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If you want to upgrade your iPhone 11 but aren’t considering the latest feature-packed iPhone 14, then iPhone 12 and 13 are worth considering. Given their futuristic designs, they still are up-to-date in user experience. Also, they retail at a lower price, with the iPhone 12 being the cheapest alternative.
So, should you purchase the iPhone 12 to save money, or are the upgrades on iPhone 13 worth it? Are these two models the same size? This article will answer your questions and help you figure out which model to buy: iPhone 12 or iPhone 13.
iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Apple iPhone 12 | Apple iPhone 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29 in) | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.30 in) |
| Thickness | 7.4mm | 7.65mm |
| Weight | 164g | 174g |
| Color options | White, black, blue, green, purple, (PRODUCT) RED | (PRODUCT) RED, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink |
| Display’s max brightness | 625 nits | 800 nits |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Lightning connector | Yes | Yes |
| Memory | 4GB | 4GB |
| Photography | Smart HDR 3 | Smart HDR 4 |
| Processor | A14 | A15 |
| Storage options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13: What’s the Difference?
Apple launched the iPhone 12 in 2020 and the iPhone 13 as an upgrade a year later, making the two models similar in several aspects. They also have significant differences.
Size and Dimensions
To the untrained eye, the iPhone 13 appears to be the same size as the iPhone 12, but it is not. These two iPhone models have the same height and width of 146.7mm (5.78 inches) and 71.5mm (2.82 inches), respectively. However, the iPhone 13 has a depth of 7.65mm (0.30 inches), while the iPhone 12 has a depth of 7.4mm (0.29 inches).
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
- Water resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. Compatible with MagSafe accessories and wireless chargers
Weight
It is almost impossible to notice the differences in weight, but as it has always been with iPhones, newer models weigh more. The iPhone 13 weighs 174 grams, 10 grams more than its predecessor iPhone 12. This is expected as iPhone 13 is 0.25mm thicker than iPhone 12.
Design
The main design difference between the two is the rear camera positioning. Whereas the rear cameras of the iPhone 12 offset vertically, those on iPhone 13 offset diagonally. The camera array also has a smaller notch in the 2021 model, making the cutout less noticeable.
Besides this difference, the two models look the same. Both are made of aerospace-grade aluminum with squared-off edges, a flat band around the sides, and a single polished glass at the rear.
Camera
The camera is an important difference between iPhone 13 and iPhone 12. If phone camera quality tops your list of priorities when choosing a smartphone, then go for the iPhone 13. Though the two models have the same number of lenses, the hardware upgrades on iPhone 13 pushed its camera experience to another level.
Due to the diagonal layout of the rear cameras, the main camera in the iPhone 13 has a larger sensor. Hence, it allows 47% more light than the iPhone 12. Apple also added the sensor-shift stabilization feature, which allows sensors to shift in darker places allowing better image quality by the ultra-wide lens. Consequently, iPhone 13 offers better low-light photography than its predecessor.
Then there is the Cinematic mode, a video-shooting feature you will only find on iPhone 13 and later models. First, it allows shallow depth of field video recording at 1080p and 30fps. It is worth pointing out that both iPhone 12 and 13 can record Dolby Vision HDR videos at 30fps and 60fps, respectively.
However, the most important capability of the Cinematic Mode is the seamless shift of focus from one object to another. It automatically blurs background items while holding focus on a given object and changes focus when another object comes to the scene.
The third camera feature that sets the iPhone 13 above iPhone 12 is the Photographic Styles feature. It allows you to mute or boost skin colors without affecting skin tone. Cool and Warm styles accentuate blue and golden undertones, respectively. For deeper colors or darker shadows, there is the Rich Contrast, while the Vibrant style is for the general boosting of colors.
The main advantage of styles over filters on iPhone 12 is that whereas filters apply to the whole image, styles apply selectively.
