iPhone 13 Pro: Features, Specs & Price Guide

When the iPhone 13 Pro came out, I’ll admit I was skeptical. Every year, Apple hypes their new lineup like it’s the second coming of the smartphone, and while they’ve pulled off some serious upgrades in the past, I wasn’t sure this one would live up to it. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. After using the iPhone 13 Pro for nearly a year, I can confidently say it’s one of the best investments I’ve made in tech—though not without a few things I wish I’d known beforehand.  

The Display That Ruined Other Screens for Me  

First off, let’s talk about the Super Retina XDR display. It’s a mouthful to say, but basically, this thing is gorgeous. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it feels like butter when you’re scrolling through apps or watching videos. I remember the first time I opened Netflix on it—honestly, it made my old TV look like it was from the Stone Age. The brightness is insane, too; even in direct sunlight, you can actually see your screen clearly.  

Here’s something I didn’t expect, though: once you experience ProMotion (Apple’s fancy name for the 120Hz), going back to anything less feels... wrong. I borrowed a friend’s iPhone 12 for a day and couldn’t figure out why scrolling felt so sluggish. Turns out, it was just the 60Hz screen I was used to before.  

Pro tip: If you’re into photo or video editing, this display is a game changer. The colors are more accurate than any laptop screen I’ve used, and the brightness boost makes working on the go a lot easier.  

The Camera That Made Me a Wannabe Photographer  

Okay, I’m not a photographer—far from it. But the iPhone 13 Pro makes you feel like one. The triple-camera system is next-level, especially with the new macro mode. The first time I tested it, I got way too close to a flower in my backyard and was blown away by how much detail it captured.  

Then there’s Cinematic Mode, which I thought was just a gimmick until I filmed my dog running in slow motion. It’s like having a mini movie studio in your pocket. And don’t get me started on Night Mode—it makes low-light shots look like they were taken in the middle of the day.  

But here’s the thing: the camera is only as good as the photographer. I learned this the hard way after taking 50 “artsy” pictures of my coffee mug, only to realize that no amount of bokeh blur was going to make it interesting. Lesson learned.  

Pro tip: If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, give yourself time to experiment with the camera settings. The ProRAW feature is amazing for editing, but it does eat up storage like crazy.  

The Battery Life That (Mostly) Keeps Up  

Apple claimed the 13 Pro had improved battery life, and I was cautiously optimistic. Turns out, it’s legit. On most days, I can make it from morning to night with plenty of juice left, even with heavy use. That said, if you’re someone who lives on their phone (hi, TikTok addicts), you might still want to keep a charger handy.  

There was one day I spent hours filming videos, editing photos, and streaming music, and by dinner time, the battery was gasping for air. That’s when I realized the fast-charging feature is a lifesaver. You can go from 0% to around 50% in just 30 minutes with a 20W adapter (which, of course, isn’t included in the box because Apple).  

Pro tip: If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone and aren’t used to MagSafe, it’s worth the investment. The MagSafe charger is ridiculously convenient, and there are some great third-party options that don’t break the bank.  

Price: Is It Worth It?  

Let’s be real—the iPhone 13 Pro isn’t cheap. Starting at $999 for the 128GB model, it’s an investment. I went with the 256GB version for $1,099 because I knew I’d be taking a ton of photos and videos, and I don’t regret it. But if you’re a casual user who mostly streams content and uses cloud storage, the 128GB might be enough.  

What surprised me, though, was how much trade-in value my old phone had. Apple gave me $400 for my iPhone X, which softened the blow. And if you’re upgrading from a newer model, you could get even more.  

Pro tip: Don’t buy directly from Apple unless you have to. Carriers often have deals or trade-in offers that can save you a ton. I got an extra $200 off by switching plans.  

Final Thoughts  

If you’re on the fence about upgrading, here’s my two cents: if you’re coming from an older iPhone (like the X or 8), the 13 Pro is a massive upgrade in every way. If you’ve already got a 12, the jump might not feel as dramatic unless you’re a camera nerd or want that 120Hz display.  

For me, it’s the little things—like how much faster apps load, or how buttery smooth everything feels—that make the 13 Pro worth it. Just don’t expect it to turn you into a pro photographer overnight. That part’s still up to you.