iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: Which Refurbished iPhone Should You Buy in Australia?
It's the question we get asked more than any other: "Should I get the iPhone 13 or the iPhone 14?"
On the surface, you might expect the answer to be obvious — the newer model is always better, right? But with refurbished iPhones, the calculus is different. The price gap, the feature differences, and what each model is actually better at all change the decision significantly.
We've put both models side by side to give you a straight answer based on what actually matters to real users in Australia.
The Price Gap: Where the Value Lies
At Oz Tech Deals, a refurbished iPhone 13 128GB starts from $499. A refurbished iPhone 14 128GB starts from $639 — a difference of around $140.
That $140 gap is the crux of the entire comparison. To justify stepping up to the iPhone 14, the upgrade needs to be worth that extra spend. For most users, it isn't — but for specific use cases, it absolutely is. Let's break it down.
Performance: Is the iPhone 14 Actually Faster?
Here's a fact that surprises most people: the standard iPhone 14 uses the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13. Apple used the previous generation chip in the base iPhone 14, reserving the new A16 Bionic for the iPhone 14 Pro models.
In practice, both phones perform identically for everyday tasks — scrolling social media, streaming video, playing games, using apps. The A15 Bionic is a genuinely fast processor that will handle iOS smoothly for years to come.
Verdict: Draw. The iPhone 14 offers no performance advantage over the iPhone 13 in everyday use.
Camera: A Meaningful Upgrade, But Only in Specific Situations
The camera is where the iPhone 14 makes its strongest case. Apple made two notable improvements:
- Larger main camera sensor — the iPhone 14's 12MP main camera has a physically larger sensor and a faster f/1.5 aperture (vs f/1.6 on the iPhone 13). This means more light reaches the sensor, which translates to better low-light performance.
- Upgraded front camera with autofocus — the TrueDepth selfie camera on the iPhone 14 gained autofocus for the first time, making group selfies and video calls noticeably sharper, especially when you're moving around.
- Photonic Engine — Apple's improved computational photography pipeline, which enhances colour accuracy and detail across all shooting scenarios.
Are these meaningful upgrades? Yes — if you take a lot of photos, especially in dim environments or at night, and if you're a frequent selfie or video caller. The difference is real, but subtle enough that most casual photographers won't notice it day to day.
Verdict: iPhone 14 wins — but only meaningfully for photography-focused users.
Safety Features: Crash Detection and Emergency SOS
The iPhone 14 introduced two genuinely new safety features that the iPhone 13 doesn't have:
- Crash Detection — uses the accelerometer and gyroscope to detect if you've been in a severe car accident, then automatically calls emergency services if you're unresponsive.
- Emergency SOS via Satellite — lets you send an emergency message via satellite in areas with no mobile coverage (available in Australia since late 2023).
These features won't matter to most people most of the time. But if you frequently drive long distances, work in remote areas, or have family members who do, they're a compelling reason to choose the iPhone 14.
Verdict: iPhone 14 wins for safety features — a genuine, meaningful difference for the right user.
Battery Life: iPhone 13 Holds Its Own
The iPhone 13 was Apple's first meaningful battery life improvement in years, lasting up to 19 hours of video playback according to Apple. The iPhone 14 is rated at 20 hours — a marginal improvement that's unlikely to change your daily experience.
Both phones comfortably last a full day of heavy use. Neither will leave you reaching for a charger before bed under normal circumstances.
Verdict: Draw. Both deliver excellent battery life.
Design: Identical on the Outside
Apple didn't change the physical design at all between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. Both have the same flat-edge aluminium frame, the same Ceramic Shield front glass, the same IP68 water resistance rating, and nearly identical dimensions and weight. You genuinely cannot tell them apart by looking at them.
Verdict: Draw. The design is identical.
5G: Both Are 5G Ready
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are fully 5G capable and work with all Australian carrier 5G networks including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Both are also Sub-6GHz and mmWave compatible where applicable.
Verdict: Draw. No difference.
Software Support: How Long Will They Last?
Apple typically supports iPhones for 5-6 years after launch. The iPhone 13 launched in September 2021 and is expected to receive software updates through approximately 2027. The iPhone 14 launched in 2022 and will likely be supported through 2028.
In real terms, this means the iPhone 13 has roughly 1-2 years less software support than the iPhone 14. For most buyers, this difference is minor. If you're planning to keep your phone for 4+ years, it becomes a more meaningful consideration.
Verdict: iPhone 14 wins — but only slightly, and only relevant for very long-term ownership.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: The Verdict
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (refurbished) | From $499 | From $639 | iPhone 13 🏆 |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic | Draw |
| Main camera | 12MP f/1.6 | 12MP f/1.5 (larger sensor) | iPhone 14 🏆 |
| Front camera | Fixed focus | Autofocus | iPhone 14 🏆 |
| Battery life | 19 hrs video | 20 hrs video | Draw |
| Crash Detection | No | Yes | iPhone 14 🏆 |
| Emergency SOS via Satellite | No | Yes | iPhone 14 🏆 |
| Design | Identical | Identical | Draw |
| 5G | Yes | Yes | Draw |
| Software support (est.) | Until ~2027 | Until ~2028 | iPhone 14 🏆 |
Choose the iPhone 13 if:
- You want the best value for money
- You're a casual photographer who doesn't shoot much in low light
- You rarely take selfies or do video calls
- You're not planning to keep the phone for more than 3 years
- Budget is your primary consideration
Choose the iPhone 14 if:
- You take a lot of photos, especially in low light or indoors
- You do frequent video calls or take a lot of selfies
- You drive long distances or travel to remote areas of Australia
- You want to keep your phone for 4+ years
- You can justify the extra $140 for meaningful feature upgrades
What About the iPhone 14 Pro?
If you're already considering the iPhone 14 over the iPhone 13, it's worth knowing the iPhone 14 Pro is a much more significant upgrade — and starts from $799 refurbished at Oz Tech Deals.
The 14 Pro brings the A16 Bionic chip, a 48MP main camera (vs 12MP), Dynamic Island, Always-On Display, and ProRes video recording. If photography or any of those features matter to you, the jump from an iPhone 13 to an iPhone 14 Pro makes more sense than the jump to the standard iPhone 14.
Still not sure which model is right for you? Browse our full range of certified refurbished iPhones — every device comes with a 24-month warranty, free express shipping, and a 30-day no-questions-asked returns policy. Our team is also happy to help you choose.