iPhone 13 Vs iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at
€277.00
€769.00 new
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iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at
€262.11
€829.00 new
See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 (2021) and iPhone 13 mini (2021) are both part of Apple's fifteenth generation of smartphones, sharing many core internal components. Released simultaneously in September 2021, their primary difference lies in their physical size and battery capacity. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, offering a consistent user experience and access to the same ecosystem of applications and services.

Scores

Durability

When considering longevity, both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini offer a comparable practical lifespan, though their official discontinuation dates vary.

  • Software Support: Both models launched with iOS 15 and are expected to receive several years of major iOS updates, typically spanning 5-6 years from their release. This ensures continued access to new features, security patches, and app compatibility for the foreseeable future.
  • Expected Lifespan: The iPhone 13 mini was discontinued in September 2023, while the standard iPhone 13 continued to be sold until September 2024. Despite this, their similar internal hardware means both should perform reliably for years to come.
  • Repairability: Repairability scores for the iPhone 13 series generally indicate challenges due to proprietary components and serial number pairing, with some sources noting a score of 5/10 for the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 mini, having a similar internal design, presents similar repair considerations.

Year of Release

2021

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are equipped with identical internal hardware, delivering robust performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: Both devices feature the A15 Bionic chip, which includes a 6-core CPU, a 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. This powerful processor ensures smooth multitasking, responsive app usage, and capable handling of graphic-intensive games and creative tasks.
  • Storage and RAM: Users can choose from storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB on both models. Both also come with 4 GB of RAM, contributing to efficient app switching and overall system responsiveness.
  • Battery Behavior: The primary difference in performance stems from battery size. The iPhone 13 houses a larger battery (3227 mAh) than the iPhone 13 mini (2406 mAh). In real-world usage, the iPhone 13 typically offers noticeably longer battery life, often lasting 11-12 hours of active screen time for moderate to heavy users. The iPhone 13 mini, while an improvement over its predecessor, generally achieves 8-9 hours of active screen time and may require more frequent charging for heavy use.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

While both phones share advanced display technology, their physical dimensions dictate the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology: Both models feature a Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. This technology enhances the visual quality for media consumption and daily viewing.
  • Size and Clarity: The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 1170x2532 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 460 PPI. The iPhone 13 mini offers a more compact 5.4-inch display with a resolution of 1080x2340 pixels and a slightly higher pixel density of around 476 PPI. While the mini has a higher pixel density, both screens offer excellent clarity in typical usage.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices achieve a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Both also feature a standard 60 Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are identical, offering a strong photographic and videographic experience.

  • Dual Camera System: Both phones are equipped with a dual 12MP rear camera system, featuring a wide-angle lens with an f/1.6 aperture and sensor-shift optical image stabilization, and an ultra-wide-angle lens with an f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. This setup allows for detailed photos and expansive landscape shots.
  • Photography Performance: The cameras excel in various lighting conditions, offering good detail, accurate colors, and improved low-light performance compared to previous generations. Features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4 enhance image quality across different scenarios.
  • Video Capabilities: Both support video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second, including HDR video with Dolby Vision. They also feature Cinematic Mode, which introduces a shallow depth of field effect and automatic focus transitions for a more professional video aesthetic. The front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera also supports Cinematic Mode and 4K 60fps video.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, these models share most other practical features, with design and handling being key differentiators.

  • Dimensions and Handling: The iPhone 13 measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and weighs 173-174 grams, providing a standard smartphone feel. The iPhone 13 mini is significantly more compact at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm and weighs 140-141 grams, making it ideal for one-handed use and pocketability.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds, along with modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards. They both utilize the Lightning connector for charging and data transfer, and include essential sensors like Face ID for secure biometric authentication.
  • Build Materials: Both phones feature a durable design with a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum frame, offering IP68 water and dust resistance, capable of submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Weight

173 g

140 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

5.4

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

Users frequently praise the iPhone 13 for its balanced size, robust performance, and excellent battery life, making it a reliable daily driver for most. The iPhone 13 mini is often lauded for its unique compact form factor, which many appreciate for one-handed use and ease of carrying, without significantly compromising on core performance or camera quality.

However, common criticisms for the iPhone 13 mini often revolve around its shorter battery life, which, while improved over its predecessor, might not be sufficient for very heavy users or extended periods away from a charger. The standard iPhone 13 generally faces fewer battery concerns but lacks the pocket-friendly appeal of the mini model.

For users prioritizing a compact device that is easy to handle and carry, the iPhone 13 mini remains an excellent choice, particularly for those with lighter usage patterns or who value portability above all else. Students or professionals who frequently use their phone throughout the day for demanding tasks, or those who consume a lot of media, might find the larger battery of the standard iPhone 13 more suitable. Creatives or photographers will appreciate the identical and capable camera systems on both, with the choice coming down to preferred device size. Both models, available as quality-assured refurbished options, offer a sustainable way to enjoy premium features.