iPhone 12 Pro vs 13: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 13? You’re not alone. Apple’s iPhone lineup can be confusing, especially when considering models from different generations. This comparison dives deep to help you understand the key differences and determine which phone best fits your needs and budget.
The iPhone 12 Pro, with its powerful features, still holds its own against the newer models. The iPhone 13, on the other hand, brings upgrades in several key areas. We’ll explore everything from the cameras and performance to the battery life and design.
Whether you’re a long-time iPhone user or considering switching to iOS, this guide will provide a clear and concise breakdown. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a much better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 13, enabling you to make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro | 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| MagSafe | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 228g | 174g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 12 Pro: Features a stainless steel design with flat edges and a Ceramic Shield front cover. It offers a premium feel but can be prone to fingerprints.
- 13: Maintains the flat-edge design with a slightly redesigned camera bump. It offers a similar premium feel with improved durability.
- Winner: 13
Display
- iPhone 12 Pro: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with excellent color accuracy and brightness. The display is great for media consumption.
- 13: Also has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, with increased brightness. It offers a slightly improved viewing experience, especially in sunlight.
- Winner: 13
Chipset
- iPhone 12 Pro: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, providing fast performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It’s still a capable processor.
- 13: Features the A15 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements in both CPU and GPU. It’s noticeably faster.
- Winner: 13
Camera System
- iPhone 12 Pro: Includes a versatile triple-camera system with excellent image quality, especially in daylight. Night mode performance is good.
- 13: Features a dual-camera system with larger sensors and sensor-shift stabilization, resulting in improved low-light performance and video stabilization.
- Winner: 13
Battery Life
- iPhone 12 Pro: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. It can struggle with heavy usage.
- 13: Provides significantly improved battery life, lasting longer than a day with moderate use. This is a major advantage.
- Winner: 13
Storage Options
- iPhone 12 Pro: Offers storage options up to 512GB. Sufficient for most users.
- 13: Offers storage options up to 512GB. Same as 12 Pro.
- Winner: Tie
Video Recording
- iPhone 12 Pro: Capable of recording 4K video at up to 60fps. Video quality is excellent.
- 13: Offers improved video recording capabilities with Cinematic mode and Photographic Styles. Enhances the creative possibilities.
- Winner: 13
Price
- iPhone 12 Pro: Generally available at a lower price point now that it is an older model.
- 13: Typically more expensive than the 12 Pro, reflecting its newer technology.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | 13 |
| Camera (Overall) | 13 |
| Battery Life | 13 |
| Design | Tie |
| Value | iPhone 12 Pro (If found at a lower price) |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Technology: Both phones feature Super Retina XDR displays, providing vibrant colors and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 support 5G, enabling faster download and streaming speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Magsafe: Both phones are compatible with MagSafe accessories, allowing for easy attachment of chargers, wallets, and other accessories.
- Water Resistance: Both devices boast an IP68 water resistance rating, providing protection against spills and splashes.
- Front Camera: Both phones feature a 12MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls, ensuring high-quality images.
- Video Recording Capabilities: Both phones can record video in 4K Dolby Vision HDR, offering impressive video quality.
iPhone 12 Pro vs 13 Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The iPhone 13 boasts a more powerful A15 Bionic chip compared to the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12 Pro. This translates to faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and enhanced overall responsiveness. You’ll notice this difference in demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The 13 generally handles these operations with greater ease and efficiency. This performance boost can contribute to a smoother user experience, especially for power users.
Camera Capabilities & Photo Quality
While the iPhone 12 Pro offered a strong camera system, the iPhone 13 refines it further. The 13 benefits from improvements in low-light performance, thanks to larger sensors and enhanced image processing. Cinematic mode, a new feature on the 13, allows for shallow depth of field in videos. Both phones capture excellent photos, but the 13 provides subtle improvements for better results in varying conditions, making it a preferable choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life & Charging
The iPhone 13 significantly improves upon the iPhone 12 Pro’s battery life. You can expect noticeably longer usage times with the 13, allowing you to go a full day without needing to recharge, even with heavy use. Although both support fast charging and wireless charging, the enhanced battery efficiency in the 13 makes it a more practical choice for users who prioritize longevity. This improvement is a key factor to consider for those on the go.
