iPhone 13 or iPhone 15: What's the smartest choice?
The iPhone 13 or the iPhone 15? On paper, it seems simple. Newer is better, right? The specs don't lie: better camera, brighter screen, USB-C instead of Lightning. But here's the catch. The price difference is substantial, while the real differences for everyday use are minimal .
The iPhone 13 does everything you need – fast, reliable, and with an excellent camera. The iPhone 15 performs slightly better, but will you really notice the difference when scrolling through Instagram or sending WhatsApp messages? With refurbished iPhones, this choice becomes even more compelling. A practically new iPhone 13 for hundreds of euros less, or perhaps those new features of the 15?
The answer lies not in the specs, but in what you actually do with your phone . And that's exactly where most buyers go wrong.
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The real differences that matter
Let's be honest: both devices are excellent. The iPhone 13 came out in 2021, the iPhone 15 in 2023. Two years apart, but what does that actually mean for your daily use?
First up, the processor. The A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13 versus the A16 Bionic in the newer model. On paper, the latter is about 15% faster. In practice? You'll only notice the difference during intensive tasks like video editing or demanding games. For Instagram, WhatsApp, Netflix, and browsing, both are blazing fast.
Camera: Where the difference becomes visible
The camera is where the iPhone 15 truly stands out. The main camera jumps from 12 to 48 megapixels. That sounds impressive, but what's more important is what you can do with it. The 15 takes sharper photos in low light, has better portrait modes, and can zoom in 2x without loss of quality thanks to that higher resolution.
For the average user who mainly takes snapshots? The iPhone 13 camera is more than adequate. Are you serious about photography or do you post a lot of content? Then the 15's better camera might justify the extra price.
USB-C vs. Lightning: More Practical Than You Think
Switching to USB-C isn't a gimmick. It means you can use the same cable for your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and virtually any other modern device. Travel a lot? It'll save you a lot of cables in your bag.
On the other hand: do you already have Lightning cables lying around at home—in the car, next to your bed, or at the office? Then USB-C means investing in new cables. Expect to pay at least €20 per good cable, and that adds up.
Battery life and charging
Both models easily last a full day. The iPhone 15 lasts about an hour longer with heavy use. Not a game-changer, then. Both support wireless charging via MagSafe, convenient for your desk or nightstand.
The screen: brighter in the sun
Both have a 6.1-inch OLED display with the same resolution. The difference lies in the maximum brightness: 1200 nits for the 13, 2000 nits for the 15. Practically speaking, this means the iPhone 15 is easier to read in bright sunlight. Do you work outdoors a lot or go to the beach often? Then that's extra comfort. Indoors, it makes no difference.
Which one suits your use?
Choose the iPhone 13 if you:
- Mainly calls, texts and uses social media
- All Lightning accessories you have
- Would rather spend the price difference on something else
- A reliable phone without bells and whistles
Choose the iPhone 15 if you:
- Takes lots of photos and finds quality important
- Already switched to USB-C devices?
- Want to have the latest features
- Often works outdoors or in bright environments
The refurbished option: smarter than you think
A refurbished iPhone 13 can save you hundreds of euros compared to a new iPhone 15. These devices have been professionally inspected, cleaned, and repaired where necessary. You still get a warranty, and the device often looks like new.
The price difference between a refurbished 13 and a new 15 can be as much as €400-€500. For that, you could buy AirPods Pro, an Apple Watch, or just save up. The question is: are the extra features of the 15 worth it?
Software support
Both models run iOS 17 flawlessly and will continue to receive updates for years to come. Apple typically supports iPhones with new iOS versions for 5-6 years. The iPhone 13 will likely receive updates until at least 2027, the iPhone 15 until 2029. For most people, that's more than enough.
Practical considerations
Also consider the availability of cases and screen protectors. The iPhone 13 offers a huge selection and is often discounted. For the 15, you'll still pay a premium for accessories.
In terms of size and weight, they're virtually identical. Both fit in the same pocket and feel the same in the hand. The colors are different, though: the 15 has newer shades like pink and yellow, while the 13 offers more classic options.
The financial consideration
A new iPhone 15 cost around €969 at launch for the base model with 128GB. A refurbished iPhone 13 with the same storage capacity costs €500-600, depending on condition. That's a difference of almost €400.
What can you do with that difference? A year's Apple One subscription, a pair of AirPods, or simply a buffer for unexpected expenses. The question isn't whether the iPhone 15 is better—it is. The question is whether it's €400 better for your specific use.
Conclusion without conclusion
The choice between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 isn't about specs, but about value. For power users and photography enthusiasts, the 15 might justify the price premium. For most people, a (refurbished) iPhone 13 does exactly what's needed: reliable, fast, and without the compromises you'll notice every day.
The great thing is that you can't go wrong with either model. They're both top-notch devices that will last for years. The difference lies in the details and whether those details are worth the extra cost to you.
The smartest choice for your situation
Ultimately, it boils down to a simple question: are you happy to pay an extra €400 for a better camera, USB-C, and a brighter screen? For photography enthusiasts and those already switching to USB-C, the iPhone 15 is the obvious choice.
For anyone who simply wants a reliable phone for everyday use, a refurbished iPhone 13 is the smartest purchase. You'll save hundreds of euros without compromising on the things that really matter: speed, battery life, and years of software support.
Both devices do what they are supposed to do – one just does it at a slightly higher price .