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Charging and Battery Life
iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 both support fast charging using the Lightning cable with a 20W power adapter. They also support wireless charging using Apple’s MagSafe or Qi-wireless charging mat.
However, their battery life differs as the battery capacity of the iPhone 12 is 2,815mAh while that of the iPhone 13 is 3,227mAh. As a result, you can juice 75 hours of audio playback or 19 hours of video playback on the iPhone 13. iPhone 12, on the other hand, delivers 65 hours or 17 hours of audio or video playback, respectively.
Colors Options
The iPhone 12 comes in black, white, green, blue, purple, and PRODUCT [RED], which is available in both models. The iPhone 13 has blue, green, starlight (white), and midnight (black) colors. The model also added pink to the list of iPhone colors, and if you opt for the iPhone 13 Pro, you will get more color options, including gold and silver. Nonetheless, whether one color makes one model better than the other is an issue of preference and personal taste.
Display
Both the iPhone 12 and 13 have the same 6.1-inch AMOLED display. However, the one on iPhone 13 delivers brighter displays in non-HDR use, of 800 nits, making it 28% brighter than iPhone 12. In case brightness is a deal breaker for you, then consider the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, as they can deliver up to 1,000 nits.
In terms of refresh rates, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 deliver 60Hz. If you need a phone with adjustable refresh rates, then consider the iPhone 13 Pro. It comes with the exclusive ProMotion feature that allows it to adjust refresh rates between 10Hz and 120Hz depending on on-screen activity.
Memory and Storage
Both phones come with 4GB memory. When it comes to storage, the iPhone 12 offer 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. The iPhone 13 upgraded storage, beginning at 128GB and adding 256GB and 512GB to the list of available storage options.
64GB might have been a lot of storage in 2020, but not anymore considering the high quality and quantity of photos and videos people store on their phones. However, unless you really need the 512GB, you can settle for 256GB from either model.
Processor Power
Both models come with 6-core A-series Bionic processor, but iPhone 12 runs on the A14 chip while the iPhone 13 runs on the A15 chip. There is no discernible difference between the performance of the two models as the A14 remains capable in all day-to-day operations such as Facetime, apps, texts, gaming, and streaming videos.
However, Apple has hinted at producing virtual reality and augmented reality headsets that could be used as host devices for iPhone 13 and newer models. Therefore, if you need a future-proofed model for such technologies and other Apple software and devices, then the A15 chip is a better option.
SIM Support
Both iPhone models have dual SIM support for one eSIM and one physical nano-SIM. However, if you have two eSIMs, the iPhone 13 is worth buying in 2023 as it offers simultaneous support for two eSIMs.
iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13: 7 Must-Know Facts
- The iPhone 13 is 0.25mm thicker and weighs 10 grams more than iPhone 12 .
- Both support 6GHz, 5G, and mmWave connectivity.
- Both have 12MP Ultrawide and Wide rear cameras with 2X optical zoom out.
- In both, photography features include Portrait, Deep Fusion, Night, and True Tone Flash modes with Slow Sync.
- In both, videography features include HDR video recording, 4K video recording, 240fps slo-mo video recording at 1080p, time-lapse, and audio zoom.
- Both have ceramic shield front.
- Both are IP-68 rated for dust, water, and splash resistance.
iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13: Which One Should You Buy?
The iPhone 13 has a brighter display, better camera features, more battery life, a smaller notch, and a future-facing processor. It is also slightly thicker and weighs 10 grams more than iPhone 12. Aside from these differences, the option for a pink-colored iPhone, and 512GB, the iPhone 13 has very little more than the iPhone 12.
Therefore, if your budget allows it and for the sake of possible new software and upgrades that might only run on the A15 processor and above, buy the iPhone 13. It is also a good alternative if you need a phone that can double up as an emergency professional camera.
However, if all you need is a 5G iPhone with above-average processor power at a pocket-friendly price tag, go for the iPhone 12. Even then, ensure you opt for one with more storage capacity, at least 128GB.
