Buying Guide
iPhone 13 to iPhone 17: Worth Upgrading After 4 Years?
If you bought any iPhone 13 model in 2021, you're well overdue for an upgrade in 2026. iPhone 17 won Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. Here's the decision.
Updated · By SmartphoneAwards Editorial
Why now is the right time
Three reasons specifically: 1. **iPhone 13 is at the edge of useful battery life**. Most 4+ year old iPhones have battery health below 80% — meaning you're getting roughly 4 hours of screen-on time vs the 7+ hours a new phone delivers. 2. **iPhone 13 doesn't support Apple Intelligence**. None of the iPhone 13 models (Mini, regular, Pro, Pro Max) meet the 8GB RAM threshold. This is the most material long-term limitation. 3. **iOS support is winding down**. iPhone 13 will likely receive iOS 20 (fall 2026) but is approaching the end of its major-update window. Roughly 1–2 years of support remaining.
Apple · From $999
Which iPhone 17 is the right replacement?
**From iPhone 13** → **iPhone 17** ($799, MKBHD's 2025 Phone of the Year). Same form factor, biggest jump in everyday quality. **From iPhone 13 Mini** → **iPhone 17** is the closest current option (Apple ended the Mini line). Or step into the **Z Flip 7** if you'll switch to Android for true Mini-class pocketability. **From iPhone 13 Pro** → **iPhone 17 Pro** ($1,099) for full Pro upgrade, or **iPhone 17** for value if you don't need ProRes. **From iPhone 13 Pro Max** → **iPhone 17 Pro Max** ($1,199+) for size match, or 17 Pro for $100 less.
Apple · From $799
What you'd gain
- Apple Intelligence (full feature set) - ProMotion 120Hz on the base model (iPhone 17, formerly Pro-only) - USB-C universal charging - Faster A19 chip — roughly 60% performance jump from A15 - Better cameras (48MP main on base 17 vs 12MP on iPhone 13) - Action Button + Camera Control on Pro models - 5+ years of fresh iOS support runway
Trade-in math
Apple offers $200–$300 trade-in for iPhone 13 series in good condition. Net upgrade cost to iPhone 17: roughly $499–$599. Carrier financing typically spreads this to $20–$30/month over 36 months. Third-party trade-in (Swappa, eBay) typically nets 30–40% more — worth the friction if your phone is in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 17 worth upgrading from iPhone 13?
Yes — Apple Intelligence support, USB-C, ProMotion 120Hz, and dramatic battery/camera improvements. Easy upgrade call after 4 years.
Does the iPhone 13 get iOS 20?
Likely yes — Apple typically supports iPhones 6–7 years. iPhone 13 should receive iOS 20 but is approaching end-of-major-updates.
iPhone 17 or iPhone 16 if upgrading from iPhone 13?
iPhone 17 ($799) — adds ProMotion 120Hz over the iPhone 16 and has 1+ more year of support runway. Same price as iPhone 16 was at launch.