iPhone 13: Deal or No Deal

Darshan Pradeep
5 min readSep 27, 2021

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In just a few weeks, Apple will launch its 2021 iPhone 13 models for sale, and since we’ve heard rumors about what to expect from the new devices way before the 2020 iPhone 12 models were released, we know what to expect.

The 2021 iPhone lineup will look similar to the lineup for the 2020 iPhone, including four devices in sizes including 5.4-inches, 6.1-inches, and 6.7-inches, with two iPhones serving as “Pro” models and two serving as more affordable models. For the 2021 iPhone lineup, Apple is expected to use “iPhone 13” instead of “iPhone 12s”, continuing with the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

In terms of design, there aren’t expected to be major changes, but 2021 iPhones will have improved cameras, faster A-series processors, new 5G chips from Qualcomm, and a smaller notch.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Design

There will be striking similarities between the iPhone 13 series and the iPhone 12 series from a design perspective. In addition to the flat design, the 2021 iPhone will have a notch, a lightning port, and a slightly updated camera design (more on that later). According to rumors, the iPhone 13 will have a slightly smaller notch.

In the same way as the 12 series, the iPhone 13 models will also feature an OLED display. With models like the 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Pro and 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro Max coming with 120Hz refresh rates, the iPhone’s reputation as a top-notch gaming device will be further enhanced. The battery drain concern may have caused Apple to put it on hold for such a long time.

Camera module redesign

Leaked images of the iPhone 13 mini don’t have the vertical dual camera setup of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, but rather diagonally arranged cameras. GSMArena reports that this new sensor layout is to accommodate a larger sensor on the iPhone 13 mini (and possibly the basic iPhone 13 model).

According to rumors published by GSMArena, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will not be getting a similar camera redesign. The reason for this is that they have three cameras in their rear camera module, in addition to a LiDAR sensor. Light distance and pixel depth are used to determine the location of items in a scene by using a LiDAR Scanner. A more realistic AR experience and enhanced autofocus in low-light situations are made possible by this sensor.

Additionally, rumors have suggested that Apple is tinkering with the cameras of the upcoming iPhones, as the camera bumps on all models of the iPhone 13 will get thicker.

Rear Camera

Kuo, who has over a decade of experience reporting on Apple with data from the supply chain, claims that in the 2021 iPhone, the ultra-wide cameras will have an f1.8 aperture, a 6P lens, and autofocus for the Pro models. Since the current ultra-wide lens has f2.4 and 5P, improvements in low-light performance will greatly improve pictures.

Some reports claim Apple will include a LiDAR scanner in all four iPhone 13 models, rather than just the Pro models. Earlier this month, the same source said that all 4 iPhone 13 handsets would feature sensor-shift OIS (optical image stabilization) and that the two Pro models would have a bigger main lens

ProMotion Display

A ProMotion display for iPhone may be added in 2021 to optimize content viewing. However, LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide technology) may be necessary to keep battery life under control. Apple watches and Samsung, both use this LTPO technology. Previously, Apple used LTPS screens for iPhones.

A15 Processor

The iPhone 13 Series will feature a powerful processor as does every other new iPhone. This Cupertino-based technology giant is getting ready to introduce the robust A15 Bionic. In light of the fact that Apple’s upcoming A-Series chip is already miles ahead of its Android counterpart (Snapdragon) in both raw power and efficiency, it will be interesting to see how far ahead it will be.

5G Chip and WiFi 6E

Snapdragon X60, a new third-generation 5G modem from Qualcomm, will be used in the iPhones 2021. Snapdragon X60 chips from Qualcomm are constructed using 5-nanometer technology, which provides higher power efficiency in a smaller footprint than Qualcomm’s X55 chip, used in iPhone 12. In addition, 5G can be aggregated from mm Wave and sub-6GHz bands at the same time, and thus provide even better data rates and coverage.

The analysts at Barclays believe that the iPhone 13 models will have WiFi 6E support, which provides the features and benefits of WiFi 6 while extending the bandwidth to 6GHz. While WiFi 6 offers enhanced performance, lower latency, and faster data rates, WiFi 6E offers an additional 2GHz band, allowing it to operate at a higher bandwidth than existing WiFi bands.

Larger Batteries

Apparently, the iPhone 13 models will all have larger batteries, according to a report on the Chinese social networking site Weibo. As for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, it is said that its battery capacity will be 4352mAh, up from 3687mAh in the iPhone 12 Pro Max, while the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro will have batteries of 3095mAh, compared to 2815mAh in the iPhone 12. It is expected that the iPhone 13 mini will have a 2406mAh battery, up from the 2227mAh battery in the iPhone 12 mini.

iPhone 13 Price

Prices don’t change frequently at Apple. The iPhone 13 Series will have the identical price as the iPhone 12 Series if reports are to be believed. Therefore, you may get iPhone 13 (64GB) at ₹ 71,900, iPhone 13 mini (64GB) at ₹ 65,900, iPhone 13 Pro (128GB) at ₹ 115, 900 and iPhone 13 Pro Max (128GB) at ₹ 1,29,900.

My Reasons For Buying iPhone 13

1. Better displays- ProMotion display technology, a switchable 60Hz/120Hz refresh rate display

2. When compared with the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 Pro will have a 15% lower power consumption.

3. Better cameras, especially for low-light situations

What Stops Me From Buying It

  1. Don’t Wait for a Port-Less iPhone 13: iPhone 13 will have a Lightning port

2. Don’t Wait for a Major Redesign- iPhone 13 series has the look and feel of the iPhone 12 series.

3. No provision of 3.5mm Headphone Jack

CONCLUSION

iPhone 13 looks like it will be a great upgrade if the rumors are to be believed. Although many will be disappointed by the lack of a completely new design, the 120Hz refresh rate and the more capable cameras will ensure its popularity.

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