The iPhone 11 has aged remarkably well, while the iPhone 13 remains one of the most popular refurbished iPhones on the market, and in 2025 and 2026 both models can be found at sharp discounts compared to their original launch prices. Which one is right for you given their price difference today? And is it still worth upgrading from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 13? In this article, we compare their design, size, display, CPU, RAM, storage, camera, battery life, and connectivity so you can make a better-informed decision.
Table of contents
- iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 13: Specs comparison table
- iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 13: All the differences
- Should you upgrade from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 13?
- Frequently asked questions
- Verdict
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 is 8.3mm thick, while the latter is 7.65 mm.
iPhone 13
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.
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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.
iPhone 11
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 through an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple's own repair service.
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
Both phones include optical image stabilization, but the technologies differ meaningfully. The iPhone 11 uses standard OIS on its wide-angle lens, while the iPhone 13 upgrades to sensor-shift OIS, a more advanced system that stabilizes the sensor itself rather than the lens elements. This delivers noticeably steadier handheld shots and smoother video.
Beyond that hardware difference, the iPhone 13 allows for better shooting in low-light conditions overall. The improved stabilization on the iPhone 13 also unlocks Cinematic Mode, and it supports HDR Dolby Vision for richer colors and contrast in recordings.
Cinematic Mode
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 XR 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
- iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 15
Frequently asked questions
Verdict
The iPhone 13 is the clear winner on specs: a faster chip, an OLED display, 5G connectivity, sensor-shift OIS, and a 128 GB base storage are all meaningful upgrades over the iPhone 11. If you’re shopping for one of the most durable Apple smartphones without paying flagship prices, a refurbished iPhone 13 hits an exceptional value sweet spot in 2026.
Check out our selection of refurbished iPhone 13 on RefurbMe to compare the best deals across merchants in real time. All listings carry a professional warranty and come ready to use.
128GB storage
Midnight
128GB storage
Midnight
128GB storage
Blue
If you want the most affordable option that still runs virtually every modern app without a hitch, a refurbished iPhone 11 is a compelling buy. You can browse the latest prices below.
64GB storage
White
64GB storage
Red
64GB storage
Green
For more context, see our best iPhone accessories guide and our iPhone SE 3 vs. iPhone 13 comparison.
Last updated: Apr 30, 2026 · First published: Jun 20, 2023
