iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: Which One Is Right for You in 2023?
If the iPhone 14 is too pricey, we’ll help you decide whether to upgrade to an iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 in 2023.
Sareena is a senior editor for CNET covering the mobile beat including device reviews. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with more than a decade’s worth of experience producing stories for television and digital publications across Asia’s financial capitals including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Mumbai. Prior to CNET, Sareena worked at CNN as a news writer and Reuters as a producer.
Expertise Huawei, Oppo, smartphones, smartwatches Credentials than a decade of journalism experience
Mike Sorrentino is a Senior Editor for Mobile, covering phones, texting apps and smartwatches.- obsessing about how we can make the most of them. Mike also keeps an eye out on the movie and toy industry, and outside of work enjoys biking and pizza making.
Expertise Phones, texting apps, iOS, Android, smartwatches, fitness trackers, mobile accessories, gaming phones, budget phones, toys, Star Wars, Marvel, Power Rangers, DC, mobile accessibility, iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, RCS
iPhone 12
Apple‘s iPhone 14 series has been around for a couple of months now, and if you’re looking to upgrade but don’t want to pay top dollar for Apple‘s latest phones, there’s a high chance the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 feature high on your list.
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 are still solid devices even in 2023 and generally offer an up-to-date experience, though they have their differences.
The iPhone 13 series.- consisting of the iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13. iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.- offer some helpful features that differentiate it from 2020’s iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 lineup, meanwhile, still makes for a great buy ( though the iPhone 12 Pro was discontinued ). They run plenty fast, thanks to Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, support 5G and have impressive cameras.
But which iPhone should you buy? Are the extra features you get for the iPhone 13 worth it for the extra cash? It will depend on what iPhone model you’re upgrading from and the condition of your current device. However, running through a few key differences between the 13 and 12 lines may help you decide whether to spring for a top-of-the-line 2021 iPhone, save some money with a 2020 model, or wait it out till Apple’s next event, which is expected in the fall. You can also go for a refurbished iPhone 12 model if there’s stock on the Apple website.
Price
At first look, the iPhone 12’s starting price is a full 100 cheaper than the iPhone 13, but that’s before you take storage space into consideration. Both iPhone 12 models start at 64GB, which several years ago used to be plenty of room. Now with apps getting larger and cameras taking even-more-detailed photos along with video, you could run up against that storage limit sooner than you think, especially if you capture a lot of photos and videos, among other things. Now that the iPhone 14 series has arrived, Apple has dropped of earlier iPhone models. The iPhone 13 starts at 128GB and retails for 729. If you compare that with a 128GB iPhone 12, which starts at 679, you’re looking at a price difference of only 50.
For that 50, you do get a lot by going with the iPhone 13.- which we’ll go over in later sections. But if all you want is a 5G iPhone, and you’re unlikely to install a ton of apps on it, the iPhone 12 is indeed cheaper while still having most of the same features as the iPhone 13.
Battery life
The iPhone 13 is estimated to run for 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12, while the iPhone 13 Mini is estimated to run 1.5 hours longer than the 12 Mini. In CNET editor Patrick Holland’s iPhone 13 and 13 Mini review. he notes that both phones easily make it through a day on a single charge. This was particularly notable since his personal iPhone 12 Mini usually requires a 3 p.m. recharge to make it through the day.
A15 Bionic vs. A14 Bionic
For most tasks, the A14 Bionic and A15 Bionic chips will each likely breezily handle your FaceTime calls, texts, apps, games and streaming videos with little discernible difference. Most people will be perfectly happy with the iPhone 12, which runs on the A14 Bionic processor.
However, the iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic may be designed to be compatible with future devices and software in the works by Apple. Reports suggest that Apple is working on an augmented reality and VR headset that could use the iPhone 13 and future iPhone models as a host device.
The main current difference is that the iPhone 13’s chip enables the Cinematic video recording mode. In this mode the phone can automatically FOCUS on subjects as they enter the frame while unfocusing on others, giving your videos a movie-like look. These videos can also be edited after the fact should you want more control over who is in FOCUS.
Cameras
The camera specs of the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 12 are identical. Both phones include 12-megapixel sensors on the front and the back cameras. But those specs don’t tell the whole story about the photo processing differences between the phones.
On the iPhone 13, the new camera layout gives the wide-angle camera a larger sensor with sensor-based stabilization. The new diagonal layout of the iPhone 13’s cameras allows for that larger sensor, while the ultrawide camera’s new sensor helps it gather more light. On the software side, the iPhone 13 also includes Photographic Styles, which allow you to customize the way your camera develops your photos. These styles are not like Instagram filters, as they analyze the subject of your photo and apply the selected style as needed.
iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini camera testing: See how Apple’s new phones take photos
That said, the iPhone 12’s cameras are still no slouch, including many of the same enhancements offered by iOS 15. In our review, Holland notes that the iPhone 13’s camera upgrades do not make drastic differences, but improvements between the models year over year were noticeable.
Spec vs. spec
Check the chart below comparing the iPhone 13, the iPhone 13 Mini, the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Mini to see a spec-by-spec comparison among the non-Pro iPhones that are currently available. Let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев if you’d rather save money with the iPhone 12. jump in with a new iPhone 13 or if your current iPhone is still the best for all of your daily needs.
iPhone 13, Mini vs. iPhone 12, Mini
| 5.4-inch OLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels | 5.4-inch OLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels |
| 476ppi | 476ppi | 460ppi |
| 5.18×2.53×0.3 in | 5.18×2.53×0.29 in | 5.78×2.82×0.3 in |
| 132x64x7.65mm | 131.5×64.2×7.4mm | 147x72x7.65mm |
| 4.97 oz; 141g | 4.76 oz; 135g | 6.14 oz; 174g |
| iOS 15 | iOS 14 | iOS 15 |
| 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) |
| 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps | 4K | HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps |
| Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic |
| 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Undisclosed | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| No | No | No |
| Undisclosed; Apple lists 17 hours of video playback | Undisclosed; Apple lists 15 hours of video playback | Undisclosed; Apple lists 19 hours of video playback |
| No (Face ID) | No (Face ID) | No (Face ID) |
| Lightning | Lightning | Lightning |
| No | No | No |
| 5G enabled; MagSafe; water-resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) | 5G enabled; MagSafe; water-resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) | 5G enabled; MagSafe; water-resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) |
| 729 (128GB), 829 (256GB), 1,029 (512GB) | 729 (64GB), 779 (128GB), 879 (256GB) | 829 (128GB), 929 (256GB), 1,129 (512GB) |
| £679 (128GB), £779 (256GB), £979 (512GB) | £699 (64GB), £749 (128GB), £849 (256GB) | £779 (128GB), £879 (256GB), £1,079 (512GB) |
| AU1,199 (128GB), AU1,369 (256GB), AU1,719 (512GB) | AU1,199 (64GB), AU1,279 (128GB), AU1,449 (256GB) | AU1,349 (128GB), AU1,519 (256GB), AU1,869 (512GB) |
Apple iPhone 12 256GB Blue
AED 3,629.00
12 Month(s) Manufacturer Warranty The item is eligible for 12 months of warranty provided by the Manufacturer/Brand from the date of purchase.Please contact Manufacturer/Brand or seller for more details.
Product Summary
- Display Size:6.1‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED display
- Chip:A14 Bionic chip-Next‑generation Neural Engine
- Internal Memory:256GB
- Camera:Dual 12MP camera system: Ultra Wide and Wide cameras
- Secondary Camera:TrueDepth Camera:12MP camera
- Operating System:iOS 14
Product Information
Other Features Face ID,Barometer,Three‑axis gyro,Accelerometer,Proximity sensor,Ambient light sensor,Wireless charging up to 15W,Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery,Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter
Display Type Super Retina XDR display6.1‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED display2532‑by‑1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
Video Recording HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 30 fps|4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps|1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps|720p HD video recording at 30 fpsOptical image stabilization for video (Wide)2x optical zoom out|Digital zoom up to 3x|Audio zoom|Brighter True Tone flash QuickTake video|Slo‑mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps|Time‑lapse video with stabilization|Night mode Time‑lapse|Extended dynamic range for video up to 60 fps|Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p)|Continuous autofocus video|Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video|Playback zoom|Video formats recorded: HEVC and H.264|Stereo recording
Buy iPhone 12
If you’re looking for an iPhone 12 at a great price, you’ve come to the right place. Gazelle is a leading supplier of used phones from top-selling brands. We can help you find the perfect iPhone 12 for your budget and preferences.
Learn how a used iPhone 12 can be your ticket to a premium smartphone that you and your wallet will love.
Why an iPhone 12?
iPhones have been a fan favorite since their release in 2007, and each model has gotten more attention than the last. The iPhone 12 followed the iPhone 11 with its release in October 2020. This model has many familiar features polished to meet modern standards.
The iPhone 12 has a ceramic-coated exterior that protects against drops. The A14 processor is the fastest available chip on the market, and the 5G connectivity gives you speed and performance on the go. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is stunning for pictures, videos or gaming, and the dual camera display includes two 12-megapixel rear cameras and a 12-megapixel front camera with Face ID recognition
The iPhone 12 stands out in power, speed and style. Buy one from Gazelle and experience Apple’s innovation firsthand.
Why Buy a Refurbished Used iPhone 12?
We hate to see functional phones go to landfills. Many of the pre-owned iPhone 12 devices we receive need only a quick data wipe to be ready for use again. When you purchase a refurbished iPhone 12 from Gazelle, you’re making an eco-friendly and budget-friendly decision — and getting an exceptional phone while you’re at it.
Plus, you benefit from all of the latest features and benefits of an Apple iPhone without meeting up with strangers or trusting an auction site for a phone of questionable quality. We make finding and buying a quality refurbished iPhone 12 fast, easy and convenient.
- Test: We receive the iPhone 12 and thoroughly inspect its hardware, software and features, including the screen, camera, buttons, charging ports and more.
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Unlike when you purchase a new phone from a specific carrier, you won’t be contract-bound with a Gazelle phone. We even sell unlocked models that let you choose your preferred wireless provider.
When you order from Gazelle, you will receive your iPhone 12 refurbished and ready to use, so all you need to do is start shopping for wireless plans.
The Advantages of Pre-Owned, Refurbished Phones
Newer does not always equal better. When you buy a used phone over a new one, you get benefits including:
- Lower costs: Used phones are significantly less expensive than new models. Additionally, you can avoid paying a monthly contract and only pay for the services you want.
- Less stress: If you spend money on a brand new phone, you worry more about accidental drops. When you save big, you can relax more.
- Less commitment: You can try out an iPhone 12 without spending hundreds of extra dollars. If this is your first iPhone, you can get the same great experience for cheap.
- Better value: New phones drop their value very quickly. When you buy used originally, your phone is more likely to hold onto value for longer.
- Hassle-free returns: We understand you want to make sure your pre-owned iPhone 12 is everything we promise, so go ahead and try it out. If it’s not what you expected, return it within 30 days for a refund.
- Trusted support: When you buy your secondhand iPhone 12 from a reliable reseller with a solid return policy, you can avoid the risks that come with meeting up with strangers or using an auction site.
Shop for secondhand phones today and experience the benefits yourself.
Where to Buy a Refurbished iPhone 12
You can find an iPhone 12 online with Gazelle today. Gazelle has a vast inventory of colors, storage capacities and carriers to meet your every need. Every phone undergoes a 30-point checkpoint before we post it on our website, so you can trust that we only provide the best iPhones available.
When you shop with us, you can:
- Return your phone within 30 days if you change your mind.
- Help reduce e-waste by giving phones a second life.
- Get honest pricing with no risks and no contracts.
- Use our secure website to make your transaction from wherever you are.
- Choose an iPhone 12 that is compatible with your preferred wireless carrier.
Enjoy our convenient shopping service from the comfort of your home. Skip the online searching and meetups for new phones when you work with us.
Shop Used iPhones With Gazelle
Find your next phone with Gazelle and save money while you do it. If you’re ready to get started, browse our collection of iPhone 12 devices today!
iPhone 12 256gb
iPhone 12 smartphone was launched on 13th October 2020. The phone comes with a 6.10-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1170×2532 pixels at a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 12 supports wireless charging, as well as proprietary fast charging.
Get it at best price in Kenya for Kshs. 110,000 only on Spenny Technologies.
iPhone 12 Summary
The iPhone 12 costs more than its predecessors but has a crisp new HDR OLED screen. It offers nearly all the feaures of the iPhone 12 Pro, minus some camera capabilities, but should be a good enough package for most users. Apple has returned to a flat aluminium frame but the iPhone 12 promises to be more durable thanks to its Ceramic Shield material on the front and IP68 rating.
You get the A14 Bionic SoC which makes everyday use extremely smooth and responsive, but the device does get a bit warm when stressed. Battery life is good, but not great, and you’ll be able to get through a full day. The iPhone 12 is relatively light and easy to handle. iOS 14 has some new customisation options and privacy features.
You get two rear cameras – a wide-angle and an ultra-wide-angle one, which both have 12-megapixel sensors. Night mode now works across all cameras including the front one, and still shots as well as videos are remarkably sharp and detailed in the daytime as well as at night.
| Brand | Apple |
| Model | iPhone 12 |
| Release date | 13th October 2020 |
| Launched in Kenya | Yes |
| Form factor | Touchscreen |
| Dimensions (mm) | 146.70 x 71.50 x 7.40 |
| Weight (g) | 164.00 |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Removable battery | No |
| Fast charging | Proprietary |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| Colours | Black, Blue, Green, Red, White |
iPhone SE (2022) vs iPhone 12
The new iPhone SE (2022) goes head to head with the iPhone 12, as we help you decide which is the best low-price phone for your needs.
Our Verdict
The iPhone 12 is a superior phone overall. It has better cameras, display and design, plus a processor that isn’t far off that of the A15 Bionic Apple bestowed on the iPhone SE (2022). But the price tag is hefty in comparison, which makes the iPhone SE (2022) good enough and affordable enough for it to be the sensible choice for most people.
Apple recently unveiled the latest iteration of its hugely popular iPhone SE, with a few small tweaks to the already successful formula. But are the improvements enough to warrant the small price increase (and to offset the aged design), or does an older flagship model offer a better balance of features and cost?
To test this out, we compare the new iPhone SE to the iPhone 12. For a broader look at Apple’s range, check out our iPhone buying guide.
Design build quality
On the iPhone SE (2022) Apple opted once more to use the tried-and-tested chassis that it’s been selling pretty much since the iPhone 6 that came out in 2014. So if you’ve seen an iPhone in the past eight years there’s a good chance you’ll recognise the aged design.
On the front panel there’s a 4.7in LCD display bordered above and below by large bezels, the latter of which is the location of the Home button.
Due to the latter, you won’t find any notches at the top of the screen, as Touch ID is built into the Home button.
Apple did upgrade the glass covering on the front and back of the iPhone SE (2022) to what it claims is the ‘toughest glass in a smartphone’, so it should survive a bit of light abuse. An IP67 waterproof rating also means a quick dip won’t spell the end of the device.
Otherwise, it’s the same design we’ve all seen hundreds or even thousands of times over the years. Single camera on the back, volume controls and a power button, plus the Lightning connector situated in the bottom edge next to the speaker.
With the iPhone 12, Apple moved away from curved edges and returned to a design with shades of the iPhone 4 and 5 era. The squared-edge frame looks modern and elegant, unlike the tired iPhone SE (2022), and there are several differences between the two devices. The most obvious is the larger 6.1in OLED display, which comes with Face ID and the obligatory notch.
It’s a bigger and heavier handset overall, as you can see from the dimensions below:
On the back of the iPhone 12 you’ll find twice as many cameras, with Wide and Ultrawide units, plus there’s support for MagSafe charging which is a step up from the standard wireless charging on the iPhone SE (2022).
The iPhone 12 is also more durable thanks to the IP68 certification, which means it can be immersed in water up to depths of 6m for a maximum of 30 minutes, whereas the SE can only go to 1m.
Side by side, the iPhone SE has the aesthetic of an almost vintage iPhone, while its bigger brother is the epitome of a premium, modern smartphone. With this in mind, the iPhone SE (2022) design comes from a time when people still used phones one-handed, so (along with the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini), those looking for a smaller, more manageable handset could find the SE fits the bill.
Features and specifications
The outsides are obviously worlds apart, but the components Apple puts inside are not quite as one-sided as you might suspect. Here’s how they compare.
Processor
Apple has a roguish sense of humour, as the nearly decade-old exterior stands in contrast to the latest version of its A series processors inside. The A15 Bionic is a beast; it’s the same chipset that powers the iPhone 13 range, including the current flagship iPhone 13 Pro Max. This means you’re getting incredible amounts of power in a small, inexpensive iPhone.
The iPhone 12 is no slouch at all, due to its A14 Bionic processor, but it’s not the latest chip and as such can’t quite match the iPhone SE (2022) for general performance.
Display
As well as the design of the iPhone SE (2022) being pretty much the same as the iPhone 8, the two devices have other elements in common.
The display is a big one, as the iPhone SE comes with the practically identical 4.7in Retina HD LCD panel that features True Tone, Wide colour display (P3), a 1334×750 resolution at 326ppi, with the only discernible difference being Haptic Touch rather than 3D Touch and the tougher glass front on the iPhone SE (2022).
It’s different on the iPhone 12, which has a higher-quality Super Retina XDR OLED panel that measures 6.1in, and boasts a 2532×1170 resolution at 460ppi, massively improved contrast ratio, HDR and brighter output. It’s all round a much nicer display to use.
The one downside to the 12’s screen is the notch along the top edge that creates space for the Face ID camera array.
