Choosing between the iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 13 can be a challenge given how closely Apple has designed these two models. The iPhone 13 builds on the compact form factor of the 12 Mini but brings notable upgrades in performance, battery life, and storage. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Mini remains a great option for those who want a small, powerful phone at a more affordable price. This article compares the Apple iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12 Mini across key aspects to help you decide which fits your lifestyle better.
Both models offer excellent displays and cameras, but the iPhone 13 steps up with a newer processor and larger base storage. The iPhone 13 offers a larger 6.1-inch OLED display compared to the smaller 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini with the A14 chip.
Specification |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 12 Mini |
Display |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
Processor |
Apple A15 Bionic |
Apple A14 Bionic |
Storage Options |
128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
64GB / 128GB / 256GB |
Rear Cameras |
Dual 12 MP (Wide f/1.6 + Ultra Wide f/2.4) |
Dual 12 MP (Wide f/1.6 + Ultra Wide f/2.4) |
Front Camera |
12 MP (f/2.2) TrueDepth |
12 MP (f/2.2) TrueDepth |
Battery Life |
Up to 19 hours video playback |
Up to 15 hours video playback |
Connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Operating System |
iOS 15 (upgradeable) |
iOS 14 (upgradeable) |
Weight |
174 grams |
135 grams |
While both phones share a premium aluminum and glass build with IP68 water resistance, the iPhone 13 is noticeably larger and heavier, catering to those who prefer a bigger screen, whereas the iPhone 12 Mini appeals to users who want a compact, lightweight device.
Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 12 Mini |
Dimensions |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm |
131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm |
Weight |
174 grams |
135 grams |
Build Material |
Glass front/back, aluminum frame |
Glass front/back, aluminum frame |
Body Finish |
Glossy |
Glossy |
Colors Available |
Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, (PRODUCT)RED |
Black, Blue, Green, Red, White, Purple |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
Both phones feature dual 12 MP cameras, but the iPhone 13 offers sensor improvements and new photographic features. Its sensor improvements and video features like 4K Dolby Vision HDR at 60fps, gives it an edge in photography and videography over the iPhone 12 Mini.
Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 12 Mini |
Rear Cameras |
12 MP Wide (f/1.6), 12 MP Ultra Wide (f/2.4) |
12 MP Wide (f/1.6), 12 MP Ultra Wide (f/2.4) |
Optical Zoom |
2x optical zoom out |
2x optical zoom out |
Night Mode |
Yes |
Yes |
Deep Fusion |
Yes |
Yes |
Front Camera |
12 MP (f/2.2) |
12 MP (f/2.2) |
Video Recording |
4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 60fps |
4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 30fps |
The iPhone 13’s A15 chip delivers enhanced speed and efficiency, paired with longer battery life. It delivers better overall performance and significantly longer battery life for both video and audio playback compared to the iPhone 12 Mini’s A14 chip and smaller battery life.
Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 12 Mini |
Chipset |
Apple A15 Bionic |
Apple A14 Bionic |
Processor |
Hexa-core |
Hexa-core |
Battery Life (Video) |
Up to 19 hours |
Up to 15 hours |
Battery Life (Audio) |
Up to 75 hours |
Up to 50 hours |
Charging |
20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless |
20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless |
Connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Both devices run the latest iOS versions with Face ID and OLED displays, but the iPhone 13 supports additional features. These include the Photographic Styles and Cinematic Mode, which help in enhancing the user experience beyond what the iPhone 12 Mini offers.
Feature |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 12 Mini |
Operating System |
iOS 15 (upgradeable) |
iOS 14 (upgradeable) |
Biometric Security |
Face ID |
Face ID |
Display Features |
True Tone, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
True Tone, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
Other Features |
MagSafe, Photographic Styles, Cinematic Mode |
MagSafe |
The iPhone 13 commands a premium price for its updated hardware and features while the iPhone 12 Mini remains a more budget-friendly as a trade-off for the latest specifications.
Model |
Storage |
Price |
iPhone 13 |
128GB |
₹49,900 |
iPhone 13 |
256GB |
₹59,900 |
iPhone 13 |
512GB |
₹79,900 |
iPhone 12 Mini |
64GB |
₹59,900 |
iPhone 12 Mini |
128GB |
₹64,900 |
iPhone 12 Mini |
256GB |
₹74,900 |
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary as per configuration, region, and available offers. Please check Apple’s official website for up-to-date pricing.
Deciding between the iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 13 largely depends on what you prioritise. The iPhone 13 offers better battery life, a more powerful A15 chip, and increased base storage, making it a future-proof choice for users who want the latest features and longer software support.
However, if you prefer a smaller, lighter device and want to save some money, the iPhone 12 Mini still delivers excellent performance and 5G connectivity in a compact form. Both phones share a premium design and camera setup, so your choice should reflect your budget and preference for size and longevity.
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The iPhone 13 offers a larger 6.1-inch display, a faster A15 Bionic chip, longer battery life, and increased base storage compared to the smaller 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini with A14 chip.
Yes, the iPhone 13 is priced higher due to its newer processor, better battery, larger screen, and enhanced software features.
Yes, the iPhone 13 provides up to 4 more hours of video playback and significantly longer audio playback than the iPhone 12 Mini.
Both have Super Retina XDR OLED displays, but the iPhone 13’s larger screen offers slightly higher resolution and brightness for improved viewing.
Yes, the iPhone 13 supports Photographic Styles, Cinematic Mode video, and has a more powerful A15 chip, offering enhanced performance and camera capabilities.
If you want better battery life, a larger screen, and improved performance, the iPhone 13 is a worthwhile upgrade. For compactness and budget, the 12 Mini remains a solid choice.