iPhone 12 vs 13: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be tough, especially with so many great options available. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 12 and the newer iPhone 13? This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.
The iPhone 12 was a significant upgrade when it launched, boasting 5G connectivity and a stunning design. However, the iPhone 13 brought some notable improvements, making it a worthy contender. We’ll explore the performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value of both phones.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from Android, understanding the nuances of the iPhone 12 vs 13 is crucial. We will delve into the details, helping you determine which phone offers the best features and fits your lifestyle.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP Dual-camera | 12MP Dual-camera |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| MagSafe | Yes | Yes |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Weight | 162 grams | 174 grams |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 17 hours | Up to 19 hours |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Display
- iPhone 12: Features a flat-edge design with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. It has a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. However, the design is a bit dated compared to newer models.
- 13: Also sports a flat-edge design, but with a slightly smaller notch and a brighter 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. The design refinements make it feel more modern and premium.
- Winner: 13
Processor
- iPhone 12: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which offers impressive performance for its time, handling everyday tasks and gaming smoothly. It is starting to show its age compared to newer chips.
- 13: Equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, providing a significant performance boost over the A14. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences.
- Winner: 13
Camera System
- iPhone 12: Features a dual 12MP camera system, offering good image quality in various lighting conditions. It supports features like Night mode and Smart HDR 3. The camera system is still capable, but the improvements are noticeable in the 13.
- 13: Boasts an enhanced dual 12MP camera system with larger sensors and sensor-shift optical image stabilization, resulting in better low-light performance and improved video stabilization. It also includes Photographic Styles.
- Winner: 13
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. However, it can drain faster when using demanding apps or playing games.
- 13: Provides significantly improved battery life compared to the iPhone 12, allowing for longer usage times and reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Winner: 13
Storage Options
- iPhone 12: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. The base model’s 64GB can fill up quickly depending on user needs.
- 13: Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. The base model starts with 128GB of storage, which is a welcome upgrade.
- Winner: 13
Video Recording
- iPhone 12: Can record 4K video at up to 60fps, offering good video quality. It does not have Cinematic mode.
- 13: Improves upon the iPhone 12 with Cinematic mode for shallow depth of field videos, and improved video stabilization.
- Winner: 13
Display Brightness
- iPhone 12: Has a bright display, but the peak brightness is not as high as the iPhone 13.
- 13: The display is brighter than the iPhone 12, making it easier to see in direct sunlight.
- Winner: 13
Price
- iPhone 12: Often available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- 13: Typically more expensive due to its advanced features and newer technology.
- Winner: 12
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 13 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 13 |
| Camera Features | iPhone 13 |
| Storage Options | iPhone 13 |
| Value | iPhone 12 |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both phones feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering vibrant colors and sharp details for an immersive viewing experience.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 support 5G, enabling faster download and upload speeds, as well as improved streaming and online gaming.
- Water Resistance: Both models are rated IP68 for water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Magsafe: Both iPhones are compatible with MagSafe accessories, allowing for easy attachment of chargers, wallets, and other accessories.
- Dual-Camera System: Both phones feature a dual-camera system with a 12MP main camera and ultrawide lens, offering similar photo and video capabilities.
iPhone 12 vs 13 Buying Guide
Performance Showdown
The iPhone 13 boasts a significant performance leap over the iPhone 12, primarily due to its A15 Bionic chip. This new chip offers faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic is still a capable chip, handling everyday tasks smoothly, but it falls short when compared to the 13’s raw power. The difference is noticeable in application loading times and overall system responsiveness, especially when multitasking.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 13 features notable camera upgrades, including a larger sensor and sensor-shift stabilization. This translates to better low-light performance, less noise, and improved image stabilization. The iPhone 12’s camera is excellent, capturing vibrant photos and videos in most conditions, but the 13’s enhancements provide superior results in challenging scenarios. Photographic Styles in the iPhone 13 further enhances the creative options, allowing for customized image processing.
