iPhone 13 Pro: five things that stand out after four days of use

I was thrilled when the bell rang last Friday evening. The brand new iPhone 13 series was delivered and I was one of the first in the Netherlands to get started with it. I traded in my iPhone 12 Pro for the new iPhone 13 Pro and the party started.

For the past few days, I’ve been using the new iPhone 13 Pro as my default smartphone. Not enough for a full review, but certainly enough to give a good first impression. That’s why in this article I’ll share the five things that have struck me the most in the past four days.

iPhone 13 Pro: five striking things

I really like the brand new iPhone 13 Pro. In principle, this is not very surprising, given that I also really liked the iPhone 12 Pro over the past year. The difference with the previous model is anything but big, but I like the advantages of this new device. Although one addition seems to have slightly more value than the other.

To give you a good idea of ​​what exactly you can expect from the new iPhone 13 Pro, I’ll share my first impression with you.

#1 The camera system has really gotten better

Apple calls it almost every year: ‘our camera system has gotten much better’. It seems to be the case this year as well. From the new Micro mode till the Photography Styles and the Cinematic Mode: The iPhone feels more complete than ever before. The quality of the photos on the iPhone 13 Pro is just as high as it always was, but the new functionalities seem to give it that little bit extra.

In the near future, I will extensively explore all camera systems for a definitive conclusion. But in the last four days I’ve been able to get an excellent shot in every situation. The iPhone 13 Pro is a major upgrade in that regard.

#2 The notch makes no difference at all

The notch: For the first time since 2017, Apple has finally managed to make it smaller. So it was about time, although I’m not entirely sure whether this solution “counts” now. Where the difference between a standard notch and a hole-punch notch is really big, the difference with the iPhone 13 Pro is actually quite disappointing.

For example, there is not a whole lot more screen to enjoy and certain information, such as the percentage of the battery, is still left out. It may look just a little tighter, but you won’t notice any difference in daily use. It’s a shame if you waited so long for that.

#3 120Hz on an iPhone 13 Pro is heavenly

Of course we already knew about the iPad Pro and personally I have been treated several times for work in recent years. A higher refresh rate is simply a very nice development. The iPhone 13 Pro does it in that respect, just like a number of top devices from Samsung, so excellent.

The nice thing about a variable refresh rate is that the image constantly adapts. This not only ensures that you always get the perfect experience. No, it also ensures that your battery is not constantly charged to the maximum. You do notice a difference though.

#4 The improved battery life is not really noticeable

The iPhone 13 Pro has an improved battery and should ensure that the smartphone lasts one and a half hours longer than its predecessor. That is a pleasant development, but personally I have not noticed much of it in the last four days. Something that is actually more logical than striking.

It is of course the question whether Apple has counted it, but that hour and a half is quickly lost the moment you use the iPhone 13 Pro ProMotion. The higher refresh rate simply demands more from your battery than 60Hz, so the difference is not that big. And that is something positive, because you get extra fine functionality for about the same actual battery life. Excellent decision, then.

#5 The iPhone 13 Pro is heavy

The iPhone 13 Pro has become a bit heavier, thanks to the improved camera system. That may not sound bad, but you do notice that in daily use. It is not as if the iPhone 12 Pro with a weight of 189 grams could be seen as a light smartphone.

So keep in mind that the difference doesn’t look that big on paper, but that 204 grams makes the iPhone 13 Pro really heavy.

The iPhone 13 Pro and all other models

Over the past four days, I’ve used the iPhone 13 Pro as my default smartphone, but it’s certainly not the only smartphone we’ve received from Apple. Soon I will also start working with the other devices.

Are you curious about what the new iPhone 13 series looks like in practice? Be sure to check out the article above!