iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro (2025 Comparison): Which iPhone Is Best?
Deciding on the iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro can be tricky since they look alike and share many features. But there are a few key differences that can help you decide which phone is right for you. In this guide, we’ll break down everything, from design and camera to performance, battery life, and price to help you pick the best option for your needs.
Design and Build
Both the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro have a 6.1-inch display, flat edges, and the same size notch.
The difference lies in the materials and finish.
- The iPhone 13 uses aerospace-grade aluminum and comes in bright colors like Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Red, and Green.
- The iPhone 13 Pro uses surgical-grade stainless steel and offers more elegant tones like Graphite, Silver, Gold, and Sierra Blue.
The iPhone 13 feels lighter in hand, while the Pro feels more solid and premium. If you want a stylish everyday phone, the iPhone 13 is perfect. If you prefer a high-end, luxurious design, go for the iPhone 13 Pro.
Display Quality
Both phones use a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which means colors are bright, clear, and vibrant.
The main difference is that the iPhone 13 Pro includes ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate.
This means the screen refreshes faster, making scrolling, animations, and gaming look smoother. If you mostly browse, text, and use social media, you’ll be happy with the iPhone 13. But if you play games or edit videos, you’ll notice the smoother experience on the iPhone 13 Pro.
Camera Comparison
Here’s where you’ll see a big gap between the two phones.
- The iPhone 13 has two rear cameras. A wide and an ultra-wide lens. It captures beautiful photos in good lighting and performs well at night thanks to Night Mode.
- The iPhone 13 Pro adds a telephoto lens, giving you 3x optical zoom for detailed close-ups. It also includes ProRAW and ProRes video recording, which let professionals shoot and edit high-quality videos.
If you love taking photos or videos and want the best quality, the iPhone 13 Pro is worth the upgrade.
Performance and Speed
Both phones use Apple’s powerful A15 Bionic chip, but the Pro version has an extra GPU core (5-core GPU).
This gives the iPhone 13 Pro a small edge in gaming and heavy multitasking. In everyday use like browsing, streaming, or messaging both phones perform almost the same: fast and smooth with no lag.
Whether you buy it or qualify for a free government iPhone 13 or iPhone13 Pro, you’ll enjoy the same top-tier Apple performance.
Battery Life
Battery life is another key difference.
- The iPhone 13 lasts up to 17 hours of video playback.
- The iPhone 13 Pro lasts up to 22 hours of video playback.
If you’re always on the go or use your phone all day for work, the Pro offers more power.
Storage and Price
- The iPhone 13 comes with three storage options: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
- The iPhone 13 Pro goes further, offering up to 1TB of storage, which is ideal for creators who record 4K videos or download large files.
At launch, the iPhone 13 started at $799, while the iPhone 13 Pro started at $999. If you’re buying today, prices may vary depending on stock and location.
Color Options
iPhone 13 Colors: Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Red, Green
iPhone 13 Pro Colors: Graphite, Silver, Gold, Sierra Blue, Alpine Green
The iPhone 13 offers brighter, fun shades, while the Pro line looks more elegant and professional.
Charger and Connectivity
Both models use a Lightning port (not USB-C). So, the iPhone 13 charger type and iPhone 13 Pro charger type are the same. Both support MagSafe wireless charging and 5G connectivity.
If you’re wondering, is the iPhone 13 waterproof? Yes, it’s rated IP68, meaning it can handle splashes and brief submersion in water. The same goes for the iPhone 13 Pro, which also carries an IP68 waterproof rating.
Software and Updates
Both phones run on iOS 18 (upgradable) and will receive updates for years. You’ll get the same features, security, and app support on both. Apple ensures that both models stay fast and secure with regular updates, so whichever you choose, you’ll be future-ready.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 13 Pro |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (with ProMotion 120Hz) |
| Material | Aluminum frame, glossy back | Stainless steel frame, matte back |
| Camera Setup | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra Wide) | Triple 12MP (Wide + Ultra Wide + Telephoto) |
| Chipset | A15 Bionic (4-core GPU) | A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 17 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Pro Features | — | ProMotion, ProRAW, ProRes video |
| Weight | 174g | 204g |
| Starting Price (Launch) | $799 | $999 |
Which iPhone Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
- Choose iPhone 13 if you want a powerful, budget-friendly phone with great performance and camera quality.
- Choose iPhone 13 Pro if you want the best display, extra camera lens, longer battery life, and premium feel.
If you qualify for a free government iPhone, you may be offered one of these models depending on program availability, making either choice an excellent upgrade.
Conclusion
The difference between iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro mainly comes down to camera features, build quality, and display.
If you want solid performance and great value, go for the iPhone 13.
If you want a phone with pro-level photography and smooth 120Hz display, the iPhone 13 Pro is the better pick.
No matter which one you choose, both are powerful, reliable, and built to last.