The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro represent two very different ways to spend your phone budget in 2026. The 16 Plus is newer, larger, lighter for its size, and equipped for Apple Intelligence, while the 13 Pro retains premium features such as a stainless-steel frame, a 120Hz ProMotion display, a dedicated telephoto camera, and LiDAR. This comparison examines their displays, performance, cameras, batteries, charging systems, software outlook, owner feedback, and expected value on the current new, clearance, and refurbished markets. Because neither model is the latest flagship generation, condition, battery health, storage, and seller support matter almost as much as the specification sheet.
Quick Answer: Choose the iPhone 16 Plus if you want a large display, stronger battery life, USB-C, and longer software relevance. Choose the iPhone 13 Pro if a compact 120Hz screen, telephoto camera, and lower purchase price matter more.
The newer model is not automatically superior in every category. The iPhone 16 Plus wins on size, efficiency, connectivity, and forward-looking software features. The iPhone 13 Pro still has advantages that Apple reserves for Pro phones, most notably adaptive 120Hz refresh, optical telephoto reach, and LiDAR-assisted depth sensing.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Best for LongevityA large-screen iPhone with the efficient A18 chip, USB-C, Camera Control, an Action button, Apple Intelligence support, and notably strong everyday endurance.
View PriceApple iPhone 13 Pro
Best Compact ProAn older compact flagship whose ProMotion screen, triple-camera system, telephoto lens, LiDAR sensor, and premium construction remain attractive at the right price.
View PriceKey Specs Side by Side
| Feature | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 13 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED, 60Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, adaptive 120HzWinner |
| Processor | A18Winner | A15 Bionic |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide | Triple 12MP system with 3x telephotoWinner |
| Connector | USB-CWinner | Lightning |
| Starting storage | 128GB | 128GB |
2. Pricing and Where to Check
In October 2026, both phones should be evaluated as previous-generation purchases rather than current flagships. The iPhone 16 Plus may appear as remaining new stock, carrier inventory, open-box stock, or refurbished inventory. A reasonable target is roughly $550 to $700 depending on storage and condition. The iPhone 13 Pro is primarily a refurbished or used purchase, with an indicative target of about $300 to $450. Regional supply can move either range substantially.
Do not compare sticker prices without checking storage, battery health, warranty length, return terms, carrier status, and cosmetic grade. A 256GB phone with a documented replacement battery may be more valuable than a cheaper 128GB unit approaching service territory. For current retailer listings, use the price comparison below rather than treating any single quoted figure as universal.
Compare iPhone 16 Plus offers across major retailers in one place. Compare it on ShopFox and set a drop alert.
3. Design and Build
The iPhone 16 Plus uses a 6.7-inch format but weighs about 199 grams, making it slightly lighter than the much smaller iPhone 13 Pro at about 204 grams. Its aluminum frame is less luxurious than polished stainless steel, yet the lower weight is noticeable during reading, navigation, and video playback. The tradeoff is reach: one-handed use is considerably easier on the 6.1-inch 13 Pro.
Both models have flat sides, Ceramic Shield front protection, MagSafe, and an IP68 water-resistance rating under controlled conditions. Water resistance can diminish with age or repairs, so it should not be treated as permanent protection on a used 13 Pro. The 16 Plus also adds the customizable Action button and Camera Control. The 13 Pro keeps the familiar Ring/Silent switch.
4. Performance
The A18 gives the iPhone 16 Plus the clear long-term performance advantage. It is faster, more efficient, and designed for newer computational photography and Apple Intelligence workloads. Everyday messaging, browsing, streaming, and social applications remain responsive on the A15 Bionic, however, so the difference will not always feel dramatic during basic use.
Gaming creates a more nuanced result. The 16 Plus has newer processing hardware and better efficiency, but the 13 Pro's 120Hz interface looks smoother when applications support higher frame rates. Sustained performance also depends on ambient temperature, case choice, battery condition, and game optimization. Buyers planning to keep a phone for several years should favor the A18; budget buyers focused on ordinary apps can still find the A15 adequate.
5. Camera
The iPhone 16 Plus has a newer 48MP Fusion main camera that can produce detailed standard images and a useful 2x crop. Its updated ultrawide camera supports macro photography, and Camera Control provides quick access to capture settings. For everyday family photos, landscapes, and social video, its processing and main-camera detail make it the stronger general-purpose option.
