iPhone mini models — iPhone 12 mini vs. 13 mini overview
The iPhone 13 mini is clearly the better choice: a bigger battery (about 15% more), a brighter display (800 nits vs. 625) and a better camera. The iPhone 12 mini has the same design and A14 chip, but a weaker battery — and in such a compact body that really shows. Both are the last small iPhones (from the 14 onward it's Plus only), so if you want a small phone, go for the 13 mini.
The iPhone 13 mini is clearly the better choice: a bigger battery (about 15% more), a brighter display (800 nits vs. 625) and a better camera. The iPhone 12 mini has the same design and A14 chip, but a weaker battery — and in such a compact body that really shows. Both are the last small iPhones (from the 14 onward it's Plus only), so if you want a small phone, go for the 13 mini.
In this article
- Mini is a rare breed
- What the mini models have in common:
- iPhone 12 mini (from 5,490 CZK)
- iPhone 13 mini (from 8,990 CZK)
- Comparison of key specs
- Watch out for the battery
- Choose the 12 mini if:
- Choose the 13 mini if:
- Our tip
Mini is a rare breed
Apple introduced the mini format with the iPhone 12 and discontinued it after the iPhone 13 mini. The market showed that most buyers want a big display. But for fans of compact phones, the iPhone mini remains the only modern iPhone that fits into a small palm and the pocket of skinny jeans.
What the mini models have in common:
- A 5.4" OLED Super Retina XDR display (2340 × 1080 px, 476 ppi).
- Flat design like the iPhone 12/13 with an aluminium frame.
- MagSafe + Ceramic Shield + Face ID + 5G connectivity.
- Dual 12MP camera (main + ultra-wide).
- Lightning connector (USB-C only arrived with the iPhone 15).
iPhone 12 mini (from 5,490 CZK)
A14 Bionic chip, battery good for about 15 hours of video playback. The cheaper option, perfect as a second phone or for children. The weaker battery is the main compromise — under heavier use it may not last a full day.
iPhone 13 mini (from 8,990 CZK)
A15 Bionic chip, battery good for about 17 hours of video playback. Apple really focused on the battery in the 13 mini — it lasts on average 1.5–2 hours longer than the 12 mini. It also adds Cinematic Mode for video and sensor-shift stabilisation on the main lens.
Comparison of key specs
| Spec | 12 mini vs. 13 mini |
|---|---|
| Chip | A14 Bionic vs. A15 Bionic |
| Battery | about 15 h vs. 17 h of video playback |
| Video playback | ~15 h vs. ~17 h |
| Stabilisation | Classic OIS vs. sensor-shift |
| Cinematic Mode | No vs. Yes |
| Pre-owned price (from) | 6,990 CZK vs. 7,990 CZK |
Watch out for the battery
Because of their format, the mini models have a smaller battery than regular iPhones. When choosing a pre-owned unit, insist on 86–100% battery health — below that, battery life starts to become critical. At iLoveServis, the mini models have battery health of 86–100% (92–100 % for the Like New condition).
Choose the 12 mini if:
- You want to save as much as possible (a 1,000 CZK difference).
- You use your phone lightly and 15 hours of battery life is enough for you.
- You're looking for a second phone for work.
Choose the 13 mini if:
- It's your main phone and you need decent battery life.
- You shoot video and want Cinematic Mode.
- You plan to use the phone for 3–5 years.
Our tip
If your budget isn't tight, the iPhone 13 mini is worth it. The better battery and Cinematic Mode for the current price difference (see our listings) are a good investment — and it's likely the last mini iPhone you'll ever buy (Apple isn't planning another generation).