REVIEW: iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro?

In September, the Apple made the official announcement of the long-awaited new line of iPhone 13. With four new smartphones, they are the most powerful cell phones ever made by the Cupertino giant.

Known for bringing a premium and unique consumer experience, Apple brought a number of features and upgrades to the iPhone 13 and its offshoots, including a new A15 Bionic chip, new camera modes, and a re-engineered design. A lot is questioned if the devices really prove what they say and if it is worth acquiring a model of the new generation. Today, you will have the answer to this question.

O showmetech had the opportunity to receive and test two models: the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro. Below, you can see in detail all their features and what makes them so special compared to other smartphones from Apple and also what makes them stand out from their competitors. Is it worth paying R$2.900 more for a new model based on what it offers? See everything in our review.

Design

iPhone design has always been a luxury on its own. THE Apple usually brings a simple look, but sophisticated and vibrant in its colors. On the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, this is no different. The biggest news was even in the arrangement of the cameras, which is now diagonal (in the mini and common model, the Pro line remains practically the same).

On the left side are the volume, mute and phone chip insertion buttons, while on the right side is the on and off button. The layout is very succinct and promotes an optimization of resources that makes the design even more attractive. On the back, the square module holds the two cameras of the iPhone 13 and the three cameras of the Pro model.

Both are IPG8 certified — dust and water resistant — and are being marketed in several strong, eye-pleasing colors: pink, blue, midnight, stellar, and red (iPhone 13); blue, silver, gold and graphite (iPhone 13 Pro). The iPhone 13 stands out for the impact of tones, while the Pro model brings more discreet and metallic colors. THE showmetech received the traditional model in blue and the Pro in silver. Both phones are stunning, but the blue one is my favorite of the entire lineup.

The fabric is made of ceramic shield, a stronger glass of nano ceramic crystals, whose strength is four times greater than the glass used in the iPhone 11. The composition material has also changed, and now consists of only reusable materials, reducing the impact on the environment. Furthermore, now the notch is 20% smaller, increasing the space for information at the top of the screen. Unfortunately iOS is not yet optimized to take advantage of the extra space displaying icons or information, but for general viewing the extra space is welcome.

When you buy your new iPhone 13, you will receive one of the most compact and lightweight cases ever made. After all, it basically consists of the device, a user manual and the USB-C cable for charging. It is interesting to point out that the Apple is decreasing the amount of plastic wrapping the box. The goal is for Apple to completely eliminate the use of plastics in packaging by 2025. The impact of this is about 600 tons of less plastic floating around. It was even for this reason that the iPhone 12, launched last year, did not come with a charger and headphone jack, something that was repeated here in the iPhones 13.

Even before turning on the smartphones, the experience is already a delight.

screen and performance

One of the points that Apple reiterated a lot at his event was the issue of the screen and the high performance that the new generation offers to the consumer. Both models have a 6,1” Super Retina XDR display, with a 28% increase in brightness over the previous generation, reaching up to 1.200 nits in HDR. In addition, colors are more balanced with more vivid black tones, providing a better gaming, imaging and video experience.

By swiping through the applications, it is possible to see how fast the response of the devices is, especially in the Pro model that brings a differential: the inclusion of technology ProMotion. It adapts the screen refresh from 10Hz to 120Hz as needed, from the simplest to the most intense uses. For more detailed users, this novelty makes all the difference. However, it was also present in the competition for a long time and it is not an innovation, not even in Apple itself, as the 2017 iPad Pro was one of the first mobile devices in the world to incorporate a 120Hz display.

The iPhone 13 has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 dpi, while the iPhone 13 Pro has 2778 x 1284 pixels at 458 dpi. There's no change compared to the last generation, but we need to remember that the notch is smaller and you now have more pixels on the screen. Ah, the screen utilization ratio is about 86%.

Finally, all 4 models in the current lineup are compatible with Dolby Vision, delivering better color fidelity to movies and series (and compatible content).

