iPhone 13 Pro vs 12 Pro: Which Should You Buy?
Upgrading your iPhone can be a big decision, especially when you’re deciding between two top-tier models. The iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro both offer premium features and performance, but which one reigns supreme? This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your needs.
The iPhone 12 Pro, released in 2020, set a high bar with its advanced camera system and sleek design. However, the iPhone 13 Pro, launched in 2021, brought significant upgrades to the table. These included a faster processor and enhanced camera capabilities, among other improvements.
We’ll delve into the specifics, comparing everything from display quality and battery life to camera performance and overall value. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro, allowing you to confidently select the perfect iPhone for you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| ProMotion | Yes (120Hz) | No |
| Main Camera | 12MP (Wide) | 12MP (Wide) |
| Ultra Wide Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 22 hours | Up to 17 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| MagSafe | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 13 Pro: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations. This provides a more responsive and fluid user experience.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While still vibrant and sharp, it lacks the fluidity of the 13 Pro’s ProMotion.
- Winner: 13 Pro
Processor
- iPhone 13 Pro: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements in both CPU and GPU compared to its predecessor, leading to faster app launches, smoother gaming, and enhanced machine learning capabilities.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, which is still a powerful processor, but slightly slower than the A15. It handles most tasks with ease, but may show a difference in intensive tasks.
- Winner: 13 Pro
Camera System
- iPhone 13 Pro: Features a significantly upgraded camera system with larger sensors, improved low-light performance, and features like Cinematic mode for video recording. Offers more versatile shooting options and better image quality.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Includes a capable triple-camera system, but the sensors are smaller compared to the 13 Pro, resulting in slightly less impressive low-light performance and fewer advanced video recording options.
- Winner: 13 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 13 Pro: Offers improved battery life, lasting significantly longer than the 12 Pro, allowing for extended usage throughout the day. This is due to a larger battery and the efficiency of the A15 Bionic chip.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Provides decent battery life, but it doesn’t match the stamina of the 13 Pro. Users may need to charge it more frequently, especially with heavy usage.
- Winner: 13 Pro
Storage Options
- iPhone 13 Pro: Offers storage options up to 1TB, catering to users who need a lot of space for photos, videos, and apps. This is a significant increase from previous models.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Available with storage options up to 512GB. Sufficient for many users, but may be limiting for those who require a large amount of storage.
- Winner: 13 Pro
Design
- iPhone 13 Pro: Maintains a similar design to the 12 Pro, but with a slightly thicker build and a smaller notch. It has the same premium feel and durable materials.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Boasts a sleek and modern design with flat edges and a stainless steel frame. Known for its premium look and feel.
- Winner: Tie
ProMotion (Display Refresh Rate)
- iPhone 13 Pro: Features ProMotion technology, which enables an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in smoother animations and a more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable during scrolling and gaming.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While still smooth, it doesn’t offer the same level of responsiveness as the 13 Pro.
- Winner: 13 Pro
Cinematic Mode (Video)
- iPhone 13 Pro: Introduces Cinematic mode, which allows for shallow depth of field effects in video recording, similar to portrait mode for photos. This adds a professional touch to videos.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Lacks Cinematic mode, offering standard video recording capabilities.
- Winner: 13 Pro
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 13 Pro |
| Display (Smoothness) | iPhone 13 Pro |
| Battery Life | iPhone 13 Pro |
| Storage Options | iPhone 13 Pro |
| Value | iPhone 12 Pro |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Size: Both phones feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering a similar viewing experience for users.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro support 5G, enabling faster download and streaming speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68 for water resistance, providing protection against spills and splashes.
- Magsafe: Both models include MagSafe technology, allowing for easy attachment of accessories like chargers and wallets.
- Main Camera: Both phones have a 12MP main wide camera.
- Ultra Wide Camera: Both phones have a 12MP ultrawide camera.
iPhone 13 Pro Vs 12 Pro Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 13 Pro boasts the A15 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance leap over the A14 Bionic found in the iPhone 12 Pro. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced graphics performance for gaming and video editing. The 13 Pro also features a more advanced Neural Engine, contributing to improved machine learning capabilities. While the 12 Pro remains a capable device, the 13 Pro provides a noticeable edge in raw processing power and overall responsiveness.
Camera Capabilities and Features
The iPhone 13 Pro introduces a more advanced camera system, including larger sensors, improved low-light performance, and cinematic mode for video recording. The 12 Pro already has a very capable camera system. The 13 Pro’s new features such as Photographic Styles offer more flexibility in post-processing. The 13 Pro’s telephoto lens also gains improvements in zoom capabilities. Both phones offer excellent image quality, but the 13 Pro pushes the boundaries further in several key areas.
