iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS
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iPhone 13 mini
Starting at
£230.09£649.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone XS?
iPhone 13 mini vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £91.74 less than the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 13 mini is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 5.4 inch.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter with a 5.4 inch screen, while the iPhone XS offers a slightly larger 5.8 inch display. The 13 mini features the Apple A15 Bionic chipset, suited for faster processing, while both have the same RAM of 4 GB. The iPhone 13 mini supports 5G networks, which is useful for faster mobile data where available. Battery capacities vary, with the iPhone XS having a slightly larger battery. Camera resolutions differ mainly on the front camera, with the 13 mini offering higher megapixels. Storage options also differ with the 13 mini available up to 512GB. Choose the iPhone 13 mini if you want a smaller phone with newer processor and 5G, or the iPhone XS if you prefer a bigger screen and a larger battery capacity.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical size and weight. Differences in battery and size affect how the phones feel and last in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS has a battery capacity of 2658 mAh, which is larger than the iPhone 13 mini's 2438 mAh. This means the XS may provide longer battery life between charges in some situations. The 13 mini's smaller battery suits its compact size, appealing to those who prioritise a smaller phone over extended battery capacity.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and 7.5 mm deep, weighing 140 g. The iPhone XS is taller and wider at 143.6 mm by 70.9 mm, also slightly thicker at 7.7 mm, and heavier at 177 g. The 13 mini's size is convenient for one-handed use and pocket comfort, while the XS offers a larger body that may feel more substantial in hand.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the processor, memory, and storage options. Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, but their chipsets and available storage capacities differ, influencing speed and space for apps and files.
Processor
The iPhone 13 mini features the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone XS has the Apple A12 Bionic. The newer A15 chipset in the 13 mini generally provides faster processing and efficiency, which benefits users running demanding apps or multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 mini comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, offering more space for apps, media, and files. The iPhone XS is available with 64GB and 256GB. Those needing extensive storage will find the 13 mini better suited for larger libraries or heavier use.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality is about size, resolution, and display technology. The two phones have slightly different screen sizes and resolutions, which affects viewing experiences for videos, photos, and everyday use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, making it compact and sharp. The iPhone XS offers a larger 5.8 inch screen at 1125 x 2436 resolution, providing more display area for content. The XS suits users who prefer a bigger screen for watching videos or browsing.
Screen Type
The iPhone 13 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone XS has a Super Retina OLED screen. The XDR technology in the 13 mini may deliver improved brightness and contrast, useful for viewing in bright environments or enjoying high dynamic range content.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front camera resolution, which impact photo quality and video calls. Both phones have dual main cameras, but their front cameras differ in megapixels.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 13 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to the iPhone XS's 7 megapixels. This higher resolution suits those who take frequent selfies or use video calls and want clearer, more detailed images.
Main Cameras
Both phones have dual main cameras with 12 megapixels each. This setup supports versatile photography, from wide shots to portraits, and is suitable for everyday photo needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous specs include network capabilities, SIM options, and physical connectors. These affect connectivity and convenience in daily use.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 13 mini supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone XS supports 4G, which provides reliable connectivity but at lower speeds than 5G. Users prioritising the fastest mobile internet will prefer the 13 mini.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM plus an eSIM, allowing dual SIM use. This is useful for managing work and personal numbers or using local and home network plans simultaneously.
Weight
The iPhone 13 mini weighs 140 g, making it noticeably lighter than the iPhone XS at 177 g. The lighter weight suits those wanting a phone that is easy to carry and handle for long periods.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
iPhone 13 mini or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 mini if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18)
- you want 5G
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £91.74 less than the iPhone 13 mini
- you want a bigger battery (2658 mAh vs 2438 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 13 mini highlight its compact size and excellent condition, often noting the battery health and smooth performance. The front camera's higher megapixels receive positive mentions, and buyers appreciate the storage options and the phone's manageable size. Some users found the phone easy to set up, and others valued the colour choices and the fact it supports the latest iOS versions. The 13 mini's small size suits those who want a phone that fits comfortably in the hand or pocket without sacrificing speed or camera quality.
Reviews for the iPhone XS focus on the phone's screen size and overall feel, with many customers reporting a device that looks like new and runs smoothly. The battery life is described as good, lasting a full day in typical use. The dual-camera system is liked for photos, and the 256GB storage option is popular for those needing more space. Some customers mention the phone's compactness relative to its screen size and weight, fitting well in hand despite being heavier than smaller models.
Overall, the iPhone 13 mini is suited to users wanting a smaller, lighter device with a newer processor and 5G support, while the iPhone XS appeals to those who prefer a larger screen and slightly bigger battery capacity for longer use between charges.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 13 mini vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2438 mAh.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £230.09 for the iPhone 13 mini.
The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 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 XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 13 mini adds a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels), longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18) and 5G. Refurbished, it costs £91.74 more (from £230.09 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 mini comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
