iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: Which One Is the Better Buy Today?

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 are like two seasons of the same show. Same cast, same plot, but the newer one fixed a few things that used to annoy you. That’s why the iPhone 12 vs 13 decision still impacts many people, especially those buying refurbished, switching carriers, or upgrading from an older iPhone and trying not to spend the equivalent of your mortgage payment on a phone.

These are two of Apple’s most popular new-ish iPhones. Both still feel modern; you’ll get a sharp OLED screen, fast performance, and cameras that can absolutely handle everyday life.

The difference is in the stuff you notice daily. Battery that lasts longer. A camera that steadies your shaky hands. More storage without having to play Storage Tetris every weekend.

Let’s compare the phone features that matter most so you can pick a phone and get back to the important stuff, like hoarding screenshots and never deleting them.

iPhone 12 vs 13: Biggest Differences

If you want the short answer before you scroll into the specs wilderness, here it is:

• Battery life: iPhone 13 is rated for up to 19 hours of video playback vs up to 17 hours on iPhone 12, so it’s more likely to make it through the day without begging for a charger.
• Performance: iPhone 13 gives you more long-term speed and smoother future iOS performance than iPhone 12.
• Cameras: both have dual 12MP cameras, but iPhone 13 adds sensor-shift stabilization, which helps in low light and makes handheld video steadier.
• Video features: iPhone 13 includes Cinematic mode for background blur effects in video.
• Storage: iPhone 12 starts at 64GB, while iPhone 13 starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, which is a big deal if you take lots of photos and videos.
• Display brightness: both are OLED, but iPhone 13 gets brighter in typical use, which helps outdoors.

Best overall pick: iPhone 13 for better battery life, stronger performance headroom, and more camera features you’ll actually use.

Best budget pick: iPhone 12. Still fast, still modern, and usually the cheaper way into a great OLED iPhone.

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: Detailed Comparison

Most upgrades from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 13 are the same vibe, better execution kind of changes – think season 1 vs 2 of your favorite show. Nothing wild, but a lot of little wins you’ll notice every day. 

This is the part for the fast decision-makers and the people skimming details in the mall parking lot.

Design & Build Quality

Put the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 side-by-side and you’ll notice they share the same overall look. Flat edges, aluminum frame, glass back, and the same 6.1-inch footprint.

The differences are small – but real. The iPhone 13 is a bit thicker and heavier, and it’s also the one with the smaller notch. 

Both get Ceramic Shield on the front and IP68 water resistance, which means accidental splashes are fine. Intentional underwater filmmaking is still between you and your choices.

Color fans also get different menus:

• iPhone 12 comes in Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, and Purple.
• iPhone 13 comes in Red, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, and Green. 

Winner: Tie

Display & Screen Experience

Both phones use a Super Retina XDR OLED panel at 6.1 inches, so the baseline experience is already great. Blacks look inky, text is sharp, and colors pop without getting weird.

The iPhone 13 gets brighter in typical use, which helps a lot outdoors. Apple lists iPhone 12 at 625 nits typical brightness and iPhone 13 at 800 nits typical brightness, with both hitting 1200 nits for HDR.

One expectation check: neither phone has a high refresh rate display. Both are 60Hz, so you’re not getting the ultra-smooth scrolling you see on newer Pro models. That said, iOS still feels quick on both.

Winner: iPhone 13

Performance & Processor (A15 vs. A14)

This is the heart of the iPhone 12 vs 13 question for a lot of people. The iPhone 12 runs on the A14 Bionic, and the iPhone 13 runs on the A15 Bionic. 

In everyday life, both are fast. Apps open quickly, scrolling feels smooth, and typical games run well. The iPhone 13 just has more headroom, which matters as apps get heavier and iOS keeps evolving. Think of it like buying jeans with a little stretch. Future you appreciates the wiggle room.

If you keep phones for a long time, that extra performance cushion is the hero of the story. That extra power is the kind of upgrade you stop noticing because everything just works, which is the dream.

Winner: iPhone 13

Camera Comparison

On paper, it looks like a tie. Both have a dual 12MP setup with a wide and an ultra-wide.

In real life, the iPhone 13 is the one that’s more consistent, especially when the lighting is not perfect. Bathroom lighting has humbled us all – the iPhone 13 handles it better.

Apple lists sensor-shift optical image stabilization on the iPhone 13’s Main camera. The iPhone 12 uses standard optical image stabilization. That stability upgrade helps with sharper photos in low light and steadier handheld video, because the phone is better at fighting your natural too-much-coffee shakes.

