iPhone 13 vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone XR?
iPhone 13 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £118.76 less than the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone 13 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 13 and iPhone XR differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 13 offers a higher screen resolution with an OLED display, more RAM, a newer chipset, and 5G connectivity, making it suitable for those who want sharper visuals, faster performance, and quicker mobile network speeds. It also has a larger battery capacity and a higher resolution front camera. The iPhone XR, with its Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen and 4G support, fits buyers who prioritise a familiar size and solid everyday performance and good main camera quality. Storage options differ as well, with the iPhone 13 available up to 512GB and the iPhone XR up to 256GB, which may impact how much media or apps you can keep.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XR price
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iPhone 13 vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and operating system. These specs affect how long the device runs between charges and the kind of software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 has a 3240 mAh battery, which is larger than the XR's 2942 mAh. For users who spend more time away from charging points, the iPhone 13 may provide longer usage between charges. The iPhone XR's battery capacity suits everyday users who charge their phone regularly.
Operating System Version
The iPhone 13 runs iOS 15, offering more recent software features and updates. The iPhone XR runs iOS. Buyers preferring newer software enhancements might favour the iPhone 13.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These determine how smoothly the phone handles apps, multitasking, and data storage.
Chipset Technology
The iPhone 13 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone XR uses the Apple A12 Bionic with a 7 nm process. Users who run demanding apps or multitask will notice the difference.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 13 can keep more apps open and running smoothly compared to the iPhone XR's 3 GB. This is useful for users who switch between multiple apps frequently or use memory-intensive applications.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 offers three storage sizes: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The iPhone XR comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options. If you need more space for photos, videos, or apps, the iPhone 13's higher maximum capacity may be better suited.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, with resolution, screen type, and size playing key roles in the experience.
Display Resolution and Type
Both phones have a 6.1 inch screen, but the iPhone 13 uses an OLED display with a resolution of 1170 x 2532, offering deeper colours and higher sharpness. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD with 828 x 1792 resolution. The iPhone 13 is ideal for users who value crisp visuals and vibrant colours, such as for watching videos or viewing photos.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XR camera
Audiovisual specs focus on camera capabilities, which affect photo and video quality as well as video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 13 features a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to the iPhone XR's 7 megapixel front camera. This means the iPhone 13 can capture more detailed selfies and clearer video calls, which benefits users who frequently use the front camera.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera. This gives a similar level of detail for standard photos and videos, making both suitable for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XR size and design
Miscellaneous differences include network support, physical dimensions, and weight. These affect connectivity, portability, and comfort.
Mobile Network Support
The iPhone 13 supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile internet where 5G networks are available. The iPhone XR supports 4G, which still provides reliable internet but at slower speeds. Users who want faster downloads and streaming on the go may prefer the iPhone 13.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 13 is 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, weighing 174 g. The iPhone XR is slightly taller at 150.9 mm, wider at 75.7 mm, and deeper at 8.3 mm, weighing 194 g. The iPhone 13's slimmer and lighter design suits those who prefer a more compact and lighter phone.
SIM and Connectivity
Both phones use a Lightning connector and support a physical SIM plus eSIM. Both are unlocked for any carrier, so either phone can be used with a range of providers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
iPhone 13 or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 2942 mAh)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £118.76 less than the iPhone 13
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 13 looks like new, often noting excellent condition and strong battery health. Many mention it works like new with smooth performance and a vibrant screen. The higher front camera resolution is appreciated by users who take selfies or make video calls. Some highlight that the phone handles setup easily and runs apps well, benefiting from its RAM and chipset. The battery life is commonly described as holding up well throughout the day.
Reviews of the iPhone XR also praise its condition, with many customers saying it looks spotless and functions well. The screen size suits users who prefer a comfortable viewing area without being too large. The main camera quality meets everyday needs, and the phone runs smoothly for general use. Some note the battery may not be an original Apple one but overall it performs reliably. The 4G network support fits users who do not require the fastest mobile speeds.
Both phones suit different buyers: the iPhone 13 appeals to those wanting higher performance, sharper visuals, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone XR fits buyers looking for a familiar size and solid everyday use with a lower price point.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 13 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 13 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £249.06 for the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 13 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 2942 mAh) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £118.76 more (from £249.06 vs £130.30).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
