Apple iPhone 15 vs 13: Comparing prices and specs to help you upgrade

Apple just wrapped up its big Sept. event, which focused on the new iPhone and Apple Watch releases that are just around the corner. The company’s new line of smartphones is a huge upgrade over the previous generation, with an impressive new camera and USB-C support among some of its biggest improvements.

While new iPhones are always tempting, we understand that upgrading isn’t always an option for everyone (or advisable, for that matter). But listen to us when we say this: If you have any iPhone from before the 14, the new iPhone 15 is well worth the switch. Here’s a full breakdown of the iPhone 13 vs iPhone 15:

What’s new about the iPhone 15?

The jump from the iPhone 13 to the 14 was admittedly not that great, and only came with a few minor upgrades that ultimately didn’t move the needle for us. The difference between the iPhone 13 and the new 15 line, however, is night and day.

The new slate of iPhone 15 smartphones is comprised of four models: The iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The regular 15 and 15 Plus come in bigger screen sizes than the iPhone 13 models, the former with a 6.1-inch display, and the latter at 6.7 inches. The new screens have a brightness range from one to 2,000 nits, which is more than double that of the iPhone 13.

Screen size isn’t really the main focus here, though, because where the iPhone 15 really distances itself from the iPhone 13 line is in its internal features. For starters, the iPhone 15 includes the Dynamic Island on all models — something that wasn’t introduced until the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. You’ll also get the A16 Bionic chip, which is far speedier than the 13’s A15. The camera has seen probably the biggest jump from the last two generations of iPhones — compared to the iPhone 13 and 14’s 12-megapixel camera, the iPhone 15 blows them both out of the water with an impressive 48-megapixel camera.

The iPhone 15 also says goodbye to the lightning cable in favor of a USB-C connection (finally), and comes in a few new colors, including pink. The iPhone 15 also includes the satellite connectivity that was introduced with the iPhone 14, which is absent from the iPhone 13. Other features that the iPhone 15 has over the 13 include voice isolation while taking calls, an ultra wideband chip to help find anyone who’s sharing their location with you, NameDrop, and a ton of post-production photo editing options.

Of course, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have even more to offer, and are a far cry from the iPhone 13 line. The two higher-level models have all the features of the base 15 and 15 Plus, but with the addition of a more durable and lightweight titanium design, a customizable silent switch on the side of the phone, a full-screen StandBy mode, and the powerful A17 Pro chip.

iPhone 15 price vs iPhone 13 price

Compared to the original $799 price of the iPhone 13, the iPhone 15 will be exactly the same. Here’s a breakdown:

As for the Pro models, you’ll be paying more of a premium compared to the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. (Note that the 15’s Pro models have done away with the 128GB option, and instead start at 256GB, which is the reason for the base price increase.)

iPhone 13 price drops

As with most new iPhone announcements, we’re also getting a price cut on previous generation models, and the 13 is no exception. When the iPhone 14 was released, we saw the 13’s price drop from a starting price of $799 to $699. With the release of the iPhone 15, the 13 will get another discount:

Unfortunately, this only applies to the base iPhone 13, as the Mini and Pro models have been discontinued. RIP.

Should you upgrade to the iPhone 15?

Anyone with an older iPhone will benefit from moving up to the iPhone 15. With the amount of new features and future-proofing (thank you, USB-C), it’s pretty much a no-brainer if you have the cash to spare. And if you care at all about photography, the 15 is especially worthwhile for you, considering the massive jump in camera quality. (But if you’d rather get a pre-15 iPhone, we recommend getting one on sale.)

The entirety of the iPhone 15 line will be available for preorder starting Friday, Sept. 15, and will officially release (ship) on Friday, Sept. 22. At the time of writing, preorders are open only on Apple’s website, with other carriers soon to follow.