iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked vs iPhone 13 • Unlocked

iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked
iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$205.00

Versus $749.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 • Unlocked
iPhone 13 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$229.00

Versus $629.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 Pro, released in September 2019, and the iPhone 13, launched in September 2021, represent different generations within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the iOS platform, the iPhone 13 introduces advancements in processing power, camera technology, and battery efficiency, building upon the foundation set by the 11 Pro.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The iPhone 11 Pro was released in September 2019, making it two years older than the iPhone 13, which launched in September 2021. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support window.
  • OS Support Duration: Apple typically provides major iOS updates for approximately five to six years from a device's release. Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 13 are currently compatible with iOS 26. However, the iPhone 13, being newer, is expected to receive software updates for a longer period, potentially supporting iOS 19 and beyond, extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest features and security patches.
  • Durability Features: The iPhone 11 Pro features a stainless steel frame and an IP68 water resistance rating, allowing submersion up to 4 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 13 enhances durability with a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to offer increased drop performance, and an improved IP68 rating for water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Release Year

2019

2021

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from launching applications to managing multiple processes simultaneously. Both devices offer capable performance, but the newer model brings notable enhancements.

  • Processing Capabilities: The iPhone 11 Pro is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 13 features a newer generation processor, which provides a noticeable increase in speed and efficiency, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother transitions, and more responsive overall system performance.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 11 Pro offers a battery that, with moderate use, can last through a full day, with real-world tests showing around 6-7 hours of heavy usage. The iPhone 13 significantly improves upon this, offering extended battery life that can comfortably last a full day or more for many users, with up to 15 hours of video streaming reported. This improvement is due to a larger battery capacity and a more power-efficient processor.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 11 Pro was available with storage capacities starting at 64GB, with options for 256GB and 512GB. The iPhone 13 starts with a base storage of 128GB, also offering 256GB and 512GB variants, providing more space for applications, photos, and videos at the entry level.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a key aspect of smartphone usage, and both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 13 offer high-quality displays, though with some distinctions.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both devices feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch display, offering a compact viewing experience. The iPhone 13 features a slightly larger 6.1-inch display, providing more screen real estate for content consumption and daily interactions.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 11 Pro offers a resolution of 2436x1125 pixels at 458 ppi. The iPhone 13 has a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 ppi, resulting in similar clarity and sharpness. Both displays achieve a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions and excellent contrast for HDR content.
  • Additional Display Features: Both models include True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's white balance to match ambient light, and Wide Color (P3) for accurate color reproduction. They also incorporate Haptic Touch for tactile feedback. The iPhone 13 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, similar to the iPhone 11 Pro.

Resolution

1125 x 2436

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 13 offer advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, with the newer model introducing several computational photography enhancements.

  • Camera System Configuration: The iPhone 11 Pro features a versatile triple 12MP camera system, including Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses, providing 2x optical zoom in and out, and up to 10x digital zoom. The iPhone 13 has a dual 12MP camera system, comprising Wide and Ultra Wide lenses, with 2x optical zoom out and up to 5x digital zoom.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Night mode for improved low-light photography and Smart HDR. The iPhone 13 enhances low-light performance with a larger sensor on the Wide camera and Sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) for sharper images and more stable video. It also features Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles for more personalized image capture.
  • Video Capabilities: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone 13 introduces Cinematic mode, which allows for a shallow depth of field effect and automatic focus transitions in videos, adding a new dimension to mobile videography. Both have 12MP front-facing cameras capable of 4K video recording.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two iPhone models, impacting daily usability and future-proofing.

  • Connectivity: The iPhone 11 Pro supports Gigabit LTE for fast cellular data speeds, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The iPhone 13 upgrades connectivity by adding 5G support, enabling faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G network coverage, alongside Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Both devices utilize a Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: Both models rely on Face ID for secure facial recognition. They also include standard sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, and ambient light sensor.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone 11 Pro measures 144 x 71.4 x 8.1mm and weighs 188g, featuring a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back. The iPhone 13 is slightly taller and wider at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm, but also thinner and lighter at 174g, with an aluminum frame and a glossy glass back (excluding the Ceramic Shield front). The iPhone 13 also features a smaller notch compared to the 11 Pro.

Weight

7 oz

6 oz

Screen size (inches)

5.8

6.1

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 13 both offer robust smartphone experiences, but cater to slightly different priorities due to their generational differences. Users often praise the iPhone 11 Pro for its compact size and the versatility of its triple camera system, particularly the dedicated telephoto lens, which was a significant feature at its release. Some users, however, might find its battery life less enduring compared to newer models, especially with heavy usage over time.

The iPhone 13, on the other hand, frequently receives acclaim for its significantly improved battery life, enhanced processing power, and the introduction of features like Cinematic mode and Sensor-shift OIS, which elevate its camera capabilities. Its brighter display and 5G connectivity are also common points of appreciation. Criticisms, though less frequent, sometimes point to the incremental nature of some upgrades over its direct predecessor, or the continued use of the Lightning port rather than a more universal standard.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with a capable camera system and who do not require the absolute latest in processing power or 5G connectivity may find the iPhone 11 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value extended battery life, faster performance for demanding applications, advanced video features, and future-proof connectivity like 5G will likely lean towards the iPhone 13. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those looking to make a sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons