iPhone 13 or 13 Pro: What no one tells you
You're faced with a choice. Compare specs. Read reviews. Check prices. It's getting more complicated. The Pro has a better camera, you know that. The ProMotion screen is smoother. The price is also higher.
But here's what no one tells you: for 90% of users , the difference between these two refurbished iPhones barely matters in everyday life. In fact, most Pro owners only use that extra telephoto lens maybe three times a year. And that smooth 120Hz screen? Within a week, you'll get used to it and won't even notice the difference.
The real question isn't which phone is technically better. It's about what you actually need . And especially: how much you're willing to pay for features you probably won't use. Time to really understand the differences .
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The real differences that matter
Let's face it: most people use their phones for WhatsApp, Instagram, a bit of photography, and the occasional Netflix. For these tasks, both devices are more than capable. However, there are situations where one model is clearly better than the other.
The 30-gram weight difference is definitely noticeable. The 13 Pro feels more substantial in the hand—some find it premium, others find it unnecessarily heavy while reading in bed. The Pro's stainless steel bezel collects fewer fingerprints than the standard 13's aluminum, but it's also more susceptible to scratches.
Display: More than just refresh rate
That ProMotion screen sounds impressive with its 120Hz, but in practice, it's more nuanced. Do you frequently scroll through social media or play games? Then the difference is noticeable. For watching videos or reading articles? Virtually irrelevant – videos run at 24 or 30 fps anyway.
What no one tells you: the Pro has a higher peak brightness (1000 nits typical versus 800 nits). In bright sunlight, that's what makes the difference, not the refresh rate.
Camera: When do you need three lenses?
The Pro's telephoto lens (3x optical zoom) is useful for:
- Portraits without getting too close
- Capture details remotely
- Concerts or sporting events
But for 90% of your photos, you'll use the main camera. The hardware on both models is identical, with only slight differences in software. Both models share the same ultra-wide-angle lens.
ProRAW and ProRes? Unless you're serious about photo editing or professional videography, these features are unnecessary. They consume storage space (one ProRAW photo is about 25MB) and require post-processing to truly shine.
Night mode and macro: the hidden differences
The Pro has a LiDAR scanner for faster autofocus in the dark. A practical advantage: sharp photos of your pet in dim light. The Pro's macro mode (extreme close-ups) is great for Instagram, but not a deal-breaker for most people.
Battery and real-world performance
Both models have the same A15 Bionic chip, so you won't notice any difference in speed. The Pro does have 6GB of RAM compared to the standard 13GB, which is 4GB. You'll only notice this difference during intensive multitasking—think switching between demanding apps or games.
Battery life is an interesting story. On paper, the Pro wins, but that ProMotion display is power-hungry. In practice, both phones easily last a full day, unless you're gaming or filming for hours.
Storage: How Much Do You Really Need?
The Pro's 1TB option sounds tempting, but consider:
- 128GB is enough for about 30,000 photos
- With iCloud syncing, you don't have to keep everything locally
- 256GB is more than enough for 95% of users
Only if you film a lot of 4K video or use the phone as a workhorse does 512GB or more make sense.
Practical considerations for your choice
Choose the iPhone 13 if you:
- A lighter phone is preferable
- Mainly takes photos for social media
- Want to stay within your budget
- The phone is mainly used for standard tasks
Choose the iPhone 13 Pro if you:
- Takes many photographs in different situations
- Plays games or scrolls a lot
- The premium feel appreciates
- Really going to use that extra telephoto lens
The refurbished option: a smart choice
A refurbished model will save you hundreds of euros without compromising on quality. Both models are now fully developed and reliable. You'll receive updates for years to come, and the difference between a new model and a new one is often undetectable.
When purchasing refurbished items, pay particular attention to:
- Battery condition (at least 85% is recommended)
- Warranty conditions
- Whether all original features work
The real advice
Most people are happiest with an iPhone 13 in 256GB. You save money, have plenty of storage, and only miss out on features you probably won't use anyway. You can put those savings towards a good case, wireless earbuds, or simply into your savings.
The Pro is only worth the extra price if you specifically need one of its unique features. Not because it's available, but because you'll actually use it. For Instagram photos, Netflix, and WhatsApp, the standard 13 is more than enough.
Ultimately, both phones are technical marvels that will last for years. The "best" choice is the one that suits your needs and budget. Don't be tempted by specs that sound impressive but don't add much to your daily experience.
The smartest choice for most people
The choice between the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro is ultimately simpler than you think. For most users, the standard 13 is more than sufficient —you'll just miss out on features you're unlikely to use. Go for the Pro if you really need that telephoto lens or play a lot of games; otherwise, you'll save hundreds of euros without any noticeable loss of quality.
A refurbished iPhone 13 with 256GB of storage is the smartest choice for 90% of people : affordable, durable and more than capable of everything you do every day.
