The iPhone 11 can stand the test of time, while the iPhone 13 is one of the best smartphones ever made. This said, which one is right for you considering their price difference? And should you upgrade from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 13? In this article, we’ll compare their design, size, display, CPU, RAM, storage, camera, battery life, and connectivity. With the main differences in mind, you will be able to make a better-informed decision between the iPhone 11 vs. the iPhone 13.
Table of contents
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 13: The key differences
- The iPhone 13 has a smaller notch and offers different color options.
- The design of the iPhone 13 is flat-edged with smaller borders.
- The iPhone 11 is larger and heavier.
- The iPhone 11 has an IPS LCD screen, while iPhone 13 has an OLED screen with flat edges and a smaller notch.
- The iPhone 13 has an upgraded A15 Bionic processor.
- 64GB vs. 128GB base storage.
- The iPhone 13 has sensor-shift optical image stabilization, Photographic Styles, and Cinematic Mode for videos.
- Improved battery life in the iPhone 13.
- The iPhone 13 supports MagSafe for fast wireless charging, in addition to Qi wireless charging.
- Only the iPhone 13 includes 5G connectivity and HDR support.
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 13: Specs comparison table
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 13: All the differences
Let’s dive into all the differences between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 13.
Design and colors
Both phones are made from aluminum and offer IP68 water and dust resistance. However, the iPhone 13 features a tougher Ceramic Shield display cover compared to the iPhone 11. Also, the notch of the most recent release is 20% smaller, which delivers a bit more screen real estate.
The iPhone 11 is available in black, green, yellow, purple, red, and white colors, while the iPhone 13 is available in starlight, midnight, blue, pink, red, and green.
Size and weight
The iPhone 11 is larger and heavier than the iPhone 13, measuring 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 inches with a weight of 6.84 ounces, while the iPhone 13 measures 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 inches with a weight of 6.14 ounces. The former is8.3mm thick, while the latter is 7.65 mm.
Display
Although both models feature an all-screen design, the iPhone 11 has an IPS LCD screen, while the iPhone 13 has an OLED screen, flat edges,and a smaller notch, being the most notorious differences in the display. OLED screens offer deeper blacks and crisper colors, and it’s certainly one of the main attractions of the newest Apple phone. Lastly, both iPhones have a 6.1″ display size.
Processor
The iPhone 11 features an A13 Bionic processor with six cores (2×2.65 GHz Lightning + 4×1.8 GHz Thunder), which still is a pretty powerful chip that can run almost everything you throw at it. There are no major limitations with the A13 Bionic processor; it can handle 4K video editing, processing large files, opening and editing complex images with real-time changes, and so on.
👉 Worth reading: 20 Best Widget Ideas for Your iPhone Home Screen (2023)
On the other hand, the iPhone 13 features an A15 Bionic processor with six cores (2×3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4×1.82 GHz Blizzard), which is a pretty significant upgrade from the A13 Bionic. The A15 Bionic is faster and more powerful, meaning it can handle even more demanding tasks than the A13 Bionic. It’s also more power efficient, saving you battery life in the long run.
RAM
The iPhone 11 is still greatly capable of multitasking with 4GB of RAM. While the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max offer 6 GB, the standard model of the iPhone 13 has the same 4GB. In combination with the new A15 CPU, the latest model has exceptional performance for anything you want to do with your phone.
Storage
The iPhone 11 has 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage available to users. The iPhone 13 offers 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. Apple doesn’t include external memory slots on the iPhones anymore, as seen in these models.
Image credit: Apple
Battery life
The iPhone 13 shows a significant improvement in battery life over the iPhone 11. While the iPhone 11 offers up to 17 hours of video playback, the iPhone 13 offers 19 hours. When comparing audio playback, the oldest model has up to 65 hours, while the most recent one enjoys up to 75 hours.
Even though the iPhone 13 has a Li-Ion 3240 mAh battery, you won’t likely see much difference in regards to the Li-Ion 3110 mAh of the iPhone 11.
