iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 mini
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at
£230.09£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 mini?
iPhone 12 vs 13 mini comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £60.09 less than the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 13 mini is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini.
- The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
- The iPhone 12 has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 mini specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 mini are both unlocked iPhones running iOS with similar camera setups and 5G support. The iPhone 12 has a larger 6.1 inch screen with higher resolution, making it a good choice if you want more display space. The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter, ideal for those who prefer a compact phone. Performance-wise, the iPhone 13 mini uses a newer Apple A15 Bionic chip, while both have 4 GB of RAM. Storage options also differ, with the iPhone 13 mini offering a larger maximum capacity. Battery sizes vary, which might affect usage patterns depending on your needs.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 mini price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 mini battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and basic physical features.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery while the iPhone 13 mini has a 2438 mAh battery. If longer battery life between charges is a priority, the iPhone 12's larger battery might suit you better. The iPhone 13 mini's smaller battery fits its compact size, which could be preferable if you carry your phone in a small pocket or bag.
Software Updates
This means you can expect up-to-date software features and security on either device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 mini performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options available. Both phones share the same RAM size but differ in their chipsets and storage capacities stocked.
Processor Chipset
The iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip while the iPhone 13 mini uses the Apple A15 Bionic chip. Both are built on a 5 nm process, but the iPhone 13 mini features the newer chip. This newer chipset could provide smoother handling of demanding apps and tasks for those who want the latest processing power.
Memory
Both devices have 4 GB of RAM. This amount of memory is suitable for everyday use, allowing smooth multitasking and app performance.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage sizes, while the iPhone 13 mini comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. If you need more space for apps, photos, and media, the iPhone 13 mini offers higher maximum storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 mini screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort and media enjoyment. Both phones use OLED technology and have the same refresh rate, but their size and resolution differ.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 features a 6.1 inch screen, making it roomier for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone 13 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen, which suits those who prefer a compact phone that fits easily in one hand.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, higher than the iPhone 13 mini's 1080 x 2340 pixels. This means the iPhone 12's display is sharper and more detailed, which benefits users who want crisp images and text.
Screen Type and Refresh Rate
Both devices use Super Retina XDR OLED screens with a 60 Hz refresh rate, providing rich colours and smooth visuals suitable for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 mini camera
The audiovisual experience depends on the cameras and front camera. Both phones have the same types and resolutions, making them comparable for photography and video calls.
Camera Setup
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 mini have double main cameras with 12 megapixels each. This setup suits users who want clear photos with good detail in a range of lighting conditions.
Front Camera
The front cameras on both devices are 12 megapixels, supporting high-quality selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 mini size and design
Miscellaneous features include size, weight, network compatibility, and physical connectors, which affect everyday handling and use.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and weighs 164 g. The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm in height, 64.2 mm in width, and weighing 140 g. If portability or one-handed use is important, the iPhone 13 mini is better suited.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and offer a physical SIM plus eSIM. This ensures flexible mobile connectivity on either device.
Connector Type
Both use the Lightning connector, so your existing accessories and chargers will be compatible with either phone.
Carrier Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked, allowing you to choose or switch mobile carriers without restriction.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 mini: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £60.09 less than the iPhone 13 mini
- you want a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 2438 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch)
Buy the iPhone 13 mini if
- you want a lighter build (140 g vs 162 g)
- you want the newer model (2021)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 often highlight how new their refurbished phones look and feel. Many mention that batteries were replaced, making the phones perform well with smooth multitasking and fast app opening. The larger screen and clean condition impressed buyers who use their phones daily for social media and photo editing. Several customers appreciated the careful preparation such as screen protectors and included accessories. Overall, the iPhone 12 suits those who want a larger display and a device that handles everyday tasks smoothly.
Buyers of the iPhone 13 mini frequently praise its compact size and excellent condition even when selecting fair or good condition models. The battery health on many units was reported as strong, supporting good usage. Customers like the smaller footprint and lighter weight which fits well for one-handed use or carrying in smaller pockets. The device's performance and smooth setup with the latest iOS were also welcomed. The storage options were appreciated by those needing more space. The iPhone 13 mini is a good fit for users who want a smaller phone with solid performance and storage.
Both devices receive positive feedback for their refurbished quality and usability. The iPhone 12 appeals to buyers looking for a larger screen and capable daily performance, while the iPhone 13 mini suits those who prefer compact size and newer chipset performance.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 mini FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 13 mini comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £230.09 for the iPhone 13 mini.
The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 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 162 g). Refurbished, it costs £60.09 more (from £230.09 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 13 mini in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
