REGRET RADAR

Apple iPhone 13: is it worth it long term?

Apple's 2021 6.1-inch iPhone with the A15 Bionic chip, a 60Hz OLED display and dual 12MP cameras with sensor-shift stabilization. Owners report its battery holding up well for three years or more, though aging batteries and slowdowns after newer iOS updates are now pushing some to upgrade.

Regret score22/100Low regret
Would buy again85%of owners
Long-term satisfaction8.3/10after a year or more
VerdictBUYMedium confidence
Is it worth it for you? Take the fit check Open the interactive page

This entry is written from the 4 sources listed at the bottom of the page. The numbers are our editorial estimates drawn from that material, not measurements, and no statistical sample sits behind them.

Is the Apple iPhone 13 worth it long term?

On the evidence gathered here, yes. 85% of owners say they would buy it again, and satisfaction is still 7.3 out of 10 two years in. Still usable daily for years, and a battery swap can extend its life.

What goes wrong with the Apple iPhone 13 after six months?

At six months the iPhone 13 still delivers strong battery life and quick performance, with its 60Hz screen the main trade-off against the Pro models. Battery wear tends to become a real issue only around the four-year mark.

What are the common long-term problems with the Apple iPhone 13?

Growing reports of slowdowns and battery drain after recent iOS updates. Limited remaining software support for a 2021 phone. An $89 battery replacement may not make it feel new.

Does the Apple iPhone 13 hold up?

Still usable daily for years, and a battery swap can extend its life. Sentiment across the ownership period stays close to flat, which is rare: it reads 8.4 out of 10 in the first week and 7.3 two years later.

Who should buy the Apple iPhone 13?

Worth it for: Budget-minded iphone buyers; One-handed phone users; Owners who keep phones for years. Think twice if: Iphone 12 owners; 120hz screen seekers; Zoom photography fans.

How owners feel about the Apple iPhone 13 over time

Our reading of how sentiment moves across an ownership period, drawn from the sources below. It is an editorial estimate, not tracked longitudinal data.

Estimated satisfaction by stage of ownership
At purchase8.4 / 10
First week8.4 / 10
One month8.3 / 10
Six months8.2 / 10
One year8.0 / 10
Two years or more7.3 / 10

What owners still praise

What owners complain about

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Sources

Every complaint and every piece of praise above traces back to these. The summaries are ours; nothing is quoted, and no link, quote or username anywhere on this site is invented.

  1. iPhone 13 review TechRadar

    Lists the $799 launch price and A15 chip, praising battery life, performance and the screen while noting the 60Hz panel, small upgrade over the iPhone 12 and no charger.

  2. Incredible battery life MacRumors Forums

    An iPhone 13 owner reports 90% battery health after three years, with other owners citing roughly 83-95% and calling the battery still usable.

  3. Understanding the Battery Life of iPhone 13 and tips to saving the battery Apple Support Community

    A four-year iPhone 13 owner notices battery decline; replies say that is normal and a battery replacement could buy about two more years.

  4. iPhone 13 battery issues piling up: time to upgrade? Android Headlines

    Reports rising owner complaints and searches about iPhone 13 battery and slowdowns, an $89 battery fix, and expected support only to about 2028.