In 2021 Apple released four new iPhones. We compare the two cheapest with each other: iPhone 13 vs iPhone 13 mini. What are the differences, and what do the two Apple phones have in common? Here you can find out.
iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 mini? If you, too, are faced with this decision, you are exactly right in this comparison. We compare the two Apple phones in all essential areas: the price to the size difference and the cameras to the battery.
Table of Contents
Price: iPhone 13 Mini Cheaper
The iPhone 13 mini (with a contract) is the cheapest new Apple cell phone in 2021. You can get it for 799 euros. And unlike the previous model, you already get 128 GB of storage in the entry-level configuration. That’s enough to regularly save photos, videos, films and music on your smartphone. The storage space is also the only thing that distinguishes the individual configurations from one another. You can also choose between 256 GB and 512 GB. The same applies to the iPhone 13, which is 100 euros more expensive in each case. Here you can see an overview of the prices:
- iPhone 13 mini: 799 euros (128 GB), 919 euros (256 GB), 1149 euros (512 GB)
- iPhone 13: 899 euros (128 GB), 1019 euros (256 GB), 1249 euros (512 GB)
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 13 Mini In Size Comparison
The most crucial difference between iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini is size. As the name suggests, the mini will be the smallest Apple cell phone in 2021. With a screen diagonal of 5.4 inches, it is also the most compact current premium smartphone you can currently buy. Almost all devices in this segment are well over 6 inches.
The 6.1-inch iPhone 13 is also one of the handier representatives. But back to the comparison of the iPhone 13 vs iPhone 13 mini – the exact housing dimensions make the difference in size clear:
- iPhone 13 mini: 131.5mm (H) x 64.2mm (W) x 7.65mm (D)
- iPhone 13: 146.7mm (H) x 71.5mm (W) x 7.65mm (D)
As you can see, the iPhone 13 is significantly higher and more comprehensive than the iPhone 12 mini. However, both devices are 7.65 mm thick or deep. The larger housing naturally also affects the weight – the compact model is noticeably lighter:
- iPhone 13 mini: 140 grams
- iPhone 13: 173 grams
Display: Size Is The Only Difference
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 13 mini – or large versus small. That is, of course, also the motto for the display. Because the diagonal already mentioned determines how big the screen is: 6.1 inches for the standard model, 5.4 inches for the iPhone 13 mini. The latter is not as small as it sounds. Although the device is much more compact than the iPhone SE (2020), you get a lot of screen space here. The reason for this is the narrow display bezels which, however, also characterize the iPhone 13.
All this means: You have to decide whether maximum handiness or the larger display is more important to you. There is no difference in the quality of the screen. In both cases, you get a Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology and an excellent display in every respect. You only have to do without 120 Hz or ProMotion: The high refresh rate for even smoother animations is reserved for the iPhone 13 Pro (here with a contract) and Pro Max.
Also Read: Apple AirPods 3 – Where Were They?
Same Camera For iPhone 13 And iPhone 13 Mini
The camera comparison between iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini is brief. Because both Apple phones have precisely the same camera. The comparison with the iPhone 12 mini is far more interesting at this point. Because a lot has happened compared to this. Thanks to the larger sensor, the photo quality has noticeably improved, in the dark even considerably.
In addition, there is a new cinema mode that automatically focuses on people in videos and blurs the background. Here you can see an overview of the dual cameras of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini:
- 12 MP primary lens: f / 1.6, 26 mm, 1.7 µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS
- 12 MP ultra-wide-angle: f / 2.4, 13 mm, 120-degree field of view
Performance Identical
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 13 mini in performance comparison: There is no difference here either with the camera. According to Apple, both devices are powered by an A15 Bionic Chip, by far the fastest smartphone chipset on the market. Only Apple’s Pro models offer a bit more performance, as the GPU on the A15 has one more core here. In practice, however, that should seldom make a difference. Both iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are blazingly fast. You don’t need more power.
Battery: iPhone 13 Is More Durable
For a change, let’s come back to an area where there is a difference between iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini – the battery. The standard model is more significant and, therefore, more durable. Apple does not officially state the exact battery capacity. According to reliable reports, however, it turns out as follows:
- iPhone 13 mini: 2438 mAh
- iPhone 13: 3240 mAh
A considerable difference is also noticeable in practice. Apple does not deny this and specifies a two-hour longer video playback time for the iPhone 13 (19 hours vs 17 hours). In this discipline, however, both devices should last two hours longer than their respective predecessor models. That means: The iPhone 13 mini is about as durable as the iPhone 12.
Conclusion: iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Mini
What conclusions can be drawn from this comparison between iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini? There is no winner because it is the same device – just in different sizes. When choosing between the two mobile phones, you should primarily ask yourself the following questions:
- Is handiness or a large display more critical to you?
- What is the priority of the battery life for you?
- Are you ready to spend 100 euros more on the iPhone 13?
Whether the iPhone 13 mini or the iPhone 13 is the better choice depends on these questions. You know the answers to these questions better than we do. However, one thing is sure: Whatever you decide, you will get one of the best smartphones in 2021.
