The short answer
Yes, if your budget is the main constraint and you don't need USB-C or Dynamic Island — but it's worth being clear-eyed about what you're giving up compared to newer generations before you commit.
What the iPhone 13 still gets right
The A15 Bionic chip remains genuinely capable. It's the same chip Apple used again in the standard iPhone 14, which tells you something about how well it's held up — day-to-day tasks, most apps, and casual gaming all run smoothly, and there's no meaningful performance gap versus a standard 14 bought at a higher price.
5G, a solid dual-camera system, and a compact, well-built design. The 13 was a genuinely well-reviewed phone at launch, and none of that has changed — it's simply older now, not worse than it was. The compact size in particular is worth noting: newer generations have generally grown larger, so if you specifically want a smaller phone, the 13 remains one of the better options in Apple's refurbished range for that reason alone.
The lowest realistic entry point into a recent-enough iPhone. For buyers prioritising price above all else, it's typically the cheapest refurbished iPhone still receiving current iOS updates, which matters more than raw price alone — an older phone that's stopped receiving security updates is a genuine risk regardless of how cheap it is.
What you're giving up compared to newer models
Lightning, not USB-C. The 13 predates Apple's switch to USB-C, which arrived on the 15. If you've already moved your other devices to USB-C, this is a real, if minor, daily inconvenience worth weighing — you'll need to keep a Lightning cable specifically for this phone.
No Dynamic Island. Purely a Pro feature until the 14 Pro, then standard from the 15 onward — the 13 has a traditional notch, which functions fine but lacks the interactive notifications and always-on widgets of newer models.
A less capable camera system than anything from the 15 onward. The core dual-camera setup is solid but dated next to the 48MP main sensor that's now standard on every newer generation. For casual photos and everyday use this rarely matters; for anyone who cares seriously about photo quality, it's a genuine, noticeable gap.
Who it's genuinely right for
Anyone for whom price is the deciding factor, anyone upgrading from an iPhone 11 or older who'll notice a meaningful improvement regardless, and anyone who simply doesn't care about USB-C or Dynamic Island and wants a capable phone for less. It's also a genuinely sensible pick for a second phone, a child's first smartphone, or anyone buying a spare device to keep as backup — situations where the newest features matter less than reliable, affordable functionality.
Who should look at something newer instead
If USB-C matters to you practically — shared chargers and cables with newer devices — or you want Dynamic Island's always-on widgets, it's worth comparing the current refurbished price gap to a 15 before deciding; the premium for those two features specifically may be smaller than you'd expect, particularly if you're comparing against a 13 in top condition versus a 15 in a lower grade.
Compare live refurbished iPhone prices, 13 through 16 →
How the 13 compares to buying new at the budget end
It's worth being honest about the alternative: a brand-new budget Android phone at a similar price point will typically offer a larger screen and sometimes a better camera on paper, but won't match the 13's build quality, software support runway, or resale value if you decide to sell it on later. The choice between a refurbished iPhone and a new budget Android phone comes down to whether you value the Apple ecosystem specifically, or simply want the best hardware for the money regardless of brand.
Software support
Apple's typical support window puts the iPhone 13 on track for iOS updates into the late 2020s — a shorter runway than newer generations, worth factoring in if you tend to keep phones a long time. If you replace your phone every two to three years regardless, this matters less than it would for someone who keeps a device for five-plus years.
GadgetRank verdict
Buy it if: price is your main priority and you don't specifically need USB-C or Dynamic Island.
Compare against the 15 first if: those two features matter to you — the price gap may be smaller than assumed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone 13 still a good phone in 2026?
Yes, for everyday use — calls, browsing, photos, social media — it performs comparably to newer standard-line iPhones, since the A15 chip was reused in the following year's iPhone 14.
How long will the iPhone 13 keep receiving updates?
Apple's typical support pattern suggests continued iOS updates into the late 2020s, though this is naturally a shorter window than more recent generations.
Is the iPhone 13 a good choice for a first smartphone?
Yes — its combination of a modern-enough feature set, compact size, and lower refurbished price makes it a genuinely sensible pick for a first phone, particularly for younger users.
What's the biggest practical downside of buying a 13 over a 15?
Lightning rather than USB-C is the most immediately noticeable difference day to day, particularly if your other devices and chargers have already moved to USB-C.
Related reading: Refurbished iPhone 13 UK 2026 · Is a refurbished iPhone 15 worth buying in 2026? · Refurbished iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 · Should I buy an iPhone 14 in 2026? · Best Phone Under £300 UK 2026 · Compare live iPhone prices · Condition grades explained
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