iPhone 13 mini Vs iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:£186.00

Versus £649.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£242.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13 Mini (2021) and the iPhone 14 Plus (2022) represent a significant shift in Apple's smartphone strategy, moving from the smallest possible flagship to a much larger footprint. While the 13 Mini was the final entry in the compact series, the 14 Plus introduced a large-screen experience without the added complexity of the Pro features. Both devices run on the iOS operating system, providing a seamless and familiar interface for users.

The primary decision between these two models involves a choice between maximum portability and maximum screen real estate. These devices cater to distinct user needs, from one-handed efficiency to immersive media consumption. While they share some internal similarities, their physical presence and battery capabilities set them far apart in daily use.

Scores

Durability

The iPhone 14 Plus offers a slight edge in long-term software support and physical maintainability compared to the older iPhone 13 Mini.

  • Software longevity: Launched a year later, the iPhone 14 Plus is expected to receive official software updates and security patches for an additional year beyond the iPhone 13 Mini's lifecycle.
  • Internal design: The iPhone 14 Plus features a revised internal architecture that allows the back glass to be removed independently, making certain repairs more straightforward than on the iPhone 13 Mini.
  • Build materials: Both smartphones utilise a durable aluminium frame and Ceramic Shield glass on the front, providing consistent resistance against daily wear and accidental scratches during regular handling. Opting for an eco-friendly alternative like a quality-assured refurbished option ensures these devices stay in use longer.

Year of Release

2021

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both smartphones deliver responsive performance for everyday tasks, the iPhone 14 Plus provides more headroom for intensive activities and significantly longer periods between charges.

  • Battery endurance: The iPhone 14 Plus contains a much larger battery capacity, allowing it to last through a full day of heavy use or even two days of light use, whereas the iPhone 13 Mini often requires a midday top-up for active users.
  • Thermal management: The larger body of the iPhone 14 Plus dissipates heat more effectively, which helps maintain consistent speeds during long gaming sessions or when using demanding video editing applications.
  • Multitasking efficiency: With a slight increase in memory capacity, the iPhone 14 Plus can keep more applications active in the background, reducing the frequency of app restarts when switching between tasks.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is the most immediate difference between these two models, with each catering to a specific type of visual consumption and handling preference.

  • Viewing area: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a massive 6.7-inch display that is ideal for watching films and reading long documents, while the 5.4-inch screen of the iPhone 13 Mini is optimised for quick interactions and one-handed use.
  • Display technology: Both devices use OLED panels that produce vibrant colours and deep blacks, though the smaller screen of the 13 Mini has a higher pixel density, resulting in sharp text and icons.
  • Brightness and visibility: Both models reach high peak brightness levels, ensuring that the screen remains legible even when used outdoors under bright sunlight or in reflective environments.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices capture high-quality images and video, but the iPhone 14 Plus introduces newer processing technology and hardware improvements that enhance results in challenging conditions.

  • Low-light photography: The iPhone 14 Plus features a larger main camera sensor and updated image processing that captures more detail and reduces noise in dim environments compared to the iPhone 13 Mini.
  • Video features: While both support high-quality 4K recording, the iPhone 14 Plus includes an advanced stabilisation mode that smooths out shaky footage, making it better suited for recording while moving.
  • Sound reproduction: The larger physical dimensions of the iPhone 14 Plus allow for a more robust speaker system, delivering a wider soundstage and clearer audio for media playback than the compact 13 Mini.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, these devices differ in their physical handling and the inclusion of newer safety technologies that may influence a user's choice.

  • Safety innovations: The iPhone 14 Plus includes advanced sensors for crash detection and the ability to contact emergency services via satellite, features that were not yet available when the iPhone 13 Mini was released.
  • Weight and ergonomics: The iPhone 13 Mini is one of the lightest smartphones available, making it effortless to carry, while the iPhone 14 Plus is significantly heavier and may require two hands for comfortable operation.
  • Connectivity standards: Both models support 5G for fast mobile data and use the Lightning port for charging, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of existing accessories and cables.

Weight

140 g

203 g

Screen size (in)

5.4

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User consensus from various tech communities highlights a clear divide in priorities between these two models. The iPhone 13 Mini is frequently praised for its disappearing quality, with users enjoying a device that does not feel like a burden in a pocket or a distraction during the day. However, the most common criticism involves its battery life, which some find insufficient for heavy travel or long workdays. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Plus is lauded for its exceptional battery endurance and large, comfortable screen, though some users find the transition to such a large device challenging if they are used to smaller handsets.

Users who prioritise portability and a minimalist footprint will find the iPhone 13 Mini aligns with their lifestyle. Those who consume a lot of media, play mobile games, or need a battery that lasts well beyond a single day will likely lean toward the iPhone 14 Plus. Choosing a sustainable choice through refurbishment allows users to access these technologies while reducing environmental impact. Both devices remain highly capable, and the final decision depends on whether you value a compact tool or a large-screen powerhouse.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons