iPhone 13 • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile

iPhone 13 • Unlocked
iPhone 13 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$226.00

Versus $629.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$344.23

Versus $699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13, released in September 2021, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, are both capable smartphones from Apple's lineup. While the iPhone 13 offers a compact form factor, the iPhone 14 Plus provides a larger display and extended battery life. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS, ensuring a consistent software experience, but the newer model introduces enhancements in camera technology and additional safety features.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus are built to offer several years of reliable use and software support.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 13 was released in September 2021, while the iPhone 14 Plus followed in October 2022. This means the iPhone 14 Plus will likely receive software updates for approximately one year longer than the iPhone 13, extending its functional lifespan.
  • Software Support: Both models are compatible with the latest iOS versions, ensuring access to new features and security updates. The iPhone 13 is compatible with iOS 18, and the iPhone 14 Plus launched with iOS 16 and is upgradable.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating similar levels of physical resilience against everyday elements.

Release Year

2021

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus utilize a similar generation of Apple's internal processing technology, delivering robust performance for daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 13 features a processor with a 4-core graphics unit, while the iPhone 14 Plus incorporates a processor with a 5-core graphics unit. This difference means the iPhone 14 Plus offers slightly enhanced graphics performance, which can be noticeable in graphically intensive games or video editing.
  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Plus includes 6GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone 13's 4GB. This increased RAM in the iPhone 14 Plus contributes to smoother multitasking and more efficient handling of numerous open applications simultaneously.
  • Storage Options: Both models are available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB internal storage configurations, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos without expansion card slots.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is characterized by vibrant colors and sharp details, though they differ in size and subtle display characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone 14 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both offer deep blacks and vibrant colors, but the larger screen of the 14 Plus provides a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 13 has a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at approximately 460 pixels per inch (ppi), and the iPhone 14 Plus offers 2778x1284 pixels at around 458 ppi. Both deliver high clarity, making text and images appear sharp.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: 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. Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a consistent visual experience for most users.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both iPhones offer capable camera systems, but the iPhone 14 Plus introduces several advancements that enhance photographic and videographic capabilities.

  • Main Camera System: Both phones feature a dual 12MP camera system with a main wide-angle lens and an ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 14 Plus's main camera has a larger sensor and a wider f/1.5 aperture compared to the iPhone 13's f/1.6 aperture, allowing it to capture more light for improved low-light performance.
  • Computational Photography and Video: The iPhone 14 Plus benefits from the Photonic Engine, which significantly improves mid-to-low light performance across all cameras. It also introduces Action mode for smoother video capture and supports Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30fps, an upgrade from the iPhone 13's 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing camera on the iPhone 14 Plus also gains autofocus and a wider f/1.9 aperture for better selfies.
  • Audio Quality: Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption and clear microphone quality for calls and recordings.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate these two iPhone models, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 14 Plus features Bluetooth 5.3, an upgrade from the iPhone 13's Bluetooth 5.0, offering improved efficiency and range with compatible accessories. Both models retain the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The iPhone 13 is a more compact device, weighing 173 grams with dimensions of 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm. The iPhone 14 Plus is larger and heavier at 203 grams and 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm, providing a more substantial feel and a larger screen but requiring a two-handed grip for some users.
  • Additional Features: The iPhone 14 Plus introduces new safety capabilities such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite for users in specific regions, which are not present on the iPhone 13. Additionally, US models of the iPhone 14 Plus are eSIM-only, while the iPhone 13 supports physical SIM cards.

Weight

6 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Plus cater to slightly different user preferences, primarily concerning size, battery life, and camera enhancements. Users often praise the iPhone 13 for its comfortable size and capable performance, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a more compact device that still handles everyday tasks with ease.

The iPhone 14 Plus, on the other hand, frequently receives positive remarks for its significantly extended battery life, which users report can comfortably last through a full day of heavy use, and its larger display, ideal for media consumption and gaming. Some users note the incremental nature of its core performance upgrades over the iPhone 13, but appreciate the camera improvements, particularly in low-light conditions and video stabilization.

Users prioritizing a larger screen and maximum battery endurance will find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs, especially if they frequently stream content or travel. Those who prefer a more pocketable device with strong performance for general use may lean towards the iPhone 13. Both models offer a reliable Apple experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either device can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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