iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2nd generation): 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 · 2020

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

iPhone SE (2nd generation)
65/ 100
Launch price$399
Head-to-head

iPhone 13 mini wins 3 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 mini
3 wins
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone 13 miniiPhone SE (2nd generation)
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeediPhone 13 mini
    64
    60
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieiPhone 13 mini
    60
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    63
    63
  • SecurityiPhone 13 mini
    100
    86
  • ValueiPhone SE (2nd generation)
    68
    80
Key differences
  • iPhone 13 mini has the bigger battery2,438 mAh vs 1,821 mAh
  • iPhone 13 mini charges faster20W vs 18W
  • iPhone 13 mini has the bigger screen5.4" vs 4.7"
  • iPhone 13 mini is lighter140 g vs 148 g
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) launched cheaper$399 vs $699
  • 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 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone 13 mini
  • ✓8 g lighter (140 g vs 148 g), easier to hold
  • ✓Bigger 2,438 mAh battery (+617 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
Reasons to buy iPhone SE (2nd generation)
  • ✓$300 cheaper at launch ($399 vs $699)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓4.7" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone 13 miniiPhone SE (2nd generation)
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper Retina XDR OLEDRetina HD LCD
Screen Size5.4"4.7"
Resolution & Density2340x1080 (476 ppi)1334x750 (326 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 13
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
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.6, OIS12 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
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 mm138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight140 g148 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,438 mAh1,821 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 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$399
Our verdict

iPhone 13 mini wins — BeastScore 64.8/100

The iPhone 13 mini is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,438 mAh vs 1,821 mAh) and faster charging (20W vs 18W). The iPhone SE (2nd generation) is worth a look if you prefer its lower launch price ($399 vs $699).

Buy iPhone 13 mini if you want

Larger battery: 2,438 mAh vs 1,821 mAh · Larger display: 5.4" vs 4.7"

Buy iPhone SE (2nd generation) if you want

Lower launch price: $399 vs $699

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone 13 mini or iPhone SE (2nd generation)?

The iPhone 13 mini is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,438 mAh vs 1,821 mAh) and faster charging (20W vs 18W). The iPhone SE (2nd generation) is worth a look if you prefer its lower launch price ($399 vs $699). BeastScore: iPhone 13 mini 64.8/100, iPhone SE (2nd generation) 65.0/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE (2nd generation)?

iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4-inch display and 2438 mAh battery. iPhone SE (2nd generation) has a 4.7-inch display and 1821 mAh battery.

How do iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE (2nd generation) compare for speed?

iPhone 13 mini scores 64/100 for performance; iPhone SE (2nd generation) scores 60/100.

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