Cameras
Again, the iPhone SE (2022) digs through Apple’s parts bin and comes up with basically the same 12MP, f/1.8 (Wide) camera as on the iPhone 8. The difference here is that, thanks to the A15 Bionic processor, you can access more modes and features as the advanced silicon can use its computational prowess to handle things like Portrait modes, Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 4 and Portrait Lighting effects.
The iPhone 12 can do all of this too, with the exception of Photographic Styles and offering only Smart HDR 3, but it does so with two cameras. These are comprised of a 12MP, f/1.6 (Wide) and 12MP f/2.4 (Ultrawide) that also combine to provide a 2x optical zoom (as well as the 5x digital that’s on the iPhone SE) and the all-important Night Mode that makes shooting photos in low light a more pleasing experience than on the SE.
It’s a similar story with the front-facing camera, as the iPhone SE (2022) employ the old FaceTime HD camera from the iPhone 8, but the performance is bolstered by the A15 Bionic, while the iPhone 12 has the True Depth camera that also powers Face ID, and has a lot more features available.
If cameras are a primary reason for using an iPhone, then the SE can certainly take some good photos and videos, but the iPhone 12 simply offers a greater range of options and performance.
Connectivity
When the iPhone 12 arrived it was the first generation of iPhones to offer 5G connectivity. Now the iPhone SE (2022) brings that power to the more affordable end of the iPhone catalogue.
The big difference is that the SE only supports sub-6 bands, while the iPhone 12 also operates with the faster mmWave. This will only matter if the network provider you use offers these connections, and to be honest isn’t really going to be a deal-breaker for most people.
Alongside this, both offer Bluetooth 5, GPS, NFC and Wi-Fi 6, so they are quite evenly matched.
Here’s a breakdown of their technical specs:
| iPhone SE (2022) | iPhone 12 | |
| Display | 4.7in LCD IPS Retina HD, 1334×750, 326ppi, True Tone, Wide colour (P3), 625nits | 6.1in Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532×1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB |
| Rear Camera | 12Mp (f/1.8), Portrait Mode, 4K video, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, Photographic modes | Dual 12MP, Ultra Wide: f/2.4 apertureWide: f/1.6 aperture |
| Front Camera | 7Mp (f/2.2), Portrait Mode, 1080p video | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 |
| Video Recording | 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, OIS, Cinematic Video Stabilisation | 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, HDR Dolby Vision up to 60fps |
| Biometric Security | Touch ID | Face ID |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Cellular | 5G | 5G |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes, with MagSafe |
| Bluetooth | 5 | 5 |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproofing | IP67 | IP68 |
| SIM | Dual (nano and eSIM) | Dual (nano and eSim) |
| Dimensions | 138.4mm x 67.3mm x 7.3mm | 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.4mm |
| Weight | 148g | 162g |
| Price | £419/£469/£569 | £799/£849/£949 |
Price availability
The iPhone SE (2022) remains the cheapest iPhone you can buy from Apple, with the following options available:
- iPhone SE 3 (2022, 64GB): £419/429/€529
- iPhone SE 3 (2022, 128GB): £469/479/€579
- iPhone SE 3 (2022, 256GB): £569/579/€699
Apple still offers the iPhone 12, and here are the prices:
- iPhone 12 (64GB): £679/699/€809
- iPhone 12 (128GB): £729/749/€859
- iPhone 12 (256GB): £829/849/€979
If you like the idea of a smaller handset, and a slightly smaller price, then the iPhone 12 mini is also well worth considering:
- iPhone 12 Mini (64GB): £579/599/€689
- iPhone 12 Mini (128GB): £629/649/€739
- iPhone 12 Mini (256GB): £729/749/€859
To see if you can save money on these devices, be sure to check our roundup of the best iPhone deals.
Verdict
The iPhone SE (2022) does a good job of offering the iPhone experience that most people are looking for most of the time. It’s fast and takes good pictures and videos, plus you get to use the same iOS and apps as all the other iPhones. The design is creaking these days, though, with the tiny display beginning to feel cramped and something of a curio when compared to most other smartphones.
The iPhone 12 is a better device in pretty much all departments aside from the processor, but even that isn’t really an issue as the A14 Bionic is a hugely powerful chipset. The drawback remains price. If you want a decent everyday iPhone, then the iPhone SE (2022) is hard to beat when you consider you’ll be paying significantly less for it than the iPhone 12. Even the cheaper iPhone 12 mini pushes the costs into the upper mid-range.
It might be sporting a look that should have long been retired, but in these difficult times, the iPhone SE (2022) is just too good a deal to pass up.
