iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Deciding between one generation and the next? The iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 are exactly that pair. It’s a tight one. Few of the gaps between these two are big enough to change how the phone fits into your day.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Tie
- Battery & Charging iPhone 14 wins
- Price Tie
- Display2.1
- Memory & Storage1.8
- Camera0.9
- Battery & Charging1.7
- Display2.1
- Memory & Storage1.8
- Camera0.9
- Battery & Charging1.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The iPhone 14 has 1 h more rated video playback
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 20 h for the iPhone 14, 19 h for the iPhone 13. Rated video playback is the manufacturer’s own endurance figure, so it reflects efficiency as well as battery size.
Design & Size
- iPhone 13 5.78 in × 2.81 in × 0.30 in
- iPhone 14 5.78 in × 2.81 in × 0.31 in
Neither is the “big one” here; the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 are matched on size. Their weights are close enough to treat as identical in daily use.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 5.78 in |
| Width | 2.81 in | 2.81 in |
| Thickness | 0.30 in | 0.31 in |
| Weight | 6.14 oz | 6.07 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the display section. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Performance
Too close to call
Both the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 cover performance equally well on paper. If performance was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
If memory & storage matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. The memory & storage verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Camera
Too close to call
Side by side, the camera figures for the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 barely differ. In short, camera is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Battery & Charging
iPhone 14 leads
Call it a small but real win for the iPhone 14 in this area. The iPhone 14 makes its case with 1 h more rated video playback. More rated playback suggests the iPhone 14 lasts longer on a long flight or an evening of streaming. The battery & charging verdict goes to the iPhone 14.
Rated video playback
iPhone 13: 19 h iPhone 14: 20 h Lab ratings rarely match real life exactly, but comparing them between two phones is still a useful endurance hint.
Software & Updates
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Super Retina XDR) | OLED (Super Retina XDR) |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2532 x 1170 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1,200 nits | 1,200 nits |
| Always-on display | No | No |
Performance
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| CPU cores | 6 | 6 |
| Process node | 5 nm | 5 nm |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 2 |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 Dolby Vision | 4K60 Dolby Vision |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | 19 h | 20 h (winner) |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
| Port | Lightning | Lightning |
Software & Updates
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | iOS 15 | iOS 16 |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 5.78 in |
| Width | 2.81 in | 2.81 in |
| Thickness | 0.30 in | 0.31 in |
| Weight | 6.14 oz | 6.07 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 | $799 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Neither is cheaper at launch; the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 share the same price.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked September 2022. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 13 if…
- you’d rather not pay for improvements you won’t use
Choose the iPhone 14 if…
- you want the longer rated endurance (20 h vs 19 h)
- you’re buying fresh and prefer the more recent model
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iPhone 13 or the iPhone 14?
For most people, the iPhone 14 is the stronger choice, unless your iPhone 13 still does everything you need.
Should I upgrade from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 14?
The iPhone 14 adds 1 h more rated video playback. That’s welcome, but owners of the iPhone 13 who are happy with it can reasonably wait.
Does the iPhone 13 last longer on a charge than the iPhone 14?
Going by the official figures, the iPhone 14 leads: 20 h versus 19 h for rated video playback. Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Which is larger, the iPhone 13 or the iPhone 14?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 is too small to matter.
Is the iPhone 13 lighter than the iPhone 14?
Neither by much. The iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 weigh almost the same.
Executive Summary
Old versus new: the iPhone 13 against its replacement, the iPhone 14. Here’s my read. The iPhone 14 wins me over with 1 h more rated video playback.
The iPhone 13 is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture tops your list; the iPhone 14 is for you if battery & charging does.
My pick: the iPhone 14, unless you already own the iPhone 13.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.