iPhone 15 vs iPhone 13: what’s new after two years?
Image credits MacRumors.
Intro
As you might suspect, quite a bit is already known about the iPhone 15 thanks to numerous leaks and tips that have surfaced online one way or another, so we can already start an imaginary comparison with the iPhone 13.
How much better could the iPhone 15 be than the iPhone 13? Is it worth upgrading? Well, we won’t know for sure until Apple makes the announcement, but the rumors point at upgrades in many of the major areas that make up a good phone like its camera system, display, and performance.
- A16 Bionic chip
- 6GB of faster RAM
- Brighter screen
- Dynamic Island replaces the notch
- Same storage options
- 48MP main camera
- Same-ish battery size
- Same charging speeds
- USB-C
Table of Contents:
Design and Size
Apple reaches a Dynamic Island and discovers USB-C
The rest of the iPhone 15 is basically the same as the iPhone 13 in terms of design, including the way it looks and its IP68 dust and water protection rating. In other words, a glass sandwich with an aluminum frame, a mute switch and volume buttons on the left, and a power button on the right.
Display Differences
Two generations later, no changes
Sadly, it looks like Apple is still staying away from adding a higher refresh rate screen to its non-Pro models even in 2023. It would be a nice surprise, though, if we at least see a 90Hz panel added to this year’s base iPhones.
The only thing that we expect to be different related to the iPhone 15’s display is the aforementioned Dynamic Island, which would replace the notch.
Performance and Software
Faster processor and more RAM
Apple is known for not clearly stating how much RAM (memory) its phones have, but each year it gets revealed through released benchmark results. The iPhone 13 came with 4GB of RAM, but it is said that the iPhone 15 will have 6GB, and it would be a faster type called LPDDR5 memory. All of this means that, compared to the 2021 model, the iPhone 15 will be able to handle more tasks simultaneously and feel overall faster.
Camera
Better in all regards
The iPhone 13 had great cameras when it was released, and they still offer stellar performance two years later. That being said, the iPhone 15 is rumored to get the 48MP main camera which debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro and was the first jump in megapixel count on an iPhone since forever.
Sadly, just because there are 48MP does not mean you would be able to shoot 48MP photos. Most likely the iPhone 15 will use a process called pixel binning to combine them into 12MP. Nevertheless, this new main camera still offers a much larger sensor, which means more detail, better dynamic range, and higher-quality images in low-light conditions.
Shooting in 48MP requires the user to shoot in the Apple ProRAW format, which is only available on the company’s “Pro” phones. There is a good possibility, however, that you would be able to take a 48MP photo using third-party apps that enable it.
The ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 15 will likely remain the same as that on the iPhone 13, but thanks to Apple’s Photonic Engine (again, first came with the iPhone 14), it should perform much better in low light. On the other hand, the selfie shooter should come with an aperture of ƒ/1.9, optical image stabilization, and autofocusing.
Features-wise, a few differences between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 would be the ability to shoot 4K Cinematic mode at 30fps and Action Mode video stabilization.
Audio Quality and Haptics
Suffice it to say, you can expect a well-balanced audio profile with good amounts of bass from the bottom and earpiece speaker duo, as well as tight and strong haptic feedback while using the phone.
Battery Life and Charging
Slightly better battery life in some cases
One of the things that made the iPhone 13 popular in 2021 was its outstanding battery life. Judging by the results of last year’s generation, we expect the iPhone 15 to be slightly better in some regards, despite supposedly having the same 3,227mAh battery capacity.
Our tests showed us that the iPhone 14 lasts a bit longer when it comes to video streaming and web browsing, but somehow much less when it comes to mobile gaming. Given that the iPhone 15 is supposedly borrowing a lot from its predecessors, it is safe to say the results would be similar when comparing it to the iPhone 13.
As for charging, there is the new USB-C port that is rumored to come with the iPhone 15, but the change might affect simply the type of cable you can plug in. The charging speeds will probably remain as those on the iPhone 13. Also, there is no word about any improvements related to the 15W MagSafe wireless charging.
Specs Comparison
Check out a summary of both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 13’s specs below:
| iPhone 15 | iPhone 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size, weight | unknown | 5.78 x 2.81 x 0.30 inches (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm ) 6.14 oz (174.0 g) |
| Screen | 6.1″ OLED 60Hz |
6.1″ OLED, 60Hz, 1200 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | A16 Bionic 4nm |
A15 Bionic 5nm |
| RAM, Storage | 6/128GB 6/256GB 6/512GB – LPDDR5* |
4/128GB 4/256GB 4/512GB – LPDDR4X |
| Cameras | 48MP main 12MP ultra – 12MP front |
12MP main 12MP ultra – 12MP front |
| Battery | 3,279 mAh* | 3,279 mAh |
| Charging | USB-C 20W wired 15W MagSafe |
Lightning connector 20W wired 15W MagSafe |
Summary and Final Verdict
As for the design, there is the Dynamic Island, which offers new functionality and interaction with the phone’s UI, so if you have wanted to try that out this is a good chance. Additionally, the USB-C port can save you that hassle of having to swap between different cables for all of your devices.
That being said, if you are unsure whether you want to upgrade to a newer phone from your iPhone 13, the iPhone 15 might not offer enough to change your mind. Yes, it has some significant perks that make it very appealing, but the 2021 base iPhone is still a great phone even two years later. Who knows, though, maybe Apple surprises us with more upgrades and make us change that statement, so let’s wait and see.