The iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 are popular smartphones from Apple. Both have great features, but there are some important differences. The iPhone 13 has better cameras, a longer battery life, and a faster processor than the iPhone 12. Your choice between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 will depend on what features matter most to you and your budget. This article outlines the main differences between the two models, focusing on improvements in the display, camera, performance, and battery life of the iPhone 13.
It includes a comparison table for easy reference and helps you decide which model fits your needs best. The iPhone 13 was released in 2021, while the iPhone 12 came out in 2020. Both phones support 5G and have OLED displays. The iPhone 13 features a new A15 chip that makes it faster. It also takes better low-light photos. Price is important for many buyers. The iPhone 12 is cheaper than the iPhone 13. For some, the lower price of the iPhone 12 may be worth the fewer features. Others may prefer the upgraded features of the iPhone 13.
iPhone 13 Series vs iPhone 12 Series (Tables)
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (brighter) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Camera | Dual 12MP (wider aperture, Sensor-shift OIS) | Dual 12MP |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 19 hours video playback | Up to 17 hours video playback |
| Design | Smaller notch | Larger notch |
iPhone 13 mini vs. iPhone 12 mini
| Feature | iPhone 13 mini | iPhone 12 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR (brighter) | 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Camera | Dual 12MP (wider aperture, Sensor-shift OIS) | Dual 12MP |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours video playback | Up to 15 hours video playback |
| Design | Smaller notch | Larger notch |
iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 12 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Camera | Triple 12MP (larger sensors, LiDAR Scanner, improved telephoto) | Triple 12MP (LiDAR Scanner) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours video playback | Up to 17 hours video playback |
| Design | Smaller notch | Larger notch |
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR (ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz) | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Camera | Triple 12MP (larger sensors, LiDAR Scanner, improved telephoto) | Triple 12MP (LiDAR Scanner) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 28 hours video playback | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Design | Smaller notch | Larger notch |
Key improvements in the iPhone 13 series:
- A15 Bionic chip: Faster and more efficient than the A14.
- Improved cameras: Larger sensors, wider apertures, and sensor-shift optical image stabilization.
- Longer battery life: Significant improvements across the lineup.
- ProMotion displays (Pro models): Adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations.
- More storage: Starting storage options increased.
- Smaller notch: More screen real estate.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: A Comparison
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 are both excellent smartphones, but there are some key differences to consider when choosing between them.
Display
- Brighter Display: The iPhone 13 has a brighter display than the iPhone 12, making it easier to see outdoors in sunlight.
- Smaller Notch: The notch at the top of the iPhone 13’s display is smaller than the notch on the iPhone 12.
Camera
- Improved Low-Light Performance: The iPhone 13’s camera performs better in low-light conditions than the iPhone 12’s camera.
- Cinematic Mode: The iPhone 13 introduces Cinematic mode, which allows you to record videos with a shallow depth of field effect.
- Photographic Styles: The iPhone 13 offers Photographic Styles, which let you customize the look of your photos with different presets.
Performance
- Faster Processor: The iPhone 13 has a faster A15 Bionic chip compared to the A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12. This results in smoother performance and improved battery life.
Battery Life
- Longer Battery Life: The iPhone 13 offers longer battery life than the iPhone 12, thanks to its more efficient processor and larger battery.
Storage
- Larger Base Storage: The iPhone 13 starts with 128GB of storage, while the iPhone 12 started with 64GB.
Price
- Higher Price: The iPhone 13 was slightly more expensive than the iPhone 12 at launch. However, the price of the iPhone 12 may have decreased since the release of the iPhone 13.
Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Brighter, smaller notch | |
| Camera | Improved low-light, Cinematic mode, Photographic Styles | |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Battery Life | Longer | |
| Starting Storage | 128GB | 64GB |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Which iPhone Should You Choose?
If you value the latest features and improved performance, the iPhone 13 is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget, the iPhone 12 is still a great phone that offers excellent value.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 15: Newer Models
Keep in mind that newer iPhone models are now available, including the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. These models offer further improvements in features and performance. If you’re considering buying a new iPhone, it’s worth exploring the latest models to see if they better suit your needs.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 13 has improved cameras and longer battery life
- Both phones support 5G and have OLED screens
- iPhone 12 is cheaper but has slightly older technology
Comparative Analysis of iPhone 13 and iPhone 12
The iPhone 13 brings several upgrades over its predecessor, the iPhone 12. These improvements span design, display, camera, performance, and battery life.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 look similar at first glance. Both have flat edges and a glass back. The iPhone 13 is slightly thicker and heavier. It has a smaller notch, giving more screen space.
Both phones use Ceramic Shield for the front glass. This makes them tough and scratch-resistant. They also have IP68 water resistance. This means they can survive up to 6 meters underwater for 30 minutes.
