“iPhone 13 and 13 Mini Review: Incremental Upgrades Reflect a Market in Transition”

With every new smartphone generation, we anticipate substantial advancements from different brands. The market has reached a stage where smartphones are already capable of performing a plethora of tasks—such as sending messages, video calls, streaming music and films, playing games, surfing the Web, keeping up with news, engaging on social media, managing finances, monitoring health, controlling smart home devices, and even making voice calls from time to time. However, there haven’t been any significant breakthroughs or fresh applications that necessitate a major improvement in performance. Foldable phones are yet to gain widespread traction, virtual reality is of limited interest, and while 5G offers enhanced speed and connectivity, it has not yet transformed user behaviors.

It’s therefore hardly surprising that the intervals between upgrades have been extended and attention has been redirected toward budget-friendly options that are seeing gradual enhancements in features. Even Apple is taking a pause from major redesigns, opting instead for subtle improvements and enhancements in quality for key aspects in the iPhone 13 lineup. The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max (Review) are the flagship models for those wanting the cutting-edge technology, while the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini cater to mainstream users desiring a new model without needing high-end camera features or preferring to spend less.

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini closely resemble the iPhone 12 (Review) and iPhone 12 mini (Review) from the previous year. The positive aspect is that you gain two standout features from the significantly pricier iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max—Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles. Additionally, there’s double the storage and an upgraded processor at the same introductory price. However, the downsides include the absence of features like a 120Hz refresh rate display or a macro-capable camera, both of which have become quite common even in Android devices costing significantly less. If you’re contemplating whether to purchase either the iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 mini, we can assist you in making that choice.

Pricing for iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini

Initially, base prices are maintained at the same level as their predecessors, even in India. Moreover, there is double the storage with the entry-level variants. The iPhone 13 mini begins at Rs. 69,900 for the 128GB version, while the iPhone 13 starts at Rs. 79,900. You can upgrade each model to 256GB for an additional Rs. 10,000, making the prices Rs. 79,900 and Rs. 89,900 respectively. For the first time, there’s a 512GB storage option available for non-Pro iPhones, which will add Rs. 20,000, resulting in the prices of the highest-tier iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 being Rs. 99,900 and Rs. 1,09,900 respectively.

These models come in five fresh color variants: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, and (Product)Red. You won’t find a charger or headphones included in the box, only a USB-C to Lightning cable, a SIM eject tool, and an Apple logo sticker.

Design of iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini

The dimensions of the iPhone 13 and 13 mini are identical to those of the iPhone 12 series, with a slight increase of up to 0.25mm in thickness and a heftier weight of 11g. The added weight is noticeable but does not significantly impact usability. The smaller iPhone 13 mini stands out for its ease of handling. Weighing only 140g, it remains one of the lightest premium smartphones available today.

Apple has reduced the width of the notches on the front of all iPhone 13 models by approximately 20 percent, although they are a tad taller than before. The volume buttons are now positioned slightly lower on the left, while the power button on the right is also easier to access. The most noticeable alteration is the new diagonal layout of the rear camera, which deviates from Apple’s usual minimalist style and may not appeal to everyone.

Both the iPhone 13 and 13 mini feature flat aluminum frames, a glass back, and Apple’s proprietary Ceramic Shield front, touted for its durability against drops and scratches. They are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.

The iPhone 13 mini sports a 5.4-inch display, while the iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch screen

Technical specifications of iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini

The iPhone 13 mini features a 5.4-inch display, whereas the standard iPhone 13 comes with a 6.1-inch screen. Both are equipped with sharp OLED Super Retina panels, achieving brightness levels of up to 800 nits during standard use and 1200 nits when displaying HDR content. They support the wide DCI-P3 color gamut and include Apple’s True Tone feature, which adjusts color temperature according to ambient light conditions. Unfortunately, there is no high refresh rate option this year, nor an ambient display, which may disappoint given Apple’s premium pricing strategy.

