Buying a new iPhone was once a much simpler task. You get the one and only model that Apple releases annually and be happy with it. Things, of course, have gotten a little more complicated in recent years as Apple started offering more models to choose from. For a lot of people, their minds are already set on a particular model that fulfils all their smartphone needs. But for some others, they are still on the fence in debating whether to get the iPhone 13 or go all in for the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Hence, this little iPhone buying guide will hopefully assist you in making the right choice that does not lead to any buyer’s remorse!
2021 iPhone Lineup – iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
Like the iPhone 12 series from the previous year, Apple once again offers the biggest-ever lineup in their yearly release. It comprises no less than four models, from the smallest (iPhone 13 mini) to the largest (iPhone 13 Pro Max). While all the new iPhones share the same overall design with a smaller notch and the latest A15 Bionic chipset, each has its own quirks and distinctive features. The comparison table below shows how they stack up against each other at a glance. You will also find the iPhone 13 series price in Malaysia at the bottom of this article.
| iPhone 13 mini |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 13 Pro |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
|
5.4-inch OLED display (2340 x 1080) |
6.1-inch OLED display (2532 x 1170) |
6.1-inch OLED 120Hz adaptive ProMotion display (2532 x 1170) |
6.7-inch OLED 120Hz adaptive ProMotion display (2778 x 1284) |
|
4GB RAM |
6GB RAM |
||
|
A15 Bionic chip |
|||
|
128GB/256GB/512GB storage capacities |
128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB storage capacities |
||
|
IP68 |
|||
|
12MP wide primary camera 12MP ultrawide secondary camera |
12MP wide primary camera 12MP ultrawide secondary camera 12MP telephoto camera |
||
|
12MP front camera |
|||
2,438mAh battery
|
3,240mAh battery
|
3,095mAh battery
|
4,373mAh battery
|
|
(Product)Red, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink |
Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue |
||
Which iPhone 13 Model Is The Right One For You?
iPhone 13 mini
Big phones and even bigger phones may rule the roost in recent years. However, there is still a dedicated group of compact phone lovers who adore the tiny form factor for its sheer portability and ease of use.
The iPhone 12 mini was well-received, even though the sales volume might not suggest so (according to some damning reports). Apple deemed it encouraging enough to bring it back for a spin for another year. The iPhone 13 mini keeps things largely the same as last year’s model but we do get a slightly brighter display, an upgraded camera system with a new Cinematic mode video feature, twice the base storage, and more importantly, a longer battery life by more than an hour than its predecessor.
Get the iPhone 13 mini if you:
- Want a phone that will easily slip into your tight jeans pocket.
- Can only afford the cheapest model in the new iPhone 13 lineup.
- Regularly compose messages using only one hand.
iPhone 13
This is the safest model to go for in the new lineup. The iPhone 13 will meet most people’s needs with a screen big enough for satisfying content consumption.
Similar to the iPhone 13 mini, the iPhone 13 gets the same set of incremental upgrades from its predecessor but with an even better battery life upgrade by over two hours. It is the most recommended iPhone for everyone with everything in place to deliver the quintessential iPhone experience while still being manageable on your bank account balance.
Get the iPhone 13 if you:
- Are looking for the best iPhone experience without breaking the bank.
- Feel that the iPhone 13 mini’s screen is too cramped for your taste.
- Want a bold-coloured iPhone.
iPhone 13 Pro
We are entering a whole new level of premium with the Pro models. This year, the two most significant upgrades on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are 120Hz adaptive refresh ProMotion display besides what Apple boasts as the “biggest camera system upgrade ever.”
The high refresh rate display finally brings the iPhone up to par with some of the top flagship Android smartphones. Swiping around and playing games on it will produce an even smoother experience than the iPhone’s famed buttery-smooth performance.
As for the camera upgrades, new features that include macro photography and videography, 3x telephoto optical zoom, Photographic Styles, as well as ProRes recording all make the iPhone’s excellent camera performance peerless by an even longer shot.
Get the iPhone 13 Pro if you:
- Desire the shiniest iPhone.
- Want that sweet 120Hz display.
- Would like to take the best-looking pictures and videos.
- Want a 1TB iPhone to store all your photos, videos, and media files.
- Are all for the Sierra Blue colour option.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is everything that the iPhone 13 Pro is but multiplied in size.
No doubt, this model is for the people who subscribe to the “bigger is always better” mantra. You get the biggest screen, the biggest battery, and the biggest flex.
Get the iPhone 13 Pro Max if you:
- Like everything BIG.
- Want the best-ever battery life on an iPhone money can buy.
- Have big pockets (both figuratively and literally).
- Also want all the other things in the iPhone 13 Pro list.
Bonus – iPhone 12 Series
“Now that there’s a new model, it’s the best time to get the older model for cheaper!”
All in all, the iPhone 13 Series is essentially a minor upgrade over the iPhone 12 family in the grand scheme of things. It brings nothing new to the table that impacts the user experience in major ways. Save for a different camera layout and new paint jobs, they look almost indistinguishable from one another!
If you can forgo having the latest and greatest in specs and features, you aren’t missing out on too much if you get last year’s models. With the money saved, you can perhaps get an AirTag (or four).
Apple has officially ceased sales of all the iPhone 12 models on their official channels with the arrival of the iPhone 13 series, but you can still find them online (while stocks last!)
iPhone 13 Series Price And Availability In Malaysia
Below are the official prices for all four iPhone 13 models in Malaysia.
iPhone 13 mini
- 128GB – RM3,399
- 256GB – RM3,899
- 512GB – RM4,799
iPhone 13
- 128GB – RM3,899
- 256GB – RM4,399
- 512GB – RM5,299
iPhone 13 Pro
- 128GB – RM4,899
- 256GB – RM5,399
- 512GB – RM6,299
- 1TB – RM7,199
iPhone 13 Pro Max
- 128GB – RM5,299
- 256GB – RM5,799
- 512GB – RM6,699
- 1TB – RM7,599
The iPhone 13 series is now available for purchase in Malaysia in both online and offline stores.
Related: Apple Event Recap: iPhone 13 Series, Watch 7 Series, New iPads (& Their Prices Revealed
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