iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 13 Mini – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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Apple iPhone 13 Mini & Apple iPhone 12 Mini share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple iPhone 13 Mini rather than the Apple iPhone 12 Mini. 

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Why Do I Recommend The Apple iPhone 13 Mini? 

  • The iPhone 13 Mini has a powerful A15 Bionic chip for faster performance, enhanced graphics, and better energy efficiency compared to the iPhone 12 Mini’s A14 Bionic chip.
  • iPhone 13 Mini features sensor-shift optical image stabilization for providing steadier videos and sharper low-light photos compared to the iPhone 12 Mini’s standard OIS.
  • It supports Cinematic mode to create professional-looking videos with a focus transition effect, while the iPhone 12 lacks this feature.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Mini features a higher battery capacity of 2,438 mAh for providing longer video playback of up to 17 hours, compared to the iPhone 12 Mini’s 2227 mAh battery and 15-hour video playback.
  • iPhone 13 Mini comes with larger storage options, starting at 128GB and up to 512GB to store more apps, photos, and videos, compared to the iPhone 12 Mini’s 64GB starting option.
  • It has a brighter display with 800 nits typical brightness to view content outdoors under direct sunlight, compared to the iPhone 12 Mini’s 625 nits.
  • The iPhone 13 Mini supports faster MagSafe wireless charging at 15W for quicker power-ups with compatible accessories, compared to the iPhone 12 Mini’s 12W.
  • iPhone 13 Mini has broader 5G band support to ensure better network compatibility and faster speeds compared to the iPhone 12 Mini.

Maybe the Apple iPhone 12 Mini price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple iPhone 13 Mini. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 13 MiniApple iPhone 12 Mini
ChipsetA15 BionicA14 Bionic
Storage Variants128GB, 256GB, 512GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Peak Brightness800 nits (typical), 1200 nits (HDR)625 nits (typical), 1200 nits (HDR)
Video FeaturesCinematic mode (1080p at 30fps)No Cinematic mode
Night ModeDeep Fusion and Night mode on all camerasNight mode only on rear cameras
Front Camera Features12MP, Cinematic mode12MP
Battery Capacity2,438 mAh2,227 mAh
Video Playback TimeUp to 17 hoursUp to 15 hours
Wireless Charging (MagSafe)Up to 15WUp to 12W
Face IDImproved performanceStandard performance
Weight140 grams135 grams
Color VariantsStarlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, Red, GreenBlack, White, Red, Blue, Green, Purple
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What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display and Size: Both the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 Mini feature a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, providing vibrant colors and sharp visuals in a compact form factor.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: Both devices have an IP68 rating, ensuring resistance against dust and water immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, making them durable for everyday use and accidental exposure.
  • Front Camera and Face ID: Both models come with a 12MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture and support Face ID for secure biometric authentication, providing fast and reliable facial recognition for unlocking and payments.
  • Operating System and Connectivity: Both phones run iOS 15 (upgradable), offering the latest software features and updates. They also support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast internet speeds and efficient wireless communication.
  • Charging and MagSafe: Both devices support 20W wired fast charging, 15W MagSafe wireless charging, and Qi wireless charging at 7.5W, allowing users flexibility in charging methods.
  • Dual-SIM Capability: Both phones support Nano-SIM and eSIM, enabling users to utilize two phone numbers simultaneously, ideal for managing personal and work contacts.
  • Build Quality: Both iPhones feature a Ceramic Shield front and a glass back with an aluminum frame, combining durability with a premium aesthetic.
  • Speaker System: Both models come with stereo speakers, delivering balanced and immersive audio suitable for multimedia playback and calls.
  • Video Recording Capabilities: Both phones offer 4K video recording at 24/30/60fps and 1080p recording at 30/60/120/240fps, with Dolby Vision HDR support, ensuring high-quality, vibrant videos.
  • Security Features: Both models utilize Face ID for biometric security, allowing users to unlock their phones quickly and securely while also enabling secure payments through Apple Pay.

