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Update Published September 23, 2024
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What are the "pros and cons" of the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max compared to another? Is one the right iPhone for me?
The iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max all have been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated with current iOS support and other details and can be quite helpful to anyone buying one of these models on the used market.
Only you can decide if the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, or iPhone 13 Pro Max is the right iPhone for you, but straightforward pros and cons without spin from some company's marketing department certainly can help.
EveryiPhone.com also provides a complete iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max comparison for those who want an in-depth evaluation. For those who prefer a quick summary, the following can be ideal.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 13 mini/iPhone 13)
iPhone 13 mini/iPhone 13 Pros:
iPhone 13 mini/iPhone 13 Cons:
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 13 Pro/iPhone 13 Pro Max)
iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max Pros:
iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max Cons:
So, should I buy an iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, or iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Compared just to one another, and ignoring earlier and subsequent models, EveryiPhone.com originally recommended that those who wanted the smallest brand new iPhone buy the iPhone 13 mini and those who wanted the largest buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Those were the easier two choices. Later iPhone models are larger, so those who want the smallest iPhone possible (among recent, usable models), still may prefer the iPhone 13 mini to more recent options.
For those who were trying to decide between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, this was a more difficult decision. The iPhone 13 is the same speed and offers the same connectivity as the iPhone 13 Pro, but originally cost a not insignificant US$200 less. Of course, both now are available at a discount on the used market.
Compared to the iPhone 13 at the time both were released, the extra US$200 for the iPhone 13 Pro got you (1) a stronger steel frame and textured glass for easier grip, (2) a substantially higher quality display, (3) a much more advanced rear camera with support for a more professional file format and video codec, (4) longer battery life, (5) more RAM, (6) and LiDAR support. At additional cost, you also had (7) the option of more storage. Now you also can add (8) improved feature support running iOS 16 or iOS 17 (although iOS 18 support is the same).
For most, it originally would come down to whether or not the (1) better display, (2) better camera, and (3) longer battery life were worth US$200 to you. That depends on your budget, of course. For some, any one of these three attributes was well worth US$200, but for many users, the iPhone 13 should be quite sufficient. For those on a budget, buying either the iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro used are a good way to save some money compared to more recent options, too.
In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells used and refurbished iPhone models also with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used iPhone models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Please also see EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
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