Apple has a knack for delivering innovation wrapped in sleek sophistication—and with the release of the iPhone 15, the tech giant has once again redefined its smartphone blueprint. But if you’re considering an upgrade from an older model, or buying an iPhone for the first time, one question dominates: iPhone 13 vs iPhone 15 – which one should you choose?
Let’s unpack the differences between these two Apple flagships, not just on paper but in real-world terms. Whether you’re a casual user or a power consumer, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed choice.
At first glance, both phones seem evenly matched in display and battery life. However, there are core improvements in the iPhone 15’s camera and processor that tip the scales in its favour.
To begin the showdown, here’s a quick glance at the key specifications when you compare iPhone 13 and iPhone 15:
Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 15 |
Display |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
Chipset |
A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
A16 Bionic |
Rear Camera |
Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide) |
48MP (Main) + 12MP (Ultra-Wide) |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth |
12MP TrueDepth with Photonic Engine |
Charging Port |
Lightning |
USB-C |
Battery Life (Video) |
Up to 19 hours |
Up to 20 hours |
Build |
Aluminium + Ceramic Shield front |
Aluminium + Ceramic Shield front |
Disclaimer: Specs are sourced from official Apple product documentation and are subject to regional availability.
While both iPhones feature a similar aluminium frame with a Ceramic Shield front, the iPhone 15 introduces subtle but meaningful design refinements. Here’s a glance at what to expect in terms of design and build from both models:
Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 15 |
Frame Material |
Aerospace-grade aluminum |
Aerospace-grade aluminum (75% recycled aluminum) |
Front Glass |
Ceramic Shield, tougher than any smartphone glass |
Ceramic Shield, tougher than any smartphone glass |
Back Glass |
Glass with glossy finish |
Colour-infused glass with matte finish, less fingerprint-prone |
Design Style |
Flat edges, rounded corners |
Slightly contoured edges, rounded corners |
Dimensions |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm |
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
Weight |
174 g |
171 g |
Water and Dust Resistance |
IP68 rating |
IP68 rating |
Display Size |
6.1-inch OLED |
6.1-inch OLED |
Display Resolution |
2532 x 1170 pixels, 460 ppi |
2556 x 1179 pixels, 460 ppi |
Display Brightness |
800 nits max (typical), 1200 nits HDR |
1000 nits max (typical), 1600 nits HDR, up to 2000 nits outdoors |
Notch / Front Design |
Notch at the top of the display |
Dynamic Island (modern pill-shaped cutout) |
Colors Available |
Blue, Pink, Midnight (black), Starlight (white), Green, (Product)RED |
Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink |
Environmental Materials |
Standard aluminum and glass |
75% recycled aluminum, 100% recycled cobalt in battery, recycled copper foil |
Charging Port |
Lightning |
USB-C |
Disclaimer: Colours and availability may vary by region and retailer.
Photography lovers, this one’s for you. Apple iPhone 13 vs iPhone 15 isn’t just about megapixels—it’s about imaging intelligence. Have a look at what you can expect:
Camera Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 15 |
Main Camera Resolution |
Dual 12 MP (Wide and Ultra Wide) |
Dual system: 48 MP Main, 12 MP Ultra Wide |
Main Camera Sensor |
Standard 12 MP sensor |
48 MP sensor with 2X sensor crop for better zoom |
Ultra Wide Camera |
12 MP, f/2.4 aperture, 120° field of view |
12 MP Ultra Wide with improved low-light capability |
Zoom Capability |
Digital zoom only |
2X sensor crop zoom simulating telephoto quality |
Night Mode |
Supported on all cameras |
Improved Night mode with better low-light detail and color |
Portrait Mode |
Standard Portrait mode with Depth Control |
Next-generation Portrait mode; focus can be changed after capture |
Front Camera |
12 MP, f/2.2 aperture |
12 MP, f/1.9 aperture with improved features |
Video Recording |
Up to 4K HDR, Dolby Vision |
Up to 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, plus new Action mode for stabilisation |
Disclaimer: Feature availability may depend on iOS version and camera settings.
The iPhone 15's 48MP main sensor is a significant upgrade, delivering sharper images and improved low-light performance. With the Photonic Engine and Smart HDR 5, photos appear more vibrant and realistic, especially in dynamic lighting conditions.
