The iPhone 11 and the iPhone 13 are two of the most popular iPhone models on the market in 2023. These smartphones were released almost exactly 2 years apart: the iPhone 11 in September 2019 and the iPhone 13 in September 2021. Let’s see how they compare and if the more recent 13 model is worth it over the 11. 

Camera

As with most Apple series, the more recent one tends to have some sort of upgraded camera. This is still true when it comes to the iPhone 13 camera compared to the iPhone 11. While both models have the same 12MP camera, iPhone 13 delivers crisper photos at 1170 x 2532 px resolution compared to 828 x 1792 px on the iPhone 11. There are also upgraded sensors on the iPhone 13 that tends to give you brighter, more vibrant and improved low-light performance overall. If you want top of the line camera quality, your best bet is to go with the iPhone 13.

Battery

The battery life is only slightly better on the newer iPhone 13 with 3240 mAh compared to 3110 mAh on the iPhone 11. So while you might be able to squeeze out more time between charges on the iPhone 11, it is worth noting that the iPhone 13 runs on 5G connections (compared to 4G on the iPhone 11), which tends to use more power overall.

Display

While both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 13 come with a 6.1-inch screen, you’ll find brighter and better quality on the 13 due to higher resolution and nits. The iPhone 13 has 2532 x 1170 px resolution and 800 nits compared to just 1792 x 828 resolution with 625 nits on the iPhone 11.

Storage Options

If you need the most storage out of your smartphone, then you’ll definitely want to go with the iPhone 13, which has options for both 256 GB and 512 GB. The iPhone 11 only offers up to 128 GB, which is still plenty for most, but you may want the upgrade if you tend to take a lot of videos or download movies/games.

Processor

Unsurprisingly, you’ll find a processor chipset that’s 2 generations ahead on the iPhone 13 compared to the iPhone 11. The iPhone 13 A15 chip delivers some of the fastest performances on the market, which will be more noticeable when you’re playing fast-paced games or working on video or photo edits. That said, the A13 chipset on the iPhone 11 is still a great processor for the average user.

Overall, despite the iPhone 13 being more advanced and having upgraded features, you’re going to get the best bang for your buck with the iPhone 11, especially because this is a few generations removed at this point and you can find great deals (especially if you buy refurbished). That said, if you want a phone with the most features and some of the best and fastest performance on the market, then you’ll definitely want to upgrade to the iPhone 13.