Discover the distinct apple iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro comparisons across features, performance, and value to help you choose the right upgrade in 2025.
Choosing between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro can be tricky. Both are premium devices, but several upgrades in the newer model can influence your decision. This guide will help you compare iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro across various features—specs, design, camera, battery, and more—so you can make an informed choice.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro share a similar look but differ internally. Here’s how:
The iPhone 12 Pro runs on the A14 Bionic chip, while the 13 Pro uses the more efficient and powerful A15 Bionic chip.
Both have 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED displays, but the 13 Pro includes ProMotion with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling.
The 12 Pro starts at 128GB and maxes at 512GB, whereas the 13 Pro goes up to 1TB.
The 13 Pro is heavier by 15 grams due to a larger battery and stainless-steel frame.
The 13 Pro delivers a longer battery life—up to 22 hours video playback vs 17 hours on the 12 Pro.
Here are the details of the Apple iPhone 12 pro vs iPhone 13 pro comparison of key specifications at a glance in the table below:
Specification |
iPhone 12 Pro |
iPhone 13 Pro |
Processor |
A14 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
Display |
6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz |
6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion |
Storage Variants |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Battery Capacity |
2815 mAh |
3095 mAh |
Weight |
189g |
204g |
Operating System |
iOS 14 (upgradable) |
iOS 15 (upgradable) |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (6m up to 30 mins) |
IP68 (6m up to 30 mins) |
Disclaimer: Specifications are based on official listings and may vary slightly depending on region and model availability.
At first glance, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro look nearly identical, crafted with flat edges and surgical-grade stainless steel.
However, the 13 Pro has a smaller notch, allowing slightly more screen space. It also feels denser in hand, owing to its larger battery unit.
Both offer IP68 water resistance, a textured matte glass back, and Ceramic Shield protection on the front. Build quality on both models is equally premium.
Have a look at the details of the iPhone 12 pro vs iPhone 13 pro design and build comparison at a glance below:
Feature |
iPhone 12 Pro |
iPhone 13 Pro |
Dimensions (mm) |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 |
Weight |
189g |
204g |
Material |
Surgical-grade stainless steel |
Surgical-grade stainless steel |
Front Protection |
Ceramic Shield |
Ceramic Shield |
Rear Finish |
Textured matte glass |
Textured matte glass |
Notch Size |
Standard |
20% smaller |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (6m up to 30 mins) |
IP68 (6m up to 30 mins) |
Disclaimer: Dimensions and weight may differ slightly depending on manufacturing batches or materials used in different regions.
This is where the iPhone 12 pro vs iPhone 13 pro comparison sees a big leap. Both have triple 12MP rear cameras—wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto.
But the 13 Pro features a larger sensor for better low-light photos, and improved Night Mode across all lenses. It also adds Sensor-Shift OIS, previously exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Most notably, the 13 Pro introduces Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles, allowing advanced control over depth and tone—features absent in the 12 Pro.
Here is a quick glance at the iPhone 12 pro and iPhone 13 pro camera feature comparison for easy reference:
Camera Feature |
iPhone 12 Pro |
iPhone 13 Pro |
Rear Cameras |
Triple 12MP: Wide (f/1.6), Ultra-Wide (f/2.4), Telephoto (f/2.0) |
Triple 12MP: Wide (f/1.5), Ultra-Wide (f/1.8), Telephoto (f/2.8) |
Front Camera |
12MP (f/2.2) |
12MP (f/2.2) |
Night Mode |
Available on Wide and Ultra-Wide |
Available on all lenses |
Sensor-Shift OIS |
No |
Yes |
Cinematic Mode |
No |
Yes |
Photographic Styles |
No |
Yes |
Macro Photography |
No |
Yes |
Video Recording |
Up to 4K at 60fps |
Up to 4K at 60fps, ProRes support |
Disclaimer: Camera performance may vary based on lighting conditions, iOS version, and user settings.
The A15 Bionic chip inside the iPhone 13 Pro offers up to 50% faster graphics performance compared to the A14 Bionic used in the 12 Pro.
This makes the 13 Pro more efficient for gaming, multitasking, and AR applications. RAM remains the same at 6GB for both devices.
In terms of battery, the 13 Pro wins comfortably. Real-world usage reports show the 13 Pro lasting 1.5 to 2 hours longer than its predecessor.
Here’s a simplified comparison of iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro performance and battery features for your quick reference:
Feature |
iPhone 12 Pro |
iPhone 13 Pro |
Processor |
A14 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
RAM |
6GB |
6GB |
Battery Capacity |
2815 mAh |
3095 mAh |
Video Playback |
Up to 17 hours |
Up to 22 hours |
Charging |
20W fast charging, MagSafe wireless |
20W fast charging, MagSafe wireless |
5G Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Disclaimer: Battery life figures are based on Apple’s internal testing and actual results may vary with usage patterns.
Both phones run iOS and receive regular updates, but newer features in iOS are often optimised for recent hardware.
The iPhone 13 Pro supports ProMotion technology and additional photographic tools which the 12 Pro does not.
Both offer 5G connectivity, Face ID, MagSafe support, Dolby Vision HDR recording, and Apple Pay.
However, with newer hardware, the 13 Pro is likely to receive iOS updates for a year longer than the 12 Pro.
Explore how the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro differ in software and features with this clear, side-by-side comparison:
Feature |
iPhone 12 Pro |
iPhone 13 Pro |
Operating System |
iOS 14 (upgradable) |
iOS 15 (upgradable) |
ProMotion Display |
No |
Yes (120Hz) |
Cinematic Mode |
No |
Yes |
Photographic Styles |
No |
Yes |
Macro Photography |
No |
Yes |
ProRes Video Recording |
No |
Yes |
Face ID |
Yes |
Yes |
MagSafe Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Disclaimer: Some features may require the latest iOS updates and are subject to change with future software versions.
The iPhone 12 pro or iPhone 13 pro dilemma often boils down to budget. The 12 Pro has been discontinued on Apple’s official website but remains available via third-party sellers.
It is typically cheaper by ₹15,000–₹20,000 depending on the storage variant.
The 13 Pro, being a newer model, retains a higher price point, especially for the 1TB version.
If you need top-tier features and plan to keep your phone for years, the 13 Pro justifies its premium.
While you compare iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro, consider your needs. The 12 Pro is still excellent—powerful, capable, and stylish.
However, the iPhone 13 Pro edges ahead with superior battery, smoother display, better camera features, and longer update support.
If budget isn’t a major constraint, the 13 Pro offers better value long-term.
But if you're upgrading from an older iPhone and want to save money, the 12 Pro is still a solid buy in 2025.
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The iPhone 13 Pro has a faster A15 chip, better battery life, ProMotion display, and new camera modes like Cinematic Mode, giving it an edge over the 12 Pro.
Yes. Its improvements in display, battery, and camera features justify the price difference, especially for users looking for a future-proof investment.
Yes. The 13 Pro offers up to 5 extra hours of video playback, thanks to a larger battery and power-efficient A15 Bionic chip.
Both use Super Retina XDR displays, but the 13 Pro includes a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, making animations, gaming, and scrolling much smoother.
Yes. The 13 Pro adds ProMotion display, Cinematic Mode, Photographic Styles, Sensor-Shift Stabilisation, and an option for 1TB storage—all absent in the 12 Pro.