Apple’s iPhone series has always set standards in the smartphone market, constantly pushing the boundaries with each iteration. The introduction of the iPhone 12 and its successor, the iPhone 13, was highly anticipated. Both devices offer excellent features, but are they comparable? This comprehensive comparison will highlight the main differences and similarities between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, helping you decide which device best suits your needs.
Design and build quality
iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 was a significant change to a more angular design that echoed the iPhone 4 and 5 models. With a flat-edged aluminum frame and glossy glass back, the iPhone 12 delivers a premium feel. The phone comes in different colors: blue, green, red, white and black. The device has an IP68 rating, which ensures water and dust resistance.
iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 has the same design language as the iPhone 12 but comes with some minor adjustments. The camera layout at the back is now arranged diagonally, offering a distinctive look. It offers a slightly slimmer and lighter build, which makes it more comfortable to hold. Color options available include pink, blue, midnight, starlight and product red – adding a fresh twist to the design.
Both phones have Ceramic Shield front covers that add durability, but the slightly lesser thickness of the iPhone 13 makes it a little more manageable.
Display
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. With a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, it delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the viewing experience. The display also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, making it an excellent choice for streaming video content.
iPhone 13
Like the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 also features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. However, it claims a 28% increase in brightness for outdoor use, reaching 800 nits compared to the iPhone 12. Both displays have an impressive contrast ratio, but the iPhone 13 offers better visibility in bright conditions, making it an impressive upgrade for outdoor use.
Display
iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which was a revolutionary piece of technology at the time of its release. This 5-nanometer chip allows for powerful processing capabilities, efficient multitasking, and impressive gaming performance. The iPhone 12 performs remarkably well across a variety of apps and functionalities.
iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 is equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, which offers further improvements in speed and efficiency compared to the A14. This chip is designed to enhance both performance and battery life. Importantly, the A15 has a 6-core CPU and an advanced 4-core GPU, making it exceptionally fast. For gaming or demanding applications, the iPhone 13 handles intensive tasks even more beautifully.
Both devices are 5G compatible, and while they handle tasks efficiently, the iPhone 13’s chip makes it more future-proof with higher performance levels.
camera capabilities
iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system with a 12MP ultra-wide and a 12MP wide lens. It supports Night Mode on all lenses, which improves photography in low light. Photography capabilities also include Smart HDR3, which balances highlights and shadows, as well as 4K video recording at up to 60 fps.
iPhone 13
While the iPhone 13 retains the same dual-camera setup, it claims notable improvements in low-light performance. Featuring sensor-shift optical image stabilization and an improved Night Mode, iPhone 13 makes it easy to capture stunning images in challenging lighting conditions. Enhanced Photographic Styles in the Camera application allow personalized styles on your photos, and Cinematic Mode allows users to create videos with a shallow depth of field effect.
The iPhone 13 thus leads the way in terms of photography and videography, offering users more creative control and higher quality images, especially in low light conditions.
battery life
iPhone 12
The battery life of the iPhone 12 is quite impressive, with up to 17 hours of video playback and efficient use throughout the day. However, for heavy users, longevity may require a middling charge.
iPhone 13
One of the most significant improvements to the iPhone 13 is its battery life. Apple claims it can deliver up to 19 hours of video playback, thanks to both the improved battery capacity and the power of the A15 chip. For everyday use, this means more hours between charges, making it more attractive to users who rely on their smartphones throughout the day.
storage options
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options. While sufficient for many users, some may find the base 64GB option limited given the size of modern applications and media consumption.
iPhone 13
One notable update to the iPhone 13 is the base storage option, which starts at 128GB, ensuring users have enough space for apps, photos, and videos. It continues to offer 256GB and a new 512GB option for users who demand more storage.
Software and Features
General Software Features
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 run on iOS, which benefits Apple’s ecosystem. It includes features like iCloud, Apple Pay, and a robust app store for downloading applications. Both devices support ongoing software updates, which means users can expect longevity in terms of software support.
5G connectivity
Both models come with 5G connectivity, allowing users to enjoy faster mobile networks and a better streaming experience. It offers better performance than 4G LTE, especially in crowded areas or when conducting data-intensive tasks.
Price determination
iPhone 12
The price of iPhone 12 started at $799 at the time of launch. As new models have been introduced, the iPhone 12 has seen a reduction in price across various sales and renewals, making it a budget-friendly option for users who want a reliable Apple device.
iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 was initially priced at the same price as the iPhone 12, starting at $799, but offers better features for the cost. While the price point may be the same when comparing the base model, the enhancements to the iPhone 13 arguably make it more value for the money spent, given the improvements in camera, battery life, and performance.
conclusion
The choice between iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you have an iPhone 11 or older, the iPhone 13 offers significant upgrades that will significantly enhance your experience.
On the other hand, if you currently have an iPhone 12 and you’re satisfied with its performance and features, an upgrade may not be necessary. The iPhone 12 remains a capable device, offering solid performance. However, for users who prioritize photography, battery life, and an overall seamless experience, the iPhone 13 is the way to go.
questions to ask
1. Is the iPhone 13 worth an upgrade from the iPhone 12?
Many users may find the iPhone 13’s increases in battery life, camera performance, and processing capabilities worth the upgrade, especially if photography and extensive use are important to you.
2. Are iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 waterproof?
Yes, both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which means they can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth and duration.
3. Can the same accessories be used on iPhone 12 and 13?
Most accessories, such as cases and chargers, are compatible between both models, although variations in camera placement on the back of the device may affect case fit.
4. How long will Apple support iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?
Apple generally provides software updates for its devices for a minimum of five years. Thus, both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 will receive software updates for several years.
5. Are there major software differences between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?
Both devices run on iOS, but the iPhone 13 may offer some special features based on its new hardware, especially with regard to camera capabilities and processing power.
With the right information, you can decide which iPhone best suits your lifestyle and preferences. Both the models are exceptional in their own right and are setting standards in the smartphone industry.
