Apple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone 16

Our Verdict: For buyers focused on a higher-resolution rear camera and the larger battery, the iPhone 16 is the more convincing choice. It backs that up with 48MP rear and 12MP front cameras, 3561mAh battery and 11,615 active deals, while the iPhone 13 counters with 4.6/5 average from 10 reviews and 1,558 active deals. Current active deals start around £200 for the iPhone 13, versus about £489 for the iPhone 16. Choose the iPhone 13 for lower current deal pricing and the stronger expert-review average; pick the iPhone 16 if you would rather prioritise a higher-resolution rear camera and the larger battery.

Over a full contract, the 13 works out around £433 all-in, about £276 less than the 16.

Expert Rating
4.6
10 reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.1"
Display
OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
2532 x 1170 2556 x 1179
Pixels Per Inch
457 461
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery
3,227 mAh 3,561 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e- SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm
Weight
173 grams 170 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£12.99/mo (£99.00 upfront) £26.99/mo (£39.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£199.00 £478.99

Prices updated 18 July 2026

Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16
Expert Rating 4.6
10 reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.1"
Display OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 2532 x 1170 2556 x 1179
Pixels Per Inch 457 461
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery 3,227 mAh 3,561 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e- SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm
Weight 173 grams 170 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £12.99/mo
£99.00 upfront
£26.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
SIM-free £199.00 £478.99
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone 13

24 Months

128GB

Green

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£12.99 per month, £99 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10)

Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16

24 Months

128GB

Pink

Refurbished

100GB

Data

£26.99 per month, £39 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone 16 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper on contract at £433.16 over the life of the deal from £12.99 per month with £99.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone 16?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 13 uses a OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 16 has a Super Retina XDR OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone 16?

The Apple iPhone 13 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone 16?

The Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £199.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 and Apple iPhone 16?

The Apple iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 and Apple iPhone 16 use?

The Apple iPhone 13 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone 16?

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 3g lighter at 170 grams, both are similar in overall footprint.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone 16?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 13 and Apple iPhone 16 run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.