7 reasons why Apple's new iPhone 13 lineup could be worth the upgrade
It's that time of year again.
On Sept. 14, Apple hosted its annual iPhone-focused keynote — streamed virtually from the company's headquarters and a variety of locations in California — which left customers with a selection of four models of the new iPhone 13, as well as new Apple Watches and iPads.
As a tech enthusiast, it's easy for me to get excited about this year's iPhone's upgrades, even though I'm currently using Apple's now-outdated 12 Pro Max model. The camera upgrades alone should give my flight reviews a big boost.
Others might be more on the fence about whether the new models are worth the splurge: "Do I really need the latest device, especially since my current one will receive the latest software enhancements?" is a question I hear often.
For many, especially travelers, there's more reason than ever to upgrade to Apple's latest iPhone. I'll touch on the key highlights below, so if you're thinking about moving up to an iPhone 13, keep on reading.
Check out TPG’s sister site, CNET, for more iPhone coverage!
All-day battery life
If you use your phone throughout the day, especially if you're on the road without access to power, you'll particularly appreciate the battery life improvements coming to Apple's newest devices.
Thanks to larger batteries and some on-device software enhancements, like intelligently switching between faster and slower cellular data networks, the iPhone 13 lineup boasts some of the longest battery life ever in an iPhone, ranging from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours longer than on the previous generation.
Better cameras
When I'm on the go, I'm always capturing photos — whether it's a new aircraft cabin or a mega-resort. In recent years, I've used my iPhone as my primary camera, and this year should be no different.
Each of the four iPhone models features an all-new camera system, with a wide and ultra-wide lens on the 13 and 13 Mini models, and a third, more powerful, telephoto lens on the Pro phones.
The new lenses have larger sensors and capture more light, reducing noise and revealing more details in your photos. Plus, the cameras have enhanced software processing, which should help perfect all your shots.
New ultra-wide lens
Ever since Apple introduced the ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 11, it's increasingly become my go-to lens for shooting airplane seats or room tours. This year, the ultra-wide lens is getting a big boost across the lineup that should dramatically improve your pictures.
Along with a new autofocus, it captures much more light than before — 92% more on the Pro models — which, combined with the camera's Night mode, should make it easier than ever to grab the shot you're looking for, especially at night and in other low-light conditions.
If it's as good as the promo material makes it look, your photos just got a big upgrade.
A video boost
There's a new way to shoot video on the iPhone with Cinematic mode. This feature allows you to transition the depth of field between two subjects, adding a fancy touch to the videos you take. You can even change the focus or edit the filter levels after shooting.
Last year, Apple introduced Dolby Vision to the iPhone 12 Pro lineup, and this year it's adding ProRes, another advanced video-editing software that used to require advanced expertise. Now, you can make all your edits and exports directly on the iPhone.
Pro upgrades
The iPhone 13 Pro lineup inherits a similar form factor to last year's models but packs in some notable improvements that could make it appealing even if you don't need pro features.
With a new Super Retina XDR display that supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, your content will look great, regardless of whether you're browsing the web or playing a graphics-intensive game. The telephoto lens has an increased 3x optical zoom, allowing you to shoot clearer photos from far away.
Plus, the larger iPhone 13 Pro Max packs Apple's longest-ever battery life in an iPhone, which should make it the device of choice for those always on the road.
Expanded 5G availability
Last year, Apple brought 5G cellular connectivity to the iPhone, and this year, it's expanding the reach to more networks.
By the end of 2021, Apple claims that support for 5G will double around the globe, with more than 200 carriers worldwide in 60 countries. That should theoretically spell great news for those who travel internationally with their phones.
Of course, 5G speeds can vary dramatically based on where you're standing and what you're doing, but it's definitely an improvement over existing LTE networks.
Plus, the iPhone 13 lineup supports dual eSIM, meaning that you can download a digital SIM card when you're traveling internationally to minimize roaming charges, while also staying connected to your primary phone network connected through a digital SIM as well.
A storage boost without a price hike
Though Apple isn't lowering the price of the iPhone, it's also not raising it. Of course, the higher-tier phones remain quite expensive, but you can maximize your purchase by trading in an existing model and using the right credit card.
Plus, if you're planning to pick up the 13 or the 13 Mini, you'll enjoy double the amount of storage compared to last year's base models, which started at just 64GB. And, if you have a robust photo and video library, you can now buy a 1TB configuration of the iPhone 13 Pro, though it'll cost you an additional $200 over the 512GB version.
Bottom line
This year's iPhone lineup is the best one yet, especially for travelers who use their devices around the clock while on the road. Thanks to battery boosts, camera upgrades and expanded 5G availability, it could make sense to splurge on the iPhone 13, especially if you currently use an older model.
If you're planning to invest in the latest technology, be sure to check out our detailed guide to maximizing your iPhone purchase for ordering tips, credit card coverage and scoring the biggest return.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.