Which has the better camera?

The iPhone 12 Pro. It adds a 2x telephoto lens and a LiDAR scanner for Night mode portraits and faster low-light autofocus. The 13 Mini has only wide and ultra wide lenses, though its A15 chip improves photo processing.

The iPhone 13 Mini, mainly because it launched a year later and will get iOS updates for longer. Its battery is smaller, so expect to charge it more often than the 12 Pro.

Is the 13 Mini too small for daily use?

It depends on your hands and habits. It is great for calls, messaging and one-handed use, but cramped for long video, games and split-screen typing. Try a 6.1-inch phone first if you watch a lot of video.

Is the 12 Pro worth stepping up to over the Mini?

Yes if screen size and the telephoto camera matter most to you. No if you want the smallest phone with the newest chip and the longest software support.

Do both support 5G and wireless charging?

Yes. Both are 5G phones with MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, Face ID, IP68 water resistance and Lightning ports.

What should I check on a refurbished unit?

Ask about battery health, whether the screen and back glass are original, and the return window. The 13 Mini listing includes a 1-year warranty; the 12 Pro is sold as pre-owned in good condition.

Apple iPhone 13 Mini vs iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 13 Mini is the better pick for anyone who wants a small, light phone with the newer A15 chip and longer software support. The iPhone 12 Pro is the better pick for camera range and screen size: it adds a 2x telephoto lens and LiDAR, and its 6.1-inch OLED is far easier to read and type on. Both are refurbished or pre-owned, so condition and battery health vary by unit. Owners of the Mini praise the one-handed size but often complain about battery life; 12 Pro owners like the cameras and build but note it is heavier and older.

Choose the iPhone 13 Mini if you want a compact one-handed phone with the newer A15 chip and the longest remaining iOS updates.
Choose the iPhone 12 Pro if you want a bigger screen and a real telephoto lens for portraits and zoom.

Prices

Apple iPhone 13 Mini: $261.05 at Walmart (checked today)
iPhone 12 Pro: $245.00 at Oliver's Wines (last seen Nov 2)
Difference: the iPhone 12 Pro is $16.05 cheaper than the Apple iPhone 13 Mini at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 10)

	Apple iPhone 13 Mini	iPhone 12 Pro
Screen	5.4-inch Super Retina XDR, 2340 x 1080	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170, 1200 nits peak
Chip	A15 Bionic, 6-core CPU	A14 Bionic, 16-core Neural Engine
Cameras	Dual 12MP wide and ultra wide, no telephoto	Triple 12MP wide, ultra wide and 2x telephoto, plus LiDAR
Battery	2406 mAh; light users get a day, heavy users do not	2815 mAh; rated up to 21 hours talk time
Weight and size	4.97 oz, fits one hand and small pockets	6.66 oz, two-handed for most people
Build	Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, IP68	Stainless steel frame, Ceramic Shield front, IP68
Software support	Launched 2021, so more iOS versions remain	Launched 2020, so fewer iOS versions remain
Condition	Certified refurbished, 1-year warranty from the seller	Pre-owned in good condition, tested by the seller

Spec	Apple iPhone 13 Mini	iPhone 12 Pro
Battery capacity	2406 mAh	2815 mAh
Display Resolution	2340 x 1080	2532 x 1170 Pixels
SIM Support	Dual SIM	eSIM, Dual SIM, Single SIM
Broadband Generation	5G	5G
Brand	Apple	—
Mobile OS	iOS	—
Model name	iPhone 13 mini	—
Screen size	5.4"	—
Ram memory	256 GB	—
Wireless	5G NR	—
Rear cam mpx	12 MP	—
Front cam mpx	12 MP	—

Spec	Apple iPhone 13 Mini	iPhone 12 Pro
Color	Blue	—
Proc. brand	Apple	—
Display	Retina Display	—
Resolution	2340 x 1080 pixels	—
Series	Apple iPhone 13 Mini	—
Device type	Contract Cell Phones	—
Processor speed	3.2 GHz	—
Assembled product weight	4.97 oz	—
Size	256 GB	—
Accessories included	Charging Cable

Apple iPhone 13 Mini vs iPhone 12 Pro

Prices

Apple iPhone 13 Mini vs iPhone 12 Pro

Prices

iPhone 12 Pro

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store