Internally, the highlight is the new Apple A15 Bionic chip. Apple claims that last year’s A14 Bionic was already superior to competitors, and its advantage has only grown. However, the iPhone 13 and 13 mini have one less GPU core compared to the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, even though the chip’s name remains consistent across the models.

Support for 5G and LTE is included, along with dual eSIMs, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, GPS, NFC for Apple Pay, and Ultra Wideband for location services. There is no fingerprint sensor, and Apple’s 3D Face ID feature does not function while wearing a mask, which is a drawback. The earpiece functions as a second speaker for stereo audio.

The iPhone 13 (left) has a narrower yet deeper notch compared to the iPhone 12 (right)

Performance and usability of iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini

In practical use, the iPhone 13 mini is a remarkably convenient device. It is comfortable to hold and operate, so it is less tiring to use. However, the compact display may feel a bit constrained by modern standards. Typing can require adjustment if you are switching from larger smartphones. Games with extensive controls, such as CoD Mobile, might be less manageable, while titles like Asphalt 9: Legends, with simpler controls, are enjoyable.

Many users are upgrading from older devices or simply prefer a smaller form factor without a focus on entertainment. The iPhone 13 mini faces little competition in the compact smartphone category, aside from the iPhone 12 mini. It is unfortunate that this might be Apple’s last compact premium iPhone for the foreseeable future, according to rumors.

The standard iPhone 13 offers more screen real estate and is easier to grip in landscape mode for gaming. If you read frequently or plan to watch videos on your phone often, this could be the preferable choice.

Both models boast bright, crisp displays, offering an impressive viewing experience. Colors are vivid without being oversaturated, and the viewing angles are excellent. The lack of a high refresh rate is disappointing, although iOS 15 is well-optimized. Although the iPhone 13 is slightly less fluid than the Pro model, the difference may go unnoticed by many users.

The new notch remains prominent while watching videos, but most games have adjusted their layouts to ensure nothing is obscured. iOS 15 enhances content management, but it is unfortunate that the area beside the notch is not utilized better, such as displaying the battery percentage once again.

(Left to Right): iPhone 13 mini in (Product)Red, iPhone 13 in Pink, iPhone 13 Pro in Gold, iPhone 13 Pro Max in Sierra Blue

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are equipped with stereo speakers that provide expansive, loud audio. The sound is clear at high volumes, but the bass response is relatively weak, as one might expect.

During typical usage, both models were quick and responsive. There was no lag or issues when launching apps, multitasking, or navigating the iOS 15 interface. Face ID sometimes requires a moment, but other times, the phone unlocks immediately upon detection.

Benchmark performance showed an AnTuTu score of 8,08,727 for the iPhone 13 and 8,14,866 for the iPhone 13 mini. For comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro scored 8,42,386, likely due to its extra GPU core, while an iPhone 12 running the same iOS and AnTuTu version scored 6,94,580. Geekbench 5 yielded nearly identical single-core results of 1,729 and 1,725, with multi-core results of 4,481 and 4,499 for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini respectively.

In the 3DMark Wild Life test, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini received scores of 8,535 and 8,945, respectively, while the iPhone 13 Pro achieved 9,743. The Wild Life Stress Test indicated a stability rating of 72.4 percent for the iPhone 13, with a peak score of 8,766. In contrast, the iPhone 13 mini, which is thermally constrained, displayed a lower maximum of 9,080 before declining. This suggests that the smaller model does not suffer performance loss unless subjected to extended intensive workloads.

Despite having one less GPU core than the Pro variants, both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini performed well in gaming and testing scenarios. While their backs warmed slightly during prolonged gaming sessions, both phones provided a satisfying gaming experience.

