Short answer
Yes, for the right buyer. A certified used iPhone 13 Pro with a healthy battery gives you a 120Hz display, a 3x telephoto camera and current iOS updates for a fraction of a new phone's price. Skip it if you want Apple Intelligence or USB-C.
iPhone 13 Pro launched in 2021, and it was the first iPhone with a 120Hz ProMotion display. Five years later it remains one of the best-value Pro iPhones you can buy — as long as you know what you're getting.
Reasons to buy iPhone 13 Pro
- 120Hz ProMotion display — smoother than the standard iPhone 13, 14 and 15.
- A triple-camera system with a 3x optical telephoto and macro photography.
- ProRes video, Cinematic mode and excellent stabilisation.
- Stainless-steel frame, Face ID, MagSafe and 5G.
- Runs iOS 27, with iOS 28 very likely (see our update guide).
- iOS 27 makes older phones faster, including a much quicker keyboard.
Reasons to think twice
- No Apple Intelligence or Siri AI — those need iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
- Lightning port instead of USB-C.
- Battery health varies widely on used units; this matters more than cosmetic condition.
- Fewer years of major updates left than newer models.
Who should buy one
- A first iPhone for a teenager or a parent.
- A second phone for work or travel.
- Anyone who wants a telephoto camera on a tight budget.
- People who don't care about AI features.
What to check before buying
- Battery health of 85% or more, or a recent battery replacement with genuine parts.
- Face ID works and the TrueDepth camera hasn't been replaced with unknown parts.
- No 'Unknown Part' messages in Settings › General › About.
- Activation Lock is off and the phone isn't reported lost.
- A real warranty from the seller.
Sources
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