BeastCompare

iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 13 mini: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2020

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 mini
65/ 100
Launch price$699
Apple · 2021

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 mini
65/ 100
Launch price$699
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 0 of 8 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
0 wins
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 mini
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone 12 miniiPhone 13 mini
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    60
    60
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    63
    63
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • iPhone 13 mini has the bigger battery2,438 mAh vs 2,227 mAh
  • iPhone 12 mini is lighter133 g vs 140 g
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone 12 mini
  • ✓7 g lighter (133 g vs 140 g), easier to hold
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.4" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone 13 mini
  • ✓Bigger 2,438 mAh battery (+211 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.4" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone 12 miniiPhone 13 mini
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Screen Size5.4"5.4"
Resolution & Density2340x1080 (476 ppi)2340x1080 (476 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness625 nits peak800 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedApple GPU (5-core)
Operating SystemiOS 14iOS 15
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB / 256GB128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.6, OIS12 MP, f/1.6, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.412 MP, f/2.4
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens12 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone 12 mini Lightest Chassis
Dimensions131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm
Weight133 g140 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,227 mAh2,438 mAh
Wired Fast Charging20W wired fast charging20W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless charging15W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.05.0
USB Port & SpeedLightningLightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$699$699
Our verdict

iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone 12 mini for its lighter body (133 g vs 140 g), or the iPhone 13 mini for its bigger battery (2,438 mAh vs 2,227 mAh).

Buy iPhone 12 mini if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Buy iPhone 13 mini if you want

Larger battery: 2,438 mAh vs 2,227 mAh

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini?

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone 12 mini for its lighter body (133 g vs 140 g), or the iPhone 13 mini for its bigger battery (2,438 mAh vs 2,227 mAh). BeastScore: iPhone 12 mini 64.8/100, iPhone 13 mini 64.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini?

iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch display and 2227 mAh battery. iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4-inch display and 2438 mAh battery.

How do iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini compare for speed?

iPhone 12 mini scores 64/100 for performance; iPhone 13 mini scores 64/100.

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