iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Mini

These two Apple smartphones have a similar price point, so you might be wondering whether you should get an iPhone 12 or an iPhone 13 Mini if you want the most bang for your buck.

Released only a year apart, these iPhones have similar features and components, but there are some key differences to keep in mind. Here’s what to consider before buying an iPhone 12 or 13 Mini.

iPhone 12 vs 13 Mini: size comparison

Not to state the obvious, but size is the biggest difference between these two models. The iPhone 12 measures 5.78 inches high by 2.82 inches wide, with a depth of 0.29 inches. The iPhone 13 Mini is considerably smaller overall at 5.18 inches high by 2.53 inches wide, but just slightly thicker with a depth of 0.30 inches.

Despite its extra depth, the 13 Mini is lighter, weighing just 4.97 ounces (141 grams) compared to 5.78 ounces (164 grams) for the iPhone 12. The 13 Mini’s smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to carry, slip into your pocket, or use with one hand.  

With its more compact dimensions, the iPhone 13 Mini also has a smaller screen size than the iPhone 12. The 13 Mini has a 5.4-inch all-screen OLED display compared to the iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch display.

Storage Capacity

When it comes to storage capacity, bigger isn’t always, well… bigger. The iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB configurations. The iPhone 13 Mini starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB so you can actually fit more inside the smaller phone.

If you keep a lot of photos or videos on your phone, the larger storage capacity can definitely come in handy. However, the iPhone 12’s 64GB option is a nice way to save money on a smartphone if you don’t tend to store a lot of data on your phone. 

Performance and battery life

The iPhone 12 has Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 13 Mini has the newer A15 chip. While the newer chip is more powerful, it’s hard to tell any difference in everyday use.

One advantage of the A15 chip is power efficiency, and the iPhone 13 Mini demonstrates impressive battery life. Long battery life is a key feature noted in many iPhone 13 reviews, making it a popular choice for on-the-go users. 

However, there’s surprisingly little difference in battery life between the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini. On both models, the battery lasts up to 17 hours of video playback. For video streaming, the iPhone 12 battery lasts up to 11 hours while the 13 Mini lasts up to 13 hours. But, before we give the 13 Mini a W for battery life, there’s a curveball: the iPhone 12 battery outlasts the 13 Mini’s by a whopping 10 hours for audio playback, with 65 hours versus 55.

With such similar stats, the battery life category is really a toss-up between these two models unless you lean heavily towards either streaming lots of video or listening to a lot of downloaded music on your phone. TBH, even if you are on team video streaming, the extra three hours of battery life you’ll get from the iPhone 13 Mini might not make up for the smaller screen size you’ll be watching it on.  

Camera updates

When it comes to iPhone cameras, Apple tends to make at least minor improvements with each new model. Both the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini feature 12MP front-facing cameras and a dual 12MP rear camera system with Wide and Ultra Wide lenses. 

Updates to the iPhone 13 Mini camera include new Photographic Styles for more personalized photos and Cinematic Mode for video, which automatically adjusts the depth of field and focus for more theatrical results. If you're into photography and video, you might enjoy iPhone 13 Mini’s more advanced camera features.

Which is better: iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 Mini?

We hate to say it, but size matters if you’re debating between the iPhone 12 or 13 Mini. If you prefer a bigger screen for watching videos or reading content, the iPhone 12 is a better choice for your needs. 

The compact yet powerful iPhone 13 Mini is technically superior to the iPhone 12 but the performance is similar when it comes to daily use. If you have your heart set on a fun-sized phone, check out our iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 13 Mini comparison to see how those two Mini models differ.