The iPhone 13 Pro remains more versatile in focal length because it has a dedicated 3x telephoto camera. That optical reach is useful for portraits, stage shots, pets, and distant details. LiDAR can assist focus and depth-related features in dim conditions. The 13 Pro also supports ProRAW and ProRes workflows, though large files make higher storage capacities preferable. Neither phone offers the long optical zoom of newer top-tier Pro Max models.
| Camera Need | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 13 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main-camera detail | Newer 48MP sensorWinner | 12MP main camera |
| Optical reach | 2x sensor crop option | Dedicated 3x telephotoWinner |
| Creative controls | Camera Control and newer styles | ProRAW, ProRes, and LiDAR |
6. Battery and Charging
Battery life is one of the strongest reasons to choose the iPhone 16 Plus. Its physically larger battery and efficient A18 platform are better suited to long streaming sessions, navigation, travel, and heavy messaging. Apple rates it for longer video playback than the iPhone 13 Pro, although real endurance varies with brightness, signal quality, background activity, and battery age.
The 13 Pro can still last a normal day when its battery is healthy, but used examples may have experienced several years of charging cycles. Ask for maximum-capacity information and check whether any replacement was performed by a qualified provider. The 16 Plus uses USB-C and supports faster MagSafe charging with compatible equipment. The 13 Pro uses Lightning and supports MagSafe at up to 15W, making cable consolidation less convenient for households that have moved to USB-C.
7. Software and Updates
Both phones remain capable of running modern iOS software in 2026, but their future paths are different. The iPhone 16 Plus launched three years later, so it should remain within Apple's major-update and security-support window longer. Apple does not promise a fixed support duration for every iPhone, which means an exact final update year should not be assumed.
Apple Intelligence support is the decisive feature split. The A18-equipped 16 Plus supports Apple's compatible on-device and cloud-assisted intelligence features where available by language and region. The iPhone 13 Pro does not support the complete Apple Intelligence feature set. Both retain core services such as iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Pay, Focus modes, privacy controls, and broad accessory integration.
Shopping refurbished? Compare condition, storage, and seller terms alongside price. Compare iPhone 13 Pro prices on ShopFox before choosing a listing.
8. Pros and Cons Summary
iPhone 16 Plus
- Excellent battery potential
- Faster and more efficient A18 chip
- USB-C, Action button, and Camera Control
- Apple Intelligence compatibility
- Longer expected software runway
- No dedicated telephoto camera
- Large body can be awkward one-handed
iPhone 13 Pro
- Dedicated 3x telephoto camera
- Premium stainless-steel construction
- Compact dimensions
- LiDAR, ProRAW, and ProRes support
- Used batteries may require service
- Lightning instead of USB-C
- No full Apple Intelligence support
Recurring Owner Feedback Themes
Public owner discussions commonly praise the iPhone 16 Plus for endurance, screen size, low weight relative to its dimensions, and dependable everyday performance. Recurring criticisms focus on the 60Hz refresh rate and the absence of optical telephoto hardware at its original price tier.
iPhone 13 Pro owners frequently highlight the smooth ProMotion interface, manageable footprint, solid construction, and flexible camera selection. Common concerns include its dense weight, aging batteries, Lightning accessories, and uncertainty over how long an older refurbished unit will remain economical. These are recurring themes rather than statistically representative ratings, and individual experiences depend heavily on condition and usage.
9. Expert Opinion and Research Method
How We Researched This
This comparison is based on published manufacturer specifications, documented platform capabilities, established charging standards, expert-review findings, and recurring themes in public owner discussions. We did not claim first-hand laboratory testing. Evaluation priorities included display quality, processor generation, camera flexibility, battery practicality, connector compatibility, software longevity, repair risk, and total purchase value. Prices are suggested shopping ranges rather than guaranteed offers.
From a buying perspective, the iPhone 16 Plus is the safer long-term recommendation because its newer chip, larger battery format, USB-C port, and extended software runway affect daily ownership for years. The iPhone 13 Pro is the enthusiast value choice: it sacrifices longevity and efficiency but preserves a smoother display and more flexible optical camera system. Its value depends on receiving a meaningful discount and verifiable battery health.
10. The Verdict
Choose according to the features you will notice every day rather than the word Pro in the older model's name. Screen size, refresh rate, camera focal lengths, connector choice, and expected ownership period create clearer distinctions than routine app speed.
Choose iPhone 16 Plus If...
You want a big screen, longer battery life, USB-C convenience, Apple Intelligence support, faster hardware, and a phone that should remain current for longer. It is the better all-around purchase for travel, video, productivity, and multi-year ownership, provided you accept a 60Hz display and no dedicated telephoto lens.
View PriceChoose iPhone 13 Pro If...
You prefer a compact premium phone, notice refresh-rate smoothness, regularly use optical zoom, and can buy a carefully inspected unit at a substantial discount. Prioritize verified battery health, clean repair history, adequate storage, and a return policy. It is compelling value, but only when its condition supports several more years of use.
