iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureiPhone 13iPhone 12 mini
Display Size6.1-inch5.4-inch
Brightness (typical)800 nits625 nits
ProcessorA15 BionicA14 Bionic
Storage Options128GB / 256GB / 512GB64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Main Camera StabilizationSensor-shift OISStandard OIS
Camera Sensor SizeLarger sensorSmaller sensor
Video FeaturesCinematic Mode supportedNo Cinematic Mode
Battery Capacity~3,240 mAh~2,227 mAh
Video PlaybackUp to 19 hoursUp to 15 hours
Audio PlaybackUp to 75 hoursUp to 50 hours
Weight174 g135 g
Thickness7.65 mm7.4 mm
Height146.7 mm131.5 mm
Width71.5 mm64.2 mm
Front Camera12 MP with Cinematic Mode12 MP without Cinematic Mode
5G ModemQualcomm X60Qualcomm X55
Notch Size20% smaller notchStandard notch size
ColorsMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, Green,White, Black, Blue, Green, Purple,
PriceCheck iPhone 13 PriceCheck 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

FeatureiPhone 13iPhone 12 mini
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
HDR SupportHDR10 and Dolby VisionHDR10 and Dolby Vision
Refresh Rate60Hz standard60Hz standard
Contrast Ratio2,000,000:12,000,000:1
Wide ColorP3 wide color gamutP3 wide color gamut
True ToneYesYes
Ceramic ShieldFront glass with Ceramic ShieldFront glass with Ceramic Shield
Rear GlassGlossy glass backGlossy glass back
FrameAerospace-grade aluminumAerospace-grade aluminum
Water ResistanceIP68 ratedIP68 rated
Face IDYes, with TrueDepth cameraYes, with TrueDepth camera
MagSafeCompatibleCompatible
Wireless ChargingQi wireless chargingQi wireless charging
5G ConnectivitySupportedSupported
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
Lightning PortSame connectorSame connector
App EcosystemFull App Store supportFull App Store support
Price Check iPhone 13 Price Check iPhone 12 mini Price

FAQ

Do both phones use OLED displays?
Yes, both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 mini use Super Retina XDR OLED panels, giving them high contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors.

How do their processors compare?
The iPhone 13 uses the newer A15 Bionic chip, which provides faster performance and better efficiency, while the iPhone 12 mini is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which is still powerful but slightly behind in graphics and efficiency.

Is there a difference in storage options?
The iPhone 13 starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, while the iPhone 12 mini starts at 64GB and maxes out at 256GB.

How much better is the iPhone 13’s battery life compared to the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 13 delivers up to 19 hours of video playback, whereas the iPhone 12 mini only provides up to 15 hours, mainly due to its smaller battery size.

Do both phones support 5G?
Yes, both models include 5G connectivity, but the iPhone 13 uses a newer and more efficient Qualcomm X60 modem compared to the older X55 modem in the iPhone 12 mini.

Are the cameras the same?
Both phones use dual 12MP rear cameras, but the iPhone 13 has a larger sensor and sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which improves low-light photography and video stability compared to the iPhone 12 mini.

Does the iPhone 12 mini have Cinematic Mode?
No, only the iPhone 13 supports Cinematic Mode, which allows depth-effect video recording with smooth focus transitions.

What about durability and water resistance?
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 mini come with Ceramic Shield glass on the front, glass backs, aluminum frames, and IP68 water resistance.

How different is the notch on the two models?
The iPhone 13 has a notch that is about 20% smaller, giving slightly more usable screen space, while the iPhone 12 mini retains the original larger notch.

Do they both support MagSafe?
Yes, both devices are fully compatible with MagSafe accessories such as chargers, wallets, and cases.

What colors are available?
The iPhone 13 is available in Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, Green, and (PRODUCT)RED, while the iPhone 12 mini comes in Black, White, Blue, Green, Purple, and (PRODUCT)RED.

Which one is lighter to carry?
The iPhone 12 mini is significantly lighter at 135 grams, while the iPhone 13 weighs 174 grams due to its larger size and bigger battery.

Do both phones use Face ID?
Yes, both models rely on Apple’s Face ID system with the TrueDepth camera for secure unlocking and authentication.

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