Apple’s iPhone 13 lineup may resemble the iPhone 12 series at first glance, but significant internal upgrades set it apart. Enhanced performance, improved cameras (notably in the Pro models), and increased base storage are just a few of the highlights. However, the most exciting change comes in the form of better battery life.

Notable Battery Life Gains

The standout performer is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, earning the title of the longest-lasting iPhone ever released as of 2021. Even the compact iPhone 13 mini sees a meaningful battery upgrade, ensuring longer usage across the entire lineup.

How Much Better Is the Battery Life?

The iPhone 13 series outshines its predecessors in battery longevity. After conducting standardized battery tests under identical conditions, all four models demonstrated significant improvements.

Here are Apple’s official battery life upgrades compared to the iPhone 12 series:

iPhone 13 mini: 1.5 hours longer than iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 13: 2.5 hours longer than iPhone 12

iPhone 13 Pro: 1.5 hours longer than iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max: 2.5 hours longer than iPhone 12 Pro Max

In real-world use, the iPhone 13 Pro Max proved to have the longest battery life of any mainstream phone of its generation, living up to much of Apple’s bold claims.

Streaming Video Battery Estimates

Apple also shared video streaming battery life estimates:

iPhone 13 Pro Max: 25 hours

iPhone 13 Pro: 20 hours

iPhone 13: 15 hours

iPhone 13 Mini: 13 hours

For comparison, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offered just 12 hours, while the iPhone 12 mini managed 10 hours.

While some official numbers seem optimistic, especially claims that the iPhone 13 Pro Max could double the battery life in certain scenarios, our tests found substantial — if not quite as dramatic — improvements.

Addressing Battery Drain Concerns

No widespread battery drain issues have been reported for the iPhone 13 series. Apple promotes “all-day battery life,” though our experience with the iPhone 13 Pro Max shows it can even last up to two days with moderate use.

Features to Know

Reverse Wireless Charging: Not Available

Unlike some Android flagship phones, the iPhone 13 series does not support reverse wireless charging. This feature allows phones to charge accessories like smartwatches or wireless earbuds, but it remains absent from Apple’s lineup.

MagSafe Compatibility

Every iPhone 13 model supports MagSafe wireless charging. A magnetic ring on the back ensures secure attachment to compatible chargers, optimizing wireless charging efficiency. The maximum charging speed remains 15W, the same as in the iPhone 12 series, requiring a compatible MagSafe charger for best results.

Charging Speed and Compatibility

The iPhone 13 series supports 20W wired charging, identical to the iPhone 12 models. However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max can unofficially reach charging speeds of up to 27W when using the right power adapter. The other models cap out at 20W.