So if you are considering picking up a new iOS handset but want to narrow down the best option for you, then you are in the right place, as we compare each model to list their similarities, key differences and what factors make each iPhone unique. Show
For hands-on impressions of the devices, make sure to read our iPhone 13 review, iPhone 13 mini review, iPhone 13 Pro review and iPhone 13 Pro Max review. Shopping for add-ons? Here’s our guides to the best iPhone accessories you can buy in 2022, the best smartphone tripods and the best portable chargers. Jump to:
Key differences at a glance
Specs and featuresIt helps to split the new iPhone 12 family into two camps when comparing the line-up – with the mini and 13 on one side and Pro and Pro Max on the other. Even so, there is a good amount of overlap when it comes to specs and features on the series, and Apple has done a good job of not making any of the handsets feeling underpowered compared to the hulking frame of the 13 Pro Max. In fact, one thing that doesn’t ring true with the iPhones is that bigger always equals better. The 13 and the 13 Pro have the exact same 6.1-inch display size. All of the iPhone 13 handsets have an OLED Super Retina XDR display, IP68-rated water resistance, an A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, support for MagSafe add-ons, Qi wireless charging, Face ID and a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. More like thisThe differences between the two camps is a little more subtle, but you certainly get extra perks by going for the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max - including refresh rates of up to 120Hz, a LiDAR scanner for night mode pictures, a stainless steel design (instead of aluminium), an additional telephoto camera lens and more battery life. PriceWhile the line-up looks familiar at a glance – all sharing a design almost identical to last year’s iPhone 12 series – pricing is definitely a major differentiator. Here are the starting prices for the iPhone 13 handsets, which will have 128GB of storage:
StorageAll four of the new iPhones have three storage options: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. However, the Pro and Pro Max have an additional variant that gives you a massive 1TB (terabyte) of storage – and that extra room will be helpful if you are shooting high-resolution videos, which generally take up a lot more space on the device. Battery lifeWhile battery on iPhones will vary wildly based on how much the devices are being used throughout the day, it’s important to note that some models of the new line-up will certainly give you extra capacity and keep you going for slightly longer. As a rough guide, Apple has measured how long each of the handsets can play a continuous video clip to demonstrate a rough guide to how each will perform:
We can definitely see that the Pro Max comes out on top with closer to 30 hours of video playback compared to the mini’s 17 hours. But if you are constantly using the device to record clips, take pictures, and browse, all will come in lower. We found Apple’s iPhone 13 battery life claims to be broadly accurate in our reviews. CamerasThe iPhone 13 and 13 mini each have a dual 12MP camera system, consisting of a wide and an ultra-wide lens. In comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have a triple camera system (still 12MP) that has an additional telephoto – this is a long-focus lens that lets you take better pictures of subjects further away. Unlike the others, the 13 Pro and Pro have Apple ProRAW – which lets you shoot RAW images with additional benefits from the phone’s artificial intelligence and an extra 3x optical zoom, digital zoom up to 15x and a night portrait mode.
DisplayWhile display size isn’t always an indicator that it’s a top-spec iPhone 13, there are some key differences in the screens of the latest family of Apple smartphones. The biggest difference – aside from literal size – is that the Pro and Pro Max each have “ProMotion” tech, which is a fancier way of saying up to 120Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 13 and 13 mini have a 60Hz refresh rate. Broadly speaking, the higher the number, the smoother the performance will be on the smartphone’s display. It’s not a deal-breaker, but having a 120Hz refresh rate is always more preferred.
The iPhone 13 phones also have different screen resolution and brightness:
5G capability and connectivityAll four iPhone 13 handsets have 5G connectivity and are compatible with MagSafe accessories and Qi wireless chargers. If you want to find out more about Apple’s technology for magnetic accessories, read our full what is MagSafe guide. All handsets have Dual SIM support and are not compatible with existing micro-SIM cards. They all still use Apple’s Lightning cable to charge instead of USB-C. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. DesignCompared to last year’s 12 series, the new models have a slightly smaller notch on the front of the screen – but that’s where any drastic design changes end. They retain the aesthetics of 2020’s line-up, with the main exception being the third lens on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max’s back modules. Black bezels run along the sides of all of the phones, and they all have a Ceramic Shield front. While major differences are minimal, the standard 13 and mini frames are made with aluminium, while the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are stainless steel. They still look fantastic, but it’s just not a huge overhaul from their 2020 predecessors. The latest Apple phones have a lot of overlapping specs and features, but there are subtle upgrades that mean you still have to carefully consider which one is right for you. If you are a photography fanatic, you should stick to the iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, which offer a 1TB storage option and an additional camera lens to play with alongside the enhanced 12Hz refresh rate and Apple ProRAW mode. If you love smaller handsets and like casual photography without needing the latest top-of-the-line flagship specs, then the 13 mini is your clear choice. On the other end of the scale, the same goes for the iPhone 13 Pro – which will suit anyone who wants a massive screen and the most powerful specs available. But as we detailed in our review, it’s the iPhone 13 Pro that we feel represents the best option overall of this year’s range because “it combines next-level hardware with optimized software, all within a form factor that will suit most people.” Stanislav Kogiku/Getty ImagesWhere to buy iPhone 13 mini
Where to buy iPhone 13
Where to buy iPhone 13 Pro
Where to buy iPhone 13 Pro Max
For the latest news, reviews and deals, check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section. In research mode? Don’t miss our guide to the best smartphone. Want to buy a new Apple handset? We’re tracking the latest iPhone 13 UK availability. What is difference between iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 Pro Max?The iPhone 13 lineup ranges in screen size from 5.4 inches to 6.7 inches. The iPhone 13 Mini is 5.4 inches, the standard iPhone 13 and Pro models are both 6.1 inches and the Pro Max is 6.7 inches.
What is the difference between iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13?The only differences between the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 13 is physical size, display size and cost. Otherwise, the colours, storage options, camera and hardware is identical between the two models, as well as the design. The mini doesn't last as long in terms of battery though.
Is iPhone 13 mini worth buying?Tom's Guide Verdict. The iPhone 13 mini is the most powerful small phone ever. It packs in great cameras and better battery life, plus 128GB of storage to start and class-leading performance.
Is there a big difference between iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max?The main difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro is their rear camera setups. The iPhone 13 has a dual 12MP camera system with Ultra Wide and Wide lenses, whereas the iPhone 13 Pro has a triple camera setup that adds a Telephoto lens into the mix.
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