On the other hand, both models may have their fair share of battery issues such as quick battery drain. If the battery health is significantly decreased, consider getting a battery replacement by iPhone repair store.
Charging
There are no big differences in charging speeds. The iPhone 13 max charging rate is set at 20W, and the iPhone 11’s at 18W. It’s worth noting that both iPhones are compatible with Qi wireless charging, and the iPhone 13 also includes MagSafe for fast wireless charging. Nonetheless, you need to get a separate charger for it.
Camera features
Both models offer a 12MP rear-facing camera for capturing stunning photos and videos. The Apple A15 Bionic chip of the iPhone 13 provides superior image processing, making it easy to capture crisp images and smooth videos in any environment.
These phones also offer features such as burst mode, HDR video recording, deep fusion technology, and dual LED flash for taking clear images even in low light conditions. With their advanced hardware, these iPhones make camper van photography or videography easier than ever. However, only the iPhone 13 can enjoy the Photographic Styles feature.
Image quality
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 13 differ in terms of image quality due to their different camera setups. The iPhone 11 features an f/1.8 aperture and a wide-angle lens, while the iPhone 13 has an f/2.4 aperture and an ultrawide-angle lens.
We know that iPhones are top-notch when it comes to image quality. But a person who uses it for daily or basic tasks won’t notice that much difference. The front camera of both models is also pretty similar, with 12 MP, f/2.2 aperture, and 4K support.
Image stabilization
Unlike the iPhone 11, the iPhone 13 camera has image stabilization, an electronic feature that reduces camera shake and vibration and allows for steadier and sharper photos and videos.
Additionally, the iPhone 13 allows for better shooting in low-light conditions. The improved image stabilization on the iPhone 13 also allows for Cinematic Mode for those who want a more professional approach to their photos. It supports HDR Dolby Vision for improved colors and contrast.
Image: Apple
Video recording
When choosing between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 13, the video recording quality is an important consideration. The iPhone 13 features a Cinematic mode for higher-quality recordings and color tone-editing features for more creative options.
Like the iPhone 11, the iPhone 13 can record video in 4K at 24, 30, or 60 fps. However, the newest model offers Dolby Vision HDR that supports up to 60 fps for incredible brightness, color, and contrast in your recordings.
Connectivity
Both models have Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and Lightning connectors. But, the iPhone 13 includes 5G cellular connectivity, making it one of the most important aspects to consider in your buying decision.
Should you upgrade from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 13?
It depends on your usage. Even if the release of the iPhone 13 is two years apart from the iPhone 11, it doesn’t provide a massive upgrade.
It’s possible that a few features of the new iPhone 13 might make it worth the extra money for some users. The biggest addition is 5G support, allowing you to take advantage of the faster wireless speeds now available in many areas. The camera on the iPhone 13 has also been improved, with a new sensor that should enable better low-light performance.
In short, if you’re happy with your iPhone 11, there’s no need to upgrade to the iPhone 13. But if you’re looking for a slightly better camera and 5G support, the iPhone 13 might be worth considering. We will share how to find the best prices in the next section.
👉 Related comparisons:
- iPhone X vs. iPhone 13
- iPhone X vs. iPhone 11
- iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max
Verdict
The iPhone 13 is a clear winner regarding specs and cameras and has 5G connectivity. If you’re looking for one of the best, most durable smartphones on the market without going to the most expensive option, the iPhone 13 is the way to go.
Check out our selection of refurbished iPhone 13 on RefurbMe to compare the best deals in real time. All merchants offer a professional warranty and work like a factory-new product.
128GB storage
Blue
If you lean towards a cheaper alternative that still offers great features and can run almost any of today’s apps, the iPhone 11 is a great choice. You can also find refurbished iPhone 11 models for a great price here.
64GB storage
Red
64GB storage
Purple
128GB storage
Black
Finally, don’t forget to check our article with the best iPhone accessories and our iPhone SE 3 vs. iPhone 13 comparison.
Good luck!
