Apple has improved the camera on the iPhone 16, but how big is the difference between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 16? We list the camera functions for you!
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16
It’s been three years since Apple released the iPhone 13. The iPhone has improved image stabilization and a modified camera island compared to the iPhone 12. For example, the lenses on the iPhone 13 are placed diagonally apart. Apple has reversed this change with the iPhone 16, where the lenses are positioned directly underneath each other. What are the differences between the cameras of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 (Plus)?
Watch our video with the camera comparison between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 Plus here!
Overview
1. Improved main camera
The main difference is the main camera of the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 16. The iPhone 13 has a 12-megapixel main camera, while the iPhone 16 has 48 megapixels. Apple’s latest iPhone has a much improved main camera, making your photos and videos much sharper. Both devices have a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, where Apple has made few changes.
Thanks to the improved camera, the iPhone 16 takes standard photos with 24 megapixels, with the resolution control turned on this even increases to 48 megapixels. With the iPhone 13, this is a lot lower with the standard 12 megapixels. You can see this in the photos and videos, because they have less detail on the iPhone 13. Thanks to the new 48-megapixel main camera, the difference is big between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 16.
2. Renewed camera island
With the iPhone 16, Apple has again opted for diagonally placed cameras, as we also saw with the iPhone 12 and earlier. This has a number of advantages, but you probably won’t notice them immediately. With the iPhone 16 it is possible to record spatial photos and videos. You can later view these images and videos in depth via the Apple Vision Pro or other VR glasses.
The iPhone 13 has to make do without these functions, but you probably won’t miss them. To view the spatial photos and videos you need VR glasses or Vision Pro, which is not self-evident for most users. Furthermore, the new layout of the camera island has no advantages, although it does take up less space. Please note, because due to the modified design, iPhone 13 cases do not fit the iPhone 16.
3. Zoom in better
Do you regularly zoom in with your iPhone? Then you are limited with the iPhone 13. You can only zoom up to 0.5 or 1x on the device. With the iPhone 16 it is possible to optically zoom in up to 2x. This means that with the latest iPhone you can zoom in up to 2x without losing quality. This is not possible with the iPhone 13 and images and videos become grainy more quickly when you use the zoom function.
Especially in combination with the improved main camera, zooming in is much better on the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 13. For the best zoom function, go to the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. These devices allow you to zoom in up to 5x optically, but they also cost a lot more money. For most users, the iPhone 16’s camera is more than enough, especially if you are used to the quality of the iPhone 13.
4. Portrait mode and photographic styles
Taking portrait photos is a popular feature of the iPhone. Apple has improved portrait photos on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, because these devices automatically record depth. This way you can convert photos to portrait mode even after taking them. This is not possible with the iPhone 13, where you have to manually tap a portrait photo. The iPhone 16 gives you more options here.
In addition, Apple has introduced a range of new photographic styles. This new menu is only available on the iPhone 16, giving you many more options when editing photos. This is of course also possible with the iPhone 13, but you have fewer options there. Also useful: with the iPhone 16 you can edit videos more easily with Audiomix. With this function you can adjust the audio style, which is not possible with the iPhone 13.
5. Macro photos and the camera controller
What is new this year is that you can take macro photos with the regular iPhone, a function that was previously only available on the Pro models. Photos in macro mode are especially suitable when photographing an object up close. Macro photos capture much more detail if you hold the camera close to an object. It is also possible to create videos in macro mode. Both functions are missing from the iPhone 13.
In addition, the iPhone 16 is Apple’s first device with the camera controller. This button is located on the side of the iPhone and provides access to almost all camera functions. Use the control to open the camera app, take photos and videos, zoom in or out, change effects and much more. You have all functions at your fingertips with the camera control, which is useful if you often use the Camera app. This feature is also missing from the iPhone 13.
Buy iPhone 16?
Do you still have an iPhone 13? Then the switch to the iPhone 16 (Plus) is absolutely worth it. You get many new camera functions in return, such as further optical zoom, take macro photos and the photos (and videos) are of much higher quality. The difference between images and videos taken with the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 16 is clearly visible, making the iPhone 16 a big step forward if you currently have an iPhone 13.
Are you planning to buy the iPhone 16? You now pay €949 for the device. Other new features of the phone are the action button, the improved screen and the A18 chip with support for Apple Intelligence. Would you prefer a larger phone? Then the iPhone 16 Plus is the right choice, which has the same (camera) functions as the iPhone 16. These are the best prices: