Apple iPhone Air vs Apple iPhone 13
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPhone Air leads Apple iPhone 13 overall by 13 points (80 vs 67 out of 100).
- Apple iPhone Air stands out on Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB, Memory technology: LPDDR5X, Storage capacity: 256 GB.
- Best value: Apple iPhone 13 (from $799) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple iPhone Air leads overall
$999 at launch
Apple iPhone Air
80
Apple iPhone 13
67
Best value: Apple iPhone 13 ($799)
Why it stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB
- Memory technology: LPDDR5X
- Storage capacity: 256 GB
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is positioned as a premium smartphone designed for users who prioritize minimalist aesthetics without compromising performance. It features an exceptionally thin and lightweight profile while housing high-end components like the A19 Pro chip and advanced camera systems. This model aims to deliver flagship features in a highly portable, elegant form factor.
Best for design-conscious usersBest for media consumptionBest for premium portability
Pros
- The device is notably slim and light, offering a comfortable feel despite its large display size.
- It incorporates a durable Grade 5 titanium frame made with recycled materials.
- Advanced cameras include a 48MP main sensor and an 18MP front camera for high-resolution capture.
- The display is a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR panel featuring ProMotion up to 120Hz.
Cons
- While thin, its design incorporates multiple advanced technologies internally, which might limit physical build or serviceability.
- Connectivity includes high standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, making it a modern but potentially complex device to manage.
Apple iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 is a smartphone released by Apple in September 2021. It features an upgraded chipset, a larger battery, and enhanced camera sensors compared to its predecessor (Source 2, 4). The device maintains the familiar flat design of previous models while offering improved performance features like water resistance (Source 1, 2).
Best for general useBest for users upgrading from older iPhone modelsBest for budget-minded buyers
Pros
- Features a smaller notch cutout for selfie cam and Face ID than previous models (Source 2)
- Includes IP68 rated water and dust resistance (Source 2)
- Has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen protected by ceramic shield, with the standard model offering outstanding color accuracy (Source 2)
- Improved max brightness measurement of around 800 nits compared to older models (Source 2)
- Offers a more diagonal arrangement for rear camera lenses (Source 4)
Cons
- The phone feels slightly heavier, about 10 grams, than previous iterations (Source 2)
- The regular model sticks to a standard 60hz refresh rate, whereas the Pro model offers 120hz (Source 2)
- Some reports note visible downsides related to age, such as problematic buttons (Source 4)
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPhone Air
Apple iPhone 13
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone Air2,800,000
Apple iPhone 13797,858
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPhone Air3,149 mAh
Apple iPhone 133,227 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPhone AirApple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone Air is 21 g (12%) heavier than Apple iPhone 13.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side