Design & Display
Both phones share a similar design language, but the iPhone 13 has a slightly smaller notch. The displays are both excellent, with vibrant colors and sharp details. The 13 offers a slightly brighter display, which can be beneficial in direct sunlight. While the overall design is familiar, the minor refinements and improved display brightness give the iPhone 13 a slight edge in this category, offering a more comfortable viewing experience.
Storage Options & Pricing
Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 came in various storage configurations. However, depending on the model year and availability, the pricing might vary. It’s crucial to compare the specific storage capacities and current prices to determine the best value for your needs. Consider how much storage you require for apps, photos, and videos. Comparing the cost per gigabyte of storage is essential to make an informed decision based on your budget.
Software & Ecosystem
Both phones are compatible with the latest iOS updates, ensuring access to the newest features and security patches. They both benefit from the vast ecosystem of Apple products and services. The iPhone 13, being the newer model, may potentially receive software updates for a slightly longer period. The seamless integration with other Apple devices and services is a significant advantage for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 Pro If…
- You prioritize having a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- You prefer a phone with more RAM for multitasking.
- You want a phone with a slightly more premium design.
- You can find it at a significantly lower price than the iPhone 13.
Buy 13 If…
- You want the latest A15 Bionic chip for improved performance and efficiency.
- You value a longer battery life.
- You prefer a lighter phone.
- You want the updated camera features and improvements in low-light performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone 13 features the A15 Bionic chip, providing a performance boost over the iPhone 12 Pro’s A14 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics rendering, enhancing the overall user experience, especially during resource-intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing. The 13 generally feels more responsive.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 13 has a slightly better camera system. It boasts enhancements in low-light performance due to larger sensors and improved image processing. The 13 also includes Cinematic mode for video recording. While the 12 Pro takes great photos, the 13 offers subtle improvements, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, leading to better overall image quality.
How does battery life compare?
The iPhone 13 offers significantly improved battery life compared to the iPhone 12 Pro. Users can expect a longer battery life, allowing for more extended usage throughout the day. This enhanced efficiency makes the iPhone 13 a more practical choice for users who want to avoid frequent charging and enjoy a more prolonged usage experience.
Are the designs significantly different?
The designs are similar, but the iPhone 13 has a slightly smaller notch and subtle design refinements. Both phones share the same premium build quality and materials. The display brightness on the 13 is somewhat improved. Overall, the differences are minor, with the 13 offering a slightly more refined aesthetic and potentially a better viewing experience in bright light.
What about storage options?
Both models were available in various storage configurations. You’ll need to check the specific models available in your area. Consider your individual storage needs when choosing between these two phones. More storage means more room for apps, photos, videos, and other files. It’s crucial to compare storage capacities and pricing to find the best fit for your requirements.
Which phone is better for long-term software support?
The iPhone 13, being the newer model, is likely to receive software updates and security patches for a longer period. Apple typically supports its devices with updates for several years. This extended support can be crucial for staying secure and having access to the latest features. The 13’s longer potential update lifespan provides an advantage.
Should I buy the 12 Pro or the 13?
The answer depends on your priorities and budget. The iPhone 13 offers performance, camera, and battery life improvements. If these features are essential to you, and your budget allows, the 13 is the better choice. However, if the price difference is significant, the 12 Pro remains a capable phone.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 13 distinguishes itself with a more powerful processor, enhanced camera capabilities, and significantly improved battery life. While the iPhone 12 Pro remains a strong contender, the upgrades in the 13 contribute to a superior overall user experience. Although both are excellent phones, the improvements make the iPhone 13 the better choice for most users seeking a modern smartphone experience.
Winner: iPhone 13