iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 13: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Stuck between upgrading your phone and wondering if it’s worth it? You’re not alone! The smartphone market is constantly evolving, and choosing the right device can feel overwhelming. Today, we’re diving deep into a comparison that many are considering.
We’re putting the iPhone 11 Pro head-to-head with the iPhone 13. Both phones have a lot to offer, but are the upgrades in the iPhone 13 significant enough to justify the price difference? This comparison aims to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll explore the key differences in design, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone best suits your needs and budget. Let’s get started and find your perfect iPhone match!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Base Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 11 hours | Up to 19 hours |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Weight | 188 grams | 174 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro: 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display. Offers vibrant colors and good brightness, but lacks the ProMotion technology for a smoother experience. The notch is also larger compared to the iPhone 13.
- iPhone 13: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with improved brightness. While it does not include ProMotion, it has a smaller notch and overall offers a slightly enhanced viewing experience compared to the 11 Pro.
- Winner: iPhone 13
Processor
- iPhone 11 Pro: A13 Bionic chip. Still a capable processor that handles most tasks smoothly, but is now a few generations behind. Shows its age in demanding applications.
- iPhone 13: A15 Bionic chip. Offers a significant performance upgrade, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- Winner: iPhone 13
Camera System
- iPhone 11 Pro: Triple 12MP camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses. Delivers excellent image quality, particularly in daylight, but struggles a bit in low light compared to the iPhone 13.
- iPhone 13: Dual 12MP camera system with Wide and Ultra Wide lenses. Features sensor-shift stabilization, improved low-light performance, and Cinematic mode for video recording, offering a more advanced and versatile camera experience.
- Winner: iPhone 13
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Can struggle with heavy usage.
- iPhone 13: Significantly improved battery life compared to the 11 Pro. Provides all-day battery performance, even with heavy usage.
- Winner: iPhone 13
Design
- iPhone 11 Pro: Stainless steel frame and frosted glass back. Premium design, but the design is older and has larger bezels.
- iPhone 13: Flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield front cover. Offers a more modern and durable design with a smaller notch.
- Winner: iPhone 13
Storage Options
- iPhone 11 Pro: Available in storage options up to 512GB.
- iPhone 13: Available in storage options up to 512GB.
- Winner: Tie
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 11 Pro: Does not support 5G connectivity.
- iPhone 13: Supports 5G connectivity, providing faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Winner: iPhone 13
Price & Availability
- iPhone 11 Pro: No longer sold by Apple, and availability is limited to the used market. Pricing will vary.
- iPhone 13: Widely available and generally more expensive than a used 11 Pro.
- Winner: iPhone 13 (for up-to-date features and availability)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 13 |
| Display Size | iPhone 13 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 13 |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone 13 |
| 5G Connectivity | iPhone 13 |
| Value (Considering current prices) | iPhone 11 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones feature Super Retina XDR displays, offering vibrant colors and sharp details for an immersive viewing experience.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 13 are rated IP68 for water resistance, providing protection against splashes and submersion in water.
- Front Camera: Both phones have a 12MP front camera with similar features like Portrait mode and 4K video recording, ensuring high-quality selfies and video calls.
- iOS: Both phones run on iOS, providing a consistent and user-friendly software experience with access to the App Store and regular software updates.
- Fast Charging: Both phones support fast charging, allowing users to quickly replenish their battery life with a compatible charger.
Performance Buying Guide
Processor and Speed
The iPhone 11 Pro is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, a powerhouse at the time of its release. It still handles everyday tasks and even some demanding applications with impressive efficiency. The iPhone 13, however, boasts the A15 Bionic chip, delivering a significant performance leap. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The A15 also improves power efficiency, leading to longer battery life.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 Pro features a triple-camera system, offering excellent image quality and versatility. It excels in various lighting conditions, providing stunning photos and videos. The iPhone 13 builds upon this foundation with improved sensors and computational photography. It introduces features like Cinematic mode for video recording and offers enhanced low-light performance. The iPhone 13’s camera system provides a more refined and feature-rich experience.