Photo And Video Capabilities

The iPhone 13 also adds Cinematic mode for that faux-movie background blur look in video.

If you mostly shoot casual photos, both phones can absolutely handle it. If you post a lot on social, take night photos, or care about video, the iPhone 13’s camera upgrades are easier to appreciate.

Winner: iPhone 13

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life is one of the most noticeable differences in the iPhone 12 vs 13 matchup.

Apple rates the iPhone 12 at up to 17 hours of video playback and the iPhone 13 at up to 19 hours.

Two hours does not sound dramatic until you live it. It can be the difference between ending the day at 18 percent and ending the day at 3 percent while whispering “please don’t die” to your phone. That’s not a lifestyle. That’s a cry for help.

Charging is broadly similar: Lightning, MagSafe, and Qi. Apple’s iPhone 13 tech specs also list Qi2 wireless charging support, depending on the charger you use. 

Winner: iPhone 13

Software, iOS Updates & Longevity

iPhone 13 is the better pick for longevity because it’s newer and typically stays supported longer. However, both phones are currently on Apple’s compatibility list for iOS 26, so you’re not adopting a phone that immediately needs retirement benefits.

The key difference is the calendar. The iPhone 13 launched a year later, and newer models typically stay in the iOS update window longer.

Apple doesn’t publish an official “end date” for updates per model, but the newer model usually stays on the guest list longer. As a general rule, the iPhone 13 is the safer bet for keeping major iOS updates for longer.

Winner: iPhone 13

Storage Options & Everyday Use

Storage is where the decision gets personal fast:

• The iPhone 12 starts at 64GB and tops out at 256GB. 
• The iPhone 13 starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB. 

Storage disappears fast. A few videos, a few games, and suddenly your phone is holding your memories hostage. A quick rule of thumb:

• 64GB works for light app use and lots of cloud storage.
• 128GB is the sweet spot for most people.
• 256GB is great for lots of photos, offline music, and bigger games.
• 512GB is for heavy video, creator life, or “I never delete anything, and I’m proud.”

Also, no expandable storage on either phone, so you’re picking your lane up front.

Winner: iPhone 13

iPhone 12 vs 13 Price: Which Is The Better Deal?

This is the part where your wallet clears its throat and asks to speak to the manager.

The iPhone 12 is usually cheaper, and the iPhone 13 usually costs more, but comes with better battery, better cameras, and a longer runway for updates.

So the value question becomes simple: Spend less now with an iPhone 12 or spend a bit more for iPhone 13 and get more time before you feel the itch to upgrade again.

Winner: Depends On Your Budget.

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12 - Which Should You Choose?

Both are still solid iPhones. The iPhone 13 just wins more categories in daily life. Here’s the simplest way to call it: iPhone 12 wins the price fight. iPhone 13 wins the daily comfort contest.

Choose the iPhone 12 when:

• You want the lowest upfront price, and you’re proud of it.
• You’re upgrading from an XR, XS, 11, or older, and you want a big leap without paying extra for the newest extras.
• You mostly text, scroll, stream, and take regular photos in decent lighting. 
• You don’t need Cinematic mode for group chats and grocery lists.

Choose the iPhone 13 when:

• You want better battery life, because living on Low Power Mode is not a personality.
• You take lots of photos or videos, and you want steadier results, especially in low light.
• You plan to keep your phone for a while, and you want the extra performance and storage options that age better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The iPhone 13 Worth It Over The iPhone 12?

For most people, yes. The battery and camera upgrades show up every day, and you get more long-term smoothness. If the price gap is small, the iPhone 13 is usually the smarter buy.

Does The iPhone 13 Have Better Battery Life Than The iPhone 12?

Yes. Apple rates iPhone 13 at up to 19 hours of video playback vs. up to 17 hours on iPhone 12. 

Are The Cameras Noticeably Different?

In good lighting, they can look similar. In low light and video, the iPhone 13 pulls ahead thanks to sensor-shift stabilization and features like Cinematic mode. 

How Long Will The iPhone 12 And iPhone 13 Get iOS Updates?

Both support iOS 26 today. Apple doesn’t publish an official timeline for how many future versions each model will get, but the iPhone 13 being newer generally means it will stay supported longer.

Which iPhone Is The Better Value Right Now?

Better lowest-cost value: iPhone 12, especially when you find a strong refurb deal. Better long-term value: iPhone 13, because it buys you extra battery, camera upgrades, and more headroom.