Apple iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12: How the New Model Compares and What You Should Expect

Apple has always been a pioneer in the smartphone industry, releasing new iterations of its iPhone models with every passing year. With the introduction of the Apple iPhone 13, many Australians are wondering how it compares to its predecessor, the iPhone 12. Both models share many features, yet they also have some distinct differences in terms of performance, design, and new features.

In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12, looking at the key specs, camera improvements, battery life, price differences, and more, helping you make an informed decision about which model is best suited for your needs.

Apple iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12: Key Design and Build Differences

When it comes to design, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 are very similar, but there are subtle differences worth mentioning.

1. Display Size and Quality: Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology, providing vibrant colours and deep blacks. However, the iPhone 13’s display has a slight improvement in terms of brightness, offering a peak brightness of 800 nits, compared to the iPhone 12’s 625 nits. This difference means that the iPhone 13 is slightly better when it comes to outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.

2. Notch and Size: One of the more noticeable changes between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 is the size of the notch. Apple has reduced the notch on the iPhone 13 by about 20%, allowing for slightly more screen space. While this might seem like a minor change, it does make the iPhone 13 feel a little more modern and less intrusive.

In terms of overall dimensions, both phones are almost identical, with both being made from ceramic shield glass on the front and aluminium on the back. Both models also have an IP68 rating, meaning they are resistant to dust and water.

Apple iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12: Performance & Chipset

1. Apple A15 Bionic Chip: The biggest performance upgrade in the iPhone 13 is the new Apple A15 Bionic chip, which powers the device. While the iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the A15 is faster and more efficient. The A15 chip has a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, compared to the A14’s 4-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine.

In real-world performance, the A15 chip delivers a 50% increase in CPU performance and 30% better GPU performance compared to the A14. This results in faster processing speeds, smoother graphics, and enhanced capabilities for intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and augmented reality (AR) applications. If you’re a power user who demands the latest and greatest performance, the iPhone 13 will not disappoint.

2. RAM and Storage: The iPhone 13 also offers 4GB of RAM, just like the iPhone 12. However, one key difference is that the iPhone 13 comes with an additional storage option of 512GB for those who require more storage. The iPhone 12 is limited to 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants.

Apple iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12: Camera Comparison

The camera is one area where Apple has made significant upgrades between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. While both phones feature a dual-camera system with a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, the iPhone 13 comes with a number of new and improved features.

1. Camera System: The iPhone 13 introduces a sensor-shift optical image stabilisation (OIS), which was previously only available on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. This new stabilisation system ensures smoother and sharper images, particularly in low-light conditions or when shooting while moving. The iPhone 13's main camera also has a larger sensor, allowing for more light to be captured, resulting in brighter and clearer images.

The ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 13 has also been enhanced, capturing 47% more light than the iPhone 12’s ultra-wide camera, which leads to better low-light performance and less noise in photos.

2. Night Mode and Photographic Styles: Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 feature Night Mode for low-light photography, but the iPhone 13 has better performance due to its upgraded sensors and stabilisation. The iPhone 13 also introduces Photographic Styles, which allow users to apply different stylistic filters to photos, such as Rich Contrast, Vibrant, and Warm, without compromising on skin tones.

3. Video Recording: In terms of video, the iPhone 13 is also ahead with Cinematic Mode, which allows users to shoot videos with a shallow depth of field and automatic focus changes, similar to what you’d get with a DSLR camera. This feature is particularly useful for those who create content and want professional-looking videos without needing additional equipment.

Apple iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12: Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor when choosing a new phone, and Apple has made notable improvements in this area with the iPhone 13.

1. Battery Capacity: The iPhone 13 features a larger battery compared to the iPhone 12, which contributes to its longer battery life. Apple has claimed that the iPhone 13 can last up to 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12 on a full charge, thanks to a more efficient A15 chip and a larger battery.

Real-world tests have shown that the iPhone 13 can easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy use, including browsing, gaming, and streaming video. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, often requires a midday charge for users who are heavy on their phone usage.

2. Charging: Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 support MagSafe charging and Qi wireless charging, but the iPhone 13 benefits from improved energy efficiency, allowing for slightly faster wireless charging speeds.

Apple iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12: Price and Deals in Australia

When it comes to pricing, the iPhone 13 comes at a slightly higher cost than the iPhone 12, reflecting the improvements made in performance, camera capabilities, and battery life.

In Australia, the iPhone 13 price starts at around AU $1,349 for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 12 starts at AU $1,199 for the same storage configuration. If you’re looking to save some money, the iPhone 12 may be a better option if you don’t need the latest specs.

For those interested in buying the iPhone 13 on deals, there are several promotions available through retailers like WiseMarket Australia, where you can find discounts, bundle deals, and trade-in offers. Additionally, the option of buying iPhone 13 with payment plans allows you to spread out the cost over time, which can be more budget-friendly for many buyers.

Apple iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12: Conclusion

Both the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 12 are excellent devices, offering top-tier performance, fantastic displays, and outstanding cameras. However, the iPhone 13 does bring a number of significant improvements over the iPhone 12, including the faster A15 Bionic chip, better camera features, longer battery life, and a brighter display.

If you’re looking for the best possible performance, camera quality, and future-proofing for your device, the iPhone 13 is the clear choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind sacrificing some of the latest features, the iPhone 12 remains a solid option that still performs incredibly well.

For Australian buyers, be sure to check out the latest iPhone 13 deals on Wise Market Australia, where you can take advantage of discounts, payment plans, and trade-in options to get the best value for your money.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the decision between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you're after the latest technology, improved battery life, and enhanced camera capabilities, the iPhone 13 is a worthy investment. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option without compromising too much on performance, the iPhone 12 still holds its ground as a great choice.

No matter which model you decide to go with, both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 are guaranteed to offer a premium, reliable smartphone experience.