Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Our Verdict: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is essentially last year's iPhone 12 mini with a few updates. The 13 Pro Max has the bigger battery of the two, 4352mAh against 2227mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the 13 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 5.4", while the 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI. Storage goes higher on the 13 Pro Max, up to 1TB against 256GB, and the 12 Mini uses an OLED panel, which gives it richer contrast than the 13 Pro Max's LCD. Get the 13 Pro Max if you want the newer hardware; if not, the 12 Mini is usually cheaper and does much the same job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Mini is the cheaper buy at £120 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 20 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
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Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1284 x 2778 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 457 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 4,352 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | Info unavailable |
| Weight | 135 grams | 238 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £119.95 | £272.00 |
| Prices updated 20 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 mini's 5.4", the Apple iPhone 12 mini has the sharper display at 477 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £119.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max uses the Apple A15 Bionic.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 103g lighter at 135 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max runs Apple iOS. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.