Yes—the iPhone 13 was still worth buying in 2024, but only at a substantial discount. Its A15 Bionic chip, OLED display, capable cameras, 5G, MagSafe, and iOS ecosystem remained strong. However, the iPhone 15 was usually the better long-term purchase when its price was close, thanks to USB-C, a 48MP main camera, Dynamic Island, newer safety features, and a longer expected support runway.
This is a value decision, not simply a question of whether the iPhone 13 was “old.” For a new buyer, compare the complete cost and condition—not just the sticker price. For an existing iPhone 13 owner, upgrading was generally unnecessary unless battery health, storage, cameras, connectivity, or newer software features had become important.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Starlight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $270.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $269.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $185.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $285.09 | Buy on Amazon |
Quick verdict
| Reader situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Wants the cheapest good iPhone | Consider the iPhone 13 if it is clearly cheaper than the iPhone 15. |
| Wants USB-C and a newer camera | Choose the iPhone 15 or a newer model. |
| Already owns an iPhone 13 | Keep it unless a specific limitation justifies the cost of upgrading. |
| Needs Apple Intelligence | Skip the iPhone 13. |
| Wants 90Hz or 120Hz scrolling | Skip the standard iPhone 13; its display is 60Hz. |
| Buying used or refurbished | Battery health, unlocked status, repair history, warranty, and returns are decisive. |
Apple introduced the iPhone 13 in 2021 with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, A15 Bionic, 5G, dual 12MP cameras, MagSafe, and storage options from 128GB to 512GB. Apple’s technical specifications confirm that it retained many features buyers still expect from a modern iPhone.
What the iPhone 13 still does well
Performance remains strong for ordinary use
The A15 Bionic remains more than adequate for messaging, social media, browsing, streaming, productivity, photo editing, multitasking, and most App Store games. The phone’s age does not automatically make it slow; the relevant question is whether it handles your workload.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Apple lists a six-core CPU, four-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine for the iPhone 13. It can still feel responsive in everyday use. Demanding games are a different matter: sustained performance depends on heat, battery condition, and the game’s requirements, so the iPhone 13 should not be treated as an indefinitely competitive modern gaming flagship.
The OLED display is still a major advantage
The 6.1-inch OLED panel delivers deep blacks, strong contrast, and HDR support. It is a meaningful upgrade over older LCD iPhones such as the iPhone 8, XR, and 11, while the size remains manageable for one-handed use.
The main weakness is its 60Hz refresh rate. Scrolling and animations look less fluid than on 90Hz or 120Hz Android phones and Apple’s ProMotion models. Buyers who notice refresh rates quickly may prefer a newer or Pro iPhone even if the iPhone 13 is fast enough.
Cameras remain good, but not flexible
The rear system includes a 12MP wide camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, with sensor-shift optical image stabilization on the main camera. It supports Night mode, Photographic Styles, Cinematic mode, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second. Apple’s specifications document these capabilities.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For daylight photos, family pictures, social media, and video, the iPhone 13 can still produce attractive results. But megapixels are only part of the story. Newer iPhones bring higher-resolution sensors, improved computational photography, stronger low-light processing, newer front cameras, and better cropping flexibility.
The iPhone 13 also has no dedicated telephoto camera. If you frequently photograph concerts, sports, pets, children from across a room, or other distant subjects, a Pro model or newer iPhone is a better fit.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Battery life depends on the individual phone
Apple originally rated the iPhone 13 for up to 19 hours of video playback. That is a controlled “up to” figure, not a guarantee of daily endurance. Brightness, cellular conditions, gaming, streaming, and background activity all affect battery life.
In 2024, the condition of a used battery mattered more than the original specification. Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging for Maximum Capacity and service warnings. Also ask whether the seller guarantees a minimum battery condition, and price a possible battery replacement before buying.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A listing that says “works normally” does not prove that the battery will last through your day.
Design, 5G, and MagSafe are still useful
The iPhone 13 has a Ceramic Shield front, aluminum frame, IP68 water and dust resistance, 5G, MagSafe, and Qi wireless charging. Apple says its IP68 rating was tested under IEC standard 60529 at a maximum depth of six meters for up to 30 minutes. Apple also warns that water resistance is not permanent and can decline with normal wear or repairs.
IP68 is not waterproofing. Liquid damage may not be covered by a warranty, particularly after drops, opened housings, or third-party repairs.
What feels old in 2024
Lightning is less convenient than USB-C
The iPhone 13 uses Lightning, while the iPhone 15 uses USB-C. This is a practical difference for households already carrying USB-C cables for laptops, tablets, headphones, power banks, and cameras.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Lightning is not unusable, but it may mean carrying one additional cable. If your goal is to standardize your devices around USB-C, the iPhone 13 is a less future-facing purchase.
The notch and 60Hz screen reduce its modern feel
The iPhone 13 retains the notch instead of the iPhone 15’s Dynamic Island. The difference affects status-bar space and some newer interface interactions, but it is not a major functional problem. The 60Hz display is more consequential: users coming from a high-refresh-rate phone may notice it every day.
It lacks newer safety and AI features
Compared with newer iPhones, the iPhone 13 lacks Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, and satellite roadside assistance where supported. Satellite availability depends on country, service status, and feature type, so these features are not universal.
