Key Points
- Skip right to an iPhone 14 for the latest technology.
- iPhone 13 has much slower charging than its competitors.
- You must pay more for a Pro if you want the 120Hz OLED display.
- You get the same old camera the iPhone 12 has.
- It lacks emergency SOS via satellite and crash detection options.
Smartphones have become key in our daily lives, using them for everything from work to connecting with friends. It can be pretty tempting to go out and buy the most recent iPhone, but is it always worth it?
We’ll dive into some of the major reasons you might want to avoid an iPhone 13, plus some alternatives at the end of the article. Follow along with us!
Skip to An iPhone 14
The biggest reason to skip the iPhone 13 if you have an older mobile phone is that you can go right to the iPhone 14. And depending on your service plan, the prices between the two aren’t very different. So, you’ll get the latest technology to date by skipping right over a generation or two, depending on what technology your current phone uses.
Slow Charging
If you use a 20-watt Lightning cable, Apple says all four models of the iPhone 13 get a 50% charge in about 35 minutes.
That might sound good at first, but it may shock you to learn Apple’s competition has much faster charging. For example, a comparable OnePlus 9 Pro uses 65 watts of wireless charging for a 29-minute 100% charge via the Warp Charge 50 Wireless. Apple can only get half that speed with a wire, so the charging capability is pretty slow.
Only the iPhone 13 Pro Has the 120Hz Screen
Androids offer 120Hz frame rates on display screens on even their less expensive mid-range smartphones. iPhones only give you smoother images on the iPhone 13 Pro, leaving out the standard and mini models.
Both iPhone 13 Pro versions have OLED displays with variable frame rates up to 120Hz, but the regular iPhone 13 only has 60Hz. So, if you want clear images when you’re scrolling and gaming, you’ll need to shell out more money for one of the two Pro models.
No Real Camera Improvements
Another reason to avoid an iPhone 13 is that the camera doesn’t have substantial improvements. You’ll find a periscope camera and 8K video filming in competitors’ mobile phones. But you won’t find those in the iPhone 13.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra has a periscope for hybrid zooms and 100x digital zoom images. And while that’s not something you’d likely use daily, it’s still handy for Swifties trying to catch a close-up of Tayler onstage.
In addition, Apple didn’t make any video recording changes with the iPhone 13, so you can still record at 60 frames per second, up to 4K, but you won’t get 8K with this phone version. iPhones don’t get this extra capability until the 14’s release.
No Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection
The satellite emergency SOS and the crash detection options are two reasons to avoid an iPhone 13 and move straight to the iPhone 14. For hikers, backpackers, and outdoor people, we’ve always had to carry an extra device, like a Garmin, when trekking beyond cell service areas.
But Apple’s iPhone 14 changes that! It will work with a satellite to help connect you to emergency services when you’re off-grid or detect if you’ve been in a crash and help you initiate a call for help. These options unfortunately aren’t available on the iPhone 13.
©Framesira/Shutterstock.com
Best Alternatives to an iPhone 13
If you want to avoid the iPhone 13 altogether, here are some excellent alternatives.
iPhone 14 Renewed
- Vibrant 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology
- High resolution and color accuracy make everything look sharp and true to life
- New Main camera and improved image processing to capture your shots in all kinds of light - especially low light
- 4K Cinematic mode at 24 FPS
- A15 Bionic, with a 5‑core GPU for lightning-fast performance
- Super-fast 5G
- Blue
Renewed or refurbished phones are an excellent way to get newer technology without spending as much money. They are fully functional and you’ll get Amazon’s 90-day guarantee, so you can make a worry-free purchase.
Another thing we like about buying a refurbished phone is that it comes unlocked. For anyone who travels out of the United States, an unlocked phone provides the freedom to purchase a SIM card or an e-SIM at your destination quickly.
Samsung Phones
- 512GB
- 200MP camera
- Night Mode
- Long battery life
- Includes an S Pen
- Cream color
In many circles, Samsung tops Apple for the best smartphones. Each brand has its loyal fans and for a good reason. Global sales for the two brands pit them almost equally, with Apple selling 27.1% to Samsung’s 26.75% market share. So, if you’re looking for a quality product to help you avoid an iPhone 13, Samsung is a premium choice.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra came out in February 2023 and is one of Samsung’s best options. The cameras are phenomenal, putting professional-quality images at your fingertips. There are more megapixels than some reviewers ever expected from a mobile phone.
In addition, Samsung prioritizes speed with the new chipset, Bespoke Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, so you have the streaming speed you need in a sleek device.
Google Phones
- 6.7-inch 120Hz display
- Tensor G2 chip and M2 security
- Stock Android
- Triple camera array
If you want a new phone without spending a ton of money, Google has some suitable options. Coming in around the same price as a refurbished iPhone 14, Google Pixel 7 Pro makes you stop to take a longer look.
Google phones don’t have all the bells and whistles of their rivals, but what they have, they do exceptionally well. You’ll get super clear calls and a handy photography feature called Photo Unblur that knocks your socks off. It takes good images and has quick responses when switching between apps.
In addition, Google uses similar technology to the iPhone 14 Pro’s display with an LTPO OLED display, so your screen stays bright and easy to view.
Wrapping Up
We’ve shared the five reasons to avoid an iPhone 13 if you’re in the market for a new smartphone. And we’ve shared some viable alternatives. So you’re better prepared to make a sound purchasing decision.
| Reasons to Avoid an iPhone 13 Summary |
|---|
| Skip right to an iPhone 14 for the latest technology. |
| iPhone 13 has much slower charging than its competitors. |
| You must pay more for a Pro if you want the 120Hz OLED display. |
| You get the same old camera the iPhone 12 has. |
| It lacks emergency SOS via satellite and crash detection options. |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Yalcin Sonat/Shutterstock.com.
