iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 mini
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at
£230.09£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 mini?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 13 mini comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 13 mini starts at £230.09, £102.61 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 13 mini is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 mini specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 mini offer distinct experiences suited to different needs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a larger 6.7 inch screen and a bigger 3687 mAh battery, making it suitable for those who want a spacious display and longer battery life. It also has more RAM and a triple rear camera setup, which supports multitasking and advanced photography. The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter with a 5.4 inch screen and a 2438 mAh battery, ideal if you prefer a compact phone that is easier to carry. It has a newer chipset, which can deliver strong performance for everyday tasks despite having less RAM.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 mini price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 mini battery life and software updates
Battery capacity is a key difference that affects daily use and endurance between the two iPhones.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 3687 mAh battery, which is suited for users who want longer usage between charges, especially with its bigger screen. The iPhone 13 mini has a 2438 mAh battery, which matches its smaller size and suits those who prefer a compact phone and are comfortable charging more often.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 mini performance
Performance differences come down to the chipset and RAM, as well as available storage options. These factors influence speed, multitasking, and storage for apps and media.
Chipset Generation
The iPhone 13 mini uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on 5 nm technology, offering efficient and powerful performance for everyday use. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which also delivers strong performance but is from an earlier generation.
Memory Capacity
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is suited for users who run multiple apps simultaneously or keep many apps open. The iPhone 13 mini has 4 GB of RAM, which supports smooth performance for standard daily tasks and typical app use.
Storage Options
Both devices are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, allowing you to choose based on your needs for storing photos, apps, and files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 mini screen
Screen size and resolution differ significantly, affecting how much content you see and the detail level. Both use Super Retina XDR OLED technology, ensuring high-quality displays.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a large 6.7 inch screen, which is ideal if you watch videos, read, or browse with plenty of space. The iPhone 13 mini's 5.4 inch screen suits those who want a smaller phone that fits comfortably in one hand.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1284 x 2778, the iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers a sharper and more detailed display, enhancing the experience for high-definition content. The iPhone 13 mini's resolution is 1080 x 2340, which still provides a clear and vibrant image on its smaller screen.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 mini camera
Camera setups differ, affecting photography options. Front and main camera resolutions are the same but the rear camera count varies.
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a triple rear camera system, which offers more versatility for photography including options like telephoto or ultra-wide shots. The iPhone 13 mini has a double rear camera setup, which covers essential photo needs well but with fewer lenses.
Front and Main Cameras
Both devices have 12 megapixels for the front and main cameras, providing quality photos and video calls with consistent detail across both models.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 mini size and design
Several physical and connectivity features vary, influencing portability and user convenience.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and weighs 226 g, making it a larger and heavier phone suited to those comfortable with a bigger device. The iPhone 13 mini is 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and weighs 140 g, which is perfect for users who prefer a lighter, more compact phone.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G connectivity and have physical SIM and eSIM options, providing flexible network choices.
Connector and Carrier
Each device uses a Lightning connector and is unlocked, so either can be used with a variety of carriers.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is slightly thinner at 7.4 mm depth compared to the 7.5 mm depth of the iPhone 13 mini, though this difference is very minor in daily handling.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 13 mini: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 2438 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.4 inch)
Buy the iPhone 13 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £230.09, £102.61 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (140 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 12 Pro Max frequently praise its battery life, with many saying it lasts all day. They also highlight the device's appearance, noting it looks like new even when refurbished. Some users appreciate the larger storage options and the elegance of the phone's colour. A few customers mention minor scratches that can be concealed with a case, but overall satisfaction with the device's condition and performance is high. There are occasional reports of issues with battery health or screen responsiveness, but these are not common among the majority.
Those who bought the iPhone 13 mini often comment on its compact size and lightweight feel, which suits users wanting a smaller phone. The newer chipset and smooth operation receive positive comments, with many finding the battery health good and the phone in excellent or better than expected condition. Buyers appreciate the colour options and find the device suitable for everyday tasks. Some users note a slight adjustment period when upgrading from much older iPhones, but overall they are pleased with how well the phone works.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max fits users who want a larger screen, longer battery, and more memory for multitasking, while the iPhone 13 mini appeals to those seeking a smaller, lighter phone with strong performance for daily use.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 mini FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 13 mini comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 13 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £230.09 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 13 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 13 mini adds a lighter build (140 g vs 228 g). Refurbished, it costs £102.61 less (from £230.09 vs £332.70).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
