Apple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus

Our Verdict: iPhone 16 Plus stands out for a larger 6.7-inch screen. Where iPhone 13 makes sense is a lighter 173g body. If budget is part of the decision, iPhone 13 is the lower-cost option at about £199.95 versus £485. Deal availability is stronger for iPhone 16 Plus right now, although the final choice still depends on tariff and storage. In short, iPhone 16 Plus is for a better viewing experience; iPhone 13 is for keeping the total cost down.

The 13 is the cheaper one to own: around £433 over a typical contract, £363 less than the 16 Plus.

Expert Rating
4.6
10 reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
2532 x 1170 2796 x 1290
Pixels Per Inch
457 460
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery
3,227 mAh 4,674 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 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm
Weight
173 grams 199 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) £32.79/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£184.00 £510.00

Prices updated 17 July 2026

Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 16 Plus Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Expert Rating 4.6
10 reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 2532 x 1170 2796 x 1290
Pixels Per Inch 457 460
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery 3,227 mAh 4,674 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 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm
Weight 173 grams 199 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
£32.79/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £184.00 £510.00
Prices updated 17 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 Plus
Apple iPhone 16 Plus

24 Months

128GB

Ultramarine

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£32.79 per month, £9 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 Plus?

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 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 Plus has a Super Retina XDR OLED.

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

The Apple iPhone 13 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 Plus?

The Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £184.00.

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

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

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 13 is the more portable of the two: it's 26g lighter at 173 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm.

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

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 Plus run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.