Which iPhone 13 is right for you?
Four iPhone 13 models. From mini to max. With prices that reach over two thousand euros. You'd think more money automatically means the best choice. But here lies the catch. The most expensive iPhone isn't necessarily the smartest purchase for you. In fact, many buyers pay hundreds of euros extra for features they rarely use. That Pro camera system? That 120Hz ProMotion? It sounds great on paper, but in practice, you'll barely notice the difference during your daily apps and scrolling sessions. What you will notice is a device that's too big in your pocket or a tiny screen you constantly have to stare at. Before you regret your choice—and have to buy new accessories to make it bearable—we've listed the real differences. Plus, which AirPods are the best match.
The four iPhone 13 models under the microscope
The iPhone 13 series consists of four models: the standard iPhone 13, the compact Mini, the advanced Pro, and the impressive Pro Max. Each model has its own strengths and limitations. The trick is to determine which features you actually use and which just look nice on paper.
Screen sizes: from compact to gigantic
The most noticeable difference between the models is the screen size. The iPhone 13 Mini has a 5.4-inch (13.7 cm) display—ideal for those who want a phone that fits easily in any pocket. The standard model and the Pro share a 6.1-inch (15.5 cm) screen size, a comfortable mid-size for most users.
The Pro Max takes the cake with its 6.7-inch (17 cm) screen. This size is perfect for those who watch a lot of video or enjoy working on their phone, but the device is quite large and heavy for everyday use.
ProMotion: more than marketing?
All models feature a Super Retina XDR display, but the Pro versions have an extra bonus: ProMotion technology. This means the screen refreshes up to 120 times per second, while standard models are stuck at 60Hz.
In practice, you'll especially notice this difference when scrolling through web pages and playing games. Everything feels smoother on the Pro models. However, for everyday use like WhatsApp, Instagram, or reading the news, the difference is minimal.
Cameras: Two or Three Lenses?
The standard iPhone 13 and Mini come with two cameras: a wide-angle and an ultra-wide-angle lens. Both lenses have 12 megapixels, which is more than enough for sharp photos and videos. This setup covers approximately 95% of all photography situations the average user encounters.
The Pro models add a telephoto lens. This third camera enables 6x optical zoom, compared to 2x on the standard models. Practically speaking, this means you can zoom three times further with a Pro without losing quality.
When is that extra lens worth it?
- Portrait photography with natural background blur
- Photographing details from a distance
- Sports events or concerts where you can't get any closer
- Nature photography where you have to keep your distance
For holiday photos, group selfies and everyday snapshots, the dual camera system is more than adequate.
Performance and processor
All four models run on Apple's 6-core A15 Bionic chip. The difference lies in the graphics processor: the Pro versions have a 5-core GPU compared to 4-cores in the standard models.
This extra graphical power is especially noticeable in:
- Heavy games with complex graphics
- Video editing directly on your phone
- The use of augmented reality apps
- Rendering ProRAW photos
For normal apps, browsing and social media you won't notice any difference between the models.
Battery life: bigger is longer
Battery capacity increases proportionally with the size of the device:
- iPhone 13 Mini : About 17 hours of video playback
- iPhone 13 : up to 19 hours of video
- iPhone 13 Pro : up to 22 hours of video
- iPhone 13 Pro Max : a whopping 28 hours of video
These numbers translate into practical use as follows: the Mini barely makes it through a full day, the standard model easily makes it through a day, the Pro lasts a day and a half, and the Pro Max can last two days with normal use.
Storage Capacity: How Much Do You Need?
All models start at 128GB, with options for 256GB and 512GB. The Pro versions also offer a 1TB option for users with a lot of content.
Storage Selection Guidelines:
- 128 GB : sufficient for average use with cloud storage
- 256 GB : ideal for lots of photos and some large apps/games
- 512 GB : For content creators and people who store everything locally
- 1 TB : Only useful for professional video editors and photographers
Which model suits you?
Choose the iPhone 13 Mini if you:
- Want a compact phone that fits everywhere
- Mainly calls, texts and browses
- Have a limited budget
- Don't need a big screen
Choose the standard iPhone 13 if you:
- A good all-rounder is looking for
- Don't need any specific Pro features
- You want a pleasant screen size without extremes
- Looking for the best price-quality ratio
Choose the iPhone 13 Pro if you:
- Takes a lot of photos and wants that telephoto lens
- Games play and ProMotion appreciates
- Want a premium device without the largest size
- Are you willing to pay extra for the best features?
Choose the iPhone 13 Pro Max if you:
- You want the biggest screen for media and work
- Need the longest battery life
- Don't want any compromises in any area
- The weight and size are not a problem
Practical considerations
Also consider these practical points when making your choice:
- The Mini fits in any pocket but typing on the small screen can be frustrating
- The Pro Max is heavy and difficult to operate with one hand
- The weight difference between standard and Pro is noticeable with prolonged use
- All models support MagSafe and wireless charging
- Face ID works equally well on all models
The differences between the iPhone 13 models are significant, but not every user needs all the Pro features. For most people, the standard iPhone 13 is the smartest choice: a well-balanced device without unnecessary bells and whistles. Only if you have specific needs—such as extensive photography, maximum battery life, or a compact size—is it worth choosing a different model.
Conclusion: choose wisely, not expensively
The choice between the four iPhone 13 models ultimately comes down to one simple question: what do you actually use? For the vast majority of people, the standard iPhone 13 is more than enough—a great all-arounder without unnecessary extras. Only if you specifically need that telephoto lens for photography, spend hours gaming, or are looking for a compact device that fits in any pocket, are the other models worth considering. Don't be tempted by features that sound impressive but you won't actually use. Choose wisely, not expensively.