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Common Features

FeatureApple iPhone 13 MiniApple iPhone 12 Mini
Display Size5.4 inches5.4 inches
Display Resolution2340 x 1080 pixels2340 x 1080 pixels
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
HDR SupportHDR10, Dolby VisionHDR10, Dolby Vision
Water and Dust ResistanceIP68IP68
Front Camera Resolution12MP12MP
Front Camera Aperturef/2.2f/2.2
Face IDYesYes
Operating SystemiOS 15iOS 15
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.05G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
MagSafe SupportYesYes
Fast Charging20W wired, 15W MagSafe20W wired, 15W MagSafe
USB ConnectivityLightning portLightning port
Dual-SIM SupportNano-SIM and eSIMNano-SIM and eSIM
Build MaterialCeramic Shield front, glass backCeramic Shield front, glass back
Wireless ChargingQi wireless charging supportQi wireless charging support
Video Recording Capabilities4K at 24/30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60/120/240fps4K at 24/30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60/120/240fps
Speaker SetupStereo speakersStereo speakers
Biometric SecurityFace IDFace ID
Price Check 13 Mini Price Check 12 Mini Price

FAQ

Do both iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 Mini have the same display quality?
Yes, both phones feature a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. They both support HDR10 and Dolby Vision, offering vibrant colors, high contrast ratios, and deep blacks. However, the iPhone 13 Mini has a higher typical brightness of 800 nits compared to 625 nits on the iPhone 12 Mini, making it slightly better for outdoor visibility.

Are the camera setups identical on both iPhone models?
Both phones feature a dual 12MP camera system with a wide and ultra-wide lens. However, the iPhone 13 Mini has sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) for improved video stability, while the iPhone 12 Mini has standard OIS. The iPhone 13 Mini also features Cinematic mode for video recording, which the iPhone 12 Mini lacks.

Is battery life better on the iPhone 13 Mini compared to the iPhone 12 Mini?
Yes, the iPhone 13 Mini has a slightly larger battery capacity, resulting in longer battery life. It offers up to 17 hours of video playback compared to 15 hours on the iPhone 12 Mini. This improvement is mainly due to the more efficient A15 Bionic chip and optimized power management.

Do both models support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 Mini support 5G connectivity. However, the iPhone 13 Mini supports more 5G bands, which means better coverage and faster speeds, especially in areas with diverse network infrastructure.

Are the charging speeds different between the two models?
Both models support 20W wired fast charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. However, the iPhone 12 Mini’s MagSafe charging may be slightly less consistent at 12W in some conditions, while the iPhone 13 Mini consistently supports 15W.

Can both iPhones be charged wirelessly?
Yes, both models support wireless charging via MagSafe at 15W and Qi wireless charging at 7.5W. They are compatible with MagSafe accessories, such as chargers and magnetic cases.

Do both models support the same iOS updates?
Yes, both the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 Mini initially shipped with iOS 15 and are eligible for future iOS updates. Since they are relatively new, they will receive updates for several years.

Is there a difference in storage options between the two models?
Yes, the iPhone 13 Mini offers more storage options, starting at 128GB and going up to 512GB. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Mini starts at 64GB, with maximum storage of 256GB. The increased base storage on the iPhone 13 Mini is more suitable for users who store a lot of media and apps.

Are the physical dimensions and weight the same for both models?
The physical dimensions of both phones are almost identical, but the iPhone 13 Mini is slightly heavier, weighing 140 grams compared to the 135 grams of the iPhone 12 Mini. This slight difference is mainly due to the larger battery and camera improvements in the iPhone 13 Mini.

Do both iPhones support Face ID for unlocking?
Yes, both the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 Mini feature Face ID, which uses the TrueDepth front camera system for secure facial recognition. It works in a wide range of lighting conditions and is used for unlocking the phone, authenticating apps, and making payments.

Is the build quality similar between the two models?
Yes, both phones are built with a Ceramic Shield front cover and glass back, framed with aerospace-grade aluminum. They are both IP68 rated, making them resistant to dust and water immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Do both models support Dual SIM functionality?
Yes, both the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 Mini support Dual SIM through a combination of a physical Nano-SIM and an eSIM. This allows users to have two active phone numbers on one device, which is useful for separating work and personal contacts.

Are there any differences in audio features between the two phones?
Both models offer stereo speakers, providing clear and balanced audio for media playback and phone calls. They also support spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, enhancing sound quality for movies and music.

Do both iPhones have the same color options?
No, the color options differ slightly between the two models. The iPhone 13 Mini comes in Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, Red, and Green, while the iPhone 12 Mini is available in Black, White, Red, Blue, Green, and Purple. The colors reflect subtle changes between generations, with the iPhone 13 Mini having a more muted and modern palette.

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