It may have been the neglected, smaller sibling of last year’s iPhone 12 range, but Apple’s Mini is back, in its second incarnation as the iPhone 13 Mini. While taking the same 5.4-inch display as its successor, it adds a bigger battery, the new A15 Bionic chip, enlarged storage options, and a smaller front-facing notch. In theory, this should make it a better phone overall than the 2020 model, but is it worth an upgrade if you already have the latter?
We answer this question by pitting the two devices against each other in a head-to-head comparison test, in which we examine their specs, designs, displays, performance, cameras, and software. By weighing up all of their pros and cons, we should help you decide which one might suit you best.
Specs
iPhone 13 Mini |
iPhone 12 Mini | |
Size | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm (5.18 x 2.53 x 0.30 in) | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm (5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 inches) |
Weight | 141 grams (4.97 ounces) | 135 grams (4.76 ounces) |
Screen size | 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
Screen resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (476 pixels per inch) | 2340 x 1080 pixels (476 pixels per inch) |
Operating system | iOS 15 | iOS 15 |
Storage space | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
MicroSD card slot | No | No |
Tap-to-pay services | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A14 Bionic |
RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
Camera | Dual 12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide rear, 12MP front | Dual 12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide rear, 12MP front |
Video | 4K up to 60 frames per second, 1080p up to 240 fps | 4K up to 60 frames per second, 1080p up to 240 fps |
Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Ports | Lightning | Lightning |
Authenticate method | FaceID | FaceID |
Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Battery | 2,438mAh
Fast charging (20w) MagSafe wireless charging (15W) Qi magnetic fast wireless charging (7.5W) |
2,227mAh
Fast charging (20w) MagSafe wireless charging (15W) Qi magnetic fast wireless charging (7.5W) |
App marketplace | Apple App Store | Apple App Store |
Network support | AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon | AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon |
Colors | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, PRODUCT (RED) | White, Black, Blue, Green, PRODUCT (RED) |
Price | $699 | $599 |
Buy from | Apple, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy | Apple, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy |
Review score | News | 4 out of 5 stars |
Design, display, durability
We hope you enjoy playing “spot the difference,” since you’ll be hard-pressed to notice any glaring deviations from the iPhone 12 Mini to the 13 Mini. They have nearly identical dimensions and the same flat sides, with only two relatively modest differences being apparent. The first is that notch on the iPhone 13 Mini is around 20% narrower, while the second is that the two camera lenses on the back of the newer phone now have a diagonal alignment. Whether this makes it a more attractive phone, however, is something for the reader to decide.
It’s also a case of Spot the Difference with the displays of each device, since they appear to be exactly the same. They both employ a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, with 2340 x 1080 pixels a piece (making for 476 pixels per inch). That said, the
Both devices are also protected by a Ceramic Shield screen, providing four times better drop protection than 2019’s models. An IP68 rating for each also means that you can dip both phones in up to 1.5 meters of water for as long as 30 minutes.
Put simply, both phones are almost identical, so this round is a tie.
Winner: Tie
Performance, battery life, charging
Here’s where things start to get a little interesting. Both the
On the other hand, the
Another advantage boasted by the
Still, with more generous internal memory as standard, this round goes to the newer device.
Winner:
Camera
The cameras provide another case of squint-and-you’ll-miss-it differences. Both the
We’re not entirely sure if this will make a significant difference to the quality of the
Regardless of which one you eventually choose, you’ll get an excellent and versatile camera phone. This round, therefore, remains a tie, pending a full review of the
Winner: Tie
Software and updates
Both the
Both phones will also provide the same reliable feed of regular software updates, while even the iPhone 12 Mini will receive updates long beyond the point at which you’d want to upgrade to a new iPhone.
Winner: Tie
Special features
Both the
Both phones are also compatible with MagSafe accessories, such as magnetic chargers and cases. These are steadily growing in number, and while they’re hardly a game-changer for the smartphone world, they’re a nice extra touch.
Other than that, both phones will provide you with returning special features such as Face ID and Memojis. Given that neither flaunts anything the other lacks, this round is another tie.
Winner: iPhone 12 Mini
Price and availability
Starting from $699, the
The iPhone 12 Mini now starts at $599 for the 64GB model. The 128GB and 256GB models are available for $649 and $749, respectively. It is also supported by all carriers and stocked by the vast majority of outlets.
Overall winner: iPhone 13 Mini
No, there isn’t much in it, but the iPhone 13 Mini is just about the better phone overall. This is due to its more generous default internal storage, as well as its longer battery life. There’s also a chance that it may have a slightly more effective and consistent camera than the iPhone 12 Mini, although without a full test we can’t say this for certain. However, if you already own the iPhone 12 Mini, there really isn’t much reason for you to upgrade. It’s also arguable that if you have neither, the $100 saving might make the older phone the more attractive option.
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