Apple does not publicly disclose RAM or battery capacity, but it is evident that the iPhone 13 mini houses a smaller battery. It holds up for a full day of use, but may leave little buffer, possibly necessitating overnight charging. Meanwhile, the iPhone 13 performs somewhat better, lasting nearly a day and a half. In an HD video loop test, the iPhone 13 lasted for 14 hours and 54 minutes, whereas the iPhone 13 mini achieved 12 hours and 17 minutes. Using a standard Apple charger, both devices reached around 50 percent in one hour and took just over two hours to fully charge.

Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini possess identical camera functions

Camera capabilities of iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini

Turning to the cameras, you won’t find identical specifications for the primary and ultra-wide cameras compared to the Pro variants, and there’s no telephoto camera option. The ultra-wide camera lacks macro shooting functionality. Nevertheless, sensor-shift stabilization is now standard across all models. Each of the three rear cameras, along with the front camera, boasts 12 megapixels. Cinematic Mode is also available, which automatically shifts focus between subjects in videos, while Photographic Styles allow customizing the processing of color and tone in photographs.

Sample photographs taken during the day with iPhone 13 (Top: wide-angle; Bottom: ultra-wide-angle)(tap to view full size)

While Cinematic Mode can be engaging, its practicality in daily use may be limited. Photographic Styles may open up compelling creative avenues, but it’s essential to be aware of when this feature is activated, as it influences how all taken photos are processed, and cannot be reversed. For more on these features, do refer to our iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max review.

Low-light examples captured by the iPhone 13 mini (Top: wide-angle; Bottom: ultra-wide-angle)(tap to expand to full size)

Images taken in daylight conditions with the primary cameras of both models were sharp and well-defined. Colors appeared accurate, and exposures were typically well-balanced, even in indoor settings. Night Mode is activated automatically, allowing adjustments to exposure duration or complete deactivation if needed, resulting in bright and detailed images.

Daytime portrait shot using the iPhone 13 mini (tap to view full size)

Close-up shot taken during the day with the iPhone 13 (tap to expand to full size)

Both ultra-wide cameras produce impressive daytime images with minimal detail loss, unless examined closely. At night, quality decline is more pronounced compared to the main camera. Portrait photographs turned out well, although keeping some distance from the subject is necessary. Self-portraits appear sharp and natural, with portrait capabilities thanks to the TrueDepth 3D sensor.

Daytime selfies taken with the iPhone 13 (Top: standard; Bottom: portrait)(tap to view full size)

You can record videos at a maximum resolution of 4K at 60 frames per second, with support for Dolby Vision HDR. Clips captured with the main camera are well-stabilized, and detail is impressive in both 1080p and 4K. The ultra-wide camera can result in shakier footage, although quality remains decent as long as you remain stationary. HDR video looks particularly sharp on the devices’ displays. Low light conditions do introduce some shake.

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Samples showcasing iPhone 13 mini’s Photographic Styles (tap to enlarge)

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini offer fluid performance. Specifically, the iPhone 13 mini serves as a solid upgrade for those using older iPhones who wish to maintain a compact design. Conversely, the iPhone 13 aligns more closely with current market needs and may provide greater versatility for many users. The choice between these two sizes primarily revolves around convenience and user experience (along with your budget), but keep in mind that battery longevity also varies.

These devices present much of what the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max offer at a more accessible price point. However, they still remain quite pricey and lack certain desirable specifications, such as a 120Hz display. If features like Cinematic Mode or Photographic Styles aren’t essential to you, you may find satisfaction in these models. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max are no longer officially sold, but they’re still available on the market at prices comparable to the new models.

Furthermore, the iPhone 12 and 12 mini have dropped in official pricing, and there have also been some great deals available during recent online sales. Last year’s models offer tremendous value, often priced at just over half of what the new iPhones cost. iOS 15 and future updates will also ensure that these devices remain relevant for a while.

This places the new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini in a challenging position, sandwiched between the latest Pro offerings and their predecessors, while also contending with Android rivals offering similar or even superior features at lower costs. Although the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini may not represent groundbreaking advancements, they keep the momentum going and provide potential iPhone purchasers with additional choices.

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