The chip A15 Bionic The iPhone 13 is made with 5nm lithography, has 6 cores (2 for performance and 4 for efficiency) and has about 15 billion transistors. This promotes not only a quick response to multiple commands, but also eliminates the complications that the user would have on a common device when, for example, playing a heavy game.

Even the GPU is 4 cores and the Neural Engine has 16 cores, equal to the numbers of previous generation iPhones. Another thing that remains the same as the 2020 iPhones is the amount of RAM, 4GB in the mini and common versions, and 6GB in the Pro and Pro Max versions.

According to Apple , the new processor is 50% more powerful than processors from Qualcomm, like the famous Snapdragon 888. In fact, it still seems impossible to overcome the Apple in this field, but any of the iPhones 13 will run heavy applications and games masterfully, without lags, interruptions or unusual heating.

The result is an exquisite experience that easily adapts to your needs. I didn't register any technical problems that affected my use during the tests.

Connectivity

The entire iPhone 13 line comes with 5G to Brazil. Although it has not been fully implemented, this is an interesting feature to have, considering that, in the very near future, the 5G network will be the main substitute for 4G throughout the country and you will already have a cell phone compatible with the new network.

In addition to 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 and integrated GPS are also present. All work accurately and flawlessly. Even the Face ID, a security tool that uses your face to unlock your device, makes the process of including your password on the locked screen uncomplicated because it is very efficient.

In addition, iPhones come with several sensors, such as accelerometer, NFC for the Apple Pay, barometer, low and high brightness (including ambient light) and three-axis gyroscope. As is to be expected, the Apple once again delivers a good and integrated experience in iOS 15.

Cameras

iPhone 13

This is the most talked about topic about the new iPhone 13. “Is the camera really that good?”, many users of the company ask themselves. The answer is yes, but this is especially due to the variety of new modes and photography resources that have expanded the possibilities of recordings for consumers.

The iPhone 13 has two rear cameras, one Wide-Angle (Wide) and one Ultra-Angular (Ultra-Wide), both with 12MP. According to Apple , photos taken through the lens of the device are 47% brighter and better enhance colors in different scenarios. In fact, the images are very vivid and can be edited in a very simple and practical way.

When accessing the camera, the user can choose which type of record is most compatible with their taste. Photos with more contrast to bring more drama, for example, are simple to achieve. In the same way one can take beautiful pictures simply with the common mode.

New sensor-shift optical stabilization technology across the entire range results in less blurry photos, even at night. The recordings, in ProRES format (codec that compresses photos taken in RAW in a way that the file size is reduced, but the image quality remains the same), reaffirms the position of the iPhone as a leader in having the best cameras to record videos. in smartphones.

On the other hand, the front camera does not follow the same versatility as the rear lens and records less pleasant photos at night. Unfortunately, this is a point that recurs in Pro, which I'll talk about below. Despite this, in daylight, the images are very nice and enhance the color tones. The zoom at its maximum could also be a little better, given that this is one of the most expensive models on the market.

iPhone 13 Pro

The new photography features are a show in themselves. I'll use Pro as an example. First, the model premium delivers three rear cameras — a Wide, an Ultra-Wide and a Tele-lens — all with 12MP. But those who believe that the result of the photos and videos are not excellent just because they have the same amount of MP as the base model are mistaken.

The Wide camera has a lens that manages to capture even more light in the records, while the Ultra-Wide camera, which captures four times the scene, has a 92% improved performance in low-light environments. The Tele-lens, on the other hand, has a focal length of 77mm (this is a little longer than on the iPhone 12), with up to 3x optical zoom. The Wide-Angle camera on this iPhone has the largest sensor ever used by Apple : 47% higher than the one on the iPhone 12. Thus, the device manages to reduce noise and increase the brightness of the photo.

Macro photography fans will be delighted. It is possible to use the Ultra-Wide lens to take pictures with close objects, 2cm from the lens, in macro mode. It's almost like discovering a whole new world of photo possibilities.

With intelligent HDR, now in its fourth generation, it is possible to identify each person in the photo and work on their skin tone (this is an individual and tailored rendering).

