What is the main difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?

The main difference is the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13, which delivers faster performance and better power efficiency than the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12.

Is the iPhone 13 better than the iPhone 12?

Yes, the iPhone 13 is better because it offers a brighter display, longer battery life, a newer chip, and improved cameras compared to the iPhone 12.

Which iPhone is cheaper, the 12 or the 13?

The iPhone 12 is cheaper, typically costing less than the iPhone 13 at launch and in the current refurbished market.

Is the iPhone 13 safe to use with a case made for the iPhone 12?

No, the iPhone 13 is not safe with an iPhone 12 case because its camera module is larger, so a 12 case will block the lens and fit poorly.

Are the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 chargers compatible with each other?

Yes, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 chargers are compatible because both use the same Lightning connector and support 20W fast charging.

What is a common mistake people make when comparing the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?

A common mistake is assuming the iPhone 13 has a new design, when it actually shares the same flat-edge frame and notch size as the iPhone 12.

Can I use an iPhone 12 screen protector on an iPhone 13?

No, you cannot use an iPhone 12 screen protector on an iPhone 13 because the speaker grille moved to the top edge, so the cutouts do not align.

Is the iPhone 13 worth upgrading to from an iPhone 12 for photography?

Yes, the iPhone 13 is worth upgrading for photography because its sensor-shift optical image stabilization and larger sensor capture significantly more light.

Can I switch my SIM card from an iPhone 12 to an iPhone 13?

Yes, you can switch your SIM card from an iPhone 12 to an iPhone 13 because both models use the same physical nano-SIM slot.

Does the iPhone 13 have a longer battery life than the iPhone 12?

Yes, the iPhone 13 has a longer battery life, offering up to 2.5 more hours of video playback than the iPhone 12.

Difference Between

Difference Between Iphone 12 and 13

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: August 30, 202620 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Iphone 12 and 13 is that the 13 offers a brighter display, longer battery life, and a newer A15 Bionic chip. Iphone 12 is the 2020 model with the A14 chip and dual 12MP cameras, while 13 is the 2021 upgrade with improved cameras and cinematic mode.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: iPhone 13 offers a brighter 800-nit display and Cinematic mode, unlike iPhone 12.
Performance gap: iPhone 13's A15 Bionic chip delivers up to 50% faster graphics than iPhone 12's A14.
Battery life: iPhone 13 lasts about 2.5 hours longer per charge than iPhone 12 for video playback.
Best fit: Choose iPhone 13 for superior cameras and longevity; iPhone 12 for budget savings.
Common mistake: Buyers overlook iPhone 13's doubled 128GB base storage, causing premature upgrade regret.

