If you're thinking about picking an Apple, specifically an iPhone 13, here's what you need to know including plans, pricing, and more. This page focuses on the standard iPhone 13, but you can find more about the other 2021 iPhones here:
How much does the iPhone 13 cost in Australia?
Apple dropped prices for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini when it announced the iPhone 14, making them a good pick if you don't want to splash out for the latest and greatest. Just note Apple discontinued the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max at the same time, but you may still find some stock floating around.
- iPhone 13 mini 128GB: $1,049
- iPhone 13 mini 256GB: $1,219
- iPhone 13 mini 512GB: $1,569
- iPhone 13 128GB: $1,229
- iPhone 13 256GB: $1,399
- iPhone 13 512GB: $1,749
What is the design of the iPhone 13?
The entire iPhone 13 family looks pretty similar to the iPhone 12 family, featuring the same squared-off
edges and the same screen sizes. The notch is 20% smaller, however, and the phones are slightly
thicker.
The iPhone 13 has the same 6.1-inch display as we saw in the iPhone 12, but with a slightly smaller notch at the top. This holds true for the iPhone 13 mini which holds firm with its comparatively tiny 5.4-inch display.
The below image compares the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 to the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Both the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 have high-resolution OLED displays, just like their Pro siblings. This means the screens are more vibrant and have higher contrast. Photos and videos have a little extra pop, and the screen can display deep levels of black as it lights up individual pixels as needed. Apple says the screens are 28% brighter than what we saw on the iPhone 12.
One feature you won't find on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini that you'll find on the pair of Pro devices is a ProMotion 120Hz refresh display. While Apple has added this long-awaited feature to the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, the standard iPhones miss out. High refresh rate displays make all motion on a display look a little smoother.
Like the 2020 iPhones, the iPhone 13 family all have "Ceramic Shield" glass on the front. This makes them four times more drop-resistant than iPhones without Apple's fancy protective glass.
Does iPhone 13 have a good camera?
The iPhone 13 has two all-new cameras for better low-light photography
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini feature an improved 12MP primary lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
The 12MP primary lens is the same kind of camera we saw on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, featuring better stabilisation and a larger sensor size. This helps capture photos in dark environments; Apple says it gathers 47% more light. The new ultra-wide lens also touts better low-light performance, so you should be able to get clearer wide-angle photos at night.
Apple has also added a new "Cinematic" video mode that helps create professional focus transitions. For example, it can anticipate when a subject enters the frame, or change focus when your subject gazes at something else. You can also tap to shift focus at any time or lock focus on a subject.
While in previous years, standard iPhones and Pro models have shared some camera components, this isn't the case this time around. The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max have seemingly better cameras across the board, in addition to a 3x optical zoom lens and LiDAR sensor. The iPhone 13 Pro cameras have a wider aperture than the standard iPhone 13 cameras, which results in better images in challenging situations.
What are the colours of the iPhone 13?
Both the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 13 are available in a choice of six colours: pink, blue, midnight, starlight, red, and green.
What is the battery life of the iPhone 13?
Apple says the iPhone 13 battery will last about 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12.
Apple's official battery metrics for the iPhone 13 are as follows:
- Up to 19 hours of video playback
- Up to 15 hours of streamed video playback
- Up to 75 hours of audio playback
Apple has improved battery life across the board with the iPhone 13 family, and the 6.1-inch iPhone 13 gets a nice bump over the previous model. We've found this makes it incredibly reliable, and you shouldn't have any issue getting through a full day per charge.
Does the iPhone 13 have 5G?
The entire iPhone 13 family has 5G connectivity, just like 2020's devices.
As with the iPhone 12 family, all four iPhone 13 models have 5G connectivity. Once again, Australian models only feature sub-6 connectivity, rather than mmWave as in the US. The new iPhone 13 also supports WiFi 6.
WhistleOut's coverage checker tool has been upgraded with 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G. All you need to do is pop in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.
This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
How fast is the iPhone 13 processor?