Display Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro’s Super Retina XDR display is vibrant and bright, offering excellent color accuracy and contrast. It provides an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and general use. The iPhone 13 maintains a similar level of display quality but often includes a slightly brighter display and improved energy efficiency. Both are great, but the 13 delivers a slightly more updated and efficient experience.
Battery Life Comparison
The iPhone 11 Pro offered decent battery life for its time, generally lasting a full day with moderate usage. The iPhone 13, thanks to its more efficient A15 Bionic chip and optimized components, provides significantly improved battery life. Users can expect to get noticeably more screen-on time and longer overall usage before needing to recharge. This is a noticeable advantage for the iPhone 13.
Design and Build Quality
Both iPhones share a premium design with durable materials. The iPhone 11 Pro features a stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back, conveying a sense of luxury. The iPhone 13 continues the sleek design with a flat-edged design and ceramic shield front cover for increased durability. Both devices are well-built, but the iPhone 13 offers a slightly more modern aesthetic. Both have IP68 water resistance.
Price and Value
The iPhone 11 Pro, being an older model, is now available at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the iPhone 13, with its advanced features and performance improvements, offers better value for those seeking the latest technology. When considering the longevity and overall user experience, the iPhone 13’s higher price might be justified for many users, offering a more future-proof investment.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone size.
- You can find a good deal on a used or refurbished model.
- You don’t need the latest processor or 5G connectivity.
- You prioritize having a triple-lens camera system.
Buy iPhone 13 If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance and efficiency.
- You want a larger display for a better viewing experience.
- You want access to 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
- You prioritize longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone 13, equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, vastly outperforms the iPhone 11 Pro (A13 Bionic). This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences. The A15 also incorporates improved machine learning capabilities, further enhancing overall performance and responsiveness in various tasks like image processing and voice recognition, making the iPhone 13 noticeably quicker.
How does the camera quality compare?
The iPhone 13 camera system is a significant upgrade. While the 11 Pro takes excellent photos, the 13 boasts improved sensors, enhanced low-light performance, and features like Cinematic mode for video. The 13’s computational photography capabilities are also more advanced, resulting in better image quality and more creative options, providing a more versatile experience.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 13 has significantly better battery life than the iPhone 11 Pro. The A15 Bionic chip is more power-efficient, and the phone incorporates other battery-saving optimizations. Users can expect noticeably more screen-on time and longer overall usage with the iPhone 13 before needing to recharge, making it a clear winner in this area.
Is the display quality different?
Both iPhones have excellent displays. The iPhone 11 Pro features a vibrant and bright Super Retina XDR display. The iPhone 13 maintains a similar quality level but often has a slightly brighter display and improved energy efficiency. While both are excellent, the iPhone 13 delivers a slightly more refined and efficient display experience, though the difference is minimal.
What about the design and build quality?
Both phones share a premium design with durable materials. The iPhone 11 Pro has a stainless steel frame and matte glass back. The iPhone 13 features a flat-edged design and Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. Both are well-built and water-resistant (IP68), but the iPhone 13 offers a slightly more modern aesthetic and potentially improved durability.
Is the iPhone 13 worth the extra cost?
The iPhone 13’s higher price is justified for several reasons. It offers superior performance, an improved camera system, and significantly better battery life. While the iPhone 11 Pro is a good value, the iPhone 13 provides a more future-proof investment with its advanced features and enhanced user experience. The added cost translates into a longer-lasting and more satisfying device.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 13 is the better choice for gaming. The A15 Bionic chip offers superior graphical performance compared to the A13 Bionic in the iPhone 11 Pro. This means faster frame rates, smoother gameplay, and a more immersive gaming experience, especially in graphically demanding titles. The improved display and battery life of the 13 also contribute to a more enjoyable gaming session.
Final Verdict
While the iPhone 11 Pro remains a capable device, the iPhone 13 offers significant improvements across the board. Its faster processor, enhanced camera system, and superior battery life make it the clear winner. The slightly more modern design and overall user experience further solidify its position as the better choice for most users seeking a premium smartphone experience.
Winner: iPhone 13