Apple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone 15: specs comparison
How the Apple iPhone 13 (2021 phone) and the Apple iPhone 15 (2023 phone) differ, worked out only from the values on each maker’s official spec page. No prices, ratings or benchmark scores.
Key differences
- Apple iPhone 15 is the newer model: it launched in 2023, Apple iPhone 13 in 2021.
- Apple iPhone 15 is rated for longer video playback: up to 20 hours vs 19 hours for Apple iPhone 13.
- Apple iPhone 15's main rear camera has more megapixels: 48 MP vs 12 MP.
In common: both list a 6.1-inch screen.
Who should pick which
- Pick the Apple iPhone 15 if you want the newer model (2023), longer rated video playback (20 hours) and a 48 MP main camera.
None of the computed differences favour the Apple iPhone 13; it may still differ in price, design or features the official pages do not list.
Full specifications side by side
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2021 | 2023 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170 at 460 ppi, 800 nits typical, 1200 nits peak (HDR) | 6.1-inch all-screen OLED, 2556 x 1179 at 460 ppi, 1,000 nits max (typical), 1,600 nits peak (HDR), 2,000 nits peak (outdoor) |
| Processor | A15 Bionic: 6-core CPU (2 performance, 4 efficiency), 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine | A16 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB |
| Rear camera | Dual 12 MP: Main (f/1.6) + Ultra Wide (f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6) + 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) + 12MP 2x Telephoto (52 mm, f/1.6) |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth (f/2.2) | 12MP TrueDepth camera (f/1.9, autofocus) |
| Battery | Video playback up to 19 hours, streamed video up to 15 hours, audio playback up to 75 hours | Video playback: up to 20 hours |
| Charging | MagSafe wireless up to 15W, Qi wireless up to 7.5W, fast charge to 50% in about 30 minutes with 20W adapter (sold separately) | Fast-charge capable: up to 50% in around 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W |
| Operating system | iOS 17 | iOS 18 |
| Weight | 173 grams | 171 g |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm |
| 5G | Yes, 5G (sub-6 GHz) with 4x4 MIMO | 5G (sub-6 GHz) with 4x4 MIMO |
| SIM | Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) | Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
| Source | Official specs · checked 2026-11-03 | Official specs · checked 2026-10-28 |
Questions
What is the difference between Apple iPhone 13 and Apple iPhone 15?
Apple iPhone 15 is the newer model: it launched in 2023, Apple iPhone 13 in 2021. Apple iPhone 15 is rated for longer video playback: up to 20 hours vs 19 hours for Apple iPhone 13. Apple iPhone 15's main rear camera has more megapixels: 48 MP vs 12 MP.
Which is newer, Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone 15?
Apple iPhone 15 is the newer model: it launched in 2023, Apple iPhone 13 in 2021.
Which has the better battery life, Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone 15?
Apple iPhone 15 is rated for longer video playback: up to 20 hours vs 19 hours for Apple iPhone 13.
Every difference above is calculated from the two spec tables, which are copied from Apple’s official pages. A spec that only one page states is not compared. Variants and options differ by region, so confirm on the official page before you buy. Spotted a difference? Report a correction.