Introduction
The iPhone 13, released in 2021, brought important upgrades like the A15 Bionic chip, improved battery life, and advanced camera features, while keeping the popular design and Face ID system. Fast-forward to 2025, and the iPhone 13 remains an incredibly strong choice for buyers looking for an affordable, high-performance iPhone.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, certified used and refurbished iPhone 13 models now start at $250+. Compared to newer models that cost much more, the iPhone 13 strikes an excellent balance between price, performance, and longevity.
In this blog, we’ll explore whether the iPhone 13 is still worth buying in 2025 based on performance, camera quality, battery life, and future software support.
iPhone 13 in 2025: Pricing and Availability
As of 2025, certified used and refurbished iPhone 13 units are available starting at around $250. Availability is strong, with many units coming from lease returns, trade-ins, and upgrade programs. You can easily find iPhone 13 models in different storage options like 128GB, 256GB, and even 512GB through trusted refurbishers.
With its competitive pricing, the iPhone 13 provides a sweet spot between affordability and high-end features, making it a better deal than many budget Android phones in the same price range.
iPhone 13 Performance in 2025: Is the A15 Bionic Still Fast?
The A15 Bionic chip inside the iPhone 13 remains a powerhouse in 2025.
- Whether you're gaming, multitasking, video editing, or just browsing the web, the A15 delivers smooth and fast performance. It outperforms many 2025 mid-range and even some newer budget smartphones in speed tests.
- Apps open quickly, multitasking remains smooth, and gaming performance still feels premium with very few frame drops or slowdowns.
✅ Verdict: The A15 Bionic still delivers flagship-level speed in 2025.
iOS Support: How Long Will the iPhone 13 Be Updated?
Apple is known for its long software support, typically offering 5–6 years of major iOS updates after a phone’s release.
The iPhone 13 launched with iOS 15 in 2021. That means you can expect support until at least iOS 20 or iOS 21, around 2026 or 2027.
Not only will you continue to receive new features, but you’ll also get critical security updates, keeping your phone safe and running smoothly for years.
✅ Verdict: The iPhone 13 will remain fully supported for at least another 2–3 years.
iPhone 13 Chipset (A15) for 2025
The A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13 is built on a 5nm process, delivering impressive efficiency and performance even in 2025.
Key features include:
- 6-core CPU (2 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores)
- 4-core GPU (5-core GPU on iPhone 13 Pro models)
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced AI and machine learning tasks
The A15 Bionic ensures that the iPhone 13 remains capable for intensive tasks like photo editing, 4K video recording, AR apps, and future iOS updates.
✅ Verdict: In 2025, the A15 is still one of the best processors in any smartphone.
iPhone 13 Camera System: Still Competitive in 2025?
The iPhone 13 features a dual-camera system with a 12MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-Wide lens. Key camera advantages include:
- Night Mode for better low-light photos
- Sensor-Shift Stabilization (first introduced on non-Pro models) for sharper shots
- Cinematic Mode for video with professional-style depth-of-field effects
- 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision support
While newer iPhones might offer slight improvements, the iPhone 13’s camera system still holds its own, delivering high-quality photos and videos that can easily compete with modern mid-range phones.
✅ Verdict: The iPhone 13’s cameras are still excellent in 2025.
iPhone 13 Battery Life: Does It Still Hold Up?
Battery life was one of the biggest improvements in the iPhone 13 series compared to previous models.
In 2025, a well-maintained iPhone 13 or one with a replaced battery can still deliver:
- Up to 19 hours of video playback
- Strong endurance for all-day use, even with heavy usage
- Excellent standby time, thanks to the efficient A15 chip
Of course, battery health depends on how the device was used and cared for. Certified refurbished models usually have battery health above 80%, and you can always replace the battery at a low cost if needed.
✅ Verdict: The iPhone 13 still offers excellent battery life for 2025 standards.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: Should You Pay $30 More?
The iPhone 14 starts at around $280+ in 2025, compared to the iPhone 13 at $250+. However, finding a certified refurbished iPhone 14 at that price is rare. If you do find one on UpTrade, it’s worth considering.
Let’s compare the specs:
| Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 14 |
| Release Year |
2021 |
2022 |
| Display |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170) |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170) |
| Chipset |
A15 Bionic |
A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
| RAM |
4GB |
6GB |
| Camera |
Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide) |
Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide) with improved low-light performance |
| Front Camera |
12MP |
12MP with autofocus |
| Battery Life |
Up to 19 hours video playback |
Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Emergency Features |
No |
Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via Satellite |
| 5G Support |
Yes |
Yes |
| Starting Price (2025 Certified Refurbished) |
$250+ |
$280+ |
Key Takeaways:
- Performance: Practically identical between iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. Both use the A15 Bionic with very similar real-world speed.
- Camera: Slight improvements in low-light photography and better front camera autofocus on iPhone 14.
- Battery: Minor increase in battery life with iPhone 14.
- Emergency Features: iPhone 14 introduces Crash Detection and Satellite Emergency SOS—useful but niche for most users.
✅ Verdict: If you find an iPhone 14 at $280+, it’s a rare and excellent deal thanks to slightly longer iOS support and minor upgrades. Otherwise, the iPhone 13 at $250+ remains the smarter and more available choice.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12: Should You Save $70?
The iPhone 12 is priced at around $180+ in 2025, making it $70 cheaper than the iPhone 13. It’s a good option for budget-conscious buyers, but the iPhone 13 offers meaningful upgrades that are worth considering if you have a little more to spend.
Let’s compare the specs:
| Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 13 |
| Release Year |
2020 |
2021 |
| Display |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170) |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170) |
| Chipset |
A14 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
| RAM |
4GB |
4GB |
| Camera |
Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide) |
Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide) with Sensor-Shift Stabilization |
| Front Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
| Battery Life |
Up to 17 hours video playback |
Up to 19 hours video playback |
| MagSafe Support |
Yes |
Yes |
| 5G Support |
Yes |
Yes |
| Starting Price (2025 Certified Refurbished) |
$180+ |
$250+ |
Key Takeaways:
- Performance: The A15 chip in the iPhone 13 is faster and more efficient than the A14 in the iPhone 12.
- Camera: iPhone 13 introduces Sensor-Shift Stabilization, improving photo sharpness, especially in low light.
- Battery: iPhone 13 lasts 2 hours longer on average compared to iPhone 12.
- Longevity: iPhone 13 will get iOS updates at least one year longer than iPhone 12.
✅ Verdict: If you’re on a tight budget, the iPhone 12 is a solid choice at $180+. But if you can stretch your budget by $70, the iPhone 13 is the better long-term investment with a better camera, longer battery life, and a newer chip.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the iPhone 13 in 2025?
At $250+, the iPhone 13 is absolutely worth buying in 2025.
It strikes a perfect balance between performance, battery life, camera quality, and future-proof iOS support—without the higher price tag of newer models like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15.
- ✅ Best for Most Users: If you want a powerful, reliable iPhone without spending $300+, the iPhone 13 is the smart choice.
- ✅ If You Find a Deal on iPhone 14: Grab it, but don’t wait—good prices on iPhone 14 are rare in 2025.
- ✅ Budget-Friendly Option: The iPhone 12 at $180+ is still a strong choice if you want to save even more, but the iPhone 13 is better for the long term.
Bottom Line:
The iPhone 13 offers incredible value in 2025 with strong performance, great battery life, excellent cameras, and years of iOS support ahead. It’s one of the smartest used or refurbished buys you can make this year.
FAQs: Buying a Used iPhone 13 in 2025
1. Is the iPhone 13 still good in 2025?
Yes! The iPhone 13 is still excellent in 2025. Its A15 Bionic chip is fast, the camera system remains competitive, and it will receive iOS updates for several more years.
2. How long will the iPhone 13 get iOS updates?
The iPhone 13 is expected to receive iOS updates until at least 2027 or 2028, based on Apple’s typical update cycle.
3. How much should I pay for a used iPhone 13 in 2025?
Certified used and refurbished iPhone 13 models start around $250+ in 2025. Prices may vary depending on condition, storage size, and warranty options.
4. Is the iPhone 13 better than the iPhone 12?
Yes. The iPhone 13 has a newer chip (A15 vs A14), better battery life, Sensor-Shift Stabilization for sharper photos, and will get software updates for a longer period.
5. Should I buy an iPhone 13 or wait for a cheaper iPhone 14?
If you find a good deal on an iPhone 14 ($280+), it's worth considering. But iPhone 14 deals are rare in 2025, so the iPhone 13 at $250+ is usually the better, more available option.
6. Is the iPhone 13 camera still good in 2025?
Absolutely. It supports Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and 4K video recording with excellent results, even compared to newer phones.
7. Does the iPhone 13 support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 13 supports 5G connectivity, offering faster speeds and better network performance where available.
8. Is buying a refurbished iPhone 13 safe?
Yes—especially if you buy a certified refurbished device from trusted sellers listed on UpTrade. These phones are tested, cleaned, and often come with warranties.
9. What are the storage options for the iPhone 13?
The iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. Most buyers find 128GB more than enough for typical use.
10. Is it better to buy a used iPhone 13 or a brand-new iPhone SE 3rd Gen?
The iPhone 13 is generally a better choice. It has a larger OLED screen, dual cameras, better battery life, and a more modern design compared to the SE 3rd Gen, despite both having the A15 chip. And Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 13 is much cheaper than a new iPhone SE 3rd Gen.