View Price11. Purchase Timing and Market Cycle Advice
Previous-generation iPhones often become more attractive around major launch periods, holiday promotions, carrier trade-in events, and retailer clearance cycles. For the iPhone 16 Plus, watch for remaining new inventory being discounted against newer large-screen models. Do not wait indefinitely if you need a specific color or storage capacity, because discontinued configurations become less predictable as stock declines.
The iPhone 13 Pro market behaves differently because supply is driven primarily by trade-ins and refurbishment. Condition can matter more than seasonal timing. A strong listing with a healthy battery, transparent grading, warranty coverage, and a fair return window may be preferable to a marginally cheaper phone with uncertain repair history. Avoid paying a premium that brings the 13 Pro close to substantially newer models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 16 Plus better than the iPhone 13 Pro?
It is better for battery life, processor efficiency, USB-C connectivity, Apple Intelligence, main-camera detail, and expected software longevity. The iPhone 13 Pro remains better in two important areas: its adaptive 120Hz ProMotion display is visibly smoother, and its dedicated 3x telephoto camera offers genuine optical reach. The better phone therefore depends on whether you prioritize modern longevity or older Pro hardware.
Does the iPhone 16 Plus have a 120Hz display?
No. The iPhone 16 Plus uses a 60Hz OLED display. It is large, sharp, and suitable for video and reading, but scrolling and compatible animation do not look as fluid as they do on the iPhone 13 Pro's adaptive ProMotion panel, which can refresh at up to 120Hz. Buyers sensitive to display smoothness should compare this difference in person before purchasing.
Which phone has the better camera?
The iPhone 16 Plus has the stronger main camera for many everyday situations, thanks to its newer 48MP sensor, updated processing, and useful 2x crop. The iPhone 13 Pro has the more versatile overall lens selection because it includes a dedicated 3x telephoto camera and LiDAR. Choose the 16 Plus for general image quality and the 13 Pro for portraits and distant subjects.
Is the iPhone 13 Pro still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if it is meaningfully cheaper than newer alternatives and has documented battery health, clean activation status, reliable cameras, working Face ID, and a sound repair history. Its display, A15 chip, and camera system remain capable. It is less appealing if the battery needs immediate service or if the price approaches newer USB-C models with longer software support.
Which model has better battery life?
The iPhone 16 Plus is the clear choice for battery-focused buyers. Its larger chassis, newer processor, and improved efficiency make it better suited to long days of navigation, streaming, calls, and photography. A used iPhone 13 Pro can still deliver acceptable endurance, but its real result depends heavily on battery age and maximum capacity. A battery replacement may need to be included in the ownership budget.
Does the iPhone 13 Pro support Apple Intelligence?
No. The iPhone 13 Pro does not support the complete Apple Intelligence feature set because its hardware falls outside Apple's supported device requirements. It still receives standard iOS features that are compatible with its processor and can continue using familiar Apple services. Buyers specifically interested in supported writing, image, assistant, and contextual intelligence features should choose the iPhone 16 Plus.
Is the iPhone 16 Plus too large for one-handed use?
Many users will need two hands for comfortable typing or reaching the top of its 6.7-inch display. Reachability can help, and the phone is relatively light for its size, but it still occupies more pocket and hand space than the 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Pro. If grip security and one-handed use are priorities, handle a similarly sized phone before ordering.
What should I inspect before buying a used iPhone 13 Pro?
Check battery maximum capacity, Face ID, all cameras, microphones, speakers, buttons, charging, MagSafe, cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and display touch response. Confirm that activation lock is removed and that the device is not carrier- or account-blocked. Review parts and service information where available, inspect for display burn-in or frame damage, and insist on a practical return window.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 16 Plus is the stronger long-term gaming choice because its A18 chip is faster and more efficient, while its larger screen and battery are useful for extended sessions. The iPhone 13 Pro can look smoother in games that support high frame rates because of its 120Hz panel. Actual performance depends on the game, thermal conditions, settings, and battery health.
Conclusion
For most buyers in 2026, the iPhone 16 Plus is the more sensible purchase. It offers stronger endurance, faster and more efficient hardware, USB-C, Apple Intelligence support, a newer main camera, and a longer likely software life. These benefits are especially valuable if you plan to keep the phone for three years or more.
The iPhone 13 Pro remains a smart specialist choice when purchased carefully. Its 120Hz ProMotion display, compact dimensions, optical telephoto camera, and premium build still feel distinctly Pro. Buy it only at a meaningful discount, verify its condition, and account for possible battery service. The right decision is ultimately large-screen longevity with the 16 Plus versus compact Pro features and lower upfront cost with the 13 Pro.