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iPhone 13 Mini vs iPhone 12 Mini: Which Small iPhone Should You Buy?

It’s time to make a choice and get your hands on the Mini iPhone! We have broken down the differences between the iPhone to help you make the right decision. Are you wondering which mini iPhone will be perfect for you? Explore the specifications and learn about the camera, storage, software updates, battery life, and performance level. 

By the end of the article, you will have a clear idea on the phone that aligns with your preferences and requirements. Let’s dive into the details to find out the ideal mini iPhone!

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Specifications

Before you dive in and begin comparing both the iPhone Mini versions, here’s a list of specifications that you must be aware of:

Specifics iPhone 12 MiniiPhone 13 Mini
Size131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm 
Weight135 g141 g
Screen display size5.4-inch Super Retina OLED (XDR)5.4-inch Super Retina OLED (XDR)
Screen resolution2340 x 1080 pixels 2340 x 1080 pixels 
iOS1515
Storage Options 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB128GB, 256GB, and 512GB
ProcessorA14 A15 
RAM4GB4GB
CameraDual 12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide rear, 12MP front12MP front, 12MP ultrawide rear camera, and dual 12MP
Video4K up to 60 frames per second, 1080p up to 240 fps4K up to 60 frames per second, 1080p up to 240 fps
Bluetooth 5.05.0
PortsLightningLightning
Water resistanceIP68IP68
Battery2227mAh2438mAh
Fast charging capacity20W20W
ColorsRed, Black, Green, Blue, and White  Red, Midnight Blue, Pink, and Starlight 
Price$599$699

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Comparing the Camera 

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Comparing the Camera

The cameras have minute differences that are simple to miss. The 12-megapixel wide lens and the 12-megapixel ultrawide lens are both featured on the iPhone 13 Mini and the iPhone 12 Mini. The iPhone 13 Mini’s hardware is not significantly improved from the 12 Mini version, and its two lenses’ shutter sizes remain the same. The iPhone 13 Mini makes a slight difference by using sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) for its wide lens to produce more steady and reliable images.

The addition of Cinematic Mode is also essential because it allows for smooth focus changes between the foreground and background while recording videos. This function appeals to aspiring photographers and videographers, while other users might not notice it too much. 

Whichever model you choose, both have excellent and diverse camera features. So, the comparison remains inconclusive.

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Storage Options

The iPhone 13 Mini offers more flexible storage options, allowing customers to select the types of storage that best suit their needs. When compared to the iPhone 12 Mini, which only offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB of storage, the iPhone 13 Mini offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. With more flexibility, users’ expanding digital needs can be readily met.

Additionally, the iPhone 13 Mini has faster storage technology than the iPhone 12 mini model it replaces. It uses NVMe storage, greater than the UFS 2.1 storage of the iPhone 12 Mini. This ensures a seamless user experience, resulting in quicker app launches, file transfers, and overall performance. The iPhone 12 and 13 Mini variants have 4GB of RAM, which is similar in both devices. 

But the storage battle is won by the iPhone 13 Mini, whose storage options make up for the overall performance and make the user experience even better. If you plan to make the switch, you’re surely in for a change of experience. 

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Performance Level

The newly installed A15 Bionic Chip gives the iPhone 13 Mini a much-needed booster.

On the other hand, the iPhone 12 Mini has an A14 Bionic Chip, which is capable but isn’t as quick as the A15 chip. The A15 Bionic Chip comes with four efficient cores and two powerful cores.

Additionally, the A15 chip also comes with a 16-core neural engine, which ensures a speedy process for all the tasks you plan to carry out. The 12 Mini comes with a four-core CU, an eight-core neural engine, and two strong cores alongside two efficient cores. 

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Durableness

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Durableness

The iPhone 13 Mini is sturdier than the iPhone 12 Mini. Starting with the front of the iPhone 13 Mini screen is made with a unique ceramic shield glass. The glass is made of excellent material, which is hard to scratch and break compared to the iPhone 12 screen glass. 

The iPhone 13 Mini is IP68 rated and is dust and water-resistant; this means you can dip your iPhone in 6m deep water for half an hour. iPhone 12 Mini has the same feature and can stay in 1.5 m of water for 30 minutes.  Besides that, the iPhone 13 Mini has an upgraded design with flat edges, which ensures the phone stays intact when it gets hit and falls.

On the other hand, the iPhone 12 Mini has the same design, with curved edges, and the chances of damage are higher if the phone gets dropped. 

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Battery Life

13 Mini surpasses its predecessor as it has a larger battery capacity, which leads to more usage and prolonged battery life. The iPhone 13 Mini can run for an additional 1.5 hours compared to the iPhone 12 Mini. This is primarily because of the optimized software and the newly installed energy-efficient A15 Bionic chip. If you own an iPhone 13 Mini, you can instantly charge your phone and receive a good amount of power within the first twenty minutes when put to charge. 

The iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller battery than the iPhone 13 Mini. The iPhone 12 Mini can sustain its battery for up to 15 hours, whereas the 13 Mini lasts 17 hours. The charging speed of both iPhones is different, with 13 Mini at 20W and 12 Mini at 18W. 

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Software Updates

Both the iPhone 13 Mini and the 12 Mini use iOS 15. The software update allows users access to smarter notifications, helps users stay focused, and allows them to send fun items over iMessage and FaceTime. From time to time, the iPhones will update to the newest versions, allowing users to access an upgraded iOS and ensure the smooth working of the phone. 

iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 13 Mini: Final Verdict

It’s finally time to make the choice! After reading all of the information above, you may have concluded by now that the iPhone 13 Mini is a better pick. The phone has a lot more to offer to users. It comes with an improved battery life, which is 2438mAh and higher compared to the 2227mAh battery life provided by the iPhone 12 Mini. This is impressive for people who want a longer and better battery life. 

The iPhone 13 Mini has the newest A15 Bionic Chipset, tops the 12 Mini A14 chipset. Both the phones come with the same IP68 resistance, and the iPhone 12 Mini takes the leader in being lighter and a cheaper alternative. iPhone 13 Mini wins with the excellent chipset and battery life, with an enhanced camera and a good performance level.

On the other hand, the iPhone 12 Mini also has much to offer but less when compared to the iPhone 13. So, if you’re looking for new upgrades, the iPhone 13 Mini is the one for you. But if you’re fine with going for a level down, we recommend getting the iPhone 12 Mini. 

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Abdul Wahab is a Software Engineer by profession and a Tech geek by nature. Having been associated with the tech industry for the last five years, he has covered a wide range of Tech topics and produced well-researched and engaging content. You will mostly find him reviewing tech products and writing blog posts. Binge-watching tech reviews and endlessly reading tech blogs are his favorite hobbies.