Apple’s iPhone 13 is great, but these missing features are a letdown
Apple has once again dazzled the world with the recent release of the iPhone 13, and as expected, the latest iteration of their flagship smartphone comes packed with incredible features. From the new A15 Bionic chip to improved cameras, the iPhone 13 boasts impressive specifications and capabilities that make it worth considering for an upgrade.
However, like any product, the iPhone 13 isn’t perfect. Despite its numerous improvements and updates, there are several features that many users had hoped for but were left disappointed when they didn’t make it into the final product. Here’s a look at some key missing features in Apple’s latest smartphone offering.
1. USB-C Port
One of the most desired upgrades among Apple fans was a switch to a USB-C port rather than continuing with Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector. With more and more devices adopting USB-C – including Apple’s own MacBook lineup – it would make sense to unify charging and data-transfer options across all devices. Unfortunately, Apple has chosen to stick with the Lightning connector for yet another generation.
2. In-Display Fingerprint Sensor
With the increased use of face masks due to the ongoing pandemic, using Face ID has become less convenient as it often requires users to enter their passcode manually while wearing a mask. Many users had hoped that Apple would introduce an in-display fingerprint sensor similar to what many Android devices currently offer – providing a seamless biometric option while also addressing this inconvenience. Alas, this feature is still absent from the iPhone 13.
3. Expandable Storage
Even though Apple now provides storage tiers up to 1TB in their Pro models, expandable storage remains a much-anticipated feature among iPhone users. The ability to utilize microSD cards would allow users to increase storage capacity at a much lower cost compared to upgrading to a higher-tier model.
4. 120Hz Refresh Rate in Non-Pro Models
The Pro models of the iPhone 13 did receive a bump up to 120Hz refresh rate with Apple’s ProMotion display technology, which makes for smoother scrolling and better overall performance. However, the base iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini were left out, leaving their users with the standard 60Hz display. As many competitors in the smartphone market already offer a higher refresh rate in their non-flagship devices, this omission feels like a missed opportunity.
5. Reverse Wireless Charging
Many smartphones, including Samsung’s Galaxy series, have featured reverse wireless charging for several years now. This allows users to charge other devices wirelessly by placing them on the back of the phone. Despite being a useful feature – especially for charging accessories like earbuds – it remains conspicuously absent from the iPhone lineup.
While the iPhone 13 is undoubtedly an excellent device with numerous enhancements over its predecessors, these missing features are proof that there’s still room for improvement. Future generations of iPhones may eventually address these letdowns, but for now, users will need to weigh these missing features against the many positives that the iPhone 13 has to offer before making a decision on whether to upgrade.