Table of Contents18 sections

Difference Between Iphone 12 and 13: Comparison Table

Aspect	Iphone 12	13
Definition	Apple's 2020 flagship smartphone with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display.	Apple's 2021 successor model featuring a smaller notch and improved camera hardware.
Purpose	Introduced 5G connectivity and a flat-edge design to the mainstream iPhone lineup.	Refines the formula with better battery life, camera sensors, and a faster A15 chip.
Core Mechanism	Uses the A14 Bionic processor built on a 5-nanometer manufacturing process.	Runs the A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and a 4-core or 5-core GPU variant.
Chipset	A14 Bionic with 11.8 billion transistors and a 16-core Neural Engine.	A15 Bionic with 15 billion transistors and a 16-core Neural Engine for faster ML tasks.
Display Brightness	Peaks at 625 nits of typical max brightness for outdoor visibility.	Reaches 800 nits typical and 1200 nits for HDR content playback.
Notch Size	Houses Face ID sensors in a wide notch that spans roughly 34 millimeters.	Shrinks the notch by about 20 percent, increasing usable screen area.
Refresh Rate	Fixed 60Hz panel that does not adapt to scrolling or video frame rates.	Still 60Hz on standard models, lacking ProMotion despite the newer chip.
Main Camera	Dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses with optical image stabilization on wide.	Dual 12MP lenses with sensor-shift stabilization on the wide camera for steadier shots.
Sensor Size	Wide sensor captures 47 percent more light than the iPhone 11 predecessor.	Larger sensor pixels allow 47 percent more light capture than the iPhone 12.
Aperture	Wide lens opens to f/1.6, letting in light for low-light photography.	Wide lens also opens to f/1.6 but pairs with a larger sensor for better results.
Video Stabilization	Uses optical image stabilization for standard video recording modes.	Adds sensor-shift optical stabilization that works across all video modes.
Cinematic Mode	Lacks any dedicated depth-of-field video recording feature.	Introduces Cinematic mode recording 1080p at 30fps with rack-focus transitions.
Photographic Styles	Applies only standard computational photography with no style presets.	Offers four adjustable styles that modify tone and warmth in real time.
Smart HDR	Uses Smart HDR 3 to balance shadows and highlights in still images.	Employs Smart HDR 4 with improved subject separation and skin tone rendering.
Night Mode	Works on wide and ultra-wide lenses with auto-trigger in dim conditions.	Extends Night mode to all lenses including the front-facing TrueDepth camera.
Battery Capacity	Packs a 2,815 mAh battery rated for up to 17 hours of video playback.	Increases to 3,227 mAh rated for up to 19 hours of video playback.
Battery Life	Delivers roughly 11 hours of mixed real-world usage on a single charge.	Adds about 2 hours of endurance compared to the iPhone 12 in typical use.
Charging Speed	Supports 20W wired fast charging reaching 50 percent in 30 minutes.	Supports 20W wired charging with identical 50 percent in 30 minute performance.
MagSafe Wattage	Wireless MagSafe charging peaks at 15W with compatible magnetic chargers.	Wireless MagSafe charging also peaks at 15W with no wattage increase.
Weight	Weighs 164 grams with an aluminum frame and glass back construction.	Weighs 174 grams, adding 10 grams due to a larger battery and components.
Thickness	Measures 7.4 millimeters thick with a flat aerospace-grade aluminum edge.	Measures 7.65 millimeters thick, slightly thicker to accommodate the battery.
Storage Options	Offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB internal storage configurations.	Starts at 128GB base storage and tops out at 512GB for the standard model.
5G Bands	Supports sub-6GHz 5G but omits the faster mmWave in most global regions.	Adds more global 5G bands with improved carrier aggregation for faster speeds.
Durability	Uses Ceramic Shield front glass with IP68 water resistance to 6 meters.	Uses same Ceramic Shield but rated IP68 water resistance to 6 meters depth.
GPU Performance	4-core Apple GPU delivers solid graphics for gaming and video editing.	4-core GPU on standard model but 5-core GPU on Pro models for extra headroom.
RAM Capacity	Includes 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM for multitasking and app retention.	Includes 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, matching the iPhone 12's memory allocation.
Software Support	Launched with iOS 14 and receives updates through iOS 18 and beyond.	Launched with iOS 15 and will receive updates longer than the iPhone 12.
Release Price	Launched at $799 for the base 64GB model in October 2020.	Launched at $799 for the base 128GB model in September 2021.
Color Options	Available in black, white, blue, green, and Product Red finishes.	Available in pink, blue, midnight, starlight, and Product Red finishes.
Best-Fit Scenario	Budget-conscious buyers wanting 5G, OLED display, and solid cameras.	Users prioritizing battery life, video features, and longer software support.

What Is Iphone 12?

Iphone 12 is Apple's 2020 flagship smartphone that introduced 5G connectivity and a flat-edged design. It delivers a Super Retina XDR display, dual cameras, and MagSafe charging. It exists to modernize the iPhone lineup with faster performance and a durable Ceramic Shield front.

Definition of Iphone 12

Iphone 12 is a 6.1-inch smartphone powered by the A14 Bionic chip, featuring an OLED display, dual 12-megapixel rear cameras, and 5G support. It runs iOS and includes MagSafe wireless charging. Its aluminum frame and glass back define Apple's 2020 design language.

Key Characteristics of Iphone 12

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
A14 Bionic chip	Delivers fast app launches and smooth gaming with a 5-nanometer processor.
OLED display	Shows true blacks and vivid colors on a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR screen.
5G support	Connects to faster cellular networks for quicker downloads and streaming.
Ceramic Shield	Provides 4x better drop protection than prior iPhone glass fronts.
MagSafe charging	Uses magnets to align wireless chargers and attach accessories securely.
Dual cameras	Combines wide and ultra-wide lenses for versatile photo and video capture.
Flat-edge frame	Returns to a squared aluminum design reminiscent of iPhone 4.
Night mode	Captures brighter low-light photos on both rear cameras automatically.
Smart HDR 3	Balances highlights and shadows for more natural-looking photos.
IP68 rating	Survives immersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Common Examples of Iphone 12

Iphone 12 mini – a 5.4-inch compact variant with the same A14 chip and dual cameras.
Iphone 12 Pro – a premium version adding a telephoto lens and stainless steel frame.
Iphone 12 Pro Max – a 6.7-inch model with larger battery and sensor-shift stabilization.
Blue finish – a signature 2020 color option that became instantly recognizable.
Product Red edition – a red aluminum variant supporting the Global Fund for AIDS.
MagSafe wallet – an accessory that attaches magnetically to the back for card storage.
Apple's trade-in program – a common path where users exchange Iphone 12 for newer models.
eSIM support – allows dual SIM usage without a physical nano-SIM for travel.
Dolby Vision recording – captures HDR video at 30 frames per second on both cameras.
Apple CarPlay – pairs with vehicles for navigation and hands-free calls via the Lightning port.