Display Differences
Both phones feature excellent displays, but the iPhone 13 has a slightly brighter display, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. The iPhone 12’s display is still vibrant and sharp, but the 13’s improved brightness offers a more comfortable viewing experience outdoors. The notch size is also reduced on the iPhone 13, creating a slightly more immersive viewing experience. Both displays use OLED technology for rich colors and deep blacks.
Battery Life Comparison
Battery life is a key area where the iPhone 13 excels. Thanks to a more efficient chip and a slightly larger battery, the iPhone 13 offers significantly longer battery life than the iPhone 12. This translates to more hours of usage throughout the day, whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing games. The iPhone 12’s battery life is adequate for moderate use, but the 13 provides a noticeable improvement.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones share a similar design aesthetic with flat edges and durable build quality. The iPhone 13 is slightly thicker and heavier, but the overall design is nearly identical. Both phones utilize premium materials, providing a premium feel. The iPhone 13 offers a slightly refreshed color palette, but the design differences are minimal. Both phones are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, adding to their durability.
Price and Value
The iPhone 12 is often available at a lower price point compared to the iPhone 13, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, considering the performance and feature upgrades, the iPhone 13 offers better value in the long run. The price difference should be weighed against the enhanced performance, camera capabilities, and longer battery life. Consider your budget and long-term needs when deciding.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You’re on a budget and want a great iPhone experience without spending top dollar.
- You don’t need the absolute latest features and are happy with a slightly older model.
- You prefer a lighter phone.
Buy iPhone 13 If…
- You want the latest A15 Bionic chip for improved performance and efficiency.
- You prioritize longer battery life.
- You want the improved camera features, such as Cinematic mode.
- You want more storage options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?
The iPhone 13 features a more powerful A15 Bionic chip, improved camera capabilities with a larger sensor and sensor-shift stabilization, a brighter display, and significantly improved battery life. It also offers a slightly redesigned notch and a different color palette. The iPhone 12 is still a strong device, but the 13 offers noticeable upgrades.
Is the iPhone 13 camera significantly better than the iPhone 12 camera?
Yes, the iPhone 13 camera is significantly better, especially in low-light conditions. The larger sensor and sensor-shift stabilization on the 13 result in less noise, better image stabilization, and enhanced overall image quality. Photographic Styles also offer creative control. The iPhone 12 camera is good, but the 13 elevates the experience.
Does the iPhone 13 have better battery life than the iPhone 12?
Absolutely! The iPhone 13 boasts considerably improved battery life compared to the iPhone 12. This is due to the more efficient A15 Bionic chip and a slightly larger battery. Users can expect to get significantly more usage time throughout the day with the iPhone 13, making it a better choice for heavy users.
Is the iPhone 13 worth the extra cost compared to the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 13 offers compelling upgrades that justify its higher price for many users. The improved performance, camera, and battery life provide a superior overall experience. However, if budget is a primary concern, the iPhone 12 remains a capable device. Consider your needs and budget when making your decision.
Are the designs of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 very different?
The designs are quite similar, both featuring flat edges. The iPhone 13 is slightly thicker and has a smaller notch. The color options also differ. Both phones share a premium build. Overall, the design changes are incremental, but the iPhone 13 offers a slightly more modern aesthetic, with a more immersive screen due to the reduced notch.
Which iPhone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 13 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful A15 Bionic chip, which provides faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance. This results in smoother gameplay and faster loading times in graphically demanding games. The iPhone 12 is still capable, but the 13 offers a superior gaming experience.
Should I upgrade from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 13?
If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and battery life, then upgrading from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 13 is a worthwhile investment. The improvements in these areas are noticeable. However, if you are happy with your iPhone 12, the upgrade might not be essential. Evaluate your needs and budget before making a decision.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 13 emerges as the superior choice, offering significant advancements over the iPhone 12. With its more powerful processor, enhanced camera system, and improved battery life, the iPhone 13 provides a more refined and feature-rich user experience. While the iPhone 12 remains a capable device, the upgrades in the 13 justify the higher price for most users seeking the latest technology and performance.
Winner: iPhone 13