The iPhone 13 is the smaller, lighter option; the iPhone 15 Plus gives you a larger display, a newer chip, a 48MP main-camera specification, USB-C and a higher Apple-rated video-playback time. The clearest everyday trade-off is size: the 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch display and weighs 201 g, compared with 6.1 inches and 174 g for iPhone 13.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 15 Plus: specs at a glance
| Specification | iPhone 13 | iPhone 15 Plus | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR | The 15 Plus has the larger screen; the iPhone 13 is more compact. |
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.65 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm | The 15 Plus is taller and wider. |
| Weight | 174 g | 201 g | The 15 Plus is 27 g heavier. |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic | The 15 Plus uses the newer chip generation; these specifications do not establish a real-world speed difference. |
| Rear cameras | Dual 12MP main and ultra-wide | Dual system: 48MP main and 12MP ultra-wide | The 15 Plus has a higher-resolution main-camera specification, but megapixels alone do not establish overall image quality. |
| Video playback | Up to 19 hours | Up to 26 hours | Apple’s stated maximum ratings; actual battery life varies with use. |
| Connector | Lightning | USB-C | Cables and accessories designed for one connector may not fit the other. |
| Water resistance | IP68, up to 6 m for up to 30 minutes under IEC 60529 | IP68, up to 6 m for up to 30 minutes under IEC 60529 | Both have the same stated laboratory rating; it is not a guarantee against liquid damage. |
Specifications are from Apple’s iPhone comparison page.
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How much bigger is the iPhone 15 Plus?
The iPhone 15 Plus adds 0.6 inches of display diagonal and 27 g of weight compared with iPhone 13. It is also 14.2 mm taller and 6.3 mm wider. Those differences make the Plus better suited to someone who wants more screen area, but less convenient for someone who favors a lighter phone or compact handling.
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Camera hardware
The iPhone 13 has two 12MP rear cameras, while the 15 Plus combines a 48MP main camera with a 12MP ultra-wide. That is a meaningful hardware-generation change, but the stated resolutions alone cannot prove which phone takes better photos in every situation.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Chip generation
The 15 Plus uses A16 Bionic, one generation newer than the iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic. The available specifications do not include independent speed tests, so they do not support a precise claim about how much faster one feels in everyday apps or games.
Apple’s video-playback estimate
Apple lists up to 26 hours of video playback for iPhone 15 Plus and up to 19 hours for iPhone 13. These are manufacturer ratings, not independent real-world test results; actual runtime depends on settings, network conditions, battery age and what you do with the phone.
Rank #2
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Lightning or USB-C: what does the connector change?
iPhone 13 uses Lightning, while iPhone 15 Plus uses USB-C. If you already own cables or accessories, check which connector they require before choosing a model. A USB-C cable fits the 15 Plus; iPhone 13 requires a Lightning connection. Cases are also model-specific: their different dimensions mean an iPhone 13 case is not interchangeable with an iPhone 15 Plus case.
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| Model and configuration | U.S. launch price | Launch context |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13, 128GB | $799 | September 2021; Apple’s stated price included a $30 carrier instant discount requiring carrier activation. |
| iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB | $899 | September 2023; Apple also listed 256GB and 512GB configurations. |
The 15 Plus launched $100 higher in the U.S. than the iPhone 13’s 128GB launch price, comparing Apple’s figures from 2023 and 2021. This is a historical launch-price comparison, not a current price quote. See Apple’s iPhone 13 announcement and iPhone 15 Plus announcement.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Current prices are not established by those launch announcements. For a purchase now, compare listings for the same storage capacity and check market, condition, seller, stock and any trade-in terms; the actual asking price can differ from those original figures.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which model should you choose?
Choose iPhone 13 if compact handling matters most
- You prefer a smaller 6.1-inch phone that weighs 174 g.
- You already use Lightning accessories and want to keep that connector.
- The specific iPhone 13 listing you are considering offers the storage, condition and price you want.
Choose iPhone 15 Plus if you want the larger-screen feature set
- You want a 6.7-inch display and are comfortable with a 201 g phone.
- You value USB-C, the A16 Bionic generation and a 48MP main-camera specification.
- Apple’s higher video-playback rating is relevant to your use, while recognizing it is a manufacturer estimate.
There is no universal value winner from launch prices alone. Make the decision using the current price and condition of the exact device, alongside the size and features you will actually use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Rank #4
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
