iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 new
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 17?
iPhone 13 vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 13 starts at £249.06, £464.28 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17.
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 specs
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 17 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 13 offers a solid, everyday experience with a 6.1 inch OLED screen, 4 GB of RAM, and a 3240 mAh battery. The iPhone 17 steps up with a larger 6.3 inch Super Retina XDR display at 120 Hz refresh rate and higher resolution, 8 GB RAM, and a bigger battery. Camera capabilities are also more advanced on the iPhone 17, with higher megapixel counts front and back. Connectivity changes from Lightning to USB-C. The iPhone 13 is suitable for those who want a reliable, straightforward phone, while the iPhone 17 fits users seeking smoother visuals, more multitasking memory, and better camera detail.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 price
Colour
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system contribute to how long the phone lasts on a charge and the software it runs. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 17 differ in these aspects.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 has a 3240 mAh battery, which suits typical daily use. The iPhone 17 features a larger 3692 mAh battery that may offer longer use between charges, helpful for heavy users or those on the move.
Operating System
The iPhone 13 runs iOS 15, providing a stable and familiar experience. The iPhone 17 runs iOS.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 performance
Processor speed, memory, and storage affect how smoothly a phone runs apps and handles multitasking. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 17 offer different performance levels to match user needs.
Processor Chipset
The iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on 5 nm technology, suitable for everyday tasks and gaming. The iPhone 17 features the Apple A19 chipset.
Memory
With 4 GB RAM, the iPhone 13 handles daily apps well and keeps moderate multitasking smooth. The iPhone 17 doubles this with 8 GB RAM, which helps keep many apps open and running without slowing down.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions, offering a wider range for different storage needs. The iPhone 17 is available in 256GB and 512GB, catering to users who want more space for apps, photos, and media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 screen
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate influence how clear and smooth visuals appear. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 17 have notable differences in their displays.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 13 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth viewing of video and scrolling. The iPhone 17 offers a 120 Hz refresh rate, doubling the smoothness and making animations and interactions feel more fluid.
Resolution and Screen Size
The iPhone 13 has a 6.1 inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1170 by 2532 pixels, providing sharp and bright images. The iPhone 17 has a slightly larger 6.3 inch Super Retina XDR screen with a resolution of 2622 by 1206 pixels, delivering more detail and a richer display experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 camera
Camera quality is important for photography and video calls. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 17 differ in megapixel counts on their front and main cameras.
Front Camera
The iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17 upgrades this to 18 megapixels, capturing more detail and sharper images for those who prioritise front-facing photos.
Main Camera
The iPhone 13 features a 12 megapixel main camera, good for everyday photos. The iPhone 17 offers a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures much more detail and can benefit users who want higher resolution photos or more cropping flexibility.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 size and design
Other differences cover connectors, size, and network compatibility, which can affect how the phones fit your lifestyle and accessories.
Connector Type
The iPhone 13 uses a Lightning connector, common on many Apple devices, which works with existing Lightning cables and accessories. The iPhone 17 uses a USB-C connector, offering compatibility with a wider range of modern chargers and peripherals.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 13 measures 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, weighing 174 g. The iPhone 17 is slightly larger at 149.6 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 8 mm deep, weighing 177 g. The difference is subtle but means the iPhone 17 offers a bit more screen space with a small increase in size and weight.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G mobile networks for fast data speeds. Each supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexible options for mobile plans. Both come unlocked for use with any compatible carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 or iPhone 17: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £249.06, £464.28 less than the iPhone 17
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (173 g vs 177 g)
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 3240 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 13 appreciate its condition and battery health, often noting it looks and works like new. Many mention good value for money and reliable performance for everyday use. The phone suits those entering the iPhone ecosystem or seeking a dependable device without extra complexity. Reviews highlight ease of setup and satisfaction with refurbished condition.
For the iPhone 17, customers report the phone looks like new with excellent battery health and no signs of use. Many say it offers a noticeable upgrade, especially praising the condition and performance. Users who usually buy new phones find the refurbished iPhone 17 meets their expectations and provides a cost-effective way to own a premium device. The larger screen and improved features are often mentioned as positives.
Overall, the iPhone 13 suits buyers wanting a solid, straightforward iPhone at a lower price point, while the iPhone 17 appeals to users looking for enhanced performance, display, and camera quality in a near-new condition.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 17 FAQs
iPhone 13 vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 13 is cheaper refurbished, from £249.06 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
The iPhone 17 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 3240 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £464.28 more (from £713.34 vs £249.06).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 in 256GB and 512GB.
