Longer bars indicate better performance.
I’ve had all four iPhone 13 models for about five days, so there are a few features that I still need to test further to give it a real review. Let’s finish by talking about some of those remaining questions.
The 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max have a bigger batteries. I had no problem getting through a day, even a hot and humid one in which I captured a ton of photos and videos. I am testing the phones with EDL's battery tests and will update my written review with all the results. iOS 15 on the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max is wonderful. It adds a ton of features, but it doesn't interfere with the status quo. I love the focus mode. For a more in-depth look at iOS 15, check out our iOS 15 reviews. All iPhone 13 models get a new feature called Photo Styles, which lets you choose between the standard iPhone look by default and four styles: Vibrant, Rich Contrast, Warm, and Cool. Apple says these are more than just filters. Your phone analyzes the different parts of your subject to add the look you want without, for example, making someone's skin look too orange. Apple does all of this while you're taking the photo, and it's built into the file. These will be the first phones to support the Apple ProRes video codec. ProRes optimizes video files and is especially useful for color graders or editing software such as Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere Pro. ProRes video files have lower compression but take up a lot of space, so a 1TB storage tier will be important. Unfortunately, ProRes is not available to test at this time and will be released later this year.
I want to mention that for this review, I used phones that Apple loaned me. The iPhone 13 Pro Max unexpectedly shut down twice during my five days, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max shut down once. I don’t think this is a major issue or something to be alarmed about, but I wanted to share my experience.
How long will it last?
The standard warranty for the iPhone 13 Pro is one year, but you can get Apple Care + extend it 2-3 years and cover two cases of accidental damage every 12 months. The phone is also IP68 water and dust resistant, allowing it to survive full submersion and rinsing in the sink. I suffered a shallow perforation when I dropped the phone on rocky terrain without a case, but that’s not everyday use and easy to avoid. Apple is also great with software and security updates, so your iPhone 13 Pro should feel like new for three years or more.
The first reviews of the iPhone 13 have arrived, and all four phones are getting largely positive responses. In particular, the new camera system and improved battery life are proving to be a success. Meanwhile, the 120Hz displays on the Pro models put them on a level playing field with the best Android smartphones.
Not everything is perfect; of course, some critics have complained about Apple’s stubborn refusal to go through the Lightning port, the smaller (but still irritating) notch, the larger camera lenses, and the slight increase in overall weight.
Here’s a look at what some of the top critics have to say about the iPhone:
In reviews of the iPhone 13 models on our sister site Tom’s Guide, Mark Spoonauer gave a perfect five-star rating for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, while the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro again scored 4.5 stars. Unsurprisingly, this led to Editor’s Choice awards for all three, with near-universal praise for the updated phones and only a few minor complaints.
“The A15 Bionic offers no noticeable performance improvements over the A14 Bionic that powers the iPhone 12, but it wasn’t just necessary to remain the fastest chip in any phone.”
“… The notch on the iPhone 13 Pro Max is slightly smaller on the screen, as Apple has reduced it by 20% while retaining the same key Face ID technology. It’s not a full-screen look, but it’s an improvement over recent iPhones. ‘
“The overall video quality of the iPhone 13 is stellar, with better noise reduction, better dynamic range, and improved semantic rendering that can identify skin, faces, sky, and more.”
«The bigger battery of the iPhone 13 Pro is worth it, increasing the longevity of the phone by almost 3 hours compared to its predecessor and more than 2 hours longer than the Galaxy S21 Plus for a total time of 11 hours and 42 minutes ».
The interior design of the iPhone 13 Pro is on display in Apple Park
The bad
“My only real complaint with the design of the iPhone 13 is that it does not offer Touch ID, neither on the power button nor under the screen. When many people still wear masks in public places, it would be nice to have an alternative shape. To unlock our iPhones easily «.
“The smallest notch is a step in the right direction, although I still find it unsightly. Given that Apple is sticking with it all-in on Face ID, the notch is here to stay for now – TrueDepth tech under the display is probably still a long way off. . «
“Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t figured out how to pack faster charging into this phone. The iPhone 13 Pro maxes out at 20W with cable and 15W via MagSafe. ‘
The edge
The Verge was equally eloquent in praising the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, with Dieter Bohn giving both models a nine out of ten. He also highlighted the cameras and battery life, with a few more quirks on the iPhone 13.
"The iPhone 13 battery and camera updates aren't that flashy, but they are more important." - Dieter Bohn, The Verge.
“One difference that matters this year: Base storage on the less expensive iPhone 13 and 13 Mini has been increased to 128GB.”
“However, my conclusion for the normal iPhone 13 does not require relative comparisons: the battery life is excellent. «
“I admit that high refresh rates are the epitome of ‘nice to have,’ but part of the goal of Apple’s wacky Pro phones is to provide the most enjoyable experience. Now, finally, they do.
“I’ll make it clear because it bears repeating: the iPhone 13 Pro has the best camera system on any smartphone available at the time of writing.”