The latest iPhones were released in September, and the multiple iPhone 13 models offer everything from budget picks to world-class cameras. Here’s a guide to which iPhone 13 is right for you.
Most Affordable: IPhone 13 Mini
The iPhone 13 Mini starts at $699, representing one of the best values among new smartphones. Budget Android phones simply can’t compete with the performance, user experience, and longevity of the newest iPhones.
To further reduce your cost basis for an iPhone 13 Mini, you can sell an old phone for cash. Even older and more basic models can net you enough to lower the total amount you pay — even an iPhone 8 Plus is worth $100 (depending on memory and condition).
Alternative: A refurbished iPhone XS is also capable, and can cost up to $140 less. That combined with a decent trade-in could reduce your out-of-pocket expense to the $400s for a good phone.
Smallest Profile: IPhone 13 Mini
The iPhone 13 Mini is also the smallest of the new lineup, measuring a compact 5.18 x 2.53 inches. Hikers, backpackers, and other travelers will also like that the phone weighs less than 5 ounces.
Selling an old phone and/or signing a contract can again reduce your total cost. If you do hike, however, make sure any carrier that you sign with provides coverage in more remote places.
Alternative: The iPhone 12 Mini has the same dimensions as the 13 Mini. It can currently be had brand-new from Apple for $100 less.
Largest Screen: IPhone 13 Pro Max
The iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 6.33 x 3.07-inch screen is substantially larger than the 13 Mini’s, and it’s the biggest screen of all the new models. The large screen could help if you constantly make fat-finger errors when texting or using apps. It’s also a good size for watching movies.
Be prepared to spend upwards of $1,599 for a fully-featured iPhone 13 Pro Max. The 256-gigabyte model meets most people’s needs and is slightly more reasonable at $1,199.
These costs, of course, can be further reduced by selling your phone and/or signing a contract. If you have a newer iPhone Pro Max model, you might get $350 or more — that could lower total cost to substantially below $1,000.
Alternative: The iPhone 13’s 5.7 x 2.82-inch screen is just slightly smaller. It’ll meet most people’s needs, and can be had for $799 before selling an old phone.
Best Camera: IPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max have the same cameras, which feature some of the best standard/macro, telephoto and ultra-wide lenses. Both models support low-light photography and have sensor-shift stabilization. Apple’s ProRes video capture is also on both phones for the first time.
The iPhone 13 Pro generally runs $100 less than the Pro Max, starting at $999 before any cash from selling an old phone or discount for a contract. There’s no need to go with the more expensive model solely for photography.
Alternative: The iPhone 13 doesn’t have the same cameras, but it also features image stabilization. If you’re only doing photography (and not video), the 13 model with an aftermarket lens is another strong choice.
Longevity: IPhone 13 / IPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro both have excellent specs, and will be supported with software updates for years. Either will perform well from a perfectly functional perspective.
If your phone is sometimes bumped or dropped, the iPhone 13 Pro might be preferable. It has an aluminum (rather than plastic) case that adds durability. The case combined with a third-party case should provide solid protection against damage. If you’re fairly careful, the iPhone 13 is priced slightly lower.
Get Cash Toward a New Iphone 13
Whichever iPhone 13 model you decide to purchase, we at MLG Cash can reduce how much the phone actually costs you. Trade-in your old phone — Apple or Android — and we’ll give you top dollar for it. We regularly pay a 30 percent premium, above what others offer, for used phones.
To find out how much your phone could be worth, fill out our online form. We’ll tell you exactly what we can pay, and that money can be sent directly via Walmart Cash Pickup or Paypal once you drop the phone off (and its condition is confirmed). You can drop the phone off at any UPS Store location.
In just a short while, we could give you cash-in-hand that can be put toward a new iPhone today.
