iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13: Detailed Specs Comparison and Buyer's Guide

This comprehensive comparison dives into the core aspects of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 to help you make an informed decision.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13: Detailed Specs Comparison and Buyer's Guide
3 mins
26 Mar 2024

Should you upgrade? iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 compared

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, choosing the right device can feel like navigating a maze. With each new release, tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike are bombarded with a slew of features, upgrades, and technical jargon that can be overwhelming. Enter the scene: iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12, two flagships from Apple that have sparked endless debates and comparisons. But what sets them apart, and more importantly, which one should find a place in your pocket?

At first glance, the iPhone 12 vs 13 comparison might not seem drastic. After all, they share the unmistakable sleek design and high-end build quality Apple is known for. However, as we delve deeper, it becomes clear that the devil is in the details. From camera enhancements and battery life improvements to processing power and display technology, each model has its unique selling points and potential drawbacks.

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Design and build

Both iPhones 12 and 13 showcase Apple's commitment to premium design and build quality, featuring aerospace-grade aluminum frames and glass fronts and backs. This commitment continues with the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max, offering a luxurious feel. Both models offer water resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, but the iPhone 13 is slightly heavier and thicker than its predecessor.

Feature

iPhone 12

iPhone 13

Materials

Aerospace-grade aluminium frame; front and back glass

Aerospace-grade aluminium frame; front and back glass

Weight

164 g

173 g

Dimensions

146.7 mm x 71.5 mm x 7.4 mm

146.7 mm x 71.5 mm x 7.65 mm

Water Resistance

IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins)

IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins)

 

Display

The Super Retina XDR OLED displays on both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 provide stunning visuals with high resolution and brightness. While both have a 6.1-inch screen size, the iPhone 13 offers a higher typical brightness, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.

Feature

iPhone 12

iPhone 13

Type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Size

6.1-inch

6.1-inch

Resolution

2532 x 1170 pixels

2532 x 1170 pixels

Brightness

Up to 1200 nits (HDR)

Up to 800 nits (typical); 1200 nits (HDR)

 

Performance

Let us now look at the differences between iPhone 12 and 13 in terms of performance. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 are powered by the A14 and A15 Bionic chips, respectively, delivering fast and efficient performance. Both feature a 6-core CPU and a 4-core GPU, but the A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13 provides improved processing power and energy efficiency.

Feature

iPhone 12

iPhone 13

Chipset

A14 Bionic

A15 Bionic

CPU

6-core CPU

6-core CPU

GPU

4-core GPU

4-core GPU

Neural Engine

16-core Neural Engine

16-core Neural Engine

 

Camera

Both models boast dual 12 MP cameras with Wide and ultra-wide lenses, but the iPhone 13 introduces enhancements in low-light performance and video capabilities, such as Cinematic mode, making it a better choice for photography enthusiasts.

Feature

iPhone 12

iPhone 13

Main Camera

Dual 12 MP: Wide and Ultra Wide

Dual 12 MP: Wide and Ultra Wide

Aperture

Wide: ƒ/1.6; Ultra Wide: ƒ/2.4

Wide: ƒ/1.6; Ultra Wide: ƒ/2.4

Night Mode

Yes, on both lenses

Yes, on both lenses

Video

Up to 4K at 60 fps

Up to 4K at 60 fps

 

Battery life

The iPhone 13 has a clear advantage in battery life, with a larger capacity and longer video playback time compared to the iPhone 12. This makes it more suitable for users who prioritise longer battery life for their daily activities.

Feature

iPhone 12

iPhone 13

Capacity

2815 mAh

3240 mAh

Video Playback

Up to 17 hours

Up to 19 hours

Charging

20W wired; 15W MagSafe wireless

20W wired; 15W MagSafe wireless

 

Storage options

In the iPhone 12 vs 13 comparison, we must also look at the storage options. The iPhone 13 offers more generous storage options, starting at 128GB and going up to 512GB, while the iPhone 12 starts at 64GB. This makes the iPhone 13 a better option for users who need more storage for their apps, photos, and videos.

Feature

iPhone 12

iPhone 13

Storage

64GB, 128GB, 256GB

128GB, 256GB, 512GB

 

Sensors

Both the iPhone 12 and 13, along with the latest iPhone 15, are equipped with essential sensors like Face ID, barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor, providing a seamless and secure user experience.

Feature

iPhone 12

iPhone 13

Face ID

Yes

Yes

LiDAR Scanner

No

No (Available in Pro Models)

Barometer

Yes

Yes

Gyroscope

3-axis

3-axis

Accelerometer

Yes

Yes

Proximity Sensor

Yes

Yes

Ambient Light Sensor

Yes

Yes

 

Network and connectivity

Let us now look at the comparison of iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12 from a network and connectivity standpoint. Both are 5G-enabled and support Bluetooth v5. Here is a more comprehensive comparison.

Feature

iPhone 12

iPhone 13

5G

Sub-6 GHz

Sub-6 GHz, mmWave

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Bluetooth

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5.0

 

Multimedia

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 both feature stereo speakers, spatial audio recording, and Dolby Vision playback and recording, ensuring an immersive multimedia experience.

Feature

iPhone 12

iPhone 13

Stereo Speakers

Yes

Yes

3.5mm Jack

No

No

Microphones

3 (with spatial audio recording)

3 (with spatial audio recording)

Dolby Vision

Playback and Record

Playback and Record

Formats Supported

Wide variety of audio and video

Wide variety of audio and video

 

Pricing and availability

Since the differences between iPhone 12 and 13 are clear, let us look at the pricing and availability. It can vary by region and over time, especially with new models being released and older models possibly receiving price cuts. For the sake of this comparison, let us consider the current market prices and availability in a general sense.

Feature iPhone 12 iPhone 13
Price Starting from approximately Rs. 55,000 for the base model Starting from approximately Rs. 60,000 for the base model
Availability Released in October 2020 Released in September 2021
Current Availability Widely available across Bajaj Finserv partner stores, with occasional discounts and offers Widely available across Bajaj Finserv partner stores, with occasional discounts and offers

 

Shop for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Mall is the best online destination for you to read about all the details, features, and specs of your desired product. Once you have gathered all the information you want, head to the nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store and select the product you want. Check your eligibility and submit your basic details to get an instant loan offer. Now, you can choose a convenient repayment tenure and purchase the product on Easy EMIs.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between iPhone 12 and 13?

The main differences between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lie in their battery life, camera capabilities, processing power, and storage options. The iPhone 13 introduces a smaller notch for slightly more screen space, a brighter display for better sunlight legibility, and the A15 Bionic chip for improved performance and efficiency over the iPhone 12's A14 Bionic chip. Camera enhancements in the iPhone 13 include better low-light performance and cinematic mode for video recording. Furthermore, the iPhone 13 offers a minimum storage option of 128GB, doubling the base storage capacity of the iPhone 12's 64GB.

Will the iPhone 12 or 13 last longer?

In terms of battery life, the iPhone 13 has the upper hand. With a larger battery capacity (3240 mAh in the iPhone 13 vs. 2815 mAh in the iPhone 12) and efficiency improvements brought by the A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone 13 offers longer battery life for both daily usage and media consumption.