With each iPhone, the debate tends to swarm by the same dichotomies: do we like or not they are conservative in design? Is it a “complete” renovation, or would it be a model “s”? When it seems that precisely the intermediate models are missing or in lethargy, those of this year arrive with a dose of changes that may be discreet, but that at some points are significant aspects. In the iPhone 13 Pro review, we check it with one of the candidates for the best mobile of the year.
The smallest of Apple’s Pro line is compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, although only in size (and battery). They are two phones tied at the camera level and the new functions, its screen at 120 Hz and storage up to 1 TB, among other features. Let’s see what grade we put on this expected rival in the highest range of the current mobile landscape.
Design: bigger eyes to see you better
Whether or not two siblings born on the same day are the same depends on the ovules: if there is one, they will be identical twins (or almost, almost), and if there are two, they will be twins. Almost the former happens to the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro because they are like two drops of water except for some details.
At the back, we see that the glass dominates the surface with the alternation of matte and gloss, the latter in a camera module that grows in size. The lenses are larger (also some of the sensors), and the square tile with rounded corners has an edge almost half the width of the back.
The matte finish, which in general tends to give a more sophisticated touch perhaps (this depending on taste), has the wonderful advantage of not getting dirty and not slipping, as we have seen previously in cases such as that of its predecessor or that of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2. Also, as in the latter, the shiny parts are more prone to traces, occurring on the edges (again flat) and the logo.
Those who are users of an iPhone 12 Pro will soon notice another change when they start using the 13 Pro: the buttons have slightly changed location. Nothing negative or worrying because they are still within reach of the fingers without exaggerating the posture, but they are somewhat lower.
The SIM tray becomes somewhat higher on the same side and at the bottom all unchanged, with the Lightning port in the very center and the speaker and microphone on each side, with the same holes. Also, follow the Silent mode button, a brand of the house.
Being so, so similar to its predecessor, so are the dimensions and grip. A user of an iPhone 12 Pro will not notice differences in weight at most (and if it is very sensitive in this regard). The 90-degree angled corners are still somewhat less comfortable than the rounded edges that had remained until the iPhone 11 Pro (since the iPhone 6). Still, it is not difficult to get used to. They do not get to bother, being a mobile that can almost be used with one hand without much problem (although the sizes of the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 are more conducive to this).
With all this, it is a relatively compact mobile, taking into account the trends. Compared with some rivals, and having chosen the smallest size, the iPhone 13 Pro becomes more compact than the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Sony Xperia 5 III, but Sony is the lightest of this selection. (and with a bigger battery than the S21 and the iPhone, probably). Looking at the numbers, the 13 Pro is strictly somewhat bulkier and heavier than the 12 Pro, but as we have said, there are no appreciable differences.
Speaking of the front, here we see another significant change from Cupertino’s doors to the inside. Apple remains highly conservative when it comes to changing the style when it comes to the screen, and the iPhone X was one of the most important leaps in this regard, leaving behind some very symmetrical but quite archaic edges in the already entry era of the fight. By the use of the screen. And in this case, we do not see that jump, but we do see an “expected” reduction in the size of the notch or notch.
It is not something as small as any of the multiple previous renders or the hole in the screen that abounds today and is expected for the iPhone 14, but a shorter and less high notch (in theory, 20% smaller). With this, a little more surface area is gained for the screen, and that the icons on the taskbar can be somewhat wider, but it is not something too noticeable in practice (we will talk about the experience in the next ma section).
With all this, the iPhone 13 Pro is a mobile built with quality materials and well finished, giving the impression that it is resistant and with good sensations to the grip and touch, without slipping or getting dirty on most of its surface. . Without many changes for the good and the not so good.
The panel is one of those more ambiguous parts that exemplifies both change and conservation. The arrival of 120 Hz with ProMotion is the main novelty, thus going from having a fixed 60 Hz refresh rate to a variation between 10 Hz and 120 Hz, depending on the system according to use (and what the system requests/supports). App), in the style of Samsung’s variable setting and similar ones we have already been testing on Android phones.
For the rest, we have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR panel again with a resolution of 2,532 x 1,170 pixels, resulting in about 460 pixels per inch. The contrast ratio remains at 2,000,000: 1, which is not little, and they have boosted the peak brightness to reach 1,200 nits.
The superstar of the novelties of the screen was not so much the rumored arrival of an LTPO panel, but the OLED is maintained and what is incorporated is the maximum of 120 Hz. It thus equals its distant cousin, the iPad Pro, and the standard that more or less is remaining in the industry, seeing that this frequency accommodates even in the most ambitious mid-range and that the “only 60 Hz” are remaining for the most modest and conformist proposals.
Beyond the refresh rate, the screen offers a correct color range and a saturation that does not go beyond the usual extra touch of an OLED panel, with a dose of contrast that is appreciated. The tactile sensitivity is also adequate and generally responds well to everything.
Where iOS does not shine in general, nor in its only version, is in customization. With iOS 14 came the widgets, and that minimally expanded the few (or no) possibilities of customizing the home screen a bit in iOS, but there have been no changes, and we cannot choose between drawer or desktop, change the grid, customize the lock screen, an ambient display.