In 2021 Apple Inc. launched Apple iPhone 13 and quickly became one of the best selling smartphone globally. It offered a flagship level experience with powerful performance, premium design and dependable camera quality all within relatively balanced price. At the time it was a big success by delivering everything most of the needed. By 2026 the smartphone industry has evolved significantly with new devices introducing AI based processing, improved battery efficiency and enhanced photography systems. Apple has also introduced newer smartphones like Apple iPhone 16 and 17, which brings hardware upgrades and more future focused features.
However even after four years of its release, the iPhone 13 continues to remain relevant on performance and widely used across many markets including Nepal. In the context of Nepal, this device is still popular among students and working professionals who prefer a reliable iPhone experience without paying the high price of the latest flagship models.
Why is the iPhone 13 Still Popular in 2026?
The iPhone 13 still became an solid choice in 2026 as compared to other models. It offers an essentials features like 5G compatibility, reliable battery life and a chipset that can still good enough to do day to day small tasks smoothly. In fact iPhone 14 reuse the same chipset of iPhone 13 which also shows also the longevity. iPhone 13 still supports iPhones for 5 years and gets latest features and security updates.
For normal day to day activities such as:
- Social media usage
- Messaging and video calls
- Online classes or meetings
- Video streaming
- Casual gaming
- Web browsing
Performance and Daily Usage
iPhone 13 is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip which delivers flagship level speed. The A15 chipset still open instantly the heavy tasks without lag. The iPhone 13 still delivers smooth and lag free performance for gaming and multitasking. It is still the best and fastest phone with its excellent efficiency and stability.
Talking about the daily usage and experience on social media like Instagram and Facebook smoothly where there must be no slowdown for normal use. The refresh rate is 60Hz which provides smooth gameplay with graphics quality at perfect. The battery life can easily lasts a full day with normal usage of 7 to 8 hours and light usage can last 1.5 day long.
Camera Performance in Real Life
Camera performance is another area where the iPhone 13 continues to hold up well in 2026. The device features a 12MP dual camera setup that captures sharp and well balanced images in daylight conditions. It also supports Night Mode and 4K video recording, making it suitable for social media content and everyday photography.
For users who mainly take:
- Selfies
- Travel photos
- Portrait shots
- Social media videos
The camera quality remains satisfactory even today. While it may not include advanced features such as macro photography or higher optical zoom found in newer devices, it still delivers consistent and usable results for regular users.
Battery Life and Reliability
A smartphone’s performance can be improved by a nice battery. Battery performance plays a determined role on whether an old smartphone can be usable for the long run. iPhone 13 is still managing to deliver dependable battery life for daily use even after years of release.
iPhone 13 provides a full day moderate use for the users along with a stable performance and consistence screen on time for daily activities such as browsing, streaming, messaging and social media use. It is all possible because of Apple’s efficient hardware and software which allows older devices to age better compared to many mobile phones which was released at the same time.
Software Updates and Longevity
One of the strongest reasons why the iPhone 13 is still popular today is Apple’s long term software support policy. Unlike many smartphones that stop receiving updates after a few years, Apple provides iOS updates for an extended period.
The iPhone 13 is expected to receive:
- Major iOS updates
- Security patches
- Performance improvements
At least for the next couple of years. This means users can continue using the device securely without worrying about outdated software in the near future.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16 Comparison
While the iPhone 13 still performs well, the iPhone 16 introduces several hardware improvements that may appeal to users looking for more advanced features.
Category | iPhone 13 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Performance | Powered by A15 Bionic chip which still handles everyday tasks smoothly. | Equipped with A18 chip offering faster speed and better AI support. |
Camera | 12MP dual-camera setup suitable for daily photography and videos. | 48MP main camera with improved detail and macro support. |
Battery Life | Reliable all-day usage for moderate users. | Slightly longer battery life due to improved efficiency. |
Charging Port | Lightning port for charging. | USB-C port for better compatibility. |
Future Support | Expected updates until around 2027–2028. | Longer software support expected. |
Overall Value | More affordable option in 2026. | More future-proof but expensive. |
The iPhone 16 is clearly the more powerful and future ready device. However, for users who primarily focus on everyday tasks rather than advanced features, the iPhone 13 still provides excellent usability in real world scenarios.
Price and Buying Decision in Nepal
In Nepal, the price difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 is significant. Many users prefer choosing the iPhone 13 because it allows them to enjoy Apple’s premium ecosystem at a more accessible price point. The iPhone 13 has drop down its price in 2026 which made people to buy it in 2026. For students or budget focused buyers, the iPhone 13 remains a practical option that balances performance, reliability and affordability. The latest price of iPhone 13 in Nepal is provided in table below.
Launched Year | iPhone 13 (128GB) Approximate Price(NPR) |
|---|---|
2021 | NPR 1,37,990 |
2026 | NPR 80,400 |
Final Verdict
So, is the iPhone 13 still popular in 2026?
Yes it continues to remain a widely used and trusted smartphone. Its smooth performance, dependable battery life, capable camera system, and long software support make it a smart choice even years after launch.
While the iPhone 16 offers better performance and advanced features, iPhone 13 still stands as a cost-effective and reliable option for users who want a premium smartphone experience without spending on the latest flagship.