Advantages and Limitations of Iphone 12

Advantages	Limitations
Fast A14 chip handles demanding apps and games without lag.	Battery life is mediocre, often requiring a mid-day charge for heavy users.
Lightweight 164-gram design feels comfortable in one hand.	60Hz display refresh rate looks less smooth than 120Hz rivals.
5G support future-proofs connectivity for network upgrades.	No charger included in the box, forcing an extra purchase.
Ceramic Shield resists drops better than most glass phones.	Lightning port charges slowly at 20W max versus USB-C competitors.
MagSafe enables convenient accessory ecosystem and alignment.	Telephoto zoom is absent, limiting distant subject photography.
Dual cameras capture excellent daylight photos with natural color.	Low-light video quality trails newer iPhones with sensor-shift tech.
IP68 water resistance protects against spills and rain.	Storage starts at 64GB, which fills quickly with 4K video.
iOS updates will continue for several more years.	No ProMotion means scrolling can appear less fluid.
Flat edges make the phone easier to grip securely.	Aluminum frame scratches more visibly than stainless steel.
Dolby Vision HDR recording produces cinematic video quality.	Front camera lacks autofocus, so selfies can be soft.

What Is 13?

13 is the natural number that follows 12 and precedes 14. It exists as a fundamental counting unit in mathematics, used for quantity, order, and measurement across all numeric systems.

Definition of 13

13 is an odd prime number, meaning it is divisible only by 1 and itself. In decimal notation, it is expressed as the two-digit numeral composed of a tens digit of 1 and a units digit of 3.

Key Characteristics of 13

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Prime number	Cannot be divided evenly by any integer other than 1 and 13, making it indivisible.
Odd integer	Not divisible by 2, so it always leaves a remainder of 1 when halved.
Fibonacci member	Appears in the Fibonacci sequence after 8, following the pattern of summing prior terms.
Lucky number	Survives the ancient sieve process, marking it as a mathematically "lucky" integer.
Emirp property	Reversing its digits yields 31, which is also a prime number.
Binary form	Represented as 1101 in base-2, useful for computing and digital logic operations.
Hexadecimal value	Written as D in base-16, commonly used in programming and colour codes.
Modular basis	Forms a complete residue system modulo 13, used in clock arithmetic and cryptography.
Sum of squares	Equals 2² plus 3², showing a unique relationship between its component digits.
Unlucky status	Carries cultural superstition in Western societies, often omitted from building floors.

Common Examples of 13

Friday the 13th – a date feared in Western superstition, occurring when the 13th falls on a Friday.
US original colonies – the thirteen states that declared independence from Britain in 1776.
Bakers' dozen – a traditional count of 13 items, offering one extra beyond a standard dozen.
Apollo 13 mission – the NASA lunar flight that survived an oxygen tank explosion in 1970.
Tarot Death card – the 13th major arcana card, symbolising transformation rather than literal death.
Teenage milestone – the age marking entry into the teenage years, typically the start of secondary school.
Roman numeral XIII – the notation used on clocks, film sequels, and Super Bowl branding.
Unlucky hotel floors – many buildings skip the 13th floor, jumping from 12 to 14 in elevators.
Prime sequence position – the sixth prime number in the ordered list of primes, following 11.
Chess knight move – a knight can reach exactly 13 squares from a corner square on a standard board.

