iPhone 13 in 2025 – Still a Smart Buy? A Full Review for Pakistani Buyers

If you’re in Pakistan in 2025 and considering buying the iPhone 13, you’re not alone. The iPhone 13 remains one of the most popular choices in the second-hand and non-PTA markets, and it’s still turning heads even in a world of newer flagships. So, is it still worth the investment today? Let’s break down everything from design to camera performance, pricing, and whether it’s the right pick for your needs.

Still Premium in 2025

In terms of design and build quality, the iPhone 13 doesn’t feel outdated at all. The diagonal dual-camera layout at the back still matches what we see on the iPhone 15, and the overall design has aged gracefully. It’s a compact phone that’s easy to handle, especially when compared to today’s oversized smartphones. The in-hand feel is premium, and you also get an IP68 rating for water resistance—but a word of caution: only test that if you’re sure your unit hasn’t been opened or repaired.

PTA vs Non-PTA: What’s the Deal?

There are a few versions available in the market. You can find non-PTA models (often factory unlocked), pocket models, and of course, the official PTA-approved ones. Prices vary based on the model type, battery health, and condition. If you don’t require SIM usage, a non-PTA model can save you a significant amount of money.

Strong Performance with the A15 Bionic

Under the hood, the iPhone 13 runs on the Apple A15 Bionic chip, which still delivers excellent performance. The AnTuTu score is around 1.25 million, comparable to modern Android devices like those running Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chips. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or handling daily tasks, the iPhone 13 handles it all without complaints.

Yes, it can get warm during intense gaming, but it’s nothing a good MagSafe-compatible cooler can’t fix. The phone supports up to 60 FPS in popular mobile games with settings like Smooth + Extreme and HDR. Just be prepared for a little heat if you’re pushing it to the limits.

Memory and Storage: Still Relevant

The variant discussed here has 4GB RAM and 128GB NVMe storage. While 4GB may seem modest today, Apple’s optimization means it performs like a champ. NVMe storage is significantly faster than UFS storage used in most Android phones, which helps the phone stay smooth and responsive even after years of use.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 13 features a 3,240mAh battery, which might seem small compared to modern Android phones with 5,000mAh or more. However, thanks to Apple’s software optimization, it easily lasts over a day with moderate usage—especially if you’re buying a unit with 100% battery health.

Always check battery health before purchasing. Aim for 90% or higher. Some sellers may boost the health artificially using chips or other tricks, so it’s best to purchase from reliable sources and check with tools like 3U Tools (with caution—they too can be tampered with).

Charging speed is up to 20W, and it takes around 90 minutes for a full charge. After 80%, the charging speed slows down a bit to protect battery health. To prevent overheating during charging, consider using a cooler and always stick to original or high-quality 20W chargers. Cheap chargers can destroy your battery health fast.

Display & Multimedia

This phone still leads in display quality. You get an OLED Super Retina XDR panel with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support. Whether you’re watching Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video, the media experience is immersive. Speaker quality is also solid, and though it has a 60Hz refresh rate, the animations are smooth, and you won’t notice lag unless you’re coming from a 120Hz or 144Hz screen.

For many users, especially those prioritizing battery life, 60Hz is more than acceptable. Even iPhone 16’s non-Pro models still use 60Hz, and they perform just fine.

Software Support

The iPhone 13 launched with iOS 15 and currently runs iOS 18.1. It’s expected to receive updates up to iOS 26, giving it at least 3 more years of solid software support. This makes it a future-proof investment, especially for users who want longevity.

Camera Performance: Ideal for Content Creators

The iPhone 13 features two 12MP sensors on the back. In good lighting, the photos are detailed, colors are well-balanced, and dynamic range is impressive. While it doesn’t have a telephoto lens like the Pro models, it still delivers excellent shots from both front and rear cameras.

Video recording goes up to 4K at 60fps, and stabilization is impressive. It’s ideal for content creators, vloggers, or anyone getting started on platforms like Instagram or YouTube. The Cinematic Mode, which adds background blur to videos, is perfect for reels and social media content.

If you’re just starting out, the iPhone 13 offers a great camera system without the need to invest in a DSLR.

Pricing in Pakistan (2025)

Prices vary based on model type, battery health, and whether it’s PTA approved or not. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Non-PTA, 100% battery health: Around PKR 80,000 – 85,000

• PTA Approved, 90%+ health: Around PKR 125,000 – 130,000

• PTA Approved, 100% health: Up to PKR 135,000

Choose based on your needs. If you don’t need SIM support, non-PTA gives excellent value.

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 14

• iPhone 12 Pro adds a telephoto lens and 2GB more RAM, but performance is comparable.

• iPhone 14 brings only minor improvements—Cinematic Mode in 4K being the main one. Otherwise, it’s nearly identical to the iPhone 13.

So in 2025, the iPhone 13 still stands out as one of the smartest purchases in the mid-range used iPhone category.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 13 remains a solid buy in 2025—whether you’re into gaming, content creation, or just want a reliable, compact smartphone. With great performance, camera quality, software support, and a beautiful display, it’s one of the best value iPhones you can buy in Pakistan today.