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The iPhone 14 series replaced the iPhone 13 as the newest generation of iPhones, and actually, we're waiting for the iPhone 15 to be unveiled later this year. However, the iPhone 13 series still has one feature that the newer devices do not: the mini. The iPhone 13 mini has received positive reviews for its improved battery life and speed compared to the previous iPhone 12 mini.
On the other hand, it should be noted that the mini and regular iPhone 13 do not have the high refresh rate displays that can be found on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. In this article, we will compare the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 13 to highlight their differences and help you determine which one may be the better option for you, should you decide to buy a generation back to get a better deal.
Small screen is not for powerusers - feels cramped
Battery life is OK, but still the worst in the lineup
AT&T iPhone 13 mini at Walmart
Deal: The AT&T version of the iPhone 13 mini is available at Walmart. The device is now available for $18.87 a month in 36 installments. The phone comes with 128GB of internal storage. Keep in mind that not all color options are available.
Apple's iPhone 13 mini with 128GB storage can be yours for just $17.50 at AT&T. Keep in mind that not all color options are available at the moment. Trade-ins are allowed and can help you save on your new iPhone.
Get the iPhone 13 at Verizon and save $699.99 with a new line
Best deal: Get the iPhone 13 for $0.00/mo with a new line activation. There's a one-time activation fee of $35. Currently, all storage and color variants are available at the Verizon store. If you don't need a new line, you can get up to $600 off with a line upgrade.
iPhone 13 mini – 5.4-inch display at a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (476 PPI, 60Hz)
iPhone 13 – 6.1-inch display at a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels (460 PPI, 60Hz)
With the iPhone 13 series, it’s all about refinement. There are no major changes in the design, apart from a smaller notch and the fact that the two cameras on the back will no longer be in a vertical line, but on a diagonal.
(Image credit PhoneArena) iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 notch comparison
The display size difference between the iPhone 13 mini and the regular iPhone 13 remains the same. 5.4 inches for the mini versus 6.1 inches on the regular iPhone 13. The biggest omission here is the ProMotion tech from the bigger siblings. While the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max can do 10Hz to 120Hz display refresh rates, the iPhone 13 mini and the regular iPhone 13 are stuck with the old school 60Hz display refresh rate.
(Image credit PhoneArena) iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 display comparison
The brightness of both displays has been bumped up from 625 nits (iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12) to 800 nits, while the HDR brightness remains the same - 1200 nits on both the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13. Both phones have the same display tech inside, the only difference being the size. So, if you opt to go for the iPhone 13 mini, you won't sacrifice anything besides screen estate.
Battery and charging
Video playback: Up to 17 hours vs Up to 19 hours
Video playback (streamed): Up to 13 hours vs Up to 15 hours
Audio playback: Up to 55 hours vs Up to 75 hours
The battery life of the iPhone 12 series, and the iPhone 12 mini in particular, was a subject to criticism. Apple has listened and managed to upgrade the battery capacity in both the iPhone 13 mini and its bigger sibling. Granted, this comes at the expense of 0,26mm thicker bodies on both phones.
Apple didn't disclose the exact numbers regarding the battery capacity during the official announcement, but the company did say that the overall battery life has been improved both in the iPhone 13 mini and the regular iPhone 13 compared to the previous generation (1.5 hours and 2.5 hours longer respectively).
You can see the numbers cited by Apple above - the iPhone 13 may have a bigger battery but it also has a larger screen. All in all, the battery life is similar on both phones with a slight advantage for the iPhone 13 over the mini. The benchmark results can be found down below - no surprises there.
On the other hand, fast charging is still not that fast, capping at 20W on both the iPhone 13 mini and the regular 12. The MagSafe technology is present on both phones with stronger magnets and wireless charging, so no big difference on that front.
Cameras
12 MP/F1.6 wide angle + 12MP/F2.4 ultra wide angle on both
Sensor-shift optical image stabilization
(Image credit PhoneArena) iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 camera comparison
The camera systems on both the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 13 are identical. We're looking at dual camera systems on both phones with 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide snappers. The system has been upgraded with the main camera module practically borrowed from the iPhone 12 Pro Max, featuring sensor-shift optical image stabilization.
The ultra-wide cameras in both phones have been upgraded as well - Apple says that it's a brand new custom-made sensor but in reality the aperture is the same as the one in the previous generation - f/2.4.
All this simplifies the matter when it comes down to choosing which one you want. They are practically identical on the camera front.
Performance and features
Apple A15 bionic chipset on both
128GB base storage
The A15 Bionic is again the fastest CPU in any smartphone, up to 50% faster than the leading competition for graphics intensive tasks. The four core GPU delivers up to 30% faster graphics and there's also a new 16 core neural engine. The chipset is made using а 5 nm manufacturing process and Apple boasts it has nearly 15 billion transistors inside.
It's not a surprise and the performance difference with the A14 is not that big either - the A15 is just about 7% faster than the A14. This is another easy decision right here - both the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 13 feature the same internals - the same record-setting A15 Bionic.
AnTuTu is a multi-layered,comprehensive mobile benchmark app that assesses various aspects of a device,including CPU,GPU,RAM,I/O,and UX performance.A higher score means an overall faster device.
If the T-Rex HD component of GFXBench is demanding,then the Manhattan test is downright gruelling.It's a GPU-centric test that simulates an extremely graphically intensive gaming environment that is meant to push the GPU to the max. that simulates a graphically-intensive gaming environment on the screen. The results achieved are measured in frames per second, with more frames being better.
The memory configuration is also the same - the base storage has been upgraded from 64GB to 128GB, and you can now go up to 512GB. There's no official info about the RAM inside but it's safe to assume that we're looking at pretty much the same amount in both phones.
Conclusion
If you're deciding between the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 13, here are three things to keep in mind. First off, the iPhone 13 mini is smaller in size. The iPhone 13, on the other hand, has a bit more juice in the battery. And of course, the iPhone 13 is pricier than the mini version.
It all boils down to your personal preferences: do you want a more compact device or a bigger screen? Is the slightly longer battery life and extra cost of the iPhone 13 worth it to you? That's what you need to ask yourself before making your choice.
Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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