Apple’s latest iPhone 13 models shun the company’s long-running mantra “thinner is better” in favor of better camera systems and bigger batteries.
While Apple did not focus on mobile phone dimensions during Tuesday’s hardware unveiling, specifications posted on the company’s website show a slight increase in both circumference and weight compared to the line of the Last year’s iPhone 12.
All iPhone 13 models are 7.65 millimeters (0.30 inches) thick, compared to 7.4 mm (0.29 inches) for each variant of the iPhone 12.
The weight sees a more significant change. Starting with the larger iPhone 13 Pro, Apple notes a weight of 240 grams (8.03 ounces), which compares to 8.03 oz. (228 g) for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 13 Pro rises to 7.19 oz. (204 g) of 6.66 oz. (189 g) on last year’s model.
The Apple iPhone 13 comes in at 6.14 oz. (174 g), compared to the 5.78 oz of the iPhone 12. (164 g), while the iPhone 13 mini is 4.97 oz. (141 g) compares to the 4.76 oz of the iPhone 12 mini. (135 g).
While not a significant change from last year’s lineup, the weight gain can be noticeable for owners who carry the device in their pockets or small bags. What’s more interesting is that Apple is slowly moving away from its push for ever-thinner devices, a strategy that sometimes cost usability.
In exchange for the weight gain, the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 offer up to 2.5 hours more battery life compared to their predecessors, while the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 mini provide an additional 1.5 hours.
According to Apple, TrueDepth’s “notch” also receives a makeover that reduces its footprint by 20%. While the notch is much thinner than the units on current iPhones, it is a bit taller. The added height should be imperceptible unless the iPhone 13 is closely compared to an older device like the iPhone 12.
Apple’s latest iPhone devices are scheduled to be pre-ordered on Friday, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m.