iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13?
iPhone 12 mini vs 13 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £87.71 less than the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13.
- The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
- The iPhone 13 has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 differ in screen size, battery capacity, performance chip, resolution, and storage options. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen and a 2227 mAh battery, making it suitable if you prefer a compact phone that fits easily in your hand or bag. The iPhone 13 offers a larger 6.1 inch screen with higher resolution and a bigger 3240 mAh battery, which suits those who want more screen space for videos and longer battery life. Both have 4 GB RAM and 12 megapixel cameras, but the iPhone 13 has a newer chipset and higher maximum storage, which may appeal if you want a faster device or more storage space. Both support 5G and use Lightning connectors.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and release year. These affect how long the phone lasts between charges and how up to date its software is.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, which suits users who want a smaller phone that is lighter and easier to carry. The iPhone 13 has a larger 3240 mAh battery, making it better for those who need longer battery life during the day without charging. If you use your phone heavily or for media, the iPhone 13's battery might offer more convenience.
Release Year
The iPhone 12 mini was released in 2020 and the iPhone 13 in 2021. This provides context for their design and feature sets but does not imply one is better or worse. Both phones run iOS and receive updates.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) chipset, while the iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm). The newer chipset in the iPhone 13 supports the demands of more intensive apps and tasks, which may benefit users who multitask or use demanding software.
RAM
Both phones have 4 GB of RAM. This amount is suitable for everyday use including web browsing, social media, and running multiple apps without frequent reloading.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which suits users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone 13 offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, appealing to those who want more space for apps, media, and files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos, and apps. Size, resolution, and screen type contribute to the experience.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, making it compact and easier to use one-handed or fit in small pockets. The iPhone 13 has a larger 6.1 inch screen, offering more space for watching videos or reading content comfortably.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini's screen resolution is 1080 x 2340, which provides clear and sharp images on its smaller display. The iPhone 13 has a higher resolution of 1170 x 2532, delivering slightly more detail and sharpness on its bigger screen.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which is designed for rich colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 13 has an OLED screen, which also offers vibrant colours and contrast. Both screen types provide a quality viewing experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 camera
Audiovisual specs cover camera capabilities. Both phones have the same megapixel counts for front and main cameras, making them comparable for photography and video calls.
Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 have 12 megapixel front and main cameras. This means both devices capture photos and selfies with similar levels of detail, suitable for everyday photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, size, and weight. These details affect how the phone fits in your hand, what networks it works on, and how portable it is.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and use a combination of physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility in carrier choice and connectivity.
Connector Type
Each phone uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, so existing Lightning cables or docks will work with either device.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini measures 131.5 mm in height, 64.2 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 135 g. Its smaller size and lighter weight suit those wanting a compact phone. The iPhone 13 is taller at 146.7 mm, wider at 71.5 mm, and thicker at 7.7 mm, weighing 174 g. This larger size offers a bigger screen but feels heavier in hand or pocket.
Carrier Compatibility
Both iPhone models are unlocked, meaning you can use them with a variety of network providers without restriction.
SD Card Slot
Neither phone has an SD card slot, so storage expansion via memory cards is not available on these models.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £87.71 less than the iPhone 13
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 173 g)
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers generally appreciate the iPhone 12 mini for its compact size and good condition. Reviews often mention the phone looking like new or having only minor signs of use. Several buyers highlight the full battery charge and new batteries as positives, noting the device runs well for everyday tasks. Some users find it fits well in a handbag or pocket, making it a convenient choice. A few customers report issues such as overheating or faulty units, but the majority describe satisfaction with battery health and overall performance.
For the iPhone 13, customers praise its excellent condition, often comparing it to new with no visible marks. Many mention choosing the fair condition with a new battery option, which results in reliable battery life and smooth operation. The larger screen and updated features draw positive comments, as do the included accessories like cases and screen protectors. Most users find setup easy and performance strong. There are occasional issues reported, such as network connection problems, but these are less common.
In summary, the iPhone 12 mini suits those who value a smaller, lighter phone that handles everyday use comfortably. The iPhone 13 fits users who want a larger screen, more storage options, and a newer chipset, alongside a reliable battery for longer use.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 13 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £249.06 for the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 13 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 13 adds a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 2227 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £87.71 more (from £249.06 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 13 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
