Expert review Apple iPhone 13 Pro
No longer available, view the newer model
The iPhone 13 Pro is no longer available. Read what our expert thinks of the newer iPhone 15 Pro (Max).
With the iPhone 15 Pro (Max), you can take better photos, enjoy the useful Dynamic Island, and get a faster processor than with the iPhone 13 Pro (Max). View it here.
First impression Apple iPhone 13 Pro
De black box has a more luxurious look than that of the iPhone 13. That's exactly what fits a pro version. Beneath the device, I find a Lightning to USB-C cable, and a small folder with some booklets, and Apple sticker, and a SIM pin. Since 2020, it doesn't include a charger and earbuds anymore. You have to buy those separately.
Recognizable design
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Camera island with 3 lenses
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Smaller notch.
It stands out that the design has barely changed compared to the iPhone 12 Pro, its predecessor. The device also has a matte back and glossy sides. The camera island on the back and the notch have changed. With the larger lenses on the back, the camera island is back. The speaker and the microphone are placed above the sensors and are now at the top of the device. Because the notch is smaller, you have more screen space when you watch videos.
Improved screen with ProMotion
The iPhone 13 Pro is the first iPhone model with a ProMotion screen. That means the 6.1-inch screen refreshes up to 120 times. This way, I can scroll through my social media pages more smoothly than with the iPhone 13, for example. In addition, I also notice the difference when I play 3D games. Everything is easier on my eyes. Because it's not always necessary to refresh the screen this often, the device adjusts that by itself. This way, I save more energy.
Battery for 1.5 days
Thanks to the new A15 Bionic chip, this device is very fast. Apple like Safari and YouTube open right away. With demanding 3D games, it take a couple of seconds. I can smoothly and quickly navigate through my apps. The most important par of this new chip is the improved battery life. The iPhone 12 Pro lasted a bit more than a working day, but the iPhone 13 Pro easily makes it to the end of the evening. The next day, I still have enough power to reach the end of the morning.
New video mode and macro photography
All lenses support 'Night mode', so your photos still have a good quality in the evening. With the wide-angle lens, I can also take sharp videos close-up, which is called macro photography. Before, the image was blurry, but now the leaf is sharp. With the new 'Movie mode' video function, I can record a video with a special effect It automatically focuses on the person who is most in frame. It looks like the portrait mode, but this time for video. Our vlogger will explain it all in the video review.
Larger size, more battery
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is the larger brother of the iPhone 13 Pro. I can use it for exactly the same things, but the screen is bigger and the battery lasts even longer. The large 6.7-inch screen is comfortable when I watch my favorite series. Thanks to the good battery, I have enough capacity on the go to watch multiple episodes. That's useful for a long journey. The device is less compact than the iPhone 13 Pro. I have small hands, so I find it hard to control it with 1 hand.
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro is the best iPhone that was available in 2021. It's a very fast device, thanks to the A15 Bionic Chip, and it has a very good battery that lasts 1.5 days. Thanks to the different lenses, I can take high-quality photos in any situation. The macro photography options is a nice addition. Do you want more screen space and more battery? I recommend the larger Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.
