iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 Pro Max
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iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at
£418.75£1,049.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 mini vs 13 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £257.40 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 Pro Max differ mainly in size, battery life, performance, and storage options. The iPhone 12 mini is compact and light, suited for those who want a phone that fits easily in a pocket or handbag. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is larger and heavier, offering a bigger screen and longer battery capacity, making it suitable for users who prioritise media viewing and extended use between charges. Performance-wise, the 13 Pro Max has more RAM and a newer chipset, which helps with multitasking and demanding tasks. Storage options on the 13 Pro Max are broader, catering to those needing more space for apps and files. Both phones support 5G and are unlocked for flexible carrier use.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system versions. These factors affect how long the device can last during use and how up to date the software experience is.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 4352 mAh battery, nearly double the 2227 mAh battery in the iPhone 12 mini. This means the 13 Pro Max can support longer use between charges, which benefits heavy users or those who need a phone to last through a full day without recharging. The 12 mini suits users who prefer a smaller device and may recharge more frequently.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 Pro Max performance
Performance focuses on the chipset, RAM, and available storage sizes. These specs influence how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on your phone.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 13 Pro Max features the Apple A15 Bionic chipset paired with 6 GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone 12 mini's Apple A14 Bionic and 4 GB RAM. This combination means the 13 Pro Max handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly, which benefits users who run many apps at once or play graphics-intensive games. The 12 mini suits everyday use with solid performance for typical tasks.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers storage options from 128GB up to 1TB, providing ample space for large media libraries and apps. The iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants, which suits those with lighter storage needs or who prefer lower priced options.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 Pro Max screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, and type. These affect how much space you have for viewing content and the clarity of images and text.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 2778 x 1284, offering a large and sharp display ideal for video watching and detailed browsing. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340, making it more compact and easier to use one-handed for those who prefer a smaller device.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max has an OLED screen. Both provide vivid colours and deep blacks. The naming suggests the 12 mini's screen is a specific high-quality type of OLED.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual specs include camera megapixels for front and main cameras. These affect photo and video detail but are the same on both devices.
Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 Pro Max have 12 megapixels for front and main cameras. This means both devices capture images with similar detail levels, suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous covers physical dimensions, SIM support, connector type, and network compatibility. These specs impact portability, connectivity, and ease of use.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm in height, 64.2 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 135 g. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is notably larger at 160.8 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and weighs 240 g. The 12 mini suits those valuing pocketability, while the 13 Pro Max offers a bigger presence.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 mini supports one physical SIM and eSIM, allowing one physical and one digital line. The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports dual physical SIMs, which could be useful for users who want two physical SIM cards active simultaneously.
Connector and Network
Both devices use the Lightning connector and support 5G networks, ensuring fast mobile data and compatibility with UK carriers. Both come unlocked, so you can choose any network provider.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £257.40 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 240 g)
Buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4352 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 mini generally looks like new or has only very minor marks, with some buyers appreciating the compact size that fits well in a handbag or pocket. Battery health is often reported as full or near full, and performance is described as running well for everyday needs. A few customers mention scratches or minor faults, but most find it a good value. Its smaller size and ease of use appeal to those who want a straightforward, portable phone.
Feedback on the iPhone 13 Pro Max highlights its excellent condition and smooth performance. Customers note the phone feels like new, with sharp displays and good battery life, although one mentioned battery life lasting around 12 hours with average use. The larger size is well received by users who enjoy media and multitasking. The dual physical SIM support and unlocked status are valued by those who travel or want flexible carrier options. Many appreciate that the phone runs smoothly and looks immaculate even as a refurbished device.
Overall, the iPhone 12 mini suits buyers who prefer a smaller, lighter phone for everyday use and portability. The iPhone 13 Pro Max fits those who want a larger screen, more storage, and stronger performance for multimedia and multitasking.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 13 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £418.75 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 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 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
