BeastCompare

iPhone 12 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

iPhone 12
65/ 100
Launch price$799
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
iPhone 12
0 wins
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 mini
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone 12iPhone 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 12 has the bigger battery2,815 mAh vs 2,438 mAh
  • iPhone 12 has the bigger screen6.1" vs 5.4"
  • iPhone 13 mini is lighter140 g vs 164 g
  • iPhone 13 mini launched cheaper$699 vs $799
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone 12
  • ✓Bigger 2,815 mAh battery (+377 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.1" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone 13 mini
  • ✓24 g lighter (140 g vs 164 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$100 cheaper at launch ($699 vs $799)
  • ✓12 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone 12iPhone 13 mini
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Screen Size6.1"5.4"
Resolution & Density2532x1170 (460 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 13 mini Lightest Chassis
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm
Weight164 g140 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,815 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$799$699
Our verdict

iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 mini are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone 12 for its bigger battery (2,815 mAh vs 2,438 mAh) and bigger screen (6.1" vs 5.4"), or the iPhone 13 mini for its lighter body (140 g vs 164 g) and lower launch price ($699 vs $799).

Buy iPhone 12 if you want

Larger battery: 2,815 mAh vs 2,438 mAh · Larger display: 6.1" vs 5.4"

Buy iPhone 13 mini if you want

Lighter: 140 g vs 164 g (24 g less) · Lower launch price: $699 vs $799

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 mini?

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone 12 for its bigger battery (2,815 mAh vs 2,438 mAh) and bigger screen (6.1" vs 5.4"), or the iPhone 13 mini for its lighter body (140 g vs 164 g) and lower launch price ($699 vs $799). BeastScore: iPhone 12 64.8/100, iPhone 13 mini 64.8/100.

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

iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch display and 2815 mAh battery. iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4-inch display and 2438 mAh battery.

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

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

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