The main design change is the camera layout. The iPhone 13 has diagonal rear cameras. The iPhone 12 has vertical ones. Color options differ slightly between models.
Display Features
Both phones have 6.1-inch OLED screens. They use Super Retina XDR technology. This gives deep blacks and bright colors. The resolution is the same at 2532 x 1170 pixels.
The iPhone 13 screen is brighter. It reaches 800 nits normally and 1200 nits for HDR. The iPhone 12 hits 625 nits normally and 1200 for HDR. This makes the iPhone 13 easier to see outdoors.
Both support True Tone and P3 wide color. They have a 60Hz refresh rate. Neither has ProMotion like the Pro models. The pixel density is 460 ppi on both phones.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 13 has better cameras than the iPhone 12. Both have 12MP main and ultra-wide lenses. But the iPhone 13’s main camera lets in 47% more light. This improves low-light photos.
New features on the iPhone 13 include:
- Cinematic mode for video
- Photographic Styles
- Smart HDR 4
The iPhone 13 also has sensor-shift stabilization. This was only on Pro models before. It helps reduce blur in photos and videos.
Both phones can record 4K video at 60 fps. They support Dolby Vision HDR, but the iPhone 13 does it at 60 fps vs 30 fps on the iPhone 12.
Performance Metrics
The iPhone 13 uses Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. The iPhone 12 has the older A14 Bionic. Both are fast, but the A15 is more powerful and efficient.
Benchmarks show the A15 is about 10% faster in single-core tasks. It’s up to 18% faster in multi-core tasks. The GPU in the A15 is also stronger, giving better gaming performance.
Both phones have 4GB of RAM. This is enough for smooth multitasking on iOS. The A15’s improved Neural Engine helps with machine learning tasks like photo processing.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is much better on the iPhone 13. Apple says it lasts up to 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12. This is due to a bigger battery and the more efficient A15 chip.
Both phones support:
- Fast charging (20W)
- Wireless charging (15W)
- MagSafe accessories
They can charge to 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W charger. Neither phone comes with a charger in the box.
Storage and RAM
The iPhone 13 starts at 128GB storage. The iPhone 12 base model has 64GB. This is a big upgrade for users who store lots of photos and videos.
Storage options for iPhone 13:
- 128GB
- 256GB
- 512GB
Storage options for iPhone 12:
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 256GB
Both phones have 4GB of RAM. This is enough for smooth performance in most tasks.
Price and Availability
The iPhone 13 launched at the same price as the iPhone 12 did a year earlier. But it offers more storage in the base model. As of November 2024, the iPhone 12 is often discounted.
Typical prices (may vary by region):
- iPhone 13: Starts at $799
- iPhone 12: Often found for $599-$699
Both phones are widely available from Apple, carriers, and retailers. The iPhone 13 is the current model, while the iPhone 12 is still sold as a lower-cost option.
Connectivity and Accessories
Both phones support 5G, including mmWave in the US. They work with sub-6GHz 5G worldwide. 4G LTE is also supported for areas without 5G coverage.
Other shared features:
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- NFC for Apple Pay
- Ultra Wideband chip
Both are compatible with MagSafe accessories. These include chargers, cases, and wallets that attach magnetically. They also support Dual SIM with one physical SIM and one eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 have some key differences in features and specs. Let’s look at the most common questions about these two models.
What are the differences in camera capabilities between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12?
The iPhone 13 has better camera features than the iPhone 12. It has improved low-light performance and new video modes.
The iPhone 13 introduced Cinematic mode for videos. This mode creates a depth-of-field effect that keeps the subject in focus.
Can the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 share the same cases and accessories?
iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 cases are not always interchangeable. The iPhone 13 is slightly thicker than the iPhone 12.
Some accessories, like chargers and cables, work with both models. But cases and screen protectors may not fit both phones perfectly.
How do the specifications compare between iPhone 13 and iPhone 12?
The iPhone 13 has some upgraded specs compared to the iPhone 12. It has a faster A15 Bionic chip and more base storage.
The iPhone 13 starts at 128GB of storage, while the iPhone 12 started at 64GB. Both phones have 5G capability and OLED displays.
What are the size differences between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 12 models?
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 have the same screen sizes. Both come in 5.4-inch (mini), 6.1-inch (standard and Pro), and 6.7-inch (Pro Max) versions.
The iPhone 13 is slightly thicker and heavier than the iPhone 12. This change allows for a bigger battery in the newer model.
Is there a significant performance difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12?
The iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip offers better performance than the iPhone 12’s A14 chip. This leads to faster app launches and smoother multitasking.
The A15 chip also improves battery efficiency. This means the iPhone 13 can handle demanding tasks while using less power.
Regarding battery life, how does the iPhone 13 compare with the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 13 has better battery life than the iPhone 12. Apple increased the battery size in all iPhone 13 models.
The iPhone 13 can last up to 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12. The exact improvement varies by model and usage.
