The iPhone 13 Mini and the iPhone 12 present compelling options for those seeking a powerful smartphone that doesn't compromise on portability. Both devices boast capable cameras and smooth performance, yet cater to slightly different preferences regarding size and newer features.

 

Deciding between them involves weighing the benefits of a more compact form factor and updated camera technology against a slightly larger display and potentially more accessible price point. Let's compare them across various aspects to help you decide which one suits you best.

Key Specifications

Here's a table highlighting the main specifications of both the iPhone 13 Mini and the iPhone 12:

Feature

iPhone 13 Mini

iPhone 12

Display

5.4-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED)

6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED)

Processor

A15 Bionic

A14 Bionic

Rear Cameras

Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide)

Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide)

Front Camera

12MP TrueDepth

12MP TrueDepth

Storage Options

128GB, 256GB, 512GB

64GB, 128GB, 256GB

Battery Life

Up to 17 hours video playback

Up to 17 hours video playback

Water Resistance

IP68

IP68

5G Support

Yes

Yes

Operating System

iOS 15 (at launch)

iOS 14 (at launch)

Design and Build

Both the iPhone 13 Mini and the iPhone 12 feature a similar flat-edged design with an aluminum frame and a Ceramic Shield front. The primary difference in design is the size and weight, with the iPhone 13 Mini being significantly more compact and lighter due to its smaller display.

Feature

iPhone 13 Mini

iPhone 12

Materials

Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, glass back

Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, glass back

Front Design

Super Retina XDR display, smaller notch

Super Retina XDR display, notch

Size

131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm

146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm

Weight

141 grams

164 grams

Color Options

Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED, Green

Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, Purple

Camera Comparison

While both phones have a dual 12MP Wide and Ultra Wide camera system, the iPhone 13 Mini benefits from some computational photography improvements and features that enhance image and video quality.

Feature

iPhone 13 Mini

iPhone 12

Main Camera

12MP Wide (ƒ/1.6)

12MP Wide (ƒ/1.6)

Ultra Wide

12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.4)

12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.4)

Front Camera

12MP TrueDepth (ƒ/2.2)

12MP TrueDepth (ƒ/2.2)

Photographic Styles

Yes

No

Cinematic Mode

Yes (up to 1080p at 30 fps)

No

Sensor-shift optical image stabilization

Yes (Wide)

No

Night Mode

Yes (All Cameras)

Yes (Wide and Ultra Wide)

Deep Fusion

Yes (All Cameras)

Yes (All Cameras)

Performance and Battery

The iPhone 13 Mini features the newer A15 Bionic chip, offering a slight performance edge over the iPhone 12's A14 Bionic. Despite its smaller size, the iPhone 13 Mini manages to offer comparable, and in some real-world usage, slightly better battery life than the iPhone 12.

Feature

iPhone 13 Mini

iPhone 12

Chip

A15 Bionic

A14 Bionic

CPU

6-core

6-core

GPU

4-core

4-core

RAM

4GB

4GB

Battery Life

Good

Good

Software and Features

Both iPhones run on the same iOS software and receive the latest updates. The iPhone 13 Mini gains access to some newer software features enabled by its updated hardware, such as Photographic Styles and Cinematic mode.

Feature

iPhone 13 Mini

iPhone 12

Operating System

Latest iOS Updates

Latest iOS Updates

Photographic Styles

Yes

No

Cinematic Mode

Yes

No

Night Mode on all Cameras

Yes

Yes (Wide and Ultra Wide)

Spatial Audio

Yes

Yes

Price Comparison

The iPhone 13 Mini was typically priced slightly higher than the iPhone 12 at their respective launches, primarily due to the newer chipset and camera improvements. However, prices can fluctuate, and the iPhone 12 might be available at a more attractive price point now.

Verdict: Which iPhone Should You Buy?

  • Choose the iPhone 13 Mini if: You prioritize a truly compact and lightweight phone without compromising on performance and want the benefits of slightly improved camera features like Photographic Styles and Cinematic mode, along with potentially better battery life in a smaller form factor.

  • Choose the iPhone 12 if: You prefer a slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience and are comfortable with a marginally less compact design. It remains a very capable phone with a great camera system at a potentially more affordable price.

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FAQs

What is the major difference between iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12?

The major differences lie in the size (iPhone 13 Mini is more compact), the newer A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13 Mini, and the addition of camera features like Photographic Styles and Cinematic mode on the iPhone 13 Mini. The iPhone 12 has a slightly larger 6.1-inch display compared to the iPhone 13 Mini's 5.4-inch display.

Is the iPhone 13 Mini worth more than iPhone 12?

The iPhone 13 Mini was generally priced slightly higher at launch due to its newer chip and camera features. If you value a smaller size and the newer camera features, the 13 Mini might be worth the extra cost. However, the iPhone 12 offers a larger screen at potentially a lower price.

Is the iPhone 13 Mini's battery life significantly better than the iPhone 12?

While both offer similar overall battery life, some tests suggest the iPhone 13 Mini can offer slightly better or comparable battery performance despite its smaller size, thanks to the efficiency of the A15 Bionic chip.

How does the display quality of the iPhone 13 Mini compare to the iPhone 12?

Both the iPhone 13 Mini and the iPhone 12 feature excellent Super Retina XDR OLED displays with similar pixel density, resulting in sharp and vibrant visuals. The main difference is the size, with the iPhone 12 having a larger 6.1-inch display compared to the iPhone 13 Mini's 5.4-inch display.

Are there any new features in the iPhone 13 Mini not available in the iPhone 12?

Yes, the iPhone 13 Mini introduces features like Photographic Styles for personalized image looks and Cinematic mode for video recording with rack focus, which are not available on the iPhone 12. It also has sensor-shift optical image stabilization on the Wide camera.

Is the iPhone 13 Mini worth the upgrade from the iPhone 12?

Upgrading from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 13 Mini might be worthwhile if you prioritize a more compact size and want the newer camera features like Photographic Styles and Cinematic mode. If the slightly larger screen of the iPhone 12 is preferable and you don't heavily rely on the new camera features, the upgrade might not be essential.

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