Gear

The Best iPhone 13 Deals—and Which Model to Pick

Get those Apple Wallets ready. From the Mini to the Pro Max, we break down all your options.
iphone 13
Photograph: Apple

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ready to upgrade to the iPhone 13? Well, you've got the choice of four iPhone models. If you're struggling to find the best deal, you don't know which model (and color) to pick, or you're wondering if you even need to upgrade, we've got you covered.

Below, we break down the differences between the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, and have details on how to order one of these shiny slabs of glass (or multiple, we don't judge). Be sure to check out our Best iPhone 13 Cases and Accessories and Best MagSafe Accessories guides to kit your new phone.

Updated December 2021: We've added a deal from Visible and fixed some links.

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Is the Upgrade Necessary?

All four iPhone 13 models come with incremental changes over 2020's devices. Slightly longer battery life here, more internal storage there. That's why we don't think it's a sound investment to upgrade if you currently own an iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max.

That mostly rings true for anyone with an iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro. Unless you're really into the boxier frame of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, have the cash to spare, and want to future-proof your device with 5G connectivity, then you're good with what you have. If you're dealing with poor battery life, the first step is to try a battery replacement, which can go a long way in extending the life of your device for a nominal fee. Got an older iPhone? Then have at it! Snag that iPhone 13 with no regrets.

Photograph: Apple
Choose Your iPhone

The iPhone 13 has noteworthy improvements. Each model includes the A15 Bionic chip for slightly better performance, plus longer battery life, more internal storage, improved camera sensors, and new colors. The 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max are the first iPhones with ProMotion, a 120-Hz refresh rate on the display, which you can read more about here.

Just like last year, there's 5G support, but it shouldn't be the sole reason to get a new iPhone, since 5G availability is still rather sparse in the US and not that different from 4G LTE in day-to-day use. To see more differences between each model, Apple's comparison tool can help. 

  1. iPhone 13 ($799): This is the iPhone most people should buy (8/10, WIRED Recommends). In addition to a 6.1-inch OLED display on the front, the back is home to a dual-camera system equipped with sensor-shift stabilization on the main sensor, meaning sharper low-light photos and less shaky videos. A larger image sensor helps take brighter photos at night, and you'll have access to Apple's new Cinematic mode, which essentially brings its popular Portrait mode to video.
  2. iPhone 13 Mini ($699): If you're looking for an iPhone that (literally) fits in the palm of your hand, the Mini's 5.4-inch display will do the trick (8/10, WIRED Recommends). But don't let its small size fool you. This iPhone packs the same features you'll find on the standard iPhone 13. One downside? Battery life struggles to last a full day, even if Apple says it's slightly longer-lasting this year.
  3. iPhone 13 Pro ($999): Those who want a new iPhone with all the bells and whistles should opt for the Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The good news is that the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max share the exact same features, so you're really just choosing a size. In addition to everything mentioned above, there's a telephoto zoom camera along with the other two. All of these cameras work with Apple's Night mode for brighter low-light photos, and you can film in Apple's ProRes video format for extra editing features—though this isn't available yet. You'll need the 256-GB model of each Pro phone if you want to shoot ProRes in 4K. Otherwise, you're restricted to 1080p. The ultrawide camera can also double as a macro camera, so you can take photos of subjects super close-up. The 6.1-inch OLED display has a 120-Hz refresh rate, which means everything will look and feel buttery smooth. You get new color options including gold, sierra blue, graphite, and silver.
  4. iPhone 13 Pro Max ($1,099): This is the phablet of iPhones. With a 6.7-inch display and a battery that lasts two and a half hours longer than its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro Max Apple's most expensive option (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It's ideal for anyone who relies on their smartphone for everything. As we mentioned, the features are the same as the smaller Pro. The battery is slightly larger than the 13 Pro, and it comfortably lasts a full day and then some.
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Apple is still selling the iPhone 11 ($499), iPhone 12 Mini ($599), and iPhone 12 ($699), so if you don't need the latest tech and want to save as much money as you can on a new iPhone, stick with one of these older models, which are still great. Only the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 range support the MagSafe accessory system. Read our Best iPhones guide for more details. 

How to Get It Unlocked

If the thought of signing a contract with a wireless carrier makes you want to scream, good. We always recommend you buy a phone unlocked. You won't run into any issues if you need to switch carriers or just have it work painlessly abroad. That said, Apple says all the carrier versions it sells on its website are unlocked—except for AT&T when you purchase on an installment plan. 

You can also trade in an eligible iPhone to receive credit toward the iPhone 13. But check out our guide on selling your iPhone to get the most for your current device. 

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Deals on Network-Locked Phones

If you decide to go with a carrier version, you'll get $30 off the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini. That brings the Mini down to $699 and the standard 13 to $799. Here are a few promotions carriers are running on the iPhones. 

  • AT&T is offering both new and existing customers up to $800 off the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini and up to $1,000 off the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max when you purchase either on an installment plan with an eligible trade-in, and you need to be on an unlimited plan. It comes with a $30 activation/upgrade fee. The savings come in the form of bill credits.
  • T-Mobile/Sprint is offering up to $1,000 off the iPhone 13 Pro with an eligible trade-in device and if you’re on a Magenta Max or Sprint Max plan. The carrier will also throw in a pair of AirPods (second-generation) and a year of Apple TV+ for free. On any plan, you'll get up to $500 off with an eligible trade-in on the iPhone 13 Pro and up to $65 off AirPods (second-generation). You can also get up to $500 off the iPhone 13 series with an eligible trade-in. Those who buy any iPhone 13 model without an eligible trade-in device can get up to $800 off a second device when existing customers activate a new line (new customers will have to activate two). The savings come in bill credits.
  • Verizon is offering up to $1,000 off the iPhone 13 Pro series with select trade-in models (in any condition) when on any unlimited plan, but you'll need to activate a new line and you'll have to buy the phone on a monthly installment plan. If you buy an iPhone 13 at full price, you'll also get up to $800 off a second one when you choose any unlimited plan (also requires a new line). If you switch over to a Verizon unlimited plan from another carrier, you'll get up to $1,000 off in the form of a virtual prepaid Mastercard. You'll also get $150 off an Apple Watch (Series 6, Series 7, and SE specifically) with the purchase of an iPhone on any plan. You'll see the savings in bill credits.
  • Visible is offering the AirPods Pro and a $100 virtual gift card of your choice—to a selection of stores from Visible's list—to new members who transfer their number from an eligible carrier with the purchase of an iPhone 13 model. You'll receive both the AirPods and gift card after activating your line and three full months of payments. For those in rural areas, Visible is our recommended carrier in our list of Best Cheap Phone Plans.
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