Under the hood, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 differ in ways that impact real-world usage. Here is a comparison focusing on key points related to performance and battery between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15:
Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 15 |
Processor |
A15 Bionic chip (5 nm) |
A16 Bionic chip (4 nm), faster and more efficient |
RAM |
4 GB LPDDR4X |
6 GB LPDDR5, faster memory type |
CPU Performance |
Good single-core and multi-core performance |
~19% faster single-core Geekbench 6 score (2599 vs 2182 points) |
GPU Performance |
4-core GPU |
5-core GPU with ~12% better AnTuTu benchmark score (1416K vs 1266K) |
Battery Capacity |
~3,227 mAh |
~3,349 mAh |
Battery Life |
Up to 23 hours audio playback, ~19 hours video playback |
Up to 25.5 hours audio playback, ~20 hours video playback; ~9% longer battery life overall |
Charging Port |
Lightning port |
USB-C port |
Charging Speed |
Up to 20W wired, 15W MagSafe |
Up to 20W wired, supports USB-C charging |
Disclaimer: Battery life varies based on usage, settings, and environmental factors.
The A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 15 isn’t just faster—it’s smarter and more efficient. Multitasking, gaming, and heavy app use feel more fluid, and thermal management has improved, reducing overheating during prolonged use.
While both phones run on iOS 17, the iPhone 15 benefits from newer hardware support, enhancing software-driven experiences. Take a look at the various distinctions pertaining to the software for both models:
Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 15 |
Operating System |
Originally shipped with iOS 15; supports up to iOS 18 |
Ships with latest iOS 18; supports future updates |
User Interface |
Standard notch design |
Dynamic Island replacing notch, offering interactive notifications and app activities |
RAM |
4 GB LPDDR4X |
6 GB LPDDR5, enabling smoother multitasking |
Software Features |
Standard iOS features, Face ID, MagSafe |
Same iOS features plus exclusive Dynamic Island interactions |
Apple Intelligence Support |
Not supported (requires 8 GB RAM minimum) |
Not supported (6 GB RAM) |
Connectivity and Ports |
Lightning port |
USB-C port for faster and universal connectivity |
Disclaimer: Some features are region-specific and may require an Apple ID and cellular connection.
From Dynamic Island’s multitasking prowess to Emergency SOS via satellite, the iPhone 15 integrates features that not only enhance user experience but could even prove life-saving.
Now let’s tackle the most practical aspect: pricing. Based on recent listings and online retailers, here’s how the two models compare.
Model |
128GB (Base) |
256GB |
512GB |
Launch Price (India) |
Current Typical Price (India, May 2025) |
Launch Price (Global) |
Current Typical Price (Global, May 2025) |
iPhone 13 |
₹59,900 – ₹69,900 |
₹69,900 – ₹79,900 |
₹89,900 – ₹99,900 |
₹79,900 |
₹48,999 – ₹55,999 |
$799 |
$599 – $649 |
iPhone 15 |
₹79,900 – ₹89,900 |
₹89,900 – ₹99,900 |
₹1,09,900 – ₹1,19,900 |
₹79,900 |
₹72,999 – ₹78,999 |
$799 |
$749 – $799 |
Disclaimer: Prices fluctuate across platforms and offers. Always check final pricing on authorised websites.
If budget is a constraint, the iPhone 13 remains an excellent mid-premium choice. However, if you’re investing for longevity, the iPhone 15’s enhanced camera, chip, and USB-C support justify the higher price tag.
When you compare iPhone 13 and iPhone 15, it boils down to your needs:
If you want a solid iPhone experience with great performance, good cameras, and iOS longevity at a lower price, the iPhone 13 is still a brilliant device.
If you’re looking for the latest Apple innovations—Dynamic Island, USB-C, satellite connectivity, and a pro-grade 48MP camera—then the iPhone 15 is your match.
So, iPhone 13 or iPhone 15? Choose the one that aligns with your digital lifestyle and budget. Either way, you’re entering the iPhone ecosystem with a winner.
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Yes. The iPhone 15 offers better performance, a superior 48MP camera, and modern features like USB-C and Dynamic Island. However, the iPhone 13 is still an excellent device for those with a tighter budget.
Yes, unlike the iPhone 13, the iPhone 15 features the Dynamic Island which improves the multitasking experience with interactive alerts and notifications.
Absolutely. You can purchase either device on no-cost EMI using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, with flexible repayment options and zero down payment at partner stores.
Yes, the iPhone 13 runs iOS 17 and will continue to receive updates for several more years, ensuring performance and security are up to date.
The iPhone 15 wins with its 48MP main sensor, offering sharper, more detailed images and enhanced low-light performance thanks to the Photonic Engine.