iPhone 13 review: worth the upgrade?

Apple’s iPhone 13 and 13 mini are here with smaller notches, larger batteries, and redesigned camera arrays. There’s also a more powerful A15 Bionic processor and cinematic mode for video. With a starting price of $799 and $699, respectively, ($829 and $729 before carrier discounts) will this years iPhone’s add enough value to make the upgrade worth it?
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[@jimengab]

The fact that we have the 12Pro Max’s main camera in the Mini with a good battery life is insane if you think about it. Suddenly it’s a video monster that’s amazingly pocketable.

[@matti1412]

With only 4 hours of screen on time or even less if u are filming a lot

[@theperson3693]

@@matti1412 you can 80% charge the thing in 20 min.

[@MrPipsqueak-oq9kw]

@@theperson3693 It's an iPhone, not an Android. Chill out.

[@Iwipemyasswithpalestianflag]

But I'm not gonna get it because it doesn't have 120 hz. I know you think it's a minor feature that you won't notice, but I have a s21 and I most DEFINITELY notice it.

[@mirzabaig8121]

@@Iwipemyasswithpalestianflag ya for sure. Promotion will be great but I'm going for mini. I have s20 and I can't handle 6 inch screen anymore. Want some comfort so moving to iphone mini.

[@MikeOBrienMedia]

The video production was quite different here. Some darker music, dramatic lighting, and different b-roll. Great video, Dieter!

[@cryingbill]

when is your review on this mike?

[@headphoneboy]

The intro made me think: “there goes crazy Uncle Dieter again!”

[@jvm-tv]

This is the best tech channel. - best camera work - drops the full review early on (not milking every device with unboxing, early impression, review, full review etc BS) - more facts and technical details less personal opinions.

[@MrCrashSK]

Very short term review tho

[@Iwipemyasswithpalestianflag]

Exactly. Like mkbhd makes 3 videos off of every iPhone and still barely gives a review. He just talks the whole time without making sense

[@sourav7162]

@@Iwipemyasswithpalestianflag mkbhd is way way better than verge. Like the 12 pro max had the best camera last year? Wtf ! It was not even in top 3. That crown goes to the the mi 11 ultra.

[@mikemo949]

You’re the only tech reviewer that isn’t rude to the Mini series. Thank you for that.

[@jacobfreed5060]

@αακαѕн yeah, I had a 12 mini and it was juuust not quite good enough battery life. But I was using it as a big phone. However with the new iPad mini, I’ll go back to a 13 mini and use the iPad for most things.

[@The-Heart-Will-Testify]

@@jacobfreed5060 it's a mini for a reason 😂

[@antiseth3964]

The give the mini a lot of love on Vergecast. The only thing they don’t like (expectedly) is the battery life. Honestly, I would have gotten a mini, but battery life is a big deal for me, and spending the last 18 months with the SE2 has left me with a distaste for bad battery life.

[@theyigo9362]

@αακαѕн im laughing in 5-6 hours of sot in 12 mini.

[@mikemo949]

@@Brian-jv8iy I’m referring to all of the first impressions this year and 12 mini reviews and first impressions last year.

[@NemoEUC]

Props to the guy who did all the editing for this video

[@Deathsead747]

Whilst every other KZbinr is releasing their first impressions or unboxing, Dieter and team just drops a full on review like a week into release. Loved the entire edit of this one, super high quality and and Dieter is as entertaining as he's informative!

[@KIRA-wl6oc]

bcz there is nothing to review

[@beef-o-juice]

Because thus are journalists and not “reviewers”. Don’t take me wrong, the latter too work hard but it’s all a matter of competence and not only preference.

[@aniketroy7017]

Dieter made these 4 phones review so nicely that kudos to him and entire Verge team. Simply outstanding and enjoyed a lot

[@gaeborg]

reviewing them was super easy tho

[@chuks6178]

Ú

[@quitajohnson7640]

I’m loving my 13!! I upgraded from the SE 2020 and the difference is amazing especially the battery life! My only regret now is I should’ve went with the mini because I loved the small size but I’m getting used to this size. The blue color looks awesome

[@Sweetjream]

I just upgraded today to the 13 from the SE 2020… definitely need to get use to the size… my sister has the pro max.. ENTIRELY too big for me

[@Gollammeister]

Apple totally neglected security no underscreen sensor tech etc but my choice was based on software support longevity that's about it but I still feel they overcharged for an under equipped modern phone

[@rtx_____]

Upgraded from 5s to 13. Insane difference

[@usernamerandumb]

@@rtx_____ 5s? Damn thats a old phone. Good job keeping it going for this long.

