer lifespan in terms of software support, but the iPhone 13 still has about three years of updates left.
And of course, the iPhone 13 will not get Apple AI, and neither will any of the iPhone 14 or 15 base models. But you’ll get it on the iPhone 16, so that can be a big upgrade if it matters to you. If it doesn’t and if you’re only going to use features like object eraser and writing tools occasionally, you can easily use them on iPhone 13 with these Apple AI alternatives.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: Pricing
The iPhone 13 launched for $799 back in 2021. The iPhone 16 retails for the same starting price of $799. However, after price reductions, the iPhone 13 is now selling for $599 across retailers, a difference of about $200. If you trade in your iPhone 13 for a new iPhone 16, you could receive a trade-in value of about $300, effectively reducing the cost of the iPhone 16 to $500.
So, Should You Upgrade from iPhone 13 to iPhone 16?
While the iPhone 14 and 15 weren’t major upgrades from the iPhone 13, the iPhone 16 IS a significant leap forward. You’ll get a new design, the Action button, Camera Control, an improved camera setup, more durable glass, AAA gaming capabilities, and extended software support. There’s also faster MagSafe wireless charging, and let’s not forget Apple AI—that will matter a lot in the coming years.
On the other hand, if your iPhone 13 is still serving you well and you’re not too concerned about having the absolute latest features, sticking with it for another year or two might be a wise choice. It’s still a capable phone, and you can always explore third-party apps to replicate some of the AI functionalities you might miss.
Weigh the pros and cons, consider your budget, and choose what feels right for your needs and lifestyle. And why limit yourself to the regular iPhone 16? You could also consider the iPhone 16 Pro for a major upgrade in a similarly sized phone. No matter which iPhone you end up with, remember to enjoy the experience.