Display Technology and Design
Both phones feature stunning Super Retina XDR displays, but the iPhone 13 Pro ups the ante with ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling and a more responsive user experience. The 12 Pro has a standard 60Hz display. Both devices feature a premium design with stainless steel frames and durable Ceramic Shield front covers. The 13 Pro has a slightly more refined notch design.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 13 Pro offers significantly improved battery life compared to the 12 Pro. This is thanks to a larger battery and the efficiency of the A15 Bionic chip. Users can expect noticeably longer usage times on the 13 Pro. Both phones support fast charging and MagSafe wireless charging. While the 12 Pro’s battery life is still decent, the 13 Pro provides a more dependable and extended usage experience throughout the day.
Storage Options and Pricing
Both models offer a range of storage options, though the iPhone 13 Pro introduces a 1TB storage configuration for users with demanding storage needs. Pricing is a significant factor. The iPhone 13 Pro was launched at a higher price point than the 12 Pro. Considering the age of the 12 Pro, it is now available at a more affordable price. Evaluate your storage needs and budget to determine the best value proposition.
Overall Value and Recommendation
The iPhone 13 Pro offers a more complete package, with improvements in performance, camera capabilities, display technology, and battery life. While the iPhone 12 Pro remains a strong contender, the advancements in the 13 Pro justify the higher price for many users. The 12 Pro is a compelling option for those seeking a premium iPhone experience at a potentially reduced cost. Consider your priorities and budget when making your final decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 13 Pro If…
- You want the latest processor and performance.
- You want a display with ProMotion for smoother scrolling and animations.
- You need longer battery life.
- You want the option of 1TB storage.
Buy iPhone 12 Pro If…
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- You don’t need the ProMotion display.
- You’re happy with the existing storage options.
- You don’t need the slight camera improvements of the 13 Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in processor performance?
The iPhone 13 Pro uses the A15 Bionic chip, which provides a notable performance boost compared to the A14 Bionic in the 12 Pro. The A15 offers faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced graphics capabilities. The Neural Engine in the A15 also improves machine learning tasks. The 12 Pro is still fast, the 13 Pro is a step up.
How does the camera of the iPhone 13 Pro compare to the 12 Pro?
The iPhone 13 Pro features a more advanced camera system. It has larger sensors, improved low-light performance, and cinematic mode for video. The telephoto lens also has improved zoom. The 12 Pro also has an excellent camera, but the 13 Pro offers enhanced image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, and additional creative tools.
Does the iPhone 13 Pro have a better display?
Yes, the iPhone 13 Pro has a superior display thanks to ProMotion technology with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling, a more responsive feel, and improved overall visual experience. The 12 Pro features a standard 60Hz display, which is still good but doesn’t offer the same fluidity.
Is the battery life of the iPhone 13 Pro significantly better?
Yes, the iPhone 13 Pro boasts significantly improved battery life compared to the 12 Pro. This is due to a larger battery and the efficiency of the A15 Bionic chip. Users can expect longer usage times on the 13 Pro, making it a more dependable device for all-day use. The 12 Pro’s battery is still good.
What are the storage options available?
Both phones offer various storage options, but the iPhone 13 Pro introduces a 1TB storage configuration. This caters to users who require substantial storage for photos, videos, and other large files. The 12 Pro offers lower storage options. Consider your storage needs when deciding between the two models to ensure you have enough space.
How do the prices of the iPhone 13 Pro and 12 Pro compare?
The iPhone 13 Pro was launched at a higher price point than the 12 Pro. However, the 12 Pro is now available at a lower cost, making it a more budget-friendly option. The price difference depends on the storage configuration and the retailer. Evaluate your budget and the features you need to determine the best value.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 13 Pro offers a better gaming experience due to the A15 Bionic chip and ProMotion display. The A15 chip provides faster graphics processing for smoother gameplay and higher frame rates, while the 120Hz refresh rate of the ProMotion display makes for a more responsive visual experience. Both are capable.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 13 Pro distinguishes itself with its enhanced performance, superior camera capabilities, and a more refined display featuring ProMotion. While the iPhone 12 Pro remains a formidable device, the 13 Pro’s advancements in critical areas justify the price premium for many users seeking the best possible iPhone experience. Consider the budget and needs.
Winner: iPhone 13 Pro