[@rtx_____]

@@usernamerandumb yeah it still works perfectly fine. but the upgrade is well worth it.

[@arghyachakraborty]

The production quality is top-notch! ❤️ Verge & Dieter never disappoint.

[@patrickdelosreyes7314]

I like this kind of review as if you guys are going for a job interview..really this is the most simplest and cleanest way of reviewing devices.not to mention the cinematography you guys put into effort with for the b rolls.please continue what you guys doung keep it up🙏🙏🙏

[@kshitijpatil684]

You guys have the best visuals in the reviews category.

[@nazimdjimani945]

Absolutely, I don’t know why MKBHD gets hyped so much, very boring repetitive content

[@kshitijpatil684]

@@nazimdjimani945 he’s the OG

[@mreleven7826]

@@nazimdjimani945 because he is the best . That’s all 🤷🏾‍♂️. I mean this video has great visuals but mkbhd is king 🤴

[@AduKofs]

@@nazimdjimani945 because he’s done those visuals constantly and consistently with less….way before his current team

[@Kage-jk4pj]

@@nazimdjimani945 MKBHD is the best visuals in the reviews category. No cap.

[@rapidlightning2841]

"The camera interface is getting crowded"... Everyone was complaining that there are no setting within the app and now its too much?

[@Imadethisup]

Very true

[@Markste-in]

U gotta complain about stuff... gets u clicks :D

[@aslr-vq9ti]

Fr lol

[@KHudso]

He mentions this in the pro review too I think it’s more bad UI/UX. The drop down arrow, tiny buttons and sliders aren’t great design choices they could organize the settings better.

[@aybh932]

There should be a settings menu in the camera app itself so you can change settings directly from the camera app while also making it more organized.

[@mariospenard5125]

I have an iPhone 5! Still working good but I guess it would be a huge upgrade to get a 13 or 13pro as I like to take pictures with my phone. Thank you for your informative review!

[@raveenbikha]

I think most people miss that part with the current iPhone is for older user with 11 or older. I don’t understand people replace phone after a year. The iPhone 6s Plus still got the newest iOS version

[@alegbes]

Cinematic mode needs a software update ASAP

[@cliffgeo]

loving this early review drop!

[@nikhilsolanki7287]

That intro in the dark is outstanding.

[@vasiavisilievic1873]

Expensive phones are basically same as jewellery, pretty pointless, but people buy them anyways, to impress other people.

[@gillscape]

True. Maximum people buying expensive phones have no idea what’s the tech it has.

[@dvdaltizer]

Dieter's acting at the beginning was clutch

[@IdOnTwAnNaHeArTheLie]

Loved the intro so much!

[@ArchieGee]

It’s crazy how you make these reviews so quick!

[@TheSH1N1GAM1]

I got 10 hours of screen on time with the 13 pro max (no 4k video recording). Still had over 15% battery left.

[@JTLI90]

I really appreciated the production and editing in this video; not that I didn’t for the previous videos, but these recent ones feel slightly different somehow. I’m actually looking forward to upgrading to an iPhone 13 mini from an iPhone 8 Plus. The 8 Plus has been good to me, but she’s starting to show her age with her A11 chip. When the 8 and the X debuted in 2017, I got the 8 instead because I was not a big fan of the notch. Several models later, and I’m starting to lose patience. Hopefully the iPhone 14 gets rid of the notch, but in the meantime the 13 mini would be a good compromise.

[@thesovietflaganthemguy2344]

I just got my iPhone 13 today It has a very nostalgic feel to it in terms of design

[@saucywoot8087]

Went from iPhone 7 to the 13 and I’m loving it

[@earnistse4899]

Excited to get my mini this weekend. That small size is special

[@rehmanali2895]

How are the cameras on the iphone 13 mini?

[@Simon-qm9tb]

Your reviews are the best in the business. Keep it up!!

[@FavoriteTechX]

Amazing review 👍🏼

[@enzahaward2465]

thanks for this one been considering of upgradiing

[@lefterischasas7105]

Wow! The visuals!!! Excellent production level! Kudos!

[@choonleonglim1700]

Great vid! Love the way you review …

[@RyaniVice]

I’m not doing a lot of selfies myself but weird that it wasn’t updated.. Is it a supply issue? Great review as always!

[@dandansfu]

Even though you know it’s scripted and a bit of acting but it’s still so fun to watch And always love the real life approach and right on point

[@huplim]

Love this review Deiter!

