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iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020)

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iPhone 13 mini

Starting at

£230.09£649.00 new
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iPhone SE (2020)

Starting at

£75.11£289.00 new
See options
(662 reviews)
(489 reviews)

What's the difference between the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE (2020)?

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2020) starts at £75.11, £154.98 less than the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 13 mini is the newer model, released in 2021.

Refurbished from

£230.09£75.11

Chipset

Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)Apple A13 Bionic

RAM

4 GB3 GB

Screen size

5.4 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLEDRetina IPS LCD

Front camera

12 megapixels7 megapixels
  • Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
  • The iPhone 13 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The iPhone 13 mini has a bigger screen: 5.4 inch vs 4.7 inch.

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) specs

The iPhone 13 mini offers a higher screen resolution and uses an OLED display, providing a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience on its 5.4 inch screen. It also has more RAM and supports 5G, which may appeal to those who want faster network speeds and smoother multitasking. The iPhone SE (2020) has a smaller 4.7 inch screen with a lower resolution LCD display and supports 4G. Storage options also differ, with the iPhone 13 mini available up to 512GB and the SE up to 256GB. Both phones have similar camera megapixels but differ in front camera resolution. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen quality, network speed, and memory or prefer a device with a slightly smaller screen.

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) price

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates

Durability covers software support and basic design features that affect everyday use.

Software Updates

This means each phone will receive security patches and new features available in recent software versions, helping both stay reliable and safe to use over time.

Design

Both devices use a traditional smartphone design that is familiar and easy to handle. Both devices use the Lightning connector, maintaining compatibility with a wide range of existing accessories.

Battery

2438 mAhN/A

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP67

Software updates

Supported, up to iOS 27Supported, up to iOS 27

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20212020

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) performance

Chipset

Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)Apple A13 Bionic

RAM

4 GB3 GB

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) screen

Screen quality influences how clear and vibrant content appears, which matters for watching videos, browsing, and daily interaction. The two phones differ in screen size, resolution, and technology, which affects viewing experiences.

Screen Size

The iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, offering more room for videos and apps compared to the iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7 inch screen. This makes the 13 mini better suited for users who prefer a slightly larger display without moving to a bigger phone.

Resolution

With a resolution of 1080 by 2340, the iPhone 13 mini displays sharper images and text than the iPhone SE (2020), which has a resolution of 750 by 1334. Higher resolution means clearer details and smoother visuals for reading and media.

Screen Type

The iPhone 13 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen that delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which offers good colour accuracy and brightness but less contrast than OLED. Those who value vivid visuals may prefer the 13 mini.

Refresh rate

60 HzN/A

Resolution

1080 x 2340750 x 1334

Screen size

5.4 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLEDRetina IPS LCD

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) camera

Camera quality affects how well you capture photos and videos. Both phones have the same main camera resolution but differ in their front camera megapixels, impacting selfie and video call detail.

Main Camera

Both the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE (2020) feature a 12 megapixel main camera. This means both can capture detailed photos with similar resolution, suitable for everyday photography needs.

Front Camera

The iPhone 13 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, which provides higher resolution selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone SE (2020)'s 7 megapixel front camera. This difference is relevant for users who often use the front camera for photos or FaceTime.

Camera type

Double (2x)N/A

Front camera

12 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

12 megapixels12 megapixels

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design

Other features include network compatibility, weight, storage options, and SIM support. These details influence daily use and flexibility depending on your needs.

Mobile Network

The iPhone 13 mini supports 5G mobile networks, which can provide faster data speeds where available. The iPhone SE (2020) supports 4G, which remains widely available and reliable for everyday use. Choose 5G if you want to access newer network technology.

Storage Options

The iPhone 13 mini is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, allowing for more space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, offering suitable storage for typical everyday needs.

SIM Card Support

Both phones support a physical SIM card plus an eSIM, giving flexibility to use multiple numbers or plans on the same device.

Weight

The iPhone 13 mini weighs 140 g, making it slightly lighter than the iPhone SE (2020), which weighs 148 g. Both are light and easy to carry, but the 13 mini is marginally easier to hold for long periods.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

LightningLightning

Depth

7.7 mm7.3 mm

Height

131.5 mm138.4 mm

Mobile network

5G4G

Release date

24 September 202124 April 2020

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

140 g148 g

Width

64.2 mm67.3 mm

iPhone 13 mini or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?

Buy the iPhone 13 mini if

  • you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4.7 inch)
  • you want an OLED screen

Buy the iPhone SE (2020) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £75.11, £154.98 less than the iPhone 13 mini

What our customers say

Customers who chose the iPhone 13 mini often note its excellent condition, with many receiving phones in better shape than expected. The compact size and vibrant screen stand out, and several mention the battery health being good or new. Users appreciate the storage options and smooth performance, with comments highlighting the phone's suitability for those wanting a small but capable device. Many buyers found it a perfect gift and praised the colour choices and overall quality, enjoying the balance of features in a smaller design.

Buyers of the iPhone SE (2020) report satisfaction with how clean and well-functioning their phones are. Several mention it as a good first phone for younger users or family members, appreciating the price and ease of use. The condition is often described as spotless or like new, with some noting the inclusion of a charger. A few customers comment on battery notifications but still find the phone reliable. The SE suits those who want a straightforward Apple phone with solid performance at a lower price point.

Both phones are well received by buyers who want a refurbished iPhone. The iPhone 13 mini fits users looking for a slightly larger, sharper display and more storage, while the iPhone SE (2020) appeals to those seeking a classic iPhone experience with a smaller screen and simpler setup.

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs

iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone 13 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.

The iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £75.11 compared with £230.09 for the iPhone 13 mini.

Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.

The iPhone 13 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.

The iPhone 13 mini adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4.7 inch) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £154.98 more (from £230.09 vs £75.11).

Refurbished, the iPhone 13 mini comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.

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