iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?
iPhone 12 vs 13 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £79.06 less than the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13.
- The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
- Screen type: Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 12, OLED on the iPhone 13.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 share many features like screen size, camera resolution, and 5G connectivity, making both solid choices. The iPhone 13 has a larger battery capacity and runs iOS 15, which may appeal to those wanting longer battery life and newer software. Its Apple A15 Bionic chipset offers updated performance, suited for users seeking slightly faster processing. Storage options differ, with the iPhone 13 offering up to 512GB, ideal for users needing more space. The iPhone 12 suits buyers looking for a capable phone with proven performance, while the iPhone 13 fits those who prioritise better battery endurance, software version, and extra storage.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software version affect how long your phone lasts on a charge and what features it runs.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 has a 3240 mAh battery, which means it can potentially run longer between charges. This suits users who need their phone to last throughout a busy day. The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, which is still sufficient for everyday use but may require more frequent charging.
Operating System
The iPhone 13 runs iOS 15, offering the features and updates available in that version.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options. Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, but the iPhone 13 has a newer chipset and larger maximum storage.
Chipset
The iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) chipset, which is an updated version compared to the iPhone 12's Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm). This means the iPhone 13 may handle demanding apps and tasks with slightly improved efficiency, suited for users who use processor-intensive applications.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. The iPhone 13 starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, making it suitable for users who need more space for apps, photos, and media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 screen
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate are the same for both devices, but their screen types differ slightly.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone 13 has an OLED screen. Both offer vibrant colours and sharp images suitable for watching videos and browsing, but the iPhone 12's screen type specification suggests a particular Apple branding for its OLED display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 camera
Camera resolution affects photo and video detail. Both phones share the same front and main camera megapixel counts.
Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 have 12 megapixel front and main cameras. This means both devices capture similar levels of detail in photos and selfies, suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 size and design
Both phones share many physical and connectivity features but differ in weight and storage capacities available from stock.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 164 g. The iPhone 13 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 174 g. These differences mean the iPhone 13 is slightly heavier and similar in size, which might be noticeable when holding the phone.
Carrier Compatibility and SIM
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. They use a Lightning connector and accept a physical SIM plus eSIM, suiting users who want flexibility with carriers and fast mobile data.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 13: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £79.06 less than the iPhone 13
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 173 g)
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want the newer model (2021)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 consistently say the phone looks like new, with clean glass and no marks. Many mention the battery feels new or was replaced, contributing to smooth performance with the A14 Bionic chip. The 128GB storage option is popular and suits everyday apps, social media, and photo editing. Users appreciate the phone's speed and smooth multitasking, noting it handles tasks easily. Some customers highlight the condition options available and find the phones well prepared for use.
Reviews for the iPhone 13 highlight the phone's excellent condition, often described as looking brand new with no marks. Customers appreciate the larger battery capacity and report strong battery health, which supports longer usage. The Apple A15 Bionic chip is mentioned indirectly through smooth operation and reliability. Storage options up to 512GB are available, and the phone's setup is described as straightforward. Many are pleased with the screen condition and camera performance, suitable for everyday and more demanding use.
Both models appeal to buyers who want a refurbished iPhone in good condition with reliable performance. The iPhone 12 suits those content with solid everyday use and moderate storage, while the iPhone 13 fits users who prefer longer battery life, newer software, and higher storage capacity.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 13 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £249.06 for the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 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 2815 mAh). Refurbished, it costs £79.06 more (from £249.06 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 13 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
