When Apple launched the iPhone 13 in 2021, it quickly became one of the most popular iPhones ever made, thanks to its sleek design, powerful A15 Bionic chip, and reliable camera system. Fast forward to 2025, and while the iPhone 17 is making headlines, many people are asking a different question: Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying in 2025?
In this article, we’ll break down the iPhone 13’s performance, software support, cameras, battery life, and overall value to help you decide if it’s still a smart buy in 2025.
iPhone 13 Review In 2025
iPhone 13 Specs
| Specs | Apple iPhone 13 |
| Weight (grams) | 174 g |
| Memory & Storage | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM |
| Display | 6.1 inches
1170 x 2532 pixels Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10 |
| Processors | Apple
A15 Bionic (5 nm) |
| Rear Camera | Main:
12 MP Ultrawide: 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP |
| Charging Speed | 20W wired
15W Magsafe 15W Qi wireless charging |
| Battery Capacity | 3240 mAh |
| iPhone Released Date | September 24th, 2021 |
iPhone 13 Performance in 2025
The performance of the iPhone 13 in 2025 is excellent and very strong. To this day, the A15 that powers the iPhone 13 is capable of handling most tasks, including graphically intensive ones like high-graphics gaming, video editing, etc efficiently.
Don’t expect the best of the best performance from this device, but it’ll get the job done.
| Phone | iPhone 13 | Google Pixel 10 | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Score | Single Core: 2314 Multi Core: 5493 | Single Core: 2306 Multi Core: 5306 | Single Core: 3431 Multi Core: 8503 |
Note: Higher score is better
As you can see from the table, there’s a big gap between the iPhone 13’s performance and that of the newer iPhone 16, but that doesn’t make it bad. As the table also points out, the 4-year-old iPhone 13 surprisingly stomps the brand-new Google Pixel 10.
iPhone 13 Software Support & Updates in 2025
Looking at Apple’s prolific software support history, the iPhone 13 is expected to receive major iOS updates till at least iOS 28.
So even if you buy the iPhone 13 in 2025, you’d still get at least 2 more major iOS software updates, which is good enough for a phone that’s already 4 years old.
Unfortunately, even though the iPhone 13 will still receive major iOS updates, it won’t get any Apple Intelligence features, as the hardware doesn’t support it. Security updates and app compatibility should hold up well for at least another 3-5 years. So even when major iOS updates stop, the iPhone 13 will still be usable.
iPhone 13 Battery Life & Charging in 2025
When the iPhone 13 series first released in 2021, it had industry-leading battery life and smashed every battery test. Now, in 2025, the battery life of the iPhone 13 is just okay. It will get you through your day on light usage, but don’t expect anything exceptional on heavy usage. Battery health is also crucial, so look out for an iPhone 13 with high battery health, at the very least above 80%.
Another thing to note is that buying the iPhone 13 in 2025 means you’ll have to use the old Lightning charging cable, which could be a hassle considering how most devices now use USB-C. According to tests, the iPhone 13 takes around 2 hours to go from 0 to 100%.
iPhone 13 Design & Display in 2025
The iPhone 13 still looks fresh in 2025. Its flat-edge design, aluminum frame, and Ceramic Shield front give it a premium look and feel that hasn’t gone out of style. Compared to newer models, it doesn’t feel “old” at all.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display remains sharp, bright, and color-accurate, with HDR support making videos and photos look stunning. For everyday use, social media, YouTube, and Netflix it holds up really well.
That said, you do miss out on newer features like Always-On Display and 120Hz ProMotion found on newer Pro models. Scrolling and animations don’t feel as smooth, which might matter to heavy users or gamers. Still, for most people, it’s more than good enough.
iPhone 13 Camera Quality in 2025
4 generations later, and the cameras of the iPhone 13 have aged like fine wine. The iPhone 13 features a 12 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide dual camera setup. And even in 2025, it still takes great pictures.
If you’re a content creator, videos taken on the iPhone 13 still look crisp and clean—social media worthy. Plus, it has cinematic mode. Low-light performance is still good enough for most people.
Although the iPhone 13 is missing some of the latest features seen on newer iPhones, the overall camera performance of the device is very good, especially when you consider its price and age.
Talking about price
iPhone 13 Price in 2025
The iPhone 13 has been discontinued for some years now, so you’d be hard-pressed to find a brand-new iPhone 13 for sale in 2025. But you can easily get an iPhone 13 in 2025 in the secondhand and refurbished market.
The current price of the iPhone 13 in 2025 sits around $250-$350 depending on its condition.
Who Should Still Buy the iPhone 13 in 2025?
- Budget-conscious buyers who want the iPhone experience without paying flagship prices.
- First-time iPhone users looking to enter the Apple ecosystem affordably.
- Everyday users who mainly use their phone for social media, photos, videos, streaming, and light productivity.
- People who prefer smaller upgrades and don’t feel the need for the very latest features.
Who Should Skip the iPhone 13?
- Power users who need advanced features like ProMotion (120 Hz), better zoom cameras, or the longest-lasting battery life.
- Tech enthusiasts who always want the latest features, including USB-C, faster 5G speeds, and Apple Intelligence.
- Heavy gamers or creators who want maximum performance and future-proofing for years to come.
- People planning to keep their phone for 5+ years, since iOS support will end around 2027–2028.
Bottom Line
Is the iPhone 13 still good in 2025? Absolutely.
The iPhone 13 strikes a great balance between price, performance, and reliability. It may not have the cutting-edge features of the latest iPhones, but for everyday users who just want a smooth, dependable device, it’s still an excellent choice. If you find one at a good price with solid battery health, the iPhone 13 is definitely worth considering; just don’t expect it to be the most future-proof option on the market.
FAQs: Is the iPhone 13 Still Good in 2025?
Is it good to take the iPhone 13 in 2025?
Yes, the iPhone 13 in 2025 is still a good option if you’re looking for a reliable iPhone at a budget-friendly price. It delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, strong cameras, and iOS updates for a few more years. While it lacks newer features like USB-C and Apple Intelligence, it’s still a smart buy for casual users.
How much longer will the iPhone 13 be supported?
Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years. Since the iPhone 13 launched in 2021, it should receive major iOS updates until around 2027–2028. That means the iPhone 13 in 2025 still has at least 2–3 years of software and security updates left.
How much is an iPhone 13 in 2025?
The price of an iPhone 13 in 2025 depends on where you buy it. Refurbished and second-hand models generally range around mid-tier Android pricing, making it one of the best value iPhones. Compared to newer models, it’s significantly cheaper while still delivering solid performance.
Is the iPhone 13 old now?
Technically, yes; it’s a 4-year-old device in 2025. But the iPhone 13 doesn’t feel outdated thanks to its sleek design, OLED display, and strong A15 Bionic chip. While newer iPhones offer advanced features, the iPhone 13 in 2025 is still far from “too old” for everyday use.