iPhone 13 vs 14: The Surprising Truth
Buying a new iPhone? The 14 is out, but the 13 is still going strong. You're in the store, hesitant. Hundreds of euros difference for the latest iPhone , but what do you get in return? But here's the surprise: the answer isn't in the specs Apple presents. It's in five specific differences that will determine whether you'll regret your choice later.
Because while everyone's focused on the latest features, they're missing the most important thing: a refurbished iPhone 13 beats the 14 in areas no one's talking about. We tested both models for months and discovered patterns that Apple prefers not to emphasize. These five differences will determine whether you're throwing away hundreds of euros or making the smartest choice of the year.
Useful links:
Difference 1: design remains practically identical
The first thing you'll notice when you place the two devices side by side: they look remarkably similar. Apple has adopted the 13's design virtually unchanged for the standard 14. Same flat bezels, same screen size (6.1 inches), same materials. The weight differs by only 1 gram.
What is changing: the mini is disappearing from the lineup. While the 13 series still offered the compact 5.4-inch size, Apple is now introducing the 14 Plus with a large 6.7-inch screen. This is a disappointment for fans of small phones. The refurbished 13 mini therefore remains a popular option.
The color options differ minimally. Both series offer classics like midnight and starlight. The 14 adds purple, while the 13 adds pink. This makes no difference for cases and accessories—everything fits perfectly on both models.
Difference 2: Camera gets a subtle upgrade
The camera differences between the two models are subtle. On paper, they share the same 12-megapixel main camera and ultra-wide-angle camera. The 14 does get the Photonic Engine, a new image processing technology that delivers better results in low light.
In practice, you'll see the difference most clearly in night photography. The 14 produces slightly brighter night photos with less noise. In daylight, the difference is negligible. Both cameras take excellent photos that you can easily print in large format.
New on the 14: Action Mode for video. This feature stabilizes moving footage without a gimbal. Handy for vloggers and parents filming running children. The 13 lacks this feature but already offers the popular Cinematic Mode for videos with a blurred background.
Difference 3: Processor surprisingly similar
Here's the biggest surprise: both phones run on the same A15 Bionic chip. Apple simply adopted the processor from the 13 for the standard 14. Only the Pro models get the new A16 chip.
What does this mean for everyday use? Both devices are blazing fast. Apps open instantly, games run smoothly, and multitasking is seamless. The 14 does have an extra GPU core, but you'll only notice this difference during graphics-intensive tasks like video editing.
The memory configuration remains identical: 6GB of RAM in both models. Both phones will have more than enough processing power for all the new iOS updates and apps for the next four to five years.
Difference 4: Battery lasts a little longer
Battery life improves marginally. While the 13, according to Apple, lasts 19 hours of video playback, the 14 lasts 20 hours. In practice, this translates to about an extra hour of use per day.
Both models support MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W and wired charging up to approximately 50% in 30 minutes. Charging speeds are identical, as is compatibility with wireless chargers and power banks.
The real advantage lies with the 14 Plus: this model boasts 26 hours of video playback thanks to its larger chassis, which accommodates a large battery. This model is ideal for frequent users who don't want to carry a power bank.
Difference 5: Safety features make the difference
The 14 introduces two new safety features: crash detection and satellite emergency communication. The first automatically detects car accidents and alerts emergency services. The second lets you send emergency messages even when there's no mobile phone signal.
Crash detection uses sensors to detect extreme acceleration and deceleration. Convenient for car drivers, but mountain bikers also appreciate this feature. The 13 lacks this technology entirely.
Satellite emergency communication is currently only active in North America. This feature is currently of no use to Dutch users. Apple promises expansion to Europe but has not provided a specific date.
Practical buying advice: when do you choose what?
Choose the iPhone 14 when:
- You find the latest safety features important
- You film a lot and want to use the action mode
- You prefer the Plus size (6.7 inches)
- You always want to have the latest model
Choose the refurbished iPhone 13 when:
- You want to save hundreds of euros
- You prefer the mini variant (5.4 inch)
- You want to shop sustainably
- The differences for you do not outweigh the price difference
The price differences are significant. A new 14 cost around €1019 at launch. A refurbished 13 in excellent condition starts at €650. That's a difference of almost €400 for minimal differences.
Sustainability and availability
Both models will continue to receive software updates for years to come. Apple typically supports iPhones with the latest iOS versions for six to seven years. The 13 from 2021 will therefore remain current until at least 2027, and the 14 until 2028.
In terms of sustainability, a refurbished 13 scores better than a new 14. You're giving an existing device a second life instead of using new raw materials. The CO2 savings are significant: approximately 70 kg per phone.
Availability varies widely. The 14 is widely available new, but popular colors and storage options sell out quickly. Refurbished 13 models are readily available in various condition grades, from "as new" to "light wear."
Conclusion for practice
The differences between the two models are minor. For most users, the 14 doesn't offer any significant improvements that justify the price difference. The 13 remains an excellent smartphone that will easily last until 2027 or even longer.
If you shop smart, choose a refurbished 13 in top condition. You'll save hundreds of euros, get the same warranty, and contribute to a more sustainable world. The only things you'll miss are marginal improvements that you'll barely notice in everyday use.
Conclusion: iPhone 13 or 14?
The choice between the iPhone 13 and 14 ultimately comes down to one question: are minimal improvements worth hundreds of euros? For most users, the answer is no. A refurbished iPhone 13 offers the same performance, receives years of updates, and saves you a significant amount.
Only if crash detection or action mode are essential to you will the extra cost be worth it. Otherwise, you're better off investing that money in good accessories or saving it for a real upgrade in two years.