The front camera has taken a leap, thanks to greater integration with the A15 Bionic chip. However, this is also where the device's weak point lies. The selfie camera Apple perhaps the biggest disappointment of this review. In bright environments, it does well. But it's at night that the results drop a lot, especially if you use portrait mode. In our tests, photos that look great on models like the Galaxy S20, model for sale by R$2.299, here they appear erased and blurred. One of the reasons for this is the lens aperture, which is f/2.2.

A unique experience with new features

O Cinema mode was also a feature which drew a lot at the official launch. All iPhones 13 are now able to switch focus between people while filming, creating an Bokeh that can be edited after the catch. It also works with the front camera. Although it gives room for creativity and is interesting to see it act on the new iPhones, the effect is already known by the consumer in other devices on the market.

Already the new mode Photo Styles brings four options for customizing the tone and warmth of the photos. This is very useful for those who want to correct the productions at the exact moment of registration, avoiding long editing processes. It is worth remembering that the feature is not just filters, but a new help tool.

The results of the rear cameras of the Pro line are really impressive, whether taking photos or recording videos. The nice thing about the new iPhone is that it is more efficient in taking perfect photos, without blurry areas, even when the user is not in a bright environment. Just click and see the good result, with well-calibrated colors and the right depth in portrait mode.

The difference between the two devices lies in the fact that the iPhone 13 Pro, as it has a telephoto lens, will be able to take better photos in portrait mode, while recording landscapes more accurately, as the triple optical zoom makes all the difference. . This is also proven when we look at the sensor LiDAR, which measures the depth of objects and applies this information to improve portrait mode photos, for example.

Audio

The audio experience of the two iPhones 13 remains good, as with previous smartphones that have stereo sound. Both the traditional model and the Pro have spatial audio and two built-in microphone modes: Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum.

In practice, there is no such surprise as to the execution of videos in the YouTube, music on platforms streaming or phone calls, for example. However, it is possible to say that the sound is competent and does not disappoint in its use. If you've got a device without stereo sound, look, you'll notice a big improvement here.

Battery

This is a controversial topic. After all, since the iPhone is the iPhone, it is a known fact that the battery of the smartphone doesn't last as long as it should. But, after so many launches, it seems that the company has finally met their needs.

Since before the launch event, the Apple reaffirmed its commitment to bringing a more durable and powerful battery. In the new models, this seems to have come to fruition, as they are thicker and heavier.

See in the table below the gain in capacity, and consequently in weight and thickness, between the current and past lines:

Córdoba	Capacity	Weight	Thickness
iPhone 12mini	2227 mAh	135 gr	7.4 mm
iPhone 13mini	2438 mAh	141 gr	7.65 mm
iPhone 12	2815 mAh	174 gr	7.4 mm
iPhone 13	3240 mAh	164 gr	7. 65 mm
iPhone 12 Pro	2815 mAh	189 gr	7.4 mm
iPhone 13 Pro	3095 mAh	204 gr	7. 65 mm
iPhone 12 Pro Max	3687 mAh	228 gr	7.4 mm
iPhone 13 Pro Max	4352 mAh	240 gr	7. 65 mm

On iPhone 13, optimizations for the Apple made the battery last an extra 1,5 hours. On the iPhone 13 Pro, the addition reaches up to 2,5 hours of duration. The improvement is really impressive.

Remembering that there is no power source included in the box of the devices, as well as other accessories, being necessary to purchase separately.

Finally, the iPhone 13 is compatible with a 23W charger while the Pro is compatible with 27W. Both support 15W MagSafe and up to 7.5W magnetic Qi charging.

Accessories

A Apple granted to showmetech a line cover MegSafe in clover color (dark green) for testing. THE CASE​ it is well polished, shiny and very adaptable to the device. The handling is simple and guarantees the protection of the iPhone, especially the rear cameras, which have great relief, without ignoring the charm of its design.

