Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 13: specs comparison
How the Apple iPhone 12 (2020 phone) and the Apple iPhone 13 (2021 phone) differ, worked out only from the values on each maker’s official spec page. No prices, ratings or benchmark scores.
Key differences
- Apple iPhone 13 is the newer model: it launched in 2021, Apple iPhone 12 in 2020.
- Apple iPhone 13 is rated for longer video playback: up to 19 hours vs 17 hours for Apple iPhone 12.
- Apple iPhone 13 offers more storage: up to 512 GB vs up to 256 GB.
In common: both list a 6.1-inch screen.
Who should pick which
- Pick the Apple iPhone 13 if you want the newer model (2021), longer rated video playback (19 hours) and more storage (up to 512 GB).
None of the computed differences favour the Apple iPhone 12; it may still differ in price, design or features the official pages do not list.
Full specifications side by side
| Spec | Apple iPhone 12 | Apple iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2020 | 2021 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170 at 460 ppi, 625 nits typical, 1200 nits peak (HDR) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170 at 460 ppi, 800 nits typical, 1200 nits peak (HDR) |
| Processor | A14 Bionic: 6-core CPU (2 performance, 4 efficiency), 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine | A15 Bionic: 6-core CPU (2 performance, 4 efficiency), 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
| Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB |
| Rear camera | Dual 12 MP: Main (f/1.6) + Ultra Wide (f/2.4, 120° field of view) | Dual 12 MP: Main (f/1.6) + Ultra Wide (f/2.4, 120° field of view) |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth (f/2.2) | 12 MP TrueDepth (f/2.2) |
| Battery | Video playback up to 17 hours, streamed video up to 11 hours, audio playback up to 65 hours | Video playback up to 19 hours, streamed video up to 15 hours, audio playback up to 75 hours |
| Charging | MagSafe wireless up to 15W, Qi wireless up to 7.5W, fast charge to 50% in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher (sold separately) | MagSafe wireless up to 15W, Qi wireless up to 7.5W, fast charge to 50% in about 30 minutes with 20W adapter (sold separately) |
| Operating system | Not stated | iOS 17 |
| Weight | 162 grams | 173 grams |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm |
| 5G | Yes, 5G (sub-6 GHz) with 4x4 MIMO | Yes, 5G (sub-6 GHz) with 4x4 MIMO |
| SIM | Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) | Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) |
| Source | Official specs · checked 2026-11-08 | Official specs · checked 2026-11-03 |
Questions
What is the difference between Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 13?
Apple iPhone 13 is the newer model: it launched in 2021, Apple iPhone 12 in 2020. Apple iPhone 13 is rated for longer video playback: up to 19 hours vs 17 hours for Apple iPhone 12. Apple iPhone 13 offers more storage: up to 512 GB vs up to 256 GB.
Which is newer, Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 13?
Apple iPhone 13 is the newer model: it launched in 2021, Apple iPhone 12 in 2020.
Which has the better battery life, Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 13?
Apple iPhone 13 is rated for longer video playback: up to 19 hours vs 17 hours for Apple iPhone 12.
Every difference above is calculated from the two spec tables, which are copied from Apple’s official pages. A spec that only one page states is not compared. Variants and options differ by region, so confirm on the official page before you buy. Spotted a difference? Report a correction.