iPhone 13 Review: Lowkey Great!
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Promos
iPhone 13 improves the 3 most important parts of a smartphone. MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com iPhone 13 screen protectors: dbrand.com iOS 15: youtu.be Filmic Pro: filmicpro.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: No Fear No More - Madeon Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Phones provided by Apple for review. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
The iPhone 13 review centers on how Apple refined a familiar package to deliver meaningful improvements. The video opens with context on upgrade cycles, noting most people don’t upgrade every year, and uses a car analogy to set expectations for what a minor update can mean in real life. The host then confirms the iPhone 13 keeps the same overall design as the 12, while emphasizing notable internal upgrades that affect daily use. The display remains bright and readable, but the larger story lies inside the device: a new A15 Bionic chip paired with a bigger battery yields better efficiency and longer battery life, resulting in typical screen-on time that often hits seven hours and occasionally two full days of light use. Battery life is highlighted as a practical win that changes how users interact with the phone, not just how it looks on a page. The camera system receives the most attention, with larger sensors, sensor-shift stabilization, and improved low-light performance that make everyday photography sharper and more reliable, though the major leap in imaging still shines brightest on the Pros. Beyond hardware, the video dives into software-driven features that aim to redefine how photos and videos are processed, including Photographic Styles which alter tone and color processing in-camera, and Cinematic Mode which introduces depth-of-field effects and ongoing subject tracking for video, albeit with current limitations like 1080p30 recording and restricted manual controls. The host weighs the strengths and weaknesses of Cinematic Mode, suggesting it’s fun for experimentation but not a full professional replacement, and points readers to FiLMiC Pro for more robust video control. Overall, the iPhone 13 is framed as a solid, practical upgrade that improves the most used aspects of a modern smartphone: screen, battery, and cameras, while the upcoming iPhone 13 Pro is teased as the stronger benchmark for camera performance and ecosystem features. The conclusion reinforces that for many users the 13 represents a strong generational step forward, effectively a refined but capable Camry of smartphones, with a future-proofing path through software updates and an imminent Pro option for enthusiasts who want the best camera experience. The review closes with practical notes on accessories, durability considerations like Ceramic Shield wear, and a reminder to subscribe for the forthcoming Pro-focused analysis, alongside sponsor mentions and a quick nod to iOS 15 features that further enhance everyday use.
Topics · technology · smartphones · camera · battery · display · video · software
Questions answered
- What are the core improvements of the iPhone 13 over the iPhone 12?
- The core improvements are a faster A15 Bionic chip, a bigger physically larger battery for better endurance, and enhanced cameras with larger sensors and sensor-shift stabilization, plus new software features like Photographic Styles and Cinematic Mode.
- Is Cinematic Mode ready for professional use?
- Cinematic Mode offers depth-of-field effects and autofocus tracking but is limited to 1080p 30fps with restricted controls, so it is not yet a professional replacement and is more suitable for casual creators or as a feature to experiment with.