iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at
£230.09£649.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 8?
iPhone 13 mini vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £140.09 less than the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 13 mini is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The iPhone 13 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 13 mini has a bigger battery: 2438 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 8 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 13 mini has a higher capacity battery, more RAM, a newer chipset, and supports 5G networks, making it well suited for those who want smoother multitasking and faster connectivity. It also offers a sharper OLED screen and a higher resolution front camera for clearer selfies. The iPhone 8 provides a familiar, compact design with a smaller screen and front camera, fitting buyers who prefer straightforward everyday use and lower storage options.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical dimensions. These factors influence how long the device lasts daily and how long it stays current.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 mini has a 2438 mAh battery compared to the iPhone 8's 1821 mAh. This means the 13 mini may offer longer use between charges, which benefits users who need more screen-on time or use their phone heavily throughout the day.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 13 mini measures 131.5 mm in height, 64.2 mm in width, and weighs 140 g. The iPhone 8 is slightly taller at 138.4 mm, wider at 67.3 mm, and heavier at 148 g. Those who prefer a more compact and lighter device might lean towards the 13 mini.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how fast the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores files.
Chipset
The iPhone 13 mini uses the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) chipset, while the iPhone 8 has the Apple A11 Bionic. The newer chipset in the 13 mini supports more demanding apps and smoother operation, ideal for users who run multiple apps or more complex software.
RAM
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 13 mini can keep more apps open simultaneously and switch between them with less delay. The iPhone 8 has 2 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and simpler multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 mini is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, offering plenty of space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone 8 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which may be sufficient for users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality matters for viewing experience, including size, resolution, and display technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, providing a sharper and more detailed image. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7 inch screen with 750 x 1334 resolution, which suits those who prefer a smaller screen for one-handed use or simpler viewing.
Screen Type
The iPhone 13 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED display offering richer colours and deeper blacks. The iPhone 8 uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, which delivers clear and accurate colours but with different contrast characteristics. Users focused on immersive media may prefer the OLED screen.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that affect photo and video capture for selfies and main photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone 13 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The iPhone 8 has a 7 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for everyday photos and video but with less resolution.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, offering similar resolution for photos and videos. This makes either device capable for typical photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8 size and design
Other differences include network technology, SIM options, and physical connectivity, which affect daily use and compatibility.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 13 mini supports 5G networks, allowing faster mobile data connections where available. The iPhone 8 operates on 4G networks, suitable for standard internet use but without 5G speeds.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 13 mini supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving more flexibility for using multiple numbers or plans. The iPhone 8 supports only a physical SIM.
Connector and Carrier
Both devices use the Lightning connector and come unlocked, so you can use them with your preferred carrier without restriction.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 mini or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 mini if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2438 mAh vs 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £140.09 less than the iPhone 13 mini
What our customers say
Customers who have purchased the iPhone 13 mini often highlight its excellent condition, noting that even those who ordered phones in fair or good condition received devices with minimal wear. Many appreciate the battery health, with some mentioning it was new or close to new, supporting longer daily use. The size and compact form factor receive praise for being easy to handle, and the larger storage options are valued. Users also mention the improved front camera and the smooth performance enabled by the newer chipset and RAM. Some find the phone suitable for a variety of users, including older adults adjusting to newer features.
Reviews for the iPhone 8 focus on its solid and reliable performance for everyday use. Customers say the phones look nearly new and have good battery health, with some reporting it lasts well through a day of moderate use. The device's size and feel are described as familiar and comfortable, making it a practical choice for those who want straightforward functionality. Storage options up to 256GB allow for ample app and photo storage. Some customers mention the main camera works well and the phone handles daily tasks smoothly.
The iPhone 13 mini suits users who want a compact device with more power, longer software support, and enhanced screen and camera features. The iPhone 8 appeals to those who prefer a simpler phone with a familiar design and solid everyday performance.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 13 mini vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 13 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £230.09 for the iPhone 13 mini.
The iPhone 13 mini has a bigger battery: 2438 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 13 mini adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2438 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £140.09 more (from £230.09 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 mini comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
