iPhone 12 Pro Vs iPhone 13

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:232.00

Versus €1,039.00 new

See options
iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:243.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, and the iPhone 13, launched in September 2021, represent two consecutive generations of Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform and share a similar design language, the iPhone 13 introduces advancements in its internal processing and camera capabilities, distinguishing it from its predecessor. Both models offer a consistent user experience through the familiar iOS ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, primarily their release timelines and the duration of software support.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, making it a year older than the iPhone 13, which launched in September 2021. This difference in release date directly impacts the expected duration of software updates.
  • OS Support Duration: Apple typically provides major iOS updates for its devices for approximately five to six years from their release. Consequently, the iPhone 13 is expected to receive software support for about one year longer than the iPhone 12 Pro, offering extended access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Repairability: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 feature a similar construction with a Ceramic Shield front cover, offering enhanced durability against drops. The iPhone 12 Pro received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, indicating that many components are modular and accessible, though proprietary screws and increased waterproofing can complicate repairs. The iPhone 13 is expected to have a comparable repairability profile.

Year of Release

2020

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to demanding multimedia editing. Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 deliver robust performance, but there are notable differences under the hood.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 13 features a newer generation processor, which provides a noticeable improvement in overall speed and efficiency compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's processor. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and more responsive performance in graphically intensive games or augmented reality experiences.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 incorporates a larger battery capacity and a more power-efficient processor, resulting in extended battery life compared to the iPhone 12 Pro. Users of the iPhone 13 can expect longer usage times between charges, which is particularly beneficial for heavy users or during long days away from a power source.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: While the iPhone 12 Pro comes with 6GB of RAM and the iPhone 13 with 4GB of RAM, the newer processor in the iPhone 13 optimizes how the system manages memory. In practical terms, both devices handle multitasking effectively, allowing users to switch between multiple applications without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 13's more efficient chip helps it maintain smooth performance even with a numerically lower RAM figure.

Memory

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer a high-quality visual experience, but there are subtle distinctions in their display technologies and capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, resulting in a sharp 460 pixels per inch. This OLED technology provides deep blacks, excellent contrast, and vibrant colors, making content appear rich and lifelike.
  • Brightness Levels: While both displays offer a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, the iPhone 13's display is noted for having improved typical brightness. This enhancement can lead to better visibility in bright outdoor conditions, making the screen easier to read under direct sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate and Viewing Experience: Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. This provides a smooth viewing experience for most everyday tasks, though it does not offer the adaptive high refresh rates found in some more recent or 'Pro' models. The screen size and overall viewing experience are largely consistent between the two devices, offering ample space for media consumption and productivity.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 are highly capable, capturing detailed photos and videos, but they differ in their configurations and advanced features.

  • Camera System Configuration: The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple 12MP camera system, including Wide, Ultra-Wide, and Telephoto lenses, along with a LiDAR Scanner for improved low-light focusing and augmented reality. The iPhone 13, on the other hand, has a dual 12MP camera system, comprising Wide and Ultra-Wide lenses, omitting the dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 13 introduces sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) on its main Wide camera, a feature previously exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which significantly enhances low-light performance and image stability. It also benefits from Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles, offering more advanced image processing and customization options compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's Smart HDR 3. The iPhone 12 Pro's LiDAR Scanner can assist with faster autofocus in low light and enable Night mode portraits.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both devices support 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision. The iPhone 13 introduces Cinematic Mode, which allows for automatic depth-of-field adjustments and focus transitions in videos, providing a more professional look. The iPhone 12 Pro offers 2x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out, providing a 4x optical zoom range, while the iPhone 13 offers 2x optical zoom out.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two iPhone models.

  • Connectivity Options: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. They also include NFC for Apple Pay and Ultra Wideband (UWB) support for enhanced spatial awareness with compatible accessories.
  • Port Types and Sensors: Both devices utilize the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. They feature Face ID for secure facial recognition. The iPhone 12 Pro includes a LiDAR Scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves autofocus in low-light conditions.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The iPhone 12 Pro measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighs 189 grams. The iPhone 13 has nearly identical dimensions at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm but is slightly lighter at 174 grams. This minor difference in thickness and weight might be imperceptible to most users, but the iPhone 13 is marginally more compact in feel.

Weight

187 g

173 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback for both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 generally highlights their strong performance and reliable Apple ecosystem experience. The iPhone 12 Pro is often praised for its versatile triple-camera system, particularly the inclusion of a telephoto lens and the LiDAR Scanner, which users find beneficial for photography and augmented reality applications. Some users, however, noted that its battery life, while adequate, could be improved.

The iPhone 13 receives frequent commendation for its significantly improved battery life, a direct result of its larger battery and more efficient processor. Users also appreciate the advancements in its dual-camera system, especially the sensor-shift optical image stabilization and the creative possibilities offered by Cinematic Mode. A common point of discussion for the iPhone 13 is the absence of a telephoto lens, which was present in its Pro predecessor.

Users prioritizing a dedicated telephoto lens and advanced LiDAR capabilities for photography and AR might find the iPhone 12 Pro better suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value extended battery life, enhanced low-light photography on the main camera, and creative video features like Cinematic Mode will likely lean towards the iPhone 13. Both devices offer a premium smartphone experience, and choosing between them often comes down to these specific feature preferences. For those looking for an eco-friendly alternative, both models are widely available as quality-assured refurbished options.

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