If you’re looking for a white iPhone 13 Pro, you’ve probably noticed something kind of annoying. It doesn’t technically exist.
Apple never released a color officially named "white" for the Pro lineup that year. Instead, they gave us Silver. But here’s the thing: everyone just calls it white because, well, the back glass is basically a crisp, surgical white. It’s a bit of a marketing head-scratcher that leads to a lot of confused eBay searches.
Honestly, it’s the most deceptive color in the 2021 lineup. On paper, it’s silver. In your hand, it’s a bright, matte pearl that looks cleaner than a fresh pair of sneakers.
The Mystery of the "Silver" That’s Actually White
The white iPhone 13 Pro (fine, Silver) is a weird beast. Unlike the standard iPhone 13, which came in "Starlight"—a warm, off-white creamy color—the Pro went for a much colder, purer aesthetic.
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The back panel is made of textured matte glass. It’s got this frosty finish that rejects fingerprints like a pro, which is great because the rails are the exact opposite. Those sides are made of "surgical-grade" stainless steel. They are essentially mirrors. They’re beautiful for about five seconds until you touch them, at which point they become a forensic record of your every finger movement.
Why people keep hunting for this specific model
- It’s the ultimate "neutral."
- Clear cases look better on this than on Graphite or Sierra Blue.
- It doesn’t show scratches on the frame as badly as the darker PVD-coated models.
Let’s be real. If you scratch a Graphite iPhone 13 Pro, you see the silver steel underneath. If you scratch the Silver model, you just see... more silver. It’s the smart choice for people who hate seeing their $1,000 investment look "used" after six months.
Is It Still Worth It in 2026?
We’re deep into 2026 now, and the tech landscape has shifted. We’ve seen the iPhone 17 Pro rumors, and the 16 is already "old news" to the hardcore enthusiasts. So, where does that leave our "white" 13 Pro?
Actually, in a pretty decent spot.
This was the first year Apple finally gave us the 120Hz ProMotion display. If you’re coming from a base model iPhone 12 or 14, the 13 Pro will actually feel faster because the screen refreshes twice as often. It’s smooth. It’s addictive. Once you use it, going back to a 60Hz screen feels like watching a flip-book.
The A15 Bionic chip is also a tank. Even with iOS 26 (or whatever the current build is on your device today), it doesn't really stutter. Apple gave the Pro models 6GB of RAM, while the regular 13 only got 4GB. That extra 2GB is the secret sauce that’s keeping these phones alive today. It handles the heavier background processes of modern apps without breaking a sweat.
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The Battery Reality Check
I’m not going to lie to you: the battery is likely the Achilles' heel. If you’re buying one of these used or refurbished today, check that health percentage. Anything under 85% is going to feel rough. The 13 Pro was a battery king when it launched, but lithium-ion doesn't care about "Pro" status. It dies eventually.
That Camera Bump is Huge for a Reason
The white iPhone 13 Pro has a massive camera module. It’s way bigger than the 12 Pro’s.
Why? Because Apple stuffed a massive sensor in there that captures 2.2x more light on the main lens. It also introduced Macro Mode. You can literally put the phone two centimeters away from a flower or a bug, and it snaps into focus. It’s still one of the most fun features to play with, even years later.
Then there’s ProRes and Cinematic Mode. Honestly, most people never use ProRes because it eats storage like crazy (a 128GB model can't even do 4K ProRes!), but Cinematic Mode is great. It’s basically Portrait Mode for video. It’s not perfect—it sometimes misses the edges of hair—but for quick clips of your kids or pets, it looks surprisingly high-end.
The Resale Value Myth
You’ll hear people say that the "special" colors like Sierra Blue or Alpine Green hold their value better.
That’s mostly nonsense.
In the secondary market, the white iPhone 13 Pro is often the easiest to sell. Why? Because it’s safe. It’s classic. It matches every outfit and every case. When I looked at recent data from resellers like Back Market or Swappa, the price gap between colors is usually less than $10. What actually drives the price is storage.
If you have a 1TB Silver model, you’re sitting on a goldmine. If you have a 128GB one, you’re going to struggle because modern apps and 4K video fill that up in a weekend.
What You Should Look for Right Now
If you are hunting for this phone today, don't just look at the photos.
Check the model number. In the US, you’re looking for A2483. This is the one that supports mmWave 5G. If you buy an international version, you might find your 5G speeds are "just okay" rather than "mind-blowing" when you’re standing near a cell tower in a big city.
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Also, look at the charging port. This is a Lightning device. We’re firmly in the USB-C era now, so carrying a separate cable just for your phone is a bit of a legacy move. It’s a small price to pay for the build quality, but it's something to remember before you go on a trip and realize you only packed USB-C.
Quick Hardware Checklist:
- Screen: Check for "Green Screen" issues. A small percentage of 13 Pros had display controller failures. If the screen flickers or looks tinted, run away.
- Stainless Steel: It can be polished! If the silver rails are scratched, a bit of metal polish can actually make them look brand new. You can't do that with the Gold or Graphite versions.
- Face ID: Make sure it works. If the TrueDepth camera is broken, the phone is basically a brick for banking apps and quick unlocking.
Actionable Steps for Buyers
If you’ve decided the white iPhone 13 Pro is the one you want, here is exactly how to handle the purchase in 2026:
First, skip the "Fair" condition listings. The stainless steel on these phones shows dents easily. Look for "Excellent" or "Mint."
Second, prioritize battery over storage if you’re on a budget. You can always use iCloud for photos, but you can’t "cloud" your way into a longer-lasting battery. If the seller says the battery is at 90% or higher, that’s your winner.
Finally, buy a high-quality clear case. Brands like Spigen or ESR make ones that don't yellow as fast. The whole point of getting the Silver/White model is to see that pearlescent back. Don't hide it under a thick black rubber box.
Check the current pricing on reputable refurbished sites. You should be paying significantly less than the price of a base-model iPhone 15 or 16. If the price is too close, just get the newer phone. But if you find a steal, the 13 Pro is still one of the best-built devices Apple has ever put out.