iPhone 13 Pro vs iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$549.00

Versus A$1,539.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$480.00

Versus A$1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 Pro, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, represent different approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 13 Pro was a flagship 'Pro' model from the previous generation, the iPhone 14 Plus introduced a larger screen size to the standard iPhone series. The primary differentiators between these two devices lie in their display technology, camera systems, and physical dimensions, catering to users with varying priorities. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The iPhone 13 Pro was released in September 2021, while the iPhone 14 Plus followed in October 2022. This means the iPhone 14 Plus benefits from an additional year of potential software updates and a slightly newer hardware foundation.
  • OS Support Duration: Both devices are expected to receive iOS updates for several years from their respective launch dates. The iPhone 14 Plus, being a year newer, will likely receive official software support for approximately one year longer than the iPhone 13 Pro, extending its functional lifespan.
  • Durability Features: Both models feature Ceramic Shield on the front, offering enhanced drop performance. They also share an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 13 Pro features a stainless steel frame, while the iPhone 14 Plus uses aerospace-grade aluminum, contributing to a slight difference in weight and feel.

Release year

2021

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Plus offer robust performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though there are nuances in their capabilities.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 13 Pro is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding apps, multitasking, and graphics-intensive games smoothly. The iPhone 14 Plus features the same generation of processor, specifically the version with a 5-core GPU, ensuring comparable performance for most users.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus generally offers extended battery life, particularly for video playback and general usage, due to its larger physical size allowing for a bigger battery capacity. The iPhone 13 Pro, while still offering good battery performance, has a smaller battery.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 13 Pro was available with storage options up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for photos, videos, and applications. The iPhone 14 Plus offers storage configurations up to 512GB.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on these two iPhones presents a key difference, primarily in size and refresh rate technology.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 13 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 14 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing a more expansive viewing area.
  • Refresh Rate: A significant distinction is the refresh rate. The iPhone 13 Pro includes ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 14 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer excellent brightness levels, with typical brightness up to 800 nits and peak HDR brightness up to 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but the iPhone 13 Pro, as a 'Pro' model, includes more advanced hardware and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 13 Pro features a triple 12MP camera system, including Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses, along with a LiDAR scanner for improved depth sensing and low-light focusing. The iPhone 14 Plus has a dual 12MP camera system, comprising a Main wide-angle and an Ultra Wide lens.
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The iPhone 13 Pro's larger sensors and LiDAR scanner contribute to strong low-light performance and detailed everyday photos. The iPhone 14 Plus also offers improved low-light capabilities compared to its predecessor, benefiting from a larger main camera sensor and the Photonic Engine for enhanced image processing.
  • Video Recording Features: The iPhone 13 Pro supports ProRes video recording and Cinematic mode at 1080p at 30fps. The iPhone 14 Plus also features Cinematic mode, now supporting up to 4K HDR at 30fps, and introduces Action mode for smoother video capture.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity Options: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth. The iPhone 13 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0, while the iPhone 14 Plus features the slightly newer Bluetooth 5.3, potentially offering minor improvements in efficiency and range.
  • Physical Dimensions and Weight: The iPhone 13 Pro is more compact and lighter, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and weighing 204 grams. The iPhone 14 Plus is larger and slightly lighter for its size, at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm and 203 grams, offering a bigger screen without a significant weight increase over the 13 Pro.
  • Additional Features: The iPhone 14 Plus introduced new safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite, which are not present on the iPhone 13 Pro. Both devices utilize Face ID for secure authentication and retain the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.

Weight

203 oz

203 oz

Screen size (in)

6,1

6,7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User sentiment often highlights the iPhone 13 Pro's advanced camera system and its ProMotion display as significant advantages. Many users appreciate the smoother scrolling and more responsive feel provided by the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Its telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner are frequently praised for enhancing photography capabilities, especially in diverse lighting conditions. Some users, however, found its smaller screen size less immersive for media consumption compared to larger models.

The iPhone 14 Plus is often lauded for its expansive display and excellent battery life, making it a strong contender for users who prioritize screen real estate and endurance without needing the 'Pro' camera features. Its larger screen is frequently mentioned as ideal for watching videos, gaming, and general browsing. Criticisms sometimes point to its standard 60Hz display, which some users feel is a step down from the ProMotion experience found on the 13 Pro.

Users prioritizing a compact device with a highly advanced camera system and a fluid 120Hz display may find the iPhone 13 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a larger screen for media consumption and extended battery life, and who do not require a telephoto lens or a high refresh rate, may lean toward the iPhone 14 Plus. Both models offer a reliable and capable smartphone experience, and choosing between them often comes down to these specific preferences. For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Plus are available as quality-assured refurbished options.

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