AI comparison report

iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13

By CompareAI Editorial Team · Published 2026-08-05 · How we compare

The iPhone 13 is the better default choice over the iPhone 12 due to its faster A15 chip, better camera stabilization, longer battery life, and double the base…

Who wins: iPhone 12 or iPhone 13?

Choose the iPhone 13 first, as it offers superior performance, camera, battery, and storage for the same launch price; only consider the iPhone 12 if you find a significantly lower price or prioritize lighter weight.

Based on our analysis across 6 dimensions with 20 sources, iPhone 12 scores 6.8/10 overall while iPhone 13 scores 8.3/10 overall.

DimensioniPhone 12iPhone 13
Performance & Chipset7/109/10
Display & Design7/108/10
Camera Capabilities7/109/10
Battery Life & Charging7/108/10
Connectivity & Extras7/108/10
Value & Upgrade Worthiness6/108/10
Overall6.8/108.3/10

Should I choose iPhone 12 or iPhone 13?

Verdict: Choose the iPhone 13 first, as it offers superior performance, camera, battery, and storage for the same launch price; only consider the iPhone 12 if you find a significantly lower price or prioritize lighter weight.

The iPhone 13 is the better default choice over the iPhone 12 due to its faster A15 chip, better camera stabilization, longer battery life, and double the base storage at the same launch price.

In every key metric from the analysis, the iPhone 13 outperforms the iPhone 12: its A15 Bionic scores about 19% higher in AnTuTu (1,340,000 vs 1,122,000), it offers 19 hours of video playback compared to 17, doubles the base storage to 128GB from 64GB at the same $799 launch price, and has a brighter display (800 nits vs 625 nits) with a 20% smaller notch. The iPhone 13's sensor-shift image stabilization also improves low-light photography and video steadiness. The only advantage of the iPhone 12 is its lighter weight (162g vs 173g) and potentially a lower price if discounted, making it a reasonable budget pick, but for most buyers the iPhone 13 is clearly the better value.

Best for iPhone 12

  • Those who prefer a lighter phone (162g vs 173g)
  • Budget-conscious buyers when discounted
  • Users who don't need the latest chip performance
  • Those who are okay with a larger notch
  • Users who don't need sensor-shift camera stabilization
  • Those who want a more compact feel due to lower weight

Best for iPhone 13

  • Most users seeking better performance
  • Gamers and heavy app users (A15 is ~19% faster)
  • Photographers who want better low-light and stabilization
  • Users who want longer battery life (19h vs 17h video playback)
  • Those who need more base storage (128GB vs 64GB)
  • Future-proofing with newer chip and longer iOS support
  • Users who prefer a brighter display (800 nits vs 625 nits)
  • Those who want a smaller notch for more screen area

When not to compare directly

Do not compare directly when current market prices differ significantly from launch prices, or when the user's priority is weight over performance, or if they plan to upgrade within a year, making the extra cost of the 13 unnecessary.

What are the key differences between iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?

  • Performance & Chipset

    The iPhone 13's A15 Bionic outperforms the iPhone 12's A14 Bionic by approximately 19% in AnTuTu 10 (1,340,000 vs 1,122,000) and offers a 43% faster Neural Engine (15.8 vs 11 trillion operations per second), making it notably more future-proof for demanding apps and AI tasks.

    iPhone 12: The iPhone 12's A14 Bionic chip, introduced in October 2020, features a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, delivering strong performance for its time. According to Nanoreview, it scores 1,122,000 in AnTuTu 10 and 4,250 in Geekbench 6 single-core, with a 5nm process for efficiency. Its 16-core Neural Engine handles 11 trillion operations per second, supporting advanced AI tasks.

    iPhone 13: The iPhone 13's A15 Bionic chip, released in September 2021, also has a 6-core CPU but a 4-core GPU (with a 5-core GPU in Pro models), and is built on a 5nm process. Nanoreview reports an AnTuTu 10 score of 1,340,000 and Geekbench 6 single-core of 5,200, showing about 19% higher overall performance. Its 16-core Neural Engine doubles to 15.8 trillion operations per second, enhancing machine learning and efficiency.

    Scores — iPhone 12: 7/10, iPhone 13: 9/10

    The chipset determines overall speed, efficiency, and future-proofing for apps, gaming, and multitasking.

    Sources: Apple iPhone 12: specs, benchmarks, and user reviews

  • Display & Design

    The iPhone 13 improves on the iPhone 12's display with a higher typical brightness of 800 nits versus 625 nits, and reduces the notch size by 20%, while being slightly heavier at 173 grams versus 162 grams.

    iPhone 12: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a peak brightness of 625 nits (typical) and 1200 nits for HDR content. It has a larger notch and weighs 162 grams, with an aluminum frame and glass back. The design is flat-edged, similar to the iPhone 13.

    iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 also has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display but with a higher typical brightness of 800 nits and 1200 nits for HDR. It features a 20% smaller notch, weighs 173 grams, and uses the same aluminum and glass construction. The design is nearly identical to the iPhone 12.

    Scores — iPhone 12: 7/10, iPhone 13: 8/10

    The display quality affects daily media consumption, while design influences durability and user experience.

    Sources: Apple iPhone 12 Full Specifications - PhoneArena, Apple iPhone 13 Full Specifications - PhoneArena

  • Camera Capabilities

    The iPhone 13's wide camera uses sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which stabilizes the sensor itself, whereas the iPhone 12 uses standard lens-based OIS, resulting in improved low-light performance and steadier video on the iPhone 13.

    iPhone 12: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera system with standard optical image stabilization (OIS) on the wide lens, capable of 4K video at 60fps and 2x optical zoom out. It lacks sensor-shift stabilization and newer computational features like Cinematic mode.

    iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 improves the dual 12MP camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) on the wide camera, which stabilizes the sensor rather than the lens, offering better low-light performance. It introduces Cinematic mode for 1080p at 30fps and Photographic Styles, and supports 4K video at 60fps with Dolby Vision HDR.

    Scores — iPhone 12: 7/10, iPhone 13: 9/10

    Camera performance is a key deciding factor for most smartphone users, especially for photography and video recording.

    Sources: iPhone 13 review - PhoneArena, Apple iPhone 12 Full Specifications - PhoneArena

  • Battery Life & Charging

    The iPhone 13 outperforms the iPhone 12 in battery life, offering 19 hours of video playback compared to 17 hours, thanks to its larger 3,227 mAh battery and more efficient A15 Bionic chip, while both support identical 20W wired and 15W MagSafe charging.

    iPhone 12: The iPhone 12 has a 2,815 mAh battery and offers up to 17 hours of video playback, according to Apple's official specs. It supports 20W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging, but does not include a charger in the box.

    iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 has a 3,227 mAh battery and offers up to 19 hours of video playback, according to Apple's official specs. It supports the same 20W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging, and also does not include a charger in the box.

    Scores — iPhone 12: 7/10, iPhone 13: 8/10

    Battery endurance and charging speed directly affect daily usability and convenience.

    Sources: iPhone 12 - 技术规格 - 官方 Apple 支持 (中国), Apple iPhone 13 Full Specifications - PhoneArena

  • Connectivity & Extras

    The iPhone 13 doubles the base storage to 128GB compared to the iPhone 12's 64GB, making it a better value for future-proofing.

    iPhone 12: The iPhone 12 supports 5G with sub-6GHz and mmWave bands (in US models), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and starts at 64GB storage. It features Ceramic Shield and IP68 water resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes).

    iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 supports 5G with sub-6GHz and mmWave bands (in US models), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and starts at 128GB storage. It also features Ceramic Shield and IP68 water resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes).

    Scores — iPhone 12: 7/10, iPhone 13: 8/10

    Advanced connectivity and unique features enhance the overall user experience and future-proofing.

    Sources: Apple iPhone 12 Full Specifications - PhoneArena, Apple iPhone 13 Full Specifications - PhoneArena

  • Value & Upgrade Worthiness

    The iPhone 13 offers double the base storage (128GB vs 64GB) at the same $799 launch price as the iPhone 12, along with a newer A15 chip and better battery life (19h vs 17h video playback), making it a better value for new buyers.

    iPhone 12: The iPhone 12, released in October 2020, features the A14 Bionic chip, a 6.1-inch OLED display, and dual 12MP cameras. It starts at $799 for 64GB and supports iOS updates for about 5 years, with support expected until 2025. Its battery life is rated at 17 hours of video playback, and it lacks the sensor-shift stabilization and larger battery of the iPhone 13.

    iPhone 13: The iPhone 13, released in September 2021, features the A15 Bionic chip, improved dual cameras with sensor-shift stabilization, and a larger battery offering up to 19 hours of video playback. It starts at $799 for 128GB, providing double the base storage at the same price as the iPhone 12's launch price. It supports iOS updates for about 6 years, with support expected until 2026.

    Scores — iPhone 12: 6/10, iPhone 13: 8/10

    Price and longevity determine whether the incremental improvements justify the cost difference for new buyers or upgraders.

    Sources: iPhone 13 review - PhoneArena, Apple iPhone 12 Full Specifications - PhoneArena

What are the pros and cons of iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13?

iPhone 12

Strengths

  • The iPhone 12's A14 Bionic chip delivers solid performance, scoring 1,122,000 in AnTuTu 10 and 4,250 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • The iPhone 12's 5nm A14 Bionic chip improves power efficiency compared to older 7nm chips.
  • The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1200 nits peak brightness for HDR content.
  • The iPhone 12 weighs only 162 grams, making it lighter than the iPhone 13.
  • The iPhone 12 offers a dual 12MP camera system with 4K video recording at 60fps and 2x optical zoom out.
  • The iPhone 12 supports 5G with both sub-6GHz and mmWave bands (in US models), ensuring next-generation network readiness.
  • The iPhone 12 includes Ceramic Shield and IP68 water resistance for enhanced durability.
  • The iPhone 12 supports 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging.
  • The iPhone 12 provides up to 17 hours of video playback on a single charge.
  • The iPhone 12's 16-core Neural Engine handles 11 trillion operations per second, enabling advanced AI tasks.
  • The iPhone 12 has a modern flat-edged design with an aluminum frame and glass back.
  • The iPhone 12 starts at $799 for the 64GB model, making it an accessible entry into 5G iPhones.

Weaknesses

  • The iPhone 12's A14 Bionic chip is about 19% slower than the A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13, based on AnTuTu 10 scores.
  • The iPhone 12's Neural Engine performs 11 trillion operations per second, 43% slower than the iPhone 13's 15.8 trillion.
  • The iPhone 12's display has a lower typical brightness of 625 nits compared to 800 nits on the iPhone 13.
  • The iPhone 12 has a larger notch, which reduces the usable screen area.
  • The iPhone 12 uses standard optical image stabilization instead of the sensor-shift stabilization on the iPhone 13.
  • The iPhone 12 lacks Cinematic mode and Photographic Styles, features available on the iPhone 13.
  • The iPhone 12 has a smaller 2,815 mAh battery, providing only 17 hours of video playback versus 19 hours on the iPhone 13.
  • The iPhone 12 starts with just 64GB of base storage, half the 128GB of the iPhone 13 at the same $799 launch price.
  • The iPhone 12's iOS update support is expected to last until 2025, one year less than the iPhone 13's 2026 expectation.
  • The iPhone 12 does not include a charger in the box, adding potential cost for new buyers.
  • The iPhone 12's standard OIS offers less effective stabilization in low-light conditions than sensor-shift OIS.
  • The iPhone 12's Bluetooth 5.0 is an older wireless standard compared to Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 in newer devices.

iPhone 13

Strengths

  • The iPhone 13's A15 Bionic chip is around 19% faster than the A14 Bionic, scoring 1,340,000 in AnTuTu 10 and 5,200 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • The iPhone 13's 16-core Neural Engine performs 15.8 trillion operations per second, 43% faster than the iPhone 12's Neural Engine.
  • The iPhone 13's display has a higher typical brightness of 800 nits, improving outdoor visibility compared to the iPhone 12's 625 nits.
  • The iPhone 13 reduces the notch size by 20%, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
  • The iPhone 13 features sensor-shift optical image stabilization on the wide camera, delivering better low-light performance and steadier video.
  • The iPhone 13 introduces Cinematic mode (1080p at 30fps) and Photographic Styles for advanced video and photo creativity.
  • The iPhone 13 has a larger 3,227 mAh battery, providing up to 19 hours of video playback, 2 hours more than the iPhone 12.
  • The iPhone 13 comes with 128GB base storage, double the iPhone 12's 64GB at the same $799 launch price.
  • The iPhone 13 supports 5G (sub-6GHz and mmWave in US models), Wi-Fi 6, Ceramic Shield, and IP68 water resistance.
  • The iPhone 13 is expected to receive iOS updates until around 2026, one year longer than the iPhone 12.
  • The iPhone 13's A15 Bionic chip and larger battery provide better long-term performance and efficiency.
  • The iPhone 13 maintains 20W wired and 15W MagSafe charging while offering extended battery life.

Weaknesses

  • The iPhone 13 is heavier than the iPhone 12, weighing 173 grams compared to 162 grams.
  • The iPhone 13's HDR peak brightness remains at 1200 nits, the same as the iPhone 12.
  • The iPhone 13 still uses Bluetooth 5.0, lacking the newer Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 standard.
  • The iPhone 13 does not include a charger in the box, which can be an inconvenience and additional expense.
  • The iPhone 13's Cinematic mode records at only 1080p at 30fps, not 4K.
  • The iPhone 13's base model features a 4-core GPU, with the 5-core GPU reserved for Pro models.
  • The iPhone 13's design is nearly identical to the iPhone 12, offering little visual novelty for upgraders.
  • The iPhone 13's mmWave 5G support is limited to US models, so international users miss out on the fastest 5G bands.
  • The iPhone 13's sensor-shift stabilization is only on the wide camera; the ultra-wide camera does not benefit from it.
  • The iPhone 13's battery improvement is modest, adding just 2 hours of video playback over the iPhone 12.

Where does this data come from?

  1. Apple iPhone 12: specs, benchmarks, and user reviews
  2. iPhone 13 review - PhoneArena
  3. Apple iPhone 12 Full Specifications - PhoneArena
  4. Iphone13全系列评测,只给干货,没有花里胡哨 - 今日头条
  5. iPhone 12 - 技术规格 - 官方 Apple 支持 (中国)
  6. iPhone - Official Apple Support
  7. iPhone 12 - 社区 - 威锋 - 千万果粉大本营
  8. 2025年iPhone 13 Pro Max捡漏指南:性能与性价比的完美平衡
  9. Screenshot specifications - App information - Reference - App Store Connect - Help - Apple Developer
  10. Apple iPhone 13 Full Specifications - PhoneArena
  11. Apple iPhone 12 mini - Features, Specs & Reviews AT&T
  12. 【苹果iPhone13评测】iPhone 13图赏:缺了高刷,芯片阉割,十三依然香?_苹果 iPhone 13_手机评测-中关村在线
  13. Apple iPhone 12 – Specs, Price, Release Date & Review
  14. Apple iPhone 13 Pro系列深度评测:现在购买还是等待新款?
  15. 【苹果iPhone12参数】苹果iPhone12(64GB)配置参数_苹果iPhone12参数_CNMO科技
  16. iPhone 13 - 官方 Apple 支持 (中国)
  17. 苹果iPhone 12评测:优缺点明显,果粉说真香,安卓群嘲 - 知乎
  18. Apple iPhone 13 review - PhonesData
  19. iPhone 12深度评测:从硬件配置到软件体验,全方位解读苹果新旗舰 - 今日头条
  20. 苹果iPhone 13:从“十三香”到中端机市场的性价比之王

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