Tech head-to-head
Apple iPhone 13vsApple iPhone 15
Apple iPhone 13 and Apple iPhone 15 are both Apple, and they average 8.2 and 8.4. Apple iPhone 13 takes Value, 8.8 to 7.6.
Apple iPhone 13
Apple
8.2
The used-market sweet spot: the A15, a 128GB floor, and a SIM tray even on US models.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Apple iPhone 15
Apple
8.4
The newest iPhone resale has made sensible, and the first to show its battery cycle count.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Where they diverge
The widest gap is Value, Apple iPhone 13 ahead 8.8 to 7.6. They come closest on Ease of use, 8.8 to 8.4. Left of center is Apple iPhone 13, right is Apple iPhone 15.
Which one to pick
Take the Apple iPhone 13
Leads on Value.
- You want a modern iPhone for a teenager or a second line without new-phone money
- You swap a physical SIM when traveling
- 128GB is the minimum storage you'll accept
Take the Apple iPhone 15
Leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design.
- You want the longest runway of iOS updates you can get without paying new-phone money
- Everything else you charge is already USB-C
- You want to verify a seller's battery claim yourself in Settings
What each one gets wrong
Apple iPhone 13
- You plan to keep it five more years; it's the oldest chip in the top half here
- You'd rather pay a little more for USB-C and the battery data on the 15
Apple iPhone 15
- Apple Intelligence is on your list, since it needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later
- You move a SIM card between phones; US models are eSIM only
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) |
| Chip | A15 Bionic (4-core GPU) | A16 Bionic |
| Main camera | 12MP | 48MP |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C (USB 2 speed) |
| Battery | Up to 19 hrs video playback | Up to 20 hrs video playback |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Both are Apple. Which one do I want?
- Apple iPhone 15 leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design. If Value matters more to you, take the Apple iPhone 13 instead. Apple iPhone 13 averages 8.2 and Apple iPhone 15 averages 8.4, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
- Where do the two Apple models actually differ?
- Value is the widest gap, Apple iPhone 13 ahead 8.8 to 7.6. Every axis lands somewhere different, so the profile shapes differ as much as the totals.
- Which one ranks higher in "Used iPhones on eBay: six worth buying, oldest last"?
- Apple iPhone 15 sits at #1 in "Used iPhones on eBay: six worth buying, oldest last", Apple iPhone 13 at #2.