The iPhone 13 may continue receiving compatible iOS updates, but iOS compatibility is not the same as Apple Intelligence compatibility. Apple Intelligence requires newer supported hardware, and the iPhone 13 is outside that supported tier. Feature eligibility and regional availability can change, so buyers who specifically want Apple Intelligence should check Apple’s current compatibility list rather than assume future iOS features will work identically on every model.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iPhone 13 versus iPhone 14
The standard iPhone 14 is a difficult alternative because it uses a version of the A15 Bionic platform rather than delivering the same kind of performance jump as the iPhone 15.
A lightly used iPhone 14 may be worthwhile if the price difference is small and you value its newer front-camera processing, Photonic Engine, Crash Detection, satellite safety features, or potentially greater remaining support runway. But it is not automatically a compelling upgrade from the iPhone 13.
Rank #4
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Compare battery condition, storage, warranty, repair history, and seller protection alongside the model number. A substantially cheaper iPhone 13 can be the better financial choice.
iPhone 13 versus iPhone 15
This is the most important comparison for a 2024 buyer. The iPhone 15 added:
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11- USB-C instead of Lightning.
- Dynamic Island instead of the notch.
- A 48MP main camera with greater cropping flexibility.
- A newer processor generation and newer computational photography.
- Crash Detection and satellite Emergency SOS where available.
- Likely longer software-support runway and stronger resale appeal.
- Second-generation Ultra Wideband hardware.
Apple’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 13 comparison shows the differences in cameras, connectors, processors, display design, and safety features.
Choose the iPhone 13 when the discount is substantial and your needs are ordinary iOS use, reliable performance, good cameras, and a lower upfront cost. Choose the iPhone 15 when the price gap is modest, you want USB-C, you take frequent zoomed or cropped photos, or you plan to keep the phone for many years.
Do not compare a new iPhone 15 with a poorly maintained iPhone 13 as though they were equivalent purchases. Normalize for storage, battery, warranty, carrier status, repair history, taxes, and activation requirements.
Should an existing iPhone 13 owner upgrade?
Usually, no. A newer model will be better in some ways, but a smooth iPhone 13 with adequate battery life and storage still covers the needs of many owners.
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
An upgrade becomes easier to justify when:
- Battery replacement costs approach the price difference to a newer phone.
- You regularly run out of storage.
- The camera no longer meets your needs.
- You want USB-C, Dynamic Island, or a 120Hz display.
- You need Apple Intelligence or newer safety features.
- You travel or work where satellite emergency features could provide meaningful value.
- You want a longer ownership horizon and can make the payment comfortably.
Otherwise, replacing the battery—or simply keeping the phone—may be the better personal-finance decision.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Used and refurbished iPhone 13 buying checklist
- Confirm the exact model. The iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max differ materially. Make sure the listing is not substituting a mini or carrier-locked model.
- Check storage. The 128GB base capacity suits many users but can be restrictive for 4K video, games, offline media, and large photo libraries.
- Inspect battery health. Check Maximum Capacity and service warnings. Ask about a minimum battery guarantee and price a replacement if necessary.
- Verify Activation Lock is removed. The phone must be erased and removed from the previous owner’s Apple Account. Never buy one that displays Activation Lock.
- Confirm it is unlocked and carrier-compatible. Test compatibility before the return window expires.
- Review Parts and Service History. Replaced displays, batteries, or cameras are not automatically defective, but non-genuine or poorly installed parts can affect calibration, warnings, Face ID, cameras, battery reporting, and water resistance. Apple provides repair and used-parts guidance.
- Test essential hardware. Check Face ID, cameras, flash, microphones, speakers, charging, MagSafe, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, GPS, buttons, and vibration.
- Inspect for damage. Look at the lenses, display, back glass, frame, and charging port. Do not assume water resistance after repairs or a serious impact.
- Prioritize returns and warranty. Defects involving battery, cellular service, Face ID, or cameras may not appear immediately.
The total cost of ownership matters more than the lowest checkout price. A cheap phone requiring a battery, screen, or other repair may cost more than a verified unit with a warranty.
Who should buy the iPhone 13?
- Budget buyers and students: It remains a capable entry into iOS if the price is meaningfully below newer models.
- Families buying a first smartphone: The performance and ecosystem are strong, provided the used device has good battery health and protection.
- Everyday users: Messaging, streaming, browsing, photography, and productivity do not require the newest iPhone.
- Existing owners: Keep it if it remains reliable and meets your needs.
Who should skip it?
- USB-C households: Lightning adds unnecessary cable clutter.
- Camera enthusiasts: The lack of telephoto and newer camera processing limits flexibility.
- High-refresh-rate users: The standard model’s 60Hz display may feel noticeably less fluid.
- AI-focused buyers: The iPhone 13 is not an Apple Intelligence device.
- Frequent travelers: Newer satellite safety features may matter, depending on destination and service availability.
- Buyers paying nearly iPhone 15 money: The newer model offers more long-term value.
Apple discontinued the iPhone 13 after the iPhone 16 lineup was introduced in September 2024, so new retail availability increasingly depended on remaining inventory, third-party sellers, and refurbished stock. MacRumors’ buyer’s guide documents that transition. For a 2024 purchase, this made seller protection and condition especially important.
Final verdict
The iPhone 13 was still worth buying in 2024 when it was clearly cheaper than the iPhone 15 and came from a trustworthy seller with acceptable battery health, an unlocked status, a return window, and a warranty. It remained fast, capable, and well supported for ordinary users.
Skip it when the discount is small, you want USB-C, a 120Hz display, newer camera hardware, satellite safety features, or Apple Intelligence. And if you already own one, do not upgrade merely because a newer iPhone exists: upgrade when a specific limitation is worth the cost.
Quick Recap
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.
