iPhone 13 vs Nokia X30

iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$413.00

Versus A$1,099.00 new

See options
Nokia X30
Nokia X30
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$298.00

Versus A$965.00 new

See options

The iPhone 13, released in September 2021, and the Nokia X30, launched in September 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both are modern smartphones, they cater to different user ecosystems and priorities. The iPhone 13 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated services and consistent user experience, whereas the Nokia X30 runs on Android, offering more customization and an emphasis on sustainability.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and ease of repair.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPhone 13, released in September 2021, typically receives iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch, extending its software lifespan significantly. It shipped with iOS 15 and is compatible with iOS 18. The Nokia X30, launched a year later in September 2022, shipped with Android 12 and is promised 3 OS upgrades and 3 years of monthly security updates, offering a solid, though shorter, guaranteed support period.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 13 initially received an iFixit repairability score of 5/10, which later improved to 6/10 with an iOS 15.2 update that addressed issues with Face ID after screen replacement. While many components are modular, specific tools are often required for disassembly. The Nokia X30 emphasizes sustainability in its construction, featuring a frame made from 100% recycled aluminum and a back cover of 65% recycled plastic.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, with the iPhone 13 benefiting from Apple's extended software support, potentially offering a longer period of receiving new features and security patches. The Nokia X30's commitment to three years of OS and security updates provides a clear expectation for its functional lifespan within the Android ecosystem.

Release year

2021

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming. Both devices offer capable performance, though they differ in their underlying architecture.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 13 is equipped with a powerful processor that delivers strong performance for demanding applications, graphics-intensive games, and smooth overall operation. This allows for efficient handling of complex tasks and ensures responsiveness across the system. The Nokia X30 features a processor that provides a meaningful upgrade over previous models in its series, offering capable performance for everyday use and moderate gaming.
  • Storage and RAM: The iPhone 13 is available with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, paired with 4GB of RAM, which is optimized for iOS's memory management. The Nokia X30 offers configurations with 128GB or 256GB of storage and either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing ample space and memory for multitasking within the Android environment.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13's battery is designed to last a full day for most users, with improvements over its predecessors, and can often extend further with moderate usage. The Nokia X30, with its 4200 mAh battery, also typically provides a full day of use and can potentially stretch to two days with conservative usage patterns. Both support fast charging, with the Nokia X30 supporting 33W fast charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the iPhone 13 and Nokia X30 offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors with a resolution of 1170x2532 pixels. The Nokia X30 comes with a slightly larger 6.43-inch AMOLED display, offering a resolution of 1080x2400 pixels (FHD+), also known for its rich colors and good contrast.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 13's display can reach 800 nits of typical brightness and a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. It operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Nokia X30 offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience compared to a 60Hz display. Its typical brightness is 450 nits, with a peak of 700 nits.
  • Durability: The iPhone 13 incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced drop performance. The Nokia X30's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering robust scratch and drop resistance.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture moments with clarity and detail, though they approach imaging with different specifications and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 13 features a dual 12MP camera system, comprising a main camera with a wide f/1.6 aperture and sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS), and an ultra-wide camera with a f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. The Nokia X30 sports a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8 aperture, OIS) and a 13MP ultrawide sensor (f/2.4 aperture, 123-degree field of view).
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 13 includes features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles, enhancing image quality across various conditions. It also offers Cinematic mode for video, providing a shallow depth of field effect. The Nokia X30 includes Night mode 2.0, AI Dark Vision, and AI Portrait features, aiming to improve low-light photography and portrait shots.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone 13 can record HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 frames per second, and its 12MP TrueDepth front camera also supports Cinematic mode. The Nokia X30's main camera can record video up to 1080p at 60 frames per second, while its 16MP front camera records at 1080p at 30 frames per second.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds. The iPhone 13 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning connector for charging and data transfer. The Nokia X30 features a USB Type-C port, a widely adopted standard, but lacks a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 13 relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Nokia X30 incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Durability: The iPhone 13 has dimensions of 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and weighs 174 grams, featuring an aluminum frame and a glass back. The Nokia X30 measures 158.9 x 73.9 x 7.99 mm and weighs 185 grams. It boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, similar to the iPhone 13's IP68 rating.

Weight

173 oz

185 oz

Screen size (in)

6,1

6.43

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the iPhone 13 often highlights its powerful processor, robust camera system with advanced features like Cinematic mode, and improved battery life compared to previous generations. Some users appreciate the consistent iOS ecosystem and long-term software support. Criticisms sometimes point to the 60Hz display, which some find less fluid than higher refresh rate screens on competing devices. The Nokia X30 is frequently praised for its emphasis on sustainability, utilizing recycled materials in its construction, and its commitment to regular software updates. Users also generally commend its AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and its capable camera for everyday photography. Common concerns include its processor performance being considered modest compared to some alternatives in its segment, and the absence of a headphone jack or 4K video recording.

Users prioritizing a highly integrated ecosystem, consistent performance for demanding tasks, and extended software longevity may find the iPhone 13 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a customizable Android experience, a smoother display refresh rate, and a strong commitment to sustainable manufacturing might lean towards the Nokia X30. Both devices offer reliable performance for daily use, and choosing between them often comes down to individual preferences for operating system, specific features, and design philosophy. For those looking for an eco-friendly alternative, quality-assured refurbished options for both models are available, offering a sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons