iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12
An honest, side-by-side look at the iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12 decision — specs, camera, battery and refurbished price — so you can buy the right one with confidence.
The iPhone 13 was a bigger step up from the 12 than its name suggests. It brought the faster A15 chip, a noticeably brighter screen, sensor-shift stabilisation and, crucially, much better battery life.
The iPhone 12 remains a capable 5G phone at the lowest price of the two — a great entry point into a modern iPhone if budget leads the decision.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12: specs side by side
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2021 | 2020 |
| Display | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Camera | Dual 12MP, sensor-shift stabilisation | Dual 12MP (wide + ultrawide) |
| Battery | Up to 19h video | Up to 17h video |
| Standout | Smaller notch, brighter screen, Lightning | 5G, Ceramic Shield, MagSafe, Lightning |
| Refurbished from | £250 | £200 |
The verdict
The iPhone 13 wins on almost every measure that matters: battery life is the headline, with the 13 lasting comfortably longer, and the A15 chip keeps it feeling quick years on. The brighter screen and better stabilisation are welcome extras.
The iPhone 12 is still a solid phone and the cheapest way into 5G and Face ID, but its weaker battery is the reason we usually steer budget buyers to the 13.
Buy the iPhone 13 if…
You want the best battery life and longevity for the money — the 13 is the safer long-term buy.
Shop refurbished iPhone 13Buy the iPhone 12 if…
You want the lowest entry price into a modern, 5G iPhone and are happy to trade some battery life for it.
Shop refurbished iPhone 12Common questions
Is the iPhone 13 much better than the 12?+
Yes, more than the name implies — the 13 has a faster A15 chip, a brighter screen and significantly better battery life. Battery alone is the main reason we recommend the 13 to most buyers.
Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying in 2026?+
For a budget buyer, yes — it still gets iOS updates, runs 5G and handles everyday apps easily. Just check the battery health on any refurbished unit, as it's the 12's weakest point.