iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus: Which One Should You Buy?

iPhone 13 mini edges ahead with a BeastScore of 64.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2021

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 mini
65/ 100
Launch price$699
Apple · 2017

iPhone 8 Plus

iPhone 8 Plus
65/ 100
Launch price$799
Head-to-head

iPhone 13 mini wins 4 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 mini
4 wins
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 8 Plus
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone 13 miniiPhone 8 Plus
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeediPhone 13 mini
    64
    60
  • CameraiPhone 8 Plus
    72
    75
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieiPhone 13 mini
    60
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityiPhone 13 mini
    63
    53
  • SecurityiPhone 13 mini
    100
    86
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • iPhone 8 Plus has the bigger battery2,691 mAh vs 2,438 mAh
  • iPhone 13 mini charges faster20W vs 18W
  • iPhone 8 Plus has the bigger screen5.5" vs 5.4"
  • iPhone 13 mini is lighter140 g vs 202 g
  • iPhone 13 mini launched cheaper$699 vs $799
  • iPhone 13 mini has a sharper selfie camera12 MP vs 7 MP
  • iPhone 13 mini has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
  • iPhone 13 mini has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5
  • iPhone 13 mini is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone 13 mini
  • ✓62 g lighter (140 g vs 202 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$100 cheaper at launch ($699 vs $799)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
Reasons to buy iPhone 8 Plus
  • ✓Bigger 2,691 mAh battery (+253 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone 13 miniiPhone 8 Plus
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper Retina XDR OLEDLED-backlit IPS LCD Retina HD
Screen Size5.4"5.5"
Resolution & Density2340x1080 (476 ppi)1920x1080 (401 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness800 nits peak625 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 iPhone 13 mini Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorApple A15 Bionic (5nm)Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsApple GPU (5-core)Not listed
Operating SystemiOS 15iOS 11
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR3 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage128GB / 256GB / 512GB64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone 8 Plus Wins Camera
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.6, OIS12 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)12 MP (2x optical zoom), f/2.8
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.4N/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens12 MP, f/2.27 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone 13 mini Lightest Chassis
Dimensions131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5 mm
Weight140 g202 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,438 mAh2,691 mAh
Wired Fast Charging20W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless charging7W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5
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$799
Our verdict

iPhone 13 mini wins — BeastScore 64.8/100

The iPhone 13 mini is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (20W vs 18W) and lighter body (140 g vs 202 g). The iPhone 8 Plus is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (2,691 mAh vs 2,438 mAh).

Buy iPhone 13 mini if you want

Lighter: 140 g vs 202 g (62 g less) · Lower launch price: $699 vs $799

Buy iPhone 8 Plus if you want

Larger battery: 2,691 mAh vs 2,438 mAh · Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens)

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone 13 mini or iPhone 8 Plus?

The iPhone 13 mini is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (20W vs 18W) and lighter body (140 g vs 202 g). The iPhone 8 Plus is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (2,691 mAh vs 2,438 mAh). BeastScore: iPhone 13 mini 64.8/100, iPhone 8 Plus 64.5/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 8 Plus?

iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4-inch display and 2438 mAh battery. iPhone 8 Plus has a 5.5-inch display and 2691 mAh battery.

How do iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 8 Plus compare for speed?

iPhone 13 mini scores 64/100 for performance; iPhone 8 Plus scores 60/100.

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