Advantages and Limitations of 13

Advantages	Limitations
As a prime, it simplifies fraction reduction and modular arithmetic in mathematical calculations.	Its cultural association with bad luck causes real economic losses in real estate and aviation.
Its emirp status adds cryptographic strength when used in certain encryption key generation schemes.	Being odd makes it awkward for even division, complicating fair splits into two equal groups.
Its Fibonacci position makes it useful in nature-based modelling and golden ratio approximations.	Superstition leads to skipped floors in buildings, creating confusion in elevator numbering systems.
Its binary representation is short and compact, making it efficient for low-level computing tasks.	It is too large for single-digit mental arithmetic, requiring more cognitive effort than smaller numbers.
Its presence in the bakers' dozen provides a practical bonus in commercial baking transactions.	Its rarity as a prime means fewer divisibility shortcuts exist compared to composite numbers like 12.
Its hexadecimal form D is a single character, saving space in programming and colour coding.	Its unlucky reputation can trigger genuine anxiety in individuals with triskaidekaphobia.
Its modular properties support efficient hashing algorithms used in computer science applications.	It cannot be factored into smaller integers, limiting its use in simplifying algebraic expressions.
Its historical significance in the American colonies gives it strong cultural and educational value.	Its oddness prevents clean halving, making it impractical for symmetric design layouts.
Its prime status ensures unique factorisation, guaranteeing consistency in number theory proofs.	Its superstition causes some airlines to omit row 13, reducing seating capacity on aircraft.
Its position in the Fibonacci sequence aids in estimating growth patterns in biological populations.	Its cultural baggage can distract from its mathematical utility in educational and professional settings.

Similarities Between Iphone 12 and 13

Shared Aspect	How Iphone 12 and 13 Are Alike
Core Purpose	Iphone 12 and 13 both serve as primary pocket computers for communication, photography, and daily productivity tasks.
Operating System	Iphone 12 and 13 both run Apple's iOS and receive the same major software updates simultaneously for years.
App Ecosystem	Iphone 12 and 13 both access the identical App Store catalog with over two million compatible applications.
Display Type	Iphone 12 and 13 both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels with identical 2532-by-1170 pixel resolution.
Screen Brightness	Iphone 12 and 13 both deliver 800 nits typical brightness and 1200 nits peak for HDR content playback.
Ceramic Shield	Iphone 12 and 13 both feature Ceramic Shield front glass for improved drop protection over prior models.
Water Resistance	Iphone 12 and 13 both hold an IP68 rating for submersion up to six meters for thirty minutes.
Charging Standard	Iphone 12 and 13 both support MagSafe wireless charging and standard Qi wireless charging at 7.5W.
Wired Charging	Iphone 12 and 13 both charge via Lightning cable and support fast charging up to 20W with adapters.
5G Support	Iphone 12 and 13 both connect to sub-6GHz 5G networks for faster cellular data downloads.
SIM Capability	Iphone 12 and 13 both support dual SIM via one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM simultaneously.
Face ID	Iphone 12 and 13 both use Face ID facial recognition for secure unlocking and payment authentication.
Connectivity	Iphone 12 and 13 both include WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and Ultra Wideband chips for precise location.
Ports	Iphone 12 and 13 both omit a headphone jack and rely solely on the Lightning port for wired accessories.
Camera Layout	Iphone 12 and 13 both feature a diagonal dual-lens rear camera arrangement with identical 12MP sensors.
Main Sensor	Iphone 12 and 13 both use a 12MP wide camera with f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization.
Ultra-Wide Camera	Iphone 12 and 13 both include a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view.
Video Capability	Iphone 12 and 13 both record 4K video at 60fps with extended dynamic range and Dolby Vision HDR.
Night Mode	Iphone 12 and 13 both capture Night Mode photos on all rear and front cameras for low light.
Smart HDR	Iphone 12 and 13 both use Smart HDR processing to balance highlights and shadows in photos.
Portrait Mode	Iphone 12 and 13 both offer Portrait Mode with adjustable depth control and six lighting effects.
Front Camera	Iphone 12 and 13 both feature a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night Mode and 4K recording.
Build Material	Iphone 12 and 13 both use aerospace-grade aluminum frames with textured matte glass backs.
Physical Buttons	Iphone 12 and 13 both have identical side buttons, volume controls, and a mute switch placement.
Speaker Output	Iphone 12 and 13 both produce stereo sound through integrated bottom and earpiece speakers.
Haptic Engine	Iphone 12 and 13 both use the Taptic Engine for precise haptic feedback in apps and alerts.
Software Support	Iphone 12 and 13 both receive five or more years of iOS updates from their original release dates.
Carrier Support	Iphone 12 and 13 both work across all major global carriers and support worldwide roaming bands.
Accessory Fit	Iphone 12 and 13 both share identical physical dimensions, so cases and screen protectors interchange perfectly.
Environmental Goal	Iphone 12 and 13 both contain recycled materials and ship without a power adapter to reduce e-waste.

Iphone 12 or 13: Which Should You Choose?

Your budget and camera priorities decide this. Iphone 12 delivers 90% of the experience for roughly $100 less, while 13 adds a brighter screen and better low-light video. Most buyers should choose 13 for the extra year of software updates, but budget-focused users will be fully satisfied with Iphone 12.

When to Use Iphone 12

Choose Iphone 12 when price is your primary constraint or when you upgrade every two years. It suits users who rarely shoot video in low light and those who do not need Cinematic Mode. The A14 chip still handles gaming and multitasking smoothly, making it ideal for students, secondary phones, or first-time smartphone buyers.

When to Use 13

Choose 13 when you keep phones for three or more years or when video quality matters professionally. It fits parents filming kids indoors, vloggers, and travelers who need sensor-shift stabilization for handheld shots. The 2.5-hour longer battery life also makes 13 the better choice for heavy users who stream or navigate all day without charging.

Common Misconceptions About Iphone 12 and 13

Common Myth	The Reality
The Iphone 13 is dramatically faster than the Iphone 12 for everyday use.	The Iphone 13's A15 Bionic chip offers modest gains; most app launches and scrolling feel nearly identical to the Iphone 12's A14 Bionic.
The Iphone 13 has a completely redesigned camera system compared to the Iphone 12.	The Iphone 13 keeps the same dual-lens layout as the Iphone 12, but the lenses are diagonally arranged and the sensors are physically larger.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 have identical battery life because they share the same screen size.	The Iphone 13 lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours longer per charge than the Iphone 12, thanks to a larger battery and more efficient A15 chip.
Both the Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 support the exact same 5G frequency bands.	The Iphone 13 adds support for more 5G bands, including additional mmWave bands in the United States, which the Iphone 12 lacks.
The Iphone 13's display is noticeably sharper and higher resolution than the Iphone 12's screen.	Both the Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 have the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with identical 1170 x 2532 resolution and 460 pixels per inch.
The Iphone 13 is significantly heavier and bulkier than the Iphone 12.	The Iphone 13 weighs 174 grams versus the Iphone 12's 164 grams, a difference of only 10 grams that is barely noticeable in hand.
Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely on the Iphone 13.	The Iphone 13 retains a physical nano-SIM tray in most regions, just like the Iphone 12, and both support dual SIM with eSIM.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 have identical camera sensors, so photos look exactly the same.	The Iphone 13's main wide camera has a larger sensor with sensor-shift stabilization, capturing 47% more light than the Iphone 12's standard optical stabilization.
The Iphone 13's notch is completely gone, giving it a full-screen design.	The Iphone 13 still has a notch, but it is about 20% smaller than the notch on the Iphone 12, not eliminated entirely.
The Iphone 12 is waterproof and can be submerged in water indefinitely without damage.	Both the Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 carry an IP68 rating, meaning they survive 6 meters of water for 30 minutes, not unlimited submersion.
The Iphone 13 supports 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, making scrolling smoother than the Iphone 12.	Only the Iphone 13 Pro models have ProMotion 120Hz; the standard Iphone 13 and Iphone 12 both run at a fixed 60Hz refresh rate.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 use identical glass, so both crack just as easily on impact.	The Iphone 13 uses a newer Ceramic Shield front glass with improved drop performance, though Apple does not specify a quantified strength increase over the Iphone 12.
Charging speeds are identical, so the Iphone 13 charges no faster than the Iphone 12.	Both the Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 support 20W wired charging, but the Iphone 13's larger battery takes slightly longer to reach a full 100% charge.
The Iphone 13's Cinematic mode is also available on the Iphone 12 via a software update.	Cinematic mode relies on the Iphone 13's A15 Bionic neural engine and is not available on the Iphone 12's A14 chip at any software version.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 have the same amount of RAM inside.	The Iphone 12 has 4GB of RAM, while the Iphone 13 also has 4GB, so memory capacity is actually identical between these two standard models.
The Iphone 13's speakers are twice as loud as the Iphone 12's speakers.	The Iphone 13's stereo speakers are slightly louder with more dynamic range, but the difference is modest, not a doubling of volume output.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 both come with a charger included in the retail box.	Neither the Iphone 12 nor the Iphone 13 includes a power adapter in the box; both ship with only a USB-C to Lightning cable.
The Iphone 13's front camera is exactly the same as the Iphone 12's front camera.	The Iphone 13's TrueDepth front camera adds autofocus and sensor-shift stabilization, while the Iphone 12's front camera uses fixed focus only.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 have identical low-light video recording performance.	The Iphone 13 records video with better low-light performance and adds Dolby Vision HDR support, which the Iphone 12 handles less effectively in dark scenes.
The Iphone 13 is a major redesign, looking completely different from the Iphone 12.	The Iphone 13 keeps the same flat-edge design and dimensions as the Iphone 12, with only the smaller notch and diagonal camera lenses distinguishing them visually.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 both get the same number of years of iOS updates from Apple.	The Iphone 13 will receive iOS updates approximately one year longer than the Iphone 12, giving it a longer usable lifespan for software support.
The Iphone 13's MagSafe magnet is much stronger than the Iphone 12's MagSafe magnet.	Both the Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 use the same MagSafe magnet array, so accessory attachment strength is effectively identical between them.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 have the same storage options, starting at 64GB.	The Iphone 12 starts at 64GB, while the Iphone 13 starts at 128GB, doubling the base storage capacity for the newer model.
The Iphone 13's screen gets twice as bright outdoors as the Iphone 12's screen.	Both the Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 reach 800 nits of typical brightness and 1200 nits peak HDR, so outdoor visibility is nearly identical.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 both have telephoto zoom lenses for distant photography.	Neither the Iphone 12 nor the Iphone 13 has a telephoto lens; both offer only 2x optical zoom out via the ultrawide camera, not true optical zoom in.
The Iphone 13 runs noticeably hotter than the Iphone 12 during heavy gaming sessions.	The Iphone 13's A15 chip is more thermally efficient, so it generally runs cooler under sustained load than the Iphone 12's A14 chip.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 have identical Face ID recognition speed and accuracy.	The Iphone 13's Face ID is the same hardware as the Iphone 12's, but the A15 chip processes the scan slightly faster, though accuracy is unchanged.
The Iphone 13 is the first iPhone to support 5G, making the Iphone 12 outdated for connectivity.	The Iphone 12 was Apple's first 5G iPhone, and the Iphone 13 simply refines that support with more bands, so the Iphone 12 remains fully 5G capable.
The Iphone 12 and Iphone 13 have the same camera software features, including Photographic Styles.	Photographic Styles are exclusive to the Iphone 13 lineup and are not available on the Iphone 12, even with the latest iOS update installed.
The Iphone 13's battery is smaller than the Iphone 12's because the phone is thinner.	The Iphone 13 is slightly thicker at 7.65mm versus the Iphone 12's 7.4mm, allowing a larger 3227mAh battery versus the Iphone 12's 2815mAh.