[@belalmostafa4420]

After watching only 3 minutes of the review it might be the best visuals if have ever seen in a video. Literally everything is phenomenal the music the video editing, even the reviewer has a charisma. Keep going verge u really had done a great job thanks deter...

[@RockyMaiviaMiami]

Dieter: “I’ll get more into the weeds” Also Dieter: *Shows a camera taking picture of weeds* Me: *Nice*

[@TheVerge]

Thank you for noticing. - a tired editor Vjeran

[@ceno7046]

@@TheVerge Time to get some sleep is it not?

[@nigilvalikodath]

8:40 for those wondering

[@Firstinversion899]

Good job. This helped me decide

[@nipunhasnain1898]

Hi its a great review indeed Could you please help me to choose between 12 pro or 13 ? Main priority is camera

[@jackr.7649]

Amazing content man keep it up

[@rickystelzer]

I'm trading in my 12 pro max for the 13 mini this year. I'm tired of holding a pizza box to my ear. The fact that it has the same if not better specs than the iPhone 12 Pro max is crazy in a small body.

[@JoseSantos-vd4hg]

That battery life my friend…

[@Noaddedsalt01]

@@JoseSantos-vd4hg if you have a battery pack or charger in your car you should be ok of if you use it light

[@netteloveszebras]

Personally I'm trying to shift my free time away from my phone, so less battery life will help me not be on it as much throughout the day ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I am verrryyyy interested in the tiny form factor

[@rickystelzer]

@@netteloveszebras exactly. Also, it doesn’t have terrible battery. I mean, it’s 2021 everyone should have access to a car charger or battery pack or something if they need to charge it lol

[@pudge789789]

Get the iPad Air for in bed media consumption

[@stugooden7826]

Love the review, Dieter

[@yaaxarr8977]

You scored with this one Dieter ! BRAVO !

[@keithjoelabranches7693]

The fastest full review 🙌

[@crobinson1901]

The editing for this video is immaculate!

[@sodakpublicity7463]

I would love to hear ur review on the regular iphone 13 pro battery since it packing more features than the regular 13 with the same battery

[@lincolnphuong8624]

I preordered the 13mini, coming from the 5. The size of the 13mini is perfect for me so I'm excited!

[@PotatoCruncher12]

Dude you missed out on a lot of changes

[@rehmanali2895]

How are the cameras on the iphone 13 mini?

[@johnsr1975]

2 excellent reviews. Thanks Dieter

[@erickmarshall2]

I might be really old school here, but is it good at phone calls? Did they improved the mics or speakers?

[@madelinegulapa9703]

I love your review Thankyou

[@Akash-jj8pi]

Amazing quality review

[@noxnext]

I still dream about an iPhone Pro Mini…! That would be perfection! 💪

[@Razrman]

A very comprehensive review. Nice insights.

[@nellyrosecubillan9897]

Love the intro!

[@shobandejames4695]

I love your intro!!! 🔥

[@sanjaysanju5171]

your camera man steals the show.that cinematography is 🔥🔥🔥

[@Morkminster]

Upgraded from iPhone X to the 13 mini. I was torn between the mini and the pro but I really wanted to give the mini size a try before apple discontinues it. And the lower price makes upgrading sooner a little more justifiable.

[@rehmanali2895]

How are the cameras on the iphone 13 mini?

[@jehan-vj9qr]

i have an xr, do u think it’s worth it?

[@jehan-vj9qr]

like, can u see the difference?

[@Morkminster]

@@jehan-vj9qr I ended up returning the mini for the 13 pro. The mini didn’t feel like a big upgrade from the X. The smaller screen was hard to see which I should’ve considered since I have bad eyesight and it felt unmanageable to use and type on. The 13 pro felt like I huge upgrade with 120hz. If you’re unsure about the mini then imo, give it a miss.

[@elchamber]

I’ve had the 13 mini since it launched. It’s a strange thing. Sometimes it’s normal. Other times it’s extraordinary. Sometimes I’ve had it for 7 hours screen on and have 30 - 40% left. Rarely it’s even better by leaving it on low-power mode and having it on 4G LTE.

[@devanshshah9070]

Is it worth buying?

[@nikestarkinc]

@@devanshshah9070 it is bruh although I'm a year late but yeah.

[@josedecendra814]

Great intro and TikTok!😂😂 seriously great review. Thx!

[@lovelifelight]

i don't care what anyone says lol i've been holding on to my 1st gen iPhone SE for years now so this is definitely gonna be a HUGE upgrade for me

[@MsMycene]

Great review man!

