Iphone 15 Plus Vs Iphone 13 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

For many iPhone users, the decision to upgrade isn’t just about desire—it’s about value. If you’re still using an iPhone 13 Plus, the release of the iPhone 15 Plus raises a critical question: does the new model offer enough meaningful improvements to justify the cost? After all, the iPhone 13 Plus remains a powerful device with solid performance and excellent camera capabilities. But technology evolves fast, and Apple’s latest flagship brings notable advancements. Let’s take a deep dive into what’s changed—and whether those changes matter in your daily life.

Performance and Chipset: A Generational Leap

The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and here, the difference between the two models is significant. The iPhone 13 Plus runs on the A15 Bionic chip—still one of the most capable processors in mobile history when it launched. However, the iPhone 15 Plus features the A17 Pro chip, built on a more advanced 3nm manufacturing process. This translates to faster CPU and GPU performance, better energy efficiency, and enhanced machine learning capabilities.

In real-world use, this means smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and noticeably better performance in graphics-intensive applications like gaming or video editing. The A17 Pro also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, making games more immersive. While the A15 holds up well for everyday tasks, the A17 Pro ensures the iPhone 15 Plus will remain future-proof for years to come.

Tip: If you frequently edit videos, play high-end games, or rely on AI-powered apps, the A17 Pro’s performance gains are worth considering.

Camera Upgrades: More Than Just Megapixels

Apple has significantly improved the camera system on the iPhone 15 Plus. While both phones feature dual-camera setups (wide and ultra-wide), the differences lie in sensor quality, software enhancements, and new features.

• Primary Sensor: The iPhone 15 Plus now includes a larger 48MP main sensor (up from 12MP), allowing for higher-resolution photos and better detail capture, especially in low light.
• Optical Zoom: The 15 Plus offers 2x optical zoom via sensor cropping, giving you tighter framing without losing quality—a feature absent on the 13 Plus.
• Smart HDR 5: Enhanced computational photography delivers more natural skin tones, balanced highlights, and richer shadows.
• Log Video Recording: Professionals will appreciate ProRes video recording over 4K HDR, previously limited to the Pro lineup.

If you're someone who values photography—whether capturing family moments or creating social media content—the iPhone 15 Plus delivers tangible improvements that show up clearly in image quality.

“With the 48MP sensor and improved dynamic range, the iPhone 15 Plus sets a new standard for computational photography in non-Pro models.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse

Battery Life and Charging: Small Gains, Big Impact

Battery life on the iPhone 13 Plus was already impressive, offering up to 26 hours of video playback. The iPhone 15 Plus improves slightly, with Apple claiming up to 27 hours. In practice, this extra hour may not seem dramatic, but combined with the A17 Pro’s efficiency, users report longer screen-on time under heavy usage.

More impactful is the charging evolution. The iPhone 15 Plus finally adopts USB-C, aligning with EU regulations and simplifying cable management for users with MacBooks, iPads, or Android devices. While the included charger is still slow (20W max supported), third-party PD chargers can deliver full-speed charging. In contrast, the iPhone 13 Plus uses Lightning, which is increasingly becoming outdated across ecosystems.

Charging Comparison

Feature	iPhone 13 Plus	iPhone 15 Plus
Port Type	Lightning	USB-C
Max Charging Speed	20W (with compatible adapter)	27W (with PD 3.0+)
Cable Compatibility	Proprietary	Universal (USB-C)
Fast Charging Support	Limited	Improved algorithm + wider compatibility

Design and Durability: Subtle but Meaningful Changes

Aesthetically, both phones share a similar form factor—large 6.7-inch displays, flat aluminum edges, and Ceramic Shield front covers. However, the iPhone 15 Plus introduces a textured matte glass back, which resists fingerprints better than the glossy finish of the 13 Plus. It also features slightly rounded edges, improving grip and comfort during extended use.

Durability gets a minor boost with IP68 water resistance rated at 6 meters for 30 minutes (same as 13 Plus), but real-world tests suggest better sealing around ports due to the redesigned USB-C interface. Additionally, the 15 Plus benefits from stronger drop protection thanks to refined internal bracing.

Tip: Consider pairing your iPhone 15 Plus with a MagSafe-compatible case to protect the new port and maintain wireless charging convenience.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone 13 Plus for nearly three years. She loved the battery life and camera but found herself struggling with slower export times when editing 4K footage. After upgrading to the iPhone 15 Plus, she noticed immediate improvements: faster rendering in LumaFusion, crisper 2x zoom shots during outdoor shoots, and the ability to transfer large files directly to her MacBook via USB-C without adapters.

“I didn’t think I needed a new phone,” she said. “But once I started using the 15 Plus, I realized how much friction the old setup added to my workflow. The USB-C alone saved me ten minutes per day.”

Her experience reflects a broader trend: while casual users may not feel urgent pressure to upgrade, professionals and power users benefit significantly from the cumulative improvements.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, ask yourself the following questions. Check off each item that applies to your situation:

1. Do you currently experience lag when editing videos or running multiple apps?
2. Are you frustrated by the lack of USB-C compatibility across your devices?
3. Do you often take photos in low-light conditions where detail matters?
4. Have you noticed your battery degrading after two or more years of use?
5. Do you plan to keep your phone for another 3+ years?
6. Are you using older accessories that don’t support modern standards?

If you checked three or more items, the iPhone 15 Plus likely offers enough value to justify the upgrade. For those checking fewer, holding onto the iPhone 13 Plus—or opting for a refurbished 14 Plus—might be the smarter financial move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 13 Plus still run the latest iOS updates?

Yes. Apple typically supports iPhones for five to six years after release. The iPhone 13 series launched with iOS 15 and is compatible with iOS 17 and expected to support iOS 18 and beyond. Performance remains smooth for most tasks.

Does the iPhone 15 Plus have Dynamic Island?

No. Despite rumors, the iPhone 15 Plus does not include the Dynamic Island feature, which remains exclusive to the Pro models. It retains the traditional notch design.

How much storage should I get on the iPhone 15 Plus?

The base storage jumps to 128GB (from 128GB on 13 Plus), eliminating the 64GB option. For most users, 128GB is sufficient. However, if you shoot lots of 4K video or download many games, consider 256GB to avoid constant file management.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The iPhone 13 Plus remains an excellent device—responsive, reliable, and capable of handling everyday needs with ease. But the iPhone 15 Plus isn't just an incremental update; it's a strategic step toward a more unified, efficient, and future-ready ecosystem.

The combination of the A17 Pro chip, superior camera system, USB-C adoption, and long-term software support makes the iPhone 15 Plus a compelling choice—especially for users who depend on their phones for creativity, productivity, or connectivity across devices.

However, if your iPhone 13 Plus is performing well and you don’t need the latest camera tricks or faster file transfers, waiting another year could save you hundreds. Apple’s trade-in programs also make upgrading easier, potentially reducing the effective cost by $200 or more.

💬 Ready to decide? Assess your current usage, weigh the real-world benefits, and choose based on need—not hype. Share your thoughts below: are you upgrading to the iPhone 15 Plus, or sticking with your 13 Plus?