iPhone 12 Pro Vs iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

£195.00

£879.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro
Starting at

£252.00

£949.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro (2020) and the iPhone 13 Pro (2021) are two iterations of Apple's high-end smartphone series that share a sophisticated design language while offering distinct internal advancements. Both devices feature a 6.1-inch display and a triple-lens camera system housed in a stainless steel frame, but the iPhone 13 Pro introduces significant improvements in screen fluidity and battery efficiency. Both smartphones run on the iOS operating system, ensuring a consistent and familiar user experience with access to the same ecosystem of applications and services.

While they may look nearly identical at a glance, the primary differences lie in the display technology and the camera's ability to capture light and detail in challenging conditions. This comparison explores how these technical shifts translate into real-world usage for professionals, photographers, and everyday users. Whether you are looking for a reliable daily companion or a tool for creative work, understanding these nuances will help you decide which model aligns with your specific requirements.

Scores

Durability

Both the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro are engineered for longevity, though their different release years naturally impact their long-term software support timelines.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 13 Pro was released one year after the iPhone 12 Pro, meaning it is likely to receive official iOS updates and security patches for an additional year, typically extending its functional life into the late 2020s.
  • Build Durability: Both models feature Ceramic Shield front covers and a stainless steel chassis, providing high resistance to drops and scratches, alongside an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water immersion.
  • Repairability Standards: These devices are designed with a modular approach for common repairs like screen and battery replacements, which helps extend their practical lifespan when serviced by qualified technicians.

Year of Release

2020

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both smartphones provide a highly responsive experience, the iPhone 13 Pro offers refinements in power management and multitasking capabilities for demanding users.

  • System Responsiveness: Both devices handle everyday tasks like web browsing and social media with ease, but the iPhone 13 Pro demonstrates more headroom when running intensive video editing software or high-end mobile games without slowing down.
  • Battery Endurance: The iPhone 13 Pro features a larger internal battery and more efficient hardware, allowing it to last significantly longer during a full day of heavy use compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Multitasking Efficiency: With ample memory for background tasks, both phones allow users to switch between multiple open applications smoothly, though the newer architecture in the iPhone 13 Pro manages these processes with less heat generation.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display technology represents one of the most noticeable differences between these two generations, particularly regarding how motion is rendered on the screen.

  • Motion Smoothness: The iPhone 13 Pro introduces ProMotion technology, which allows the screen to update its image up to 120 times per second, resulting in much smoother scrolling and animations than the standard 60Hz display on the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 13 Pro features a higher typical brightness level, making the screen easier to read and view clearly when used outside under direct sunlight or in bright environments.
  • Visual Clarity: Both devices utilise OLED technology, which provides deep blacks and vibrant colours, ensuring that high-definition videos and photos look crisp and lifelike regardless of which model you choose.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are highly capable, but the iPhone 13 Pro introduces hardware changes that benefit low-light photography and close-up shots.

  • Light Capture: The iPhone 13 Pro is equipped with larger sensors that can pull in more light, which helps produce clearer images with less visual noise when taking photos in dim restaurants or during evening walks.
  • Macro Photography: A dedicated macro feature on the iPhone 13 Pro allows users to take sharp, detailed photos of subjects just centimetres away, a capability that is not present on the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Video Features: While both record high-quality 4K video, the iPhone 13 Pro includes a specialized mode that can automatically shift focus between subjects to create a cinematic look for personal videos and creative projects.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical factors regarding physical handling and connectivity influence the daily experience of using these smartphones.

  • Weight and Dimensions: The iPhone 13 Pro is slightly thicker and heavier than the iPhone 12 Pro due to its larger battery, which may be a consideration for users who prefer the lightest possible device in their pocket.
  • Connectivity Standards: Both models support 5G for fast mobile data speeds and include modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for reliable connections to wireless headphones and smart home devices.
  • Biometric Security: Each device uses Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication, and both continue to use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of existing cables.

Weight

187 g

203 g

Width

7.15 cm

7,15 cm

Height

14.67 cm

14,67 cm

Depth

0.74 cm

0,76 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

In summary, the choice between the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro depends largely on how much you value display fluidity and battery life. User feedback on community forums often highlights the 120Hz ProMotion display of the iPhone 13 Pro as a significant upgrade that makes the entire interface feel more modern and responsive. Conversely, many users still praise the iPhone 12 Pro for its slightly lighter build and its ability to handle all modern applications without any noticeable lag. Some criticisms of the iPhone 12 Pro mention that its battery may require a mid-day top-up for very heavy users, while the iPhone 13 Pro is occasionally noted for its increased weight.

Users who prioritise a smoother visual experience for gaming and scrolling, or those who frequently take close-up macro photos, will find the iPhone 13 Pro is better suited to their needs. Those who prefer a thinner, lighter smartphone and do not require the latest video recording modes may find the iPhone 12 Pro to be a perfectly capable choice for their daily routine. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option is an eco-friendly alternative that allows you to enjoy these premium features while supporting a more sustainable approach to technology. Both devices remain excellent examples of modern smartphone engineering, offering a balance of durability, performance, and high-quality photography for any user.

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