iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro vs 13 Pro

These iPhone Pro models are among Apple's top-of-the-line smartphones. With a wide range of features, they are equal parts powerful and user-friendly. The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro are high performance phones, even for the most demanding users.

Is one better than the other? It can be tough to decide which phone is right for your needs and budget. Here are some key factors to consider and help you choose between the iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro.

Is there any difference between iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro?

The iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro sport similar designs, which makes sense considering they were released less than a year apart. Their size, stainless steel design, and rounded corners make these two phones look a lot alike—but there are a few differences. 

Both the iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro have a 6.1-inch display. However, the infamous notch at the top of the screen is considerably smaller on the 13 Pro. The smaller notch gives users a slightly larger viewable area on the screen.

The storage capacities are different for the iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro. Both iPhones are available in 128, 256, and 512GB versions. However, the iPhone 13 Pro adds a 1TB option for those who really need maximum storage capacity.

Another key difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro is the chip that powers each device. The iPhone 12 Pro runs on Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 13 Pro has the newer A15 Bionic chip. Both phones deliver excellent performance, but the 13 Pro’s updated A15 chip has a few advantages, especially when it comes to efficiency and battery life. In fact, the A15 Bionic chip is behind many of the popular iPhone 13 features.

iPhone 12 Pro vs 13 Pro size and display  

The iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro have nearly identical dimensions. Both measure 5.78 inches high by 2.82 inches wide, but the iPhone 13 Pro is just slightly (0.01 inches) thicker than the 12 Pro. The Pro versions each have the same height, width, and depth measurements as their respective base models, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.

Measured diagonally, both the iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro have a 6.1-inch screen size. The screen size is a happy medium for many users, as it’s large enough for comfortably browsing or making FaceTime calls but still easy to carry. If you watch a lot of videos or read a lot of content on your phone, you might opt for the larger iPhone 12 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max. If you prefer a smaller phone that’s easier to use with one hand, check out the iPhone 12 Mini or 13 Mini.

The displays on the iPhone 12 and 13 Pros are the same size, but there are some differences. The iPhone 13 Pro has a brighter display with 1,000 nits typical max brightness compared to the 12 Pro’s 800 nits. According to Apple, the iPhone 13’s updated screen improves readability even in direct sunlight.

Apple also introduced improvements to the display of the iPhone 13 Pro with ProMotion technology, which allows for a faster refresh rate of up to 120Hz (double that of the iPhone 12 Pro). The faster refresh rate gives users a smoother experience when scrolling, browsing, or playing games on their phone.

ProMotion also enables adaptive refresh on the iPhone 13 Pro, so your phone can intuitively adjust the refresh rate depending on what content is on the screen. For example, it can switch to a higher refresh rate for playing a video game and a lower refresh rate for reading static content. Most people probably won’t notice much of a difference here, but the adaptive refresh rate may help the iPhone 13 Pro use power more efficiently.

iPhone 12 Pro vs 13 Pro battery life

When it comes to daily use, there is a noticeable difference in battery life between the iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro. The A15 chip improves efficiency and provides a longer battery life in the iPhone 13 series than its predecessors.

According to Apple, the iPhone 13 Pro battery lasts up to 22 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 12 Pro lasts up to 17 hours of video playback. Both the 12 Pro and 13 Pro are equipped with MagSafe and have a glass back for wireless charging. They’re also both fast-charge capable and can reach up to a 50% charge in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter.

iPhone 12 Pro vs 13 Pro camera

The iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro are both capable of taking excellent photos and videos with their three 12MP cameras, but there are a few differences in their camera systems. The iPhone 13 Pro has a larger wide sensor and a wider aperture than the 12 Pro, so it can capture more light for better photos in low-light conditions.

The iPhone 13 Pro also has greater zoom capabilities than the 12 Pro. The 13 Pro offers 3x optical zoom compared to the 12 Pro’s 2x, and digital zoom up to 15x compared to the 12 Pro’s 10x. The iPhone 13 Pro also features macro photography for better close-up photos with the ultra-wide lens and Photographic Styles for users to adjust the tone of their photos. When it comes to which iPhone has the best camera, the 13 Pro beats its predecessors.

Which is better: iPhone 12 Pro or 13 Pro?

The iPhone 12 Pro packs plenty of power at a more accessible price point. But, the iPhone 13 Pro has a higher quality display, longer battery life, and more advanced photo and video capabilities than the iPhone 12 Pro. If these features appeal to you, it might be worth upgrading to the 13 Pro (just don’t forget to sell your old iPhone first). 

You can go Pro without going broke by shopping for a refurbished iPhone. Plus, you’ll feel great about making an eco-friendly choice: every refurbished device helps cut down on e-waste and saves resources that would otherwise be used to manufacture more new devices.