iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at
£230.09£649.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone XR?
iPhone 13 mini vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £99.79 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 A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone 13 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 13 mini and iPhone XR offer distinct experiences suited to different users. The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter, with a higher screen resolution and an OLED display that delivers more vivid colours and deeper blacks. It features a newer chipset and more RAM, which helps with performance and multitasking. The iPhone XR has a larger screen, making it better for watching videos and browsing. It has a bigger battery capacity and supports 4G networks, while the 13 mini supports 5G for faster mobile data. The 13 mini also has a dual rear camera setup and a higher resolution front camera, which benefits photography and video calls. Storage options vary, with the 13 mini available up to 512GB and the XR up to 256GB. Choose the 13 mini for compact size, sharper display, and newer features. Choose the XR for a larger display and longer battery capacity.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical dimensions. These factors affect how long the phone lasts between charges and how it feels in your hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XR has a larger battery at 2942 mAh compared to the iPhone 13 mini's 2438 mAh. This means the XR may last longer on a single charge, which suits users who prioritise extended battery life throughout the day.
Software Updates
This ensures you can access new features and security improvements regardless of which model you choose.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 13 mini is more compact and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm in height and weighing 140 g. The iPhone XR is larger and heavier at 150.9 mm tall and 194 g. The 13 mini suits those who want a smaller phone that fits easily in one hand or a pocket.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These impact how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 13 mini uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XR uses the Apple A12 Bionic with 3 GB of RAM. The 13 mini supports more memory and a newer chipset, which helps with running more apps at once and handling demanding tasks.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 mini comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes, offering more space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone XR is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities, suitable for everyday use and moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality involves resolution, size, and display type. These affect how clear and vibrant images and videos appear, as well as how much content fits on the screen.
Resolution and Display
The iPhone 13 mini has a higher resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen. This provides sharper images, better contrast, and more vibrant colours. The iPhone XR has a resolution of 828 x 1792 pixels with a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, which offers good colour accuracy and brightness but fewer deep blacks.
Screen Size
The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch screen, giving more space for videos, reading, and browsing. The iPhone 13 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen that suits those who prefer a compact device that is easier to use with one hand.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XR camera
Audiovisual features include camera setups and front camera resolution. These are important for photography, video calls, and selfies.
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 13 mini features a dual rear camera setup, offering more versatility for photography such as wider angles or improved depth effects. The iPhone XR has a single rear camera with the same 12 megapixel resolution, suitable for everyday photo needs.
Front Camera
With a 12 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 13 mini captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XR's 7 megapixel front camera. This benefits users who frequently use their front camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XR size and design
Other differences include network support, physical dimensions, and connectivity options that affect daily use and compatibility.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 13 mini supports 5G networks, allowing for faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone XR supports 4G, which is widely available and suitable for most everyday use.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 7.5 mm in depth, 131.5 mm in height, 64.2 mm in width and weighing 140 g. The iPhone XR is slightly thicker at 0.83 cm depth, taller at 150.9 mm, wider at 75.7 mm, and heavier at 194 g. The 13 mini suits those who want a more pocketable phone.
SIM and Connectivity
Both phones use a Lightning connector and support a physical SIM plus eSIM. Both are unlocked for carrier flexibility.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 mini or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 mini if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £99.79 less than the iPhone 13 mini
- you want a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 2438 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 13 mini often comment on its compact size and excellent condition, with many noting the battery health and screen quality as positives. The phone's performance and newer features receive praise, and users appreciate the higher storage options and camera quality. Several buyers mention being pleasantly surprised by the condition of their phone, even when ordering a lower grade. The smaller size is popular with those wanting an easy-to-handle phone, and some users highlight learning the new features quickly despite switching from older models.
Those who bought the iPhone XR frequently mention it looks like a new phone with no marks and appreciate the larger screen size for comfortable viewing. The phone is noted as reliable and good value, with many satisfied with its performance for everyday tasks. Some customers mention the battery is not always an official Apple replacement but still works well. The XR is popular with users who want a larger display and straightforward setup. Several reviews highlight the phone's suitability for older users who find the screen size just right.
Overall, the iPhone 13 mini suits buyers who want a smaller, sharper screen with more recent hardware and camera features. The iPhone XR appeals to those who prefer a larger display and a slightly bigger battery for longer use.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 13 mini vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 13 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £230.09 for the iPhone 13 mini.
The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2438 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 XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 13 mini adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), an OLED screen and a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £99.79 more (from £230.09 vs £130.30).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 mini comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