The entire iPhone 13 family are powered by an A15 processor, Apple's fastest smartphone chip yet. No matter what iPhone 13 you get, they all share the same brain and will certainly deliver when it comes to speed.
Apple says the A15 processor is 50% faster than the leading competing chip, which is kind of a meaningless measure without naming and shaming. Apple hasn't disclosed year-on-year improvements, but the iPhone 13 is one speedy phone.
It is however worth noting that the A15 found in the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max has slightly better graphics performance.
Should I upgrade to the iPhone 13?
If you've got an older iPhone and are thinking about upgrading to the iPhone 13, we've got a series of guides that compare previous models:
iPhone 13 Review
How does the iPhone 13 stack up against other models? Check out our review.
iPhone 13 specifications
| iPhone 13 mini | iPhone 13 | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 13 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.4-inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED |
| Resolution | Super Retina | Super Retina | Super Retina | Super Retina |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 2x 12MP | 2x 12MP | 3x 12MP + LiDAR | 3x 12MP + LiDAR |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Processor | A15 | A15 | A15 | A15 |
| Storage | 128GB - 512GB | 128GB - 512GB | 128GB - 1TB | 128GB - 1TB |
| Water-Resistance | IP68
|
IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| 5G | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 |
| Price | From $1,049 | From $1,229 | From $1,749 | From $1,899 |
If you want the top-of-the-range, remember the iPhone 14 was released in September 2022.
Choosing the best iPhone plan for you
With the WhistleOut search tool, you can compare iPhone 13 plan pricing and inclusions across every provider. But there's a lot more to iPhone plans than just cost and data. Here's a breakdown of the major benefits you can expect each provider to offer.
Telstra iPhone plans
Telstra iPhone plans are often the priciest on the Australian market, but they do come with a few perks. These include:
- Access to Telstra's super-fast 4GX and 5G networks
- Data sharing between up to 10 plans on the same account
- Data-free streaming of Apple Music
- Access to the Telstra Plus perks and rewards program
While Telstra iPhone plans aren't cheap, they're all rather flexible. They're no contract on the basis that you can leave at any time, you'll just need to pay out the remaining value of your phone. You also have the option to step up or down in plan inclusions up to one time per month, which is great if you have variable usage.
Telstra also offers the option to pay off your iPhone over 12, 24 or 36 months. And all plans come with zero excess data charges. If you go over your cap, your data will be slowed to speeds of 1.5Mbps, which is still fast enough to stream video in SD. But speeds may be slower during peak times.
Compare Telstra iPhone plans
Optus iPhone plans
Optus iPhone plans come with big data inclusions and entertainment extras. Optus iPhone plans also come with the following:
- Discounted access to Optus Sport (only $6.99 per month for eligible Optus customers)
- Subscription bundling on apps with Optus SubHub to save customers up to 10% with any three or more
All Optus plans are contract-free, devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months, and you can customise inclusions like roaming and international calls on a month-to-month basis. In addition, all Optus postpaid plans are now free from excess data charges. If you go over your allowance, you'll be slowed to 1.5Mbps.
Compare Optus iPhone plans
Vodafone iPhone plans
Vodafone iPhone plans frequently offer discounts and freebies. Other benefits of partnering with Vodafone are:
- Access to Vodafone's famous $5 roaming, which makes travelling with your Australian phone number easy and affordable
- Vodafone mobile customers can also save $15 per month on Vodafone NBN plans
Like Telstra and Optus plans, Vodafone plans are contract-free on the basis that you can leave at any time without
penalty. You'll just need to pay out the remaining value of your handset.
You can also step up or down in plan inclusions up to once per month, and ease the burden of an iPhone price tag with the option to pay it off over 12, 24 or 36 months.
Vodafone postpaid plans are all free from excess data charges. When you go over your plan allowance, you'll be capped at 2Mbps, regardless of how much you're spending per month.
Compare Vodafone iPhone plansAlex Choros
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