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iPhone 13 vs iPhone 15: which should you buy used?

The real differences between the 13 and the 15, what each costs QDN Certified today, and a short answer on which one to pick.

The short answer

The 15 is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, the newer cameras and longer battery life. The 13 is the value pick if those features are not something you would use.

iPhone 13
iPhone 13
iPhone 15
iPhone 15

iPhone 13

QDN Certified, 15-month warranty

Out of stock

Launched at $799

Find the closest match

iPhone 15

QDN Certified, 15-month warranty

Out of stock

Launched at $799

Find the closest match

What actually differs

Only the rows where the two phones are not identical. A tick marks the side that wins the row.

  • The 15 runs the A16 Bionic, a generation ahead of the A15 Bionic. Day to day both feel quick; the gap shows in games, video export and how many years of iOS updates lie ahead.

    15 wins

  • Cameras: the 13 has 12 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide; the 15 has 48 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide.

    15 wins

  • Battery: Apple rates the 15 at up to 20 hours of video playback against 19 for the 13. On a used phone the listing's battery health matters as much as this number.

    15 wins

  • The 15 charges over USB-C, the same cable as a MacBook or iPad; the 13 still uses Lightning.

    15 wins

  • The 15 has the Dynamic Island; the 13 has the older notch.

    15 wins

  • The 15 supports Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance via satellite; the 13 predates that feature.

    15 wins

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 15: full spec sheet

Apple’s published specifications. Highlighted rows differ.

iPhone 13iPhone 15
Released
20212023
Display
6.1″, 60 Hz, Notch6.1″, 60 Hz, Dynamic Island
Chip
A15 BionicA16 Bionic
RAM
4 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it)6 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it)
Rear cameras
2: 12 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide2: 48 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide
Optical zoom
No telephoto lensNo telephoto lens
Battery
Up to 19 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery)Up to 20 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery)
Charging port
LightningUSB-C
Frame
AluminumAluminum
Weight
173 g171 g
5G
YesYes
Satellite SOS
NoYes
Apple Intelligence
NoNo
Action button
No (ring/silent switch)No (ring/silent switch)
Camera Control
NoNo
Apple launch price
$799$799

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 15: common questions

What is the biggest difference between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 15?

The 15 runs the A16 Bionic, a generation ahead of the A15 Bionic. Day to day both feel quick; the gap shows in games, video export and how many years of iOS updates lie ahead.

Is the iPhone 15 worth the extra over the iPhone 13?

The 15 is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, the newer cameras and longer battery life. The 13 is the value pick if those features are not something you would use.

Which has the better camera, the iPhone 13 or the iPhone 15?

Cameras: the 13 has 12 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide; the 15 has 48 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide.

Which has the better battery?

Battery: Apple rates the 15 at up to 20 hours of video playback against 19 for the 13. On a used phone the listing's battery health matters as much as this number.

Do both support Apple Intelligence?

No. Neither the iPhone 13 nor the iPhone 15 is on Apple's supported list; Apple Intelligence needs an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 16 or later.

How much do the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 cost used?

Both are out of stock at the moment. Join the waitlist or use the finder to see the closest match available.

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