[@xxbashayerxx]

thank you so much 💓

[@brz757]

Does the smaller notch add enough room to have the battery percent up at the top again?

[@inbloombtfl]

Hey...does ios15/iphone 13 fix some of the lens flare issues from the prior models?

[@kennedysonaco7840]

Wish they have also included a 120hz refresh rate on the regular 13.

[@MrBaciudad]

Great video as always !

[@AlbertoUltranaut82]

Thank you for sharing

[@JasonBourneOO7]

Do full screen protectors affect the sensors or Face ID ?

[@rabtechtutorialvideo]

*Great explanation yo I love it!*

[@FeelX87]

Super funny at the beginning. Awesome video!

[@naughtieindia]

How is the battery life on iPhones 11 and 12 ?. Planning to get either one of them. Also is it wise to spend extra $$$ on the higher GB variant seeing Apple offers a cloud storage plan for cheap?

[@Lost_soul_0021]

The best thing in this video apart from the awesome review , the black background saves battery for me while watching 😂

[@elliottwadsworth4201]

Best looking review I’ve ever seen

[@Ricardo1030]

that battery life and brighter screen make this an instant buy from my 12 mini

[@techdude2121]

the best reviews as usual

[@user-du6tn5ey5r]

upgrading to this phone I'm so hooked!

[@ziich1]

I am a sucker for a verge review even if it is a product I don't like or want

[@danniaugustin988]

I'm really gonna miss this guy for iphone 14 review... He is the best and cudos to the camera man too... Nice 👍

[@AllenLu]

coming from iPhone 11, you will NOTICE a lot with the OLED screen. I'm so satisfied

[@csingsing8300]

Hi The Verge. I am wondering should i be getting a Iphone 12 pro max or Iphone 13 today? Given the price difference is little.

[@bennabulsi6756]

great review, if the mini battery is really better I will switch from pro to the mini.

[@chinmaygopal9295]

Thanks for not bobbing your head and randomly giggling throughout the video. I can't remember which prior video was like that but I was kind of turnt off by it. This video was way more professional and gave a better vibe that I expect from a verge review.

[@joshuatatro4503]

Might just be me, but cinematic mode in reality is even more underwhelming than in Apple's idealized demo. I agree it's better than Samsung's video portrait mode, but that's such a low bar, and just calling it "cinematic" isn't doing the trick.

[@darkshadow0987]

Can you do the battery drain test

[@KaupoKalda]

i wish phone cameras will have 3:2 as standard or at least as option in settings. more pleasant and practical ratio than 4:3.

[@TangosTech]

This video brings a smile to my face. Perfect way to start my morning

[@thomasfinch]

Man, the new iPhone mini 13 looks sick! I'm still rocking the iPhone 11 Pro though which is still a great phone.

[@srikarreddy2079]

I don't get it. Why this channel gets less views than other tech channels. I mean look at the cinematic effects in their videos. Anyways love your reviews verge 🔥🔥🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@shice1501]

The Verge always provided best iphone reviews! I love the style

[@benhowell461]

this is the best iphone

[@MG-jv7pe]

This video is just what I needed! I’m finally upgrading from my iPhone 8+ 😂😂 to the 13 since it’s now discounted (I’m paying $529 for 128G) bc the 14 is here. I’m not really a “must have to buy the latest tech” type of person so getting last year’s model doesn’t bother me, especially since I’m upgrading from such an old phone lol

[@extremehossinfinity7133]

I paid 280 for 128 gb My Carrier had a crazy deal and I can’t wait to see how it feels I’m on XS max And I’m wondering how it’ll feel going down on size

[@tori1853]

Great video with good info

[@funnychips2005]

I already have an iPhone but im still watching reviewers this phone because the b-roll clips. 😎😎 so cool

[@TheOmniWarrior]

Nice IPhone ad looking forward to next year's as well.

[@jimmycruz9114]

How’s phone call quality? I heard they took off noise cancellation feature on 13 series?

[@amanrai7551]

Everybody doing "First Impression" Verge doing "Review".

[@di-fairy]

The point is where do you use your phone? Outdoor or indoor with AC.

[@pamelaahmed1381]

Thanks for excellent “ techie” review for those of us that just don’t get it.

[@bipulpandey2115]

Really good video. 💯💯

[@noxnext]

Great video! This is art! 👌 Greetings from Germany! 🇩🇪

[@watchf]

I have been living with an iPhone 6s for a while. Jus ordered the 13!