First Impressions From New iPhone 13 and 13 Pro Owners

[SuperCachetes]

My 13 Pro Max is up and running. The two main things I notice right away echo many others' initial impressions:

• ProMotion is legit. It reminds me of when HDTVs came out and people thought it was too real. Like "it hurts my eyes" level of detail (or in this case, fluidity...) I know other phones have had this a while, and I didn't think it was a big deal. I was wrong; it's very nice.
• The camera bump is redonk. Ludicrous. It's like there is a Lego superglued to the back of the phone. I don't like the fact that a camera lens is a resting point (without a case - my case comes next week). I'm sure cases will help mitigate it, but holy ****.

I upgraded from an XS Max and the new phone doesn't feel significantly heavier, but the bulk of it is quite noticeable compared to my old phone. Overall I'm happy with the upgrade, but I definitely want to get a case on this sucker pronto.

 

[cmaier]

My 13 Pro Max is up and running. The two main things I notice right away echo many others' initial impressions:

• ProMotion is legit. It reminds me of when HDTVs came out and people thought it was too real. Like "it hurts my eyes" level of detail (or in this case, fluidity...) I know other phones have had this a while, and I didn't think it was a big deal. I was wrong; it's very nice.
• The camera bump is redonk. Ludicrous. It's like there is a Lego superglued to the back of the phone. I don't like the fact that a camera lens is a resting point (without a case - my case comes next week). I'm sure cases will help mitigate it, but holy ****.

I upgraded from an XS Max and the new phone doesn't feel significantly heavier, but the bulk of it is quite noticeable compared to my old phone. Overall I'm happy with the upgrade, but I definitely want to get a case on this sucker pronto.

I’m looking at my 13 pro max and can’t see any difference next to my 11 pro max, so i suspect promotion is something you either see or don’t.

 

[GuruZac]

Since Apple finally got a 120hz screen in the pros, and the cameras seem to be much improved, I almost want one even though I’ve been super super critical of Apple lately. However, these colors just ruin it for me, I’ve been waiting for an actual black phone since the iPhone 7! The rumors said Apple was finally going to give us a black color to choose from, and instead we got a bunch of hideous pastels, gaudy gold, “silver” which looks like a dirty off white, and some color that looks like a kid colored it in with a pencil.

ironically, the non-pro iPhones actually come in black! I can’t think of any tool in the professional world, no matter what it may be that’s Barbie blue, nada. I wouldn’t care if they came in hot pink with purple polka dots as long as they also have options for those of us who don’t want a Barbie phone. The only one that looks decent is the silver, but again that isn’t black, so…

Apple needs to seriously fire its designers, what do they actually design anyways? The template they use was done by Jobs and Ive anyways, all they do is select the colors during pre-production. They need to hire someone like me, or anyone else that has some actual taste. 99.999% of people aren’t here on this forum and don’t care about pretending everything Apple does is the best thing ever. I hate to keep harping on it but if websites like this are going to push this narrative on us that these colors are “gorgeous” than there has to be some push back from the real world.

There’s simply no excuse for not having a black when even the iPhone mini comes in black!!

Gotta run, UPS just showed up with my new Snap-On pry bar set, got pastel blue to match my baby blue impact gun and socket set!!🦄

Well Graphite is grey...which is very 'industrial tool-like' for those that care. I went with that color because it's predictable. I know I'll like it.

As far as the regular 13s, there is no black option. It's called midnight and it's actually a dark blue-black. My brother just got a 13 Mini in Midnight and though he loves the color, it is definitely not black like the XR, 11, and 12 models were. Honestly, if you're that concerned with color, you wrap the whole thing in DBrand skins, even the SS frame, and camera module so the whole thing looks black. I am going to put a matte black skin on my 13 Pro to match my M1 Air and iPad Pro skins.

 

[CR45H 0V3RR1D3]

Well Graphite is grey...which is very 'industrial tool-like' for those that care. I went with that color because it's predictable. I know I'll like it.

As far as the regular 13s, there is no black option. It's called midnight and it's actually a dark blue-blue. My brother just got a 13 Mini in Midnight and though he loves the color, it is definitely not black like the XR, 11, and 12 models were. Honestly, if you're that concerned with color, you wrap the whole thing in DBrand skins, even the SS frame, and camera module so the whole thing looks black. I am going to put a matte black skin on my 13 Pro to match my M1 Air and iPad Pro skins.

This is actually a really good alternative, since you can basically put almost any design you want on your device. Happy to hear dbrand makes skins for iPhones as well. And given the durability test I watched of this device, it seems like a decent skin would be all the protection you would need as well.

