Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Apple iPhone 13 mini
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2021-09-24 | The iPhone 13 mini is a newer model, likely with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm, 135g | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm, 141g | Both phones are compact and highly pocketable. The 13 mini is slightly thicker (0.3mm) and heavier (6g), which may be imperceptible to most users but could matter to those who prioritize the absolute lightest build. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 5.4" | Both offer a very similar compact viewing experience, ideal for single-handed use and those who don't prioritize a large screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Identical sharp and clear visuals. |
| PPI | 476 | 476 | Excellent pixel density on both, ensuring detailed and crisp visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, which is superior to LCDs for viewing media. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Not as smooth as higher refresh rate displays, but suitable for most tasks. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both screens are sufficiently bright for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | The A15 provides better performance in demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,250,240 | The A15 chipset results in a noticeable performance uplift, especially for graphic-intensive apps and games. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) A14 config | Apple GPU (4-core) A15 config | The A15's GPU provides slightly better graphics performance than the A14, although both are capable of smooth gameplay. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, IMX372 | 12MP, f/1.6, 1.7µm, IMX603 | The iPhone 13 mini's larger pixels capture more light, resulting in slightly better low-light performance and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, IMX514 | 12MP, f/2.2, IMX514 | Selfie cameras are comparable. The iPhone 13 mini has a slightly better video score which translates to better quality when using the front camera for video recording. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, IMX503 | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, IMX372 | Both provide similar wide-angle shots with comparable sensor size and pixel size. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Both offer excellent video capabilities, making them suitable for everyday content creation. |
| DxOMark Mobile | Main: 117, Photo: 128, Video: 129 | Main: 125, Photo: 133, Video: 144 | The 13 mini performs better in both still images and video recording, especially in low light conditions. |
| DxOMark Selfie | Main: 132, Photo: 127, Video: 140 | Main: 134, Photo: 127, Video: 143 | The 13 mini performs slightly better in overall and video recording. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, Night Mode etc | 4K Video, OIS, Night Mode etc | Both phones have the same camera features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227 mAh | 2438 mAh | The iPhone 13 mini offers a notable improvement in battery life, potentially lasting a few extra hours, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 20W fast, MagSafe/Qi wireless | 20W fast, MagSafe/Qi wireless | Both phones have identical fast charging support which will get you to 50% charge in around 30 mins. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1, Max iOS 18 | iOS 15, Max iOS 18 | The iPhone 13 mini ships with a newer iOS version, ensuring a more modern software experience with the most recent features. Both phones will receive iOS updates until iOS 18 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer fast and stable WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | The iPhone 12 mini has slightly newer Bluetooth version. The only main difference is the extra AAC codec support on the iPhone 13 mini. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | The 12 mini has slightly better location tracking with the extra Beidou support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both phones support dual SIM. The 12 mini is a dual standby phone meaning it can use both sim cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | The iPhone 13 mini starts with 128GB of storage compared to 64GB for the 12 mini. This is important for users that take a lot of pictures and videos, and store files on their phones. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4GB of RAM is sufficient for basic use and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, DTS/X, 3 Mics, Stereo Speakers | The 13 mini has a slightly better audio experience due to the inclusion of DTS/X support, three microphones and noise cancellation. These are important for phone calls and audio recording. |
| Security | Basic Security Features | Basic Security Features | Both have standard security features such as passcode and biometric unlock. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | The 12 mini has the addition of the compass sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: Weighing 6 grams less may appeal to users who prefer a featherlight feel.
- Compass Sensor: The 12 mini has the addition of the compass sensor.
- Dual Standby SIM: The 12 mini can use two sim cards at once.
- Slightly Newer Bluetooth: The 12 mini has the 5.1 LE Bluetooth version.
- Wider Location Support: The 12 mini supports Beidou satellites for better location tracking.
- Initial Lower Cost: Typically available at a lower price point than the 13 mini.
- More SIM Options: The iPhone 12 mini supports dual Nano SIMs instead of just one nano sim and an eSIM.
Apple iPhone 13 mini Advantages:
- Newer, More Powerful Chip: The A15 Bionic chip offers a noticeable performance improvement for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Better Battery Life: The larger battery provides significantly improved battery performance, addressing a common concern of compact phones.
- Improved Camera: The main camera with larger pixels and the newer image sensor, coupled with better image processing results in better low light photos and videos, and a higher DXOmark score.
- Improved Audio: The 13 mini has slightly better audio due to DTS/X, three microphones and noise cancellation.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of iOS (iOS 15), ensuring a more modern software experience.
- Higher Base Storage: 128GB base storage vs 64GB on the 12 mini provides more storage for files and pictures.
- Better Selfie Camera Video: The selfie camera produces better quality video.
Trade-offs:
- Weight & Thickness: The 13 mini is slightly thicker and heavier compared to the 12 mini.
- Price: The 13 mini is generally more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for the most affordable entry into the compact iPhone market.
- Users prioritizing lightness: Individuals who value a very lightweight and compact phone above all else.
- Casual smartphone users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, browsing, and social media, and don't require top-tier performance.
- Users who don't need a lot of storage: The lower base storage may not be a problem for users who don't take too many photos or videos, and don't store many files on their phones.
- Users that need two physical sims: For people who travel internationally and need two physical sims, the 12 mini provides this.
Apple iPhone 12 mini Use Cases:
- Light daily use: Basic browsing, communication, and media consumption.
- Secondary device: As a backup or travel phone due to its compact size.
- Users that need a GPS for direction: The addition of the compass sensor makes the 12 mini a good choice for users that use their phones for direction.
- People who value a lightweight phone: The 12 mini would be a better choice for people that prioritise a lightweight phone.
Apple iPhone 13 mini Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who want the most powerful compact iPhone.
- Photo & Video Enthusiasts: Those who want the best camera in this form factor and will appreciate the improved low-light performance and video quality.
- Users prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who need their phone to last through a full day of moderate to heavy usage.
- Users who want the latest iOS: Those who want to ensure they have the latest iOS updates, and longest support.
- Users who need more storage: The 128GB base storage will appeal to users who want enough storage for apps, pictures and videos, and other files.
Apple iPhone 13 mini Use Cases:
- Demanding Mobile Gaming: Smooth performance in graphically intensive mobile games.
- Content Creation: Better video and photo quality for capturing memories and sharing on social media.
- All-Day Usage: Improved battery life for people who use their phone for extended periods.
- Better Audio: The slightly better audio from the 13 mini due to noise cancellation and 3 mics, could be useful for people who often take calls and record videos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life? If long battery life is crucial, the iPhone 13 mini is the better option.
- What is my budget? The iPhone 12 mini offers a cheaper entry point if budget is a major constraint.
- How much do I value performance and camera quality? The iPhone 13 mini has a clear edge in these aspects.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget-Conscious & Light User: If your needs are basic, and you need the lightest possible phone on a budget, the iPhone 12 mini is a good option.
Performance, Camera & Battery Focused User: If you need great performance, a reliable camera, and better battery, then the iPhone 13 mini is worth the extra cost.
Users that need two physical sims: If you need to use two physical SIM cards at once then the iPhone 12 mini would be a better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the iPhone 13 mini. While the iPhone 12 mini is more affordable and a little lighter, the enhancements that the iPhone 13 mini offers in key areas such as the chip (performance), battery life, and camera are significant enough to justify the higher price. As someone who uses their smartphone for a variety of tasks, including photography, I would appreciate the performance boost and improved camera of the iPhone 13 mini. The better battery life is also a big selling point. The 13 mini is also a newer phone, and thus will get software updates for longer. For these reasons, I would pick the iPhone 13 mini.
