iPhone 13 & iPhone 12 mini share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 13 rather than the iPhone 12 mini.
Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 13?
- The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for a larger viewing area and more immersive content consumption, while the iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
- iPhone 13 features a brighter screen with 800 nits typical brightness for better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight, whereas the iPhone 12 mini supports only 625 nits typical brightness.
- It comes with the A15 Bionic chip for faster performance, improved graphics handling, and greater efficiency in multitasking, while the iPhone 12 mini uses the A14 Bionic chip.
- The iPhone 13 includes sensor-shift optical image stabilization on the main camera for steadier photos and smoother videos, whereas the iPhone 12 mini has standard optical image stabilization.
- iPhone 13 supports Cinematic Mode in video recording for professional-style focus transitions and depth effects, while the iPhone 12 mini does not include this feature.
- It has a larger 3,240 mAh battery for up to 19 hours of video playback and extended daily use, while the iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 2,227 mAh battery with up to 15 hours of video playback.
- The iPhone 13 starts with 128GB of storage for more space to store apps, photos, and videos, whereas the iPhone 12 mini starts with only 64GB of storage.
- iPhone 13 features a smaller notch that takes up less screen space for an improved viewing experience, while the iPhone 12 mini uses the original larger notch design.
Maybe the iPhone 12 mini price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 13. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 12 mini |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 5.4-inch |
| Brightness (typical) | 800 nits | 625 nits |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB |
| Main Camera Stabilization | Sensor-shift OIS | Standard OIS |
| Camera Sensor Size | Larger sensor | Smaller sensor |
| Video Features | Cinematic Mode supported | No Cinematic Mode |
| Battery Capacity | ~3,240 mAh | ~2,227 mAh |
| Video Playback | Up to 19 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Audio Playback | Up to 75 hours | Up to 50 hours |
| Weight | 174 g | 135 g |
| Thickness | 7.65 mm | 7.4 mm |
| Height | 146.7 mm | 131.5 mm |
| Width | 71.5 mm | 64.2 mm |
| Front Camera | 12 MP with Cinematic Mode | 12 MP without Cinematic Mode |
| 5G Modem | Qualcomm X60 | Qualcomm X55 |
| Notch Size | 20% smaller notch | Standard notch size |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, Green, | White, Black, Blue, Green, Purple, |
| Price | Check iPhone 13 Price | Check iPhone 12 mini Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Display Type: Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 mini feature Super Retina XDR OLED panels, ensuring rich colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
- Display Resolution: The pixel density is nearly identical on both phones, meaning text, images, and videos look equally sharp despite different screen sizes.
- HDR Support: Each model supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, giving users high-quality dynamic range for streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+.
- Refresh Rate: Both devices are locked at 60Hz, so scrolling and animations feel the same in fluidity, even though Pro models use higher refresh rates.
- Contrast Ratio: The identical 2,000,000:1 ratio ensures equal depth between bright highlights and dark shadows.
- Wide Color (P3): Each iPhone supports P3 wide color gamut, providing accurate and vibrant color reproduction suitable for photo editing or watching movies.
- True Tone: Both use True Tone technology, which adjusts the white balance automatically to match ambient lighting for a natural viewing experience.
- Ceramic Shield: Each phone has Ceramic Shield front glass, making the screen more durable against drops compared to standard smartphone glass.
- Rear Glass: Both have a glossy glass back that supports wireless charging and gives a premium look and feel.
- Frame: The aerospace-grade aluminum frame gives both models structural strength and a lightweight design.
- Water Resistance: Both are IP68 certified, allowing them to withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, protecting against accidents and splashes.
- Face ID: The TrueDepth camera system with Face ID is the same on both, giving secure and fast authentication.
- MagSafe: Both support MagSafe accessories like wallets, chargers, and cases, making them equally compatible with Apple’s ecosystem.
- Wireless Charging: Each phone supports Qi wireless charging, allowing use of standard wireless pads along with MagSafe chargers.
- 5G Connectivity: Both include 5G network support, enabling faster download and upload speeds compared to LTE.
- Wi-Fi: Both come with Wi-Fi 6, ensuring efficient connectivity, faster speeds, and improved performance in crowded networks.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 is the standard in both, allowing reliable connections with headphones, smartwatches, and other accessories.
- Lightning Port: Both models use the Lightning connector, so the same chargers and accessories work seamlessly across them.
- iOS Version: While launched with different versions, both run the same iOS ecosystem now, ensuring similar software updates, features, and longevity.
- App Ecosystem: Both devices have full access to Apple’s App Store, meaning there is no difference in available apps, games, and services.
Common Features
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 12 mini |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| HDR Support | HDR10 and Dolby Vision | HDR10 and Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz standard | 60Hz standard |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,000,000:1 | 2,000,000:1 |
| Wide Color | P3 wide color gamut | P3 wide color gamut |
| True Tone | Yes | Yes |
| Ceramic Shield | Front glass with Ceramic Shield | Front glass with Ceramic Shield |
| Rear Glass | Glossy glass back | Glossy glass back |
| Frame | Aerospace-grade aluminum | Aerospace-grade aluminum |
| Water Resistance | IP68 rated | IP68 rated |
| Face ID | Yes, with TrueDepth camera | Yes, with TrueDepth camera |
| MagSafe | Compatible | Compatible |
| Wireless Charging | Qi wireless charging | Qi wireless charging |
| 5G Connectivity | Supported | Supported |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Lightning Port | Same connector | Same connector |
| App Ecosystem | Full App Store support | Full App Store support |
| Price | Check iPhone 13 Price | Check iPhone 12 mini Price |
FAQ
Do both phones use OLED displays? How do their processors compare? Is there a difference in storage options? How much better is the iPhone 13’s battery life compared to the iPhone 12 mini? Do both phones support 5G? Are the cameras the same? Does the iPhone 12 mini have Cinematic Mode? What about durability and water resistance? How different is the notch on the two models? Do they both support MagSafe? What colors are available? Which one is lighter to carry? Do both phones use Face ID? |