 

[GuruZac]

I’m looking at my 13 pro max and can’t see any difference next to my 11 pro max, so i suspect promotion is something you either see or don’t.

What color did you do? Curious to hear from more people about Graphite. Seems to be some conflicting info on whether or not the Graphite is the same color this year.

 

[vista101]

Since Apple finally got a 120hz screen in the pros, and the cameras seem to be much improved, I almost want one even though I’ve been super super critical of Apple lately. However, these colors just ruin it for me, I’ve been waiting for an actual black phone since the iPhone 7! The rumors said Apple was finally going to give us a black color to choose from, and instead we got a bunch of hideous pastels, gaudy gold, “silver” which looks like a dirty off white, and some color that looks like a kid colored it in with a pencil.

ironically, the non-pro iPhones actually come in black! I can’t think of any tool in the professional world, no matter what it may be that’s Barbie blue, nada. I wouldn’t care if they came in hot pink with purple polka dots as long as they also have options for those of us who don’t want a Barbie phone. The only one that looks decent is the silver, but again that isn’t black, so…

Apple needs to seriously fire its designers, what do they actually design anyways? The template they use was done by Jobs and Ive anyways, all they do is select the colors during pre-production. They need to hire someone like me, or anyone else that has some actual taste. 99.999% of people aren’t here on this forum and don’t care about pretending everything Apple does is the best thing ever. I hate to keep harping on it but if websites like this are going to push this narrative on us that these colors are “gorgeous” than there has to be some push back from the real world.

There’s simply no excuse for not having a black when even the iPhone mini comes in black!!

Gotta run, UPS just showed up with my new Snap-On pry bar set, got pastel blue to match my baby blue impact gun and socket set!!🦄

Since Apple finally got a 120hz screen in the pros, and the cameras seem to be much improved, I almost want one even though I’ve been super super critical of Apple lately. However, these colors just ruin it for me, I’ve been waiting for an actual black phone since the iPhone 7! The rumors said Apple was finally going to give us a black color to choose from, and instead we got a bunch of hideous pastels, gaudy gold, “silver” which looks like a dirty off white, and some color that looks like a kid colored it in with a pencil.

ironically, the non-pro iPhones actually come in black! I can’t think of any tool in the professional world, no matter what it may be that’s Barbie blue, nada. I wouldn’t care if they came in hot pink with purple polka dots as long as they also have options for those of us who don’t want a Barbie phone. The only one that looks decent is the silver, but again that isn’t black, so…

Apple needs to seriously fire its designers, what do they actually design anyways? The template they use was done by Jobs and Ive anyways, all they do is select the colors during pre-production. They need to hire someone like me, or anyone else that has some actual taste. 99.999% of people aren’t here on this forum and don’t care about pretending everything Apple does is the best thing ever. I hate to keep harping on it but if websites like this are going to push this narrative on us that these colors are “gorgeous” than there has to be some push back from the real world.

There’s simply no excuse for not having a black when even the iPhone mini comes in black!!

Gotta run, UPS just showed up with my new Snap-On pry bar set, got pastel blue to match my baby blue impact gun and socket set!!🦄

You realize most people use cases and fun colors are better than the same dull black phones of yesteryear. Honestly stop complaining about a color.

 

[vista101]

I was able to go online this morning and order one for pick up today. It’s been like this the last few years.

None of my stores have one

 

[KindJamz]

We’ve all seen the strawman a million times on here, and it’s always a new poster. Someone says “great new color” about a phone or “there are new emoji” about an operating system, and someone pretends that the post said “the only new thing is the new color” or “the best thing is the new emoji” and writes “if that’s the best thing, then [apple sucks -or- I’m not buying this product -or- Tim Cook is a beancounter]. It’s really quite tedious.

Only if you continuous answer those posts. Ignore them if they bother you

 

[cmaier]

Only if you continuous answer those posts. Ignore them if they bother you

It doesn’t work with the water drops in chinese water torture, and it doesn’t work with these posts.

 

[redbeard331]

You realize most people use cases and fun colors are better than the same dull black phones of yesteryear. Honestly stop complaining about a color.

So you’re against choice? You are aware they can make more than one color right? Not everyone wants some puke inducing Pastel blue or a cheesy looking gold phone.

imagine if you went to buy a new car and you had only 4 color choices, baby blue, graphite, gold, and silver. What a boring world it would be if all the cars on the road only came in those 4 ****** colors.

 

[KindJamz]

You realize most people use cases and fun colors are better than the same dull black phones of yesteryear. Honestly stop complaining about a color.

If people use cases why the color options. Make them all black. Not graphite or space gray. Black

how are colors fun? Using the phone is fun. Playing a game is fun. A color is what it is.