Conclusion

Difference Between Iphone 12 and 13 comes down to the newer model's superior A15 Bionic chip, improved cameras and longer battery life. Choose the iPhone 13 for better performance and photography. Choose the iPhone 12 to save money while keeping a familiar, capable design.

FAQs on Difference Between Iphone 12 and 13

What is the main difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?: The main difference is the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13, which delivers faster performance and better power efficiency than the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12.
Is the iPhone 13 better than the iPhone 12?: Yes, the iPhone 13 is better because it offers a brighter display, longer battery life, a newer chip, and improved cameras compared to the iPhone 12.
Which iPhone is cheaper, the 12 or the 13?: The iPhone 12 is cheaper, typically costing less than the iPhone 13 at launch and in the current refurbished market.
Is the iPhone 13 safe to use with a case made for the iPhone 12?: No, the iPhone 13 is not safe with an iPhone 12 case because its camera module is larger, so a 12 case will block the lens and fit poorly.
Are the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 chargers compatible with each other?: Yes, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 chargers are compatible because both use the same Lightning connector and support 20W fast charging.
What is a common mistake people make when comparing the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?: A common mistake is assuming the iPhone 13 has a new design, when it actually shares the same flat-edge frame and notch size as the iPhone 12.
Can I use an iPhone 12 screen protector on an iPhone 13?: No, you cannot use an iPhone 12 screen protector on an iPhone 13 because the speaker grille moved to the top edge, so the cutouts do not align.
Is the iPhone 13 worth upgrading to from an iPhone 12 for photography?: Yes, the iPhone 13 is worth upgrading for photography because its sensor-shift optical image stabilization and larger sensor capture significantly more light.
Can I switch my SIM card from an iPhone 12 to an iPhone 13?: Yes, you can switch your SIM card from an iPhone 12 to an iPhone 13 because both models use the same physical nano-SIM slot.
Does the iPhone 13 have a longer battery life than the iPhone 12?: Yes, the iPhone 13 has a longer battery life, offering up to 2.5 more hours of video playback than the iPhone 12.