Different colors can be combined and create a unique experience for each consumer. For example, despite seeming a somewhat questionable combination, the CASE​ green on the smartphone in blue color actually ornaments well.

MegSafe also includes AirPods, portable chargers and other goodies, all for sale at Apple's official website. Because of the most complete aspect of the product, if possible, I recommend the purchase.

Price and availability

The new lineup of iPhones is now available for purchase and comprises four different models: the 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max.

In Brazil, the iPhone 13 may vary depending on the storage capacity of the system (128GB, 256GB and 512GB), in the same way as the iPhone 13 Pro (128GB, 256GB, 512GB e 1TB).

At Lojas Americanas, you will find the iPhone 13 by R$6.699,00. on the website of Apple , do you think hiiPhone 13 Pro by R$10.499,00.

If you are also interested in the other two models in the line, there are some places in the national market where you can buy them. Also on Apple's official website, the 13 iPhone Mini is under the price of R$6.599,00. O iPhone 13 Pro Max is leaving for R$10.499,00na Magazine Luiza.

It is worth remembering that prices vary according to the availability of the devices and the promotion granted by the store of your choice.

Conclusion

Due to the quality of the models, it is easy to recommend the new iphones 13 for those who love the brand. After all, these are premium smartphones with some of the greatest technologies available on the market today. Whether the iPhone 13 with its two lenses or the 13 Pro with its excellent Telephoto lens, both are perfect companions for content producers and lovers of good photography, but also promote a good experience for any activities on your system.

So, based on my experience with both devices:

Is it worth switching from iPhone 12 to iPhone 13?

The answer is not. In terms of cost-effectiveness, this exchange is not worth it, as there were few changes between one device and the other. Now, if you have older models or want to exchange a “standard” model for the new “Pro”, this replacement becomes more interesting.

Which is better for me: the iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro?

It depends on how much effort you want to put into your photos and videos — or even how often you want to use them. If the answer is “a lot”, buy the Pro. If you answer “little”, save your money by purchasing the standard model.

Should I choose iPhone 13 Pro or Galaxy S21 Ultra?

This year, the iPhone beats the Galaxy in videos and the Portrait Mode of the rear cameras, in addition to having a much longer battery life. On the other hand, it also offers inferior zoom and selfie camera features. In the end, it will depend a lot on your personal taste, because not everyone sees an advantage in switching systems, right?

Technical specifications

iPhone 13

Fabric	Super Retina XDR 6,1-inch borderless OLED (diagonally) HDR True tone
Capacity	128GB, 256GB and 512GB
Weight	174 gr
Electrical	IP68 (water and dust)
chip	A15 Bionic
Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) camera 12MP TrueDepth front camera
Connectivity	GSM / EDGE UMTS/HSPA+ DC-HSDPA 5G 4G Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 Integrated GPS Face ID
Sensors	three axis gyroscope Accelerometer Proximity sensor Ambient light sensor Barometer
Audio	Spatial audio playback Dolby Atmos
Battery	Wireless charging via MagSafe and Qi Up to 50% recharge in 30 minutes with 20W or higher power adapter
Price	From R$6.699,00, in Lojas Americanas

iPhone 13 Pro

Fabric	Super Retina XDR 6,1-inch borderless OLED (diagonally) HDR True tone ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz
Capacity	128GB, 256GB and 512GB
Weight	203 gr
Electrical	IP68 (water and dust)
chip	A15 Bionic
Cameras	Triple camera (wide-angle, telephoto and ultra-wide) of 12MP 12MP TrueDepth front camera Apple ProRAW ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for the 128GB model)
Connectivity	GSM / EDGE UMTS/HSPA+ DC-HSDPA 5G 4G Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 Integrated GPS Face ID
Sensors	LiDAR scanner three axis gyroscope Accelerometer Proximity sensor Ambient light sensor Barometer
Audio	Spatial audio playback Dolby Atmos
Battery	Wireless charging via MagSafe and Qi Up to 50% recharge in 30 minutes with 20W or higher power adapter
Price	From R$10.499,00, on Apple's official website