 

[one more]

And given the durability test I watched of this device, it seems like a decent skin would be all the protection you would need as well.

Considering the screens of iPhone 13 are thinner than those used for iPhone 12, it is probably still a good idea to have a case with a lip to protect its front. 🖐

 

[daveathall]

My first impression isn that my 13 Pro in graphite is a beautiful phone, it scrolls smoothly and works flawlessly, dont have enough time with it to comment on the battery. Weight wise? I like a little heft in a phone, and this is perfect. In my opinion, the camera lens protrude too much, I don't normally use a case but on this occasion feel that one is warranted, it has a lip that allows me to lay the phone face up or face down to protect the screen and lenses, I didn't feel I needed a cover for the phone it replaced (11 pro Max). I just don't like cases, I buy a beautiful device and keep it covered all it's life with me so that it is pristine for it's next owner isn't something I like doing.

I dont normally get screen covers, my experience with them is that they do not give the same silky smooth scrolling as when naked. I haven't used one for a long time but that is my recollection, things might have moved on.

Is it a massive upgrade from the 11 Pro Max? Probably not. Do I notice a big difference? Again probably not, but, like most people here, I love new technology, I can afford it, I like new phones and because of the way tariffs and phone contracts work, I actually am paying slightly less a month than previously and I will get a wedge of cash (£360) for my old phone. Am I pleased? Yes, very, very pleased.

Did I need a new phone? Nah, but, it's a new iPhone, course I need it.

 

[KindJamz]

I so want to get a 13pm. But my 11pm is still running great. Must resist

 

[CR45H 0V3RR1D3]

Considering the screens of iPhone 13 are thinner than those used for iPhone 12, it is probably still a good idea to have a case with a lip to protect its front. 🖐

I usually get screen protectors anyways, I don't rely on fancy catch phrases, like "ceramic shield". I was more referring to cases Also, that test showed 85lbs of direct pressure, on something the size of a nail. I don't see myself shooting my device with a nail gun anytime soon, so I should be ok, lol

 

[monroerr]

Same annoying Face ID. It still does not work well. Only improvements I have felt mattered were longer battery life and improved camera. Only upgraded because the iPhone X wore out.

 

[cmaier]

Same annoying Face ID. It still does not work well. Only improvements I have felt mattered were longer battery life and improved camera. Only upgraded because the iPhone X wore out.

Face ID works fantastically, even better than on my iPhone 11 Pro, which was already fantastic.

 

[Vincanss]

The blue is gorgeous in hand, definitely use the clear case on it so everyone can see you have the latest and greatest 🤣

 

[OldRhodie]

A few days in with the iPhone 13 Pro and I’m very happy with it. I upgraded via my current carrier (EE in the UK) and upgraded my wife’s phone from iPhone 8 Plus and transferred from O2. 10% discount on the additional phone. All good right now other than the Watch face mask bug.

 

[Ifti]

I like it.
Thank you.

 

[Denzo]

13 Pro max.. something that has genuinely impressed me which hasn’t had any fanfare.. the speakers - are the best I’ve heard on a phone.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

The blue is gorgeous in hand, definitely use the clear case on it so everyone can see you have the latest and greatest 🤣

I have never owned an iPhone, maybe next year but my favorite color is blue. I thought last years (Pacifica Blue?) was pretty slick. I happen to like the Sierra Blue even more. I hope the iPhone 14 still keeps this color. And yes clear cases are a must for a non-black phone.

 

[OldRhodie]

Pretty much sums up this forum.

Sums up mankind!

 

[monroerr]

Face ID works fantastically, even better than on my iPhone 11 Pro, which was already fantastic.

Still never works with any bright light behind you. Let's just get rid of the sun. Also about every fifth time you still have to sign in manually no matter how hard you try. Unfortunately, I am one of those cautious people who has about a 32 character string for my sign in password. I essentially have to rely on the Apple Watch to sign in if I happen to be wearing it. Oh that is right, that feature thus far does not work on the iPhone 13. My iPad Air has touch ID on the start button which is sheer joy.

 

[cmaier]

Still never works with any bright light behind you. Let's just get rid of the sun. Also about every fifth time you still have to sign in manually no matter how hard you try. Unfortunately, I am one of those cautious people who has about a 32 character string for my sign in password. I essentially have to rely on the Apple Watch to sign in if I happen to be wearing it. Oh that is right, that feature thus far does not work on the iPhone 13. My iPad Air has touch ID on the start button which is sheer joy.

No, maybe every fifth time *you* have to sign in manually, but that’s not the case with me. The rules for when you have to manually log in are the same for faceid and Touch ID, by the way.