iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16: which should you buy used?
The real differences between the 13 and the 16, what each costs QDN Certified today, and a short answer on which one to pick.
The short answer
The 16 is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, Apple Intelligence and the newer cameras. The 13 is the value pick if those features are not something you would use.
What actually differs
Only the rows where the two phones are not identical. A tick marks the side that wins the row.
The 16 runs the A18, 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.
16 wins
Only the 16 supports Apple Intelligence (writing tools, notification summaries, the smarter Siri). If that matters to you, it settles the choice.
16 wins
Cameras: the 13 has 12 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide; the 16 has 48 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide.
16 wins
The 16 adds the Camera Control button for opening the camera and adjusting exposure or zoom without touching the screen.
16 wins
Battery: Apple rates the 16 at up to 22 hours of video playback against 19 for the 13. On a used phone the listing's battery health matters as much as this number.
16 wins
The 16 charges over USB-C, the same cable as a MacBook or iPad; the 13 still uses Lightning.
16 wins
The 16 has the Dynamic Island; the 13 has the older notch.
16 wins
The 16 has the customisable Action button in place of the mute switch.
16 wins
The 16 supports Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance via satellite; the 13 predates that feature.
16 wins
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16: full spec sheet
Apple’s published specifications. Highlighted rows differ.
- Released
- 20212024
- Display
- 6.1″, 60 Hz, Notch6.1″, 60 Hz, Dynamic Island
- Chip
- A15 BionicA18
- RAM
- 4 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it)8 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 22 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery)
- Charging port
- LightningUSB-C
- Frame
- AluminumAluminum
- Weight
- 173 g170 g
- 5G
- YesYes
- Satellite SOS
- NoYes
- Apple Intelligence
- NoYes
- Action button
- No (ring/silent switch)Yes
- Camera Control
- NoYes
- Apple launch price
- $799$799
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2021 | 2024 |
| Display | 6.1″, 60 Hz, Notch | 6.1″, 60 Hz, Dynamic Island |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A18 |
| RAM | 4 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it) | 8 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it) |
| Rear cameras | 2: 12 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide | 2: 48 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide |
| Optical zoom | No telephoto lens | No telephoto lens |
| Battery | Up to 19 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery) | Up to 22 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery) |
| Charging port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Weight | 173 g | 170 g |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite SOS | No | Yes |
| Apple Intelligence | No | Yes |
| Action button | No (ring/silent switch) | Yes |
| Camera Control | No | Yes |
| Apple launch price | $799 | $799 |
In stock now
Compare live listings
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16: common questions
What is the biggest difference between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 16?
The 16 runs the A18, 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 16 worth the extra over the iPhone 13?
The 16 is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, Apple Intelligence and the newer cameras. 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 16?
Cameras: the 13 has 12 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide; the 16 has 48 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide.
Which has the better battery?
Battery: Apple rates the 16 at up to 22 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?
Only the iPhone 16 does. Apple Intelligence needs an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 16 or later.
How much do the iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 cost used?
Right now: iPhone 13 out of stock; iPhone 16 from $658. Each QDN listing is one specific phone with its storage, colour and battery health shown.
Related comparisons
See what is in stock
Each QDN listing is one specific phone: storage, colour and battery health shown up front. Inspected, unlocked, 15-month warranty, free US shipping.
- 15-month warranty
- Free US shipping
- Case, protector & cable included