iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 new
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 16?
iPhone 13 vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 13 starts at £249.06, £328.59 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16.
- The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16 specs
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 share the same screen size and 5G connectivity, but they differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 16 offers a larger battery capacity and runs iOS 18, while the iPhone 13 comes with a slightly smaller battery and iOS 15. Performance is a clear distinction: the iPhone 16 has twice the RAM and a newer chipset, making it better for multitasking and demanding apps. The iPhone 16 also features a higher resolution main camera and a USB-C connector, while the iPhone 13 uses a Lightning port and a 12 megapixel main camera. Both phones come unlocked and offer the same storage options. Choose the iPhone 13 for solid everyday use, or the iPhone 16 if you want more power and camera detail.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16 price
Colour
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and operating system. These factors affect how long the phone lasts in daily use and which iOS version it runs.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 has a 3561 mAh battery, compared to 3240 mAh in the iPhone 13. This means the iPhone 16 offers longer battery life between charges, which benefits heavy users or those who need their phone to last through a full day without topping up.
Operating System Version
The iPhone 13 runs iOS 15, while the iPhone 16 runs iOS 18.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence how quickly the phone runs apps and manages multitasking.
Chipset Technology
The iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 chipset on a 3 nm process. The iPhone 16's newer chipset is designed for better efficiency and faster processing, making it suitable for users who run demanding apps or want quicker overall performance.
RAM Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 can keep more apps open simultaneously and handle multitasking more smoothly than the iPhone 13, which has 4 GB. This is useful if you regularly switch between apps or use memory-intensive software.
Storage Options
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. This allows flexibility depending on how much space you need for apps, photos, and media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16 screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort and clarity. Both devices offer the same size and refresh rate, but the iPhone 16 uses a more advanced OLED screen and a slightly higher resolution.
Screen Type
The iPhone 13 features an OLED screen, while the iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED display. The iPhone 16's screen type is designed to deliver better brightness and contrast, which benefits users who watch videos or work in bright environments.
Resolution and Size
Both phones have a 6.1 inch screen, but the iPhone 16 has a slightly higher resolution of 1179 x 2556 compared to 1170 x 2532 on the iPhone 13. This means the iPhone 16 offers a marginally sharper image, which is noticeable when viewing fine details or reading small text.
Refresh Rate
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 have a 60 Hz refresh rate. This provides smooth visuals for everyday use, including browsing and video playback.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16 camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera quality. The front cameras are the same resolution, but the main cameras differ significantly.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 16 has a 48 megapixel main camera, whereas the iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel main camera. The higher megapixel count on the iPhone 16 allows for more detailed photos, making it a better choice if you value photography or want sharper images.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, which suits video calls and selfies equally well. Users who prioritise front camera quality will find both models similar.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16 size and design
This section covers other important features that affect daily convenience and compatibility, including connectors, size, and network options.
Connector Type
USB-C is more common on modern devices, which may be more convenient if you want to use the same cable for multiple gadgets.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 16 is slightly taller at 147.6 mm compared to 146.7 mm on the iPhone 13. It is also marginally deeper at 7.8 mm versus 7.7 mm and lighter at 170 g compared to 174 g. These small differences affect how the phone feels in hand and pocket, with the iPhone 16 being a touch lighter.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. They also support physical SIM plus eSIM options. This flexibility suits users wanting to choose their carrier or use multiple numbers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 or iPhone 16: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £249.06, £328.59 less than the iPhone 16
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 3240 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers buying the iPhone 13 appreciate its condition and reliability. Many say the phones look like new, with clear screens and strong battery life, especially when choosing models with new batteries fitted. Users highlight easy setup and smooth performance for everyday use. The phone suits first-time iPhone buyers and those happy with a solid all-rounder that holds up well in daily tasks.
Buyers of the iPhone 16 praise its excellent condition, often describing it as like new or even sealed. The battery health is frequently at 100%, supporting long use between charges. The iPhone 16 is seen as a significant upgrade with faster performance and better camera quality. Many customers are happy with the larger storage sizes and the phone's appearance, which often shows no marks or scratches.
Both phones satisfy different needs: the iPhone 13 is a dependable choice for everyday use, while the iPhone 16 appeals to those wanting more power, updated software, and enhanced camera capabilities.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16 FAQs
iPhone 13 vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 13 is cheaper refurbished, from £249.06 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
The iPhone 16 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 3240 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £328.59 more (from £577.65 vs £249.06).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
