Every year, the launch of new Apple phones is a big event – even if you're not particularly interested in smartphones, you probably at least recognize which numbers following the name "iPhone" are the current ones. It’s another matter that some Vikings approach these launches like a feast, because they like and respect Apple products (and their wives do too), while others approach them like a raid, “because these phones just plunder users’ pockets.” Which side’s arguments does the iPhone 13 Pro strengthen? Well, honestly, both. It’s going to be a bloodbath.
On the one hand, Apple is gracious – all you have to do is offer up 5199 zlotys, and it will bestow upon you the grace of owning one of the most versatile and simply best phones in existence. On the other hand, that’s 5199 zlotys! And there aren't many features here that can’t be found in other settlements – heck! not even in its predecessor.
The biggest novelties: the iPhone now has a better wide-angle camera, a telephoto lens with greater zoom than before, it lasts longer without charging, and it has a better screen with enlarged bezels, meaning a smaller notch than its ancestors. The latter is most important – after all, this is how people will see you bought the new one! 😎
It sounds unspectacular, but the truth is that there’s not much left to improve in iPhones. For years, they’ve been obedient companions that instantly fulfill all commands, aren’t afraid of water, have great speakers, and take very nice photos. There’s little fantasy and innovation in them, but everyone would want such a reliable companion. Well, at least everyone who hasn’t made a crusade against Apple their life’s purpose 😉
And since the changes, though modest on paper, are very noticeable in reality, the thirteenth is definitely not unlucky for Apple.
First of all: you can use the iPhone 13 Pro for 7-8 hours with the screen on before it cries out for a cable or wireless charger. That's a long time – enough for two marathons, plundering a few villages, or at least binge-watching an entire season of Vikings on Netflix. Depends on your preferred lifestyle. 😉 In any case: few phones last this long, and those that do usually look like they have a built-in power bank.
In terms of cameras, the new "photo styles" feature shines, thanks to which the iPhone will always take the photos you desire. This means you still have to take care of positioning and not blinking, but once you choose the color scheme and contrast you like, the "Thirteenth" will always stick to it. Unless you change your mind. In other words: regardless of your photographic taste, the iPhone will hit the mark. Awesome!
A much-hyped gimmick was the cinematic mode, which is the option to record videos with... a cinematic blurred background. Good news: it usually works. A real lifesaver when you have a call from Odin in 5 minutes, and behind you are scattered axes, blood, helmets, and barrels of beer. Bad news: it doesn’t work in video calls, so you still have to tidy up. 🤷 It can indeed make the mess behind you "artistic" and brings quite a lot of joy, but sometimes it makes mistakes and blurs the wrong thing. For now – a toy, to be improved in future models.
That's not the end of the camera improvements. How often in life have you regretted not having a macro lens with you? I, for example, never have, but the new macro mode in the 13 Pro has actually made me capture everything I can from a distance of 2-3 centimeters in photos. They're great! And overall, the cameras – in my opinion, the coolest on the market.
There’s still the screen with ProMotion mode, meaning a refresh rate of 120 Hz. This means the phone feels like it’s working even smoother. While Android competitors often offer this in phones for just over 1000 zlotys, it's a valuable prize for iOS users. If Apple hadn't introduced this option, it would have tasted the sting of many a battle flail. They introduced it... and probably will still taste it, because everyone is complaining that it's only now. But it's good that it's finally here. The effect is subtle, but very pleasant.
Subtly, but still, you can feel the shortcomings. You still can't view notifications and the time on a turned-off screen, like with your Android brethren. And with that "lasting longer without charging" I was speaking literally at first, because some units will probably last even a year without it. Because there's simply no charger in the box and you have to buy it separately. And selfies, somehow, turn out rather unspectacularly. But at least the front camera has a fairly wide viewing angle, so you'll fit in with your whole helmet.
It’s quite possible that, cumulatively, the iPhone 13 Pro is the best phone. In general. Powerful, with sensational rear cameras, long battery life, a beautiful screen – no matter what you actually need a phone for, it will meet your expectations. Only that for 5200 zlotys, you could probably buy a pretty decent drakkar, which would also meet your expectations. Plus, you could sail it to the north!
The new iPhone is one of the most expensive phones on the market, so such quality should be its obligation, like bathing every Saturday for a Viking (it’s true, by medieval standards, our ancestors were real pedants). But you have to admit, it fulfilled that obligation impeccably. And hoist the sails! If you're using an iPhone Xs or older, this is a great time to anchor them and switch to the 13 Pro. And if you’re tempted to switch from Android, no iPhone in years has given so many good reasons to do so.
