Are you ready to upgrade to a new iPhone? There are four versions of the 13, each of which has different features and pricing. Besides the base model, you'll find the mini, Pro, and Pro Max. You can save some money with the mini or splurge on the Pro Max, which boasts a larger screen and better photo and video technology. If you're wondering how the iPhone 13 mini stacks up against the Pro and Pro Max, read on to find out more. From battery life to camera quality, here's everything you need to know.
Display
The Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display, which makes it the best for viewing movies and gaming. The screen on the Pro is slightly smaller at 6.1 inches. The mini's is the most compact screen, measuring 5.4 inches. Each display has the same rounded corners that give the iPhone its characteristic curved design.
Additionally, the phones all have Super Retina display technology, which makes photos and videos look more vivid. However, only the Pro Max and Pro feature Apple's ProMotion technology. According to the Apple website, it's an innovative technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for uninterrupted scrolling and improved responsiveness.
Camera
Many of life's best moments are captured on our smartphone cameras. The good news is that all iPhone 13 models have upgraded cameras compared to the iPhone 12. They feature cinematic mode, which is essentially portrait mode for video and smoothly transitions between multiple subjects. For example, a foreground subject will be in clear focus while the background is blurred. However, only the Pro and Pro Max phones have a lidar scanner, which improves autofocus and picture quality in low lighting.
Battery Life
Even the base iPhone 13 has a battery that lasts 2.5 hours more than the iPhone 12, and the numbers get better from there. You can expect up to 17 hours of video playback on the iPhone 13 mini and up to 28 hours on the Pro Max. This increase in battery performance is due in part to a larger battery than the previous model, along with new camera modules. Apple subscribed to LTE and 5G carrier networks with all iPhone 13 models to test battery performance accurately. The mini, Pro and Pro Max work with MagSafe accessories and wireless chargers.
Dimensions
Looking for a smartphone that's easy to slide into your pocket or purse? True to its name, the 13 mini is the most compact model. It measures 5.18 inches high and 2.53 inches wide and weighs 4.97 ounces. In comparison, the Pro is 5.78 inches high, 2.82 inches wide, and weighs 7.19 ounces. The Pro Max is the largest of the bunch, measuring 6.33 inches high and 3.07 inches wide. It weighs 8.46 ounces, which is almost double the weight of the 13 mini. If portability is a concern, the mini is the clear winner.
Processing Power
Upgrading to any iPhone 13 gets you faster performance with the A15 Bionic Chip, which has a 5-core GPU. In comparison, the iPhone 12 had the A14 chip with a 4-core GPU. The A15 Bionic chip delivers improved central processing unit (CPU) and gaming capabilities, so you can play your favorite games on the go. Battery life for both chips scored the same in this test, but the A15 offers a clear advantage in terms of gaming performance.
Durability
Durability might be an afterthought until you drop your phone accidentally or spill your coffee all over it. Paying more for the Pro and Pro Max gets you surgical-grade stainless steel compared to the aerospace-grade aluminum on the mini. In the aircraft industry, this type of aluminum is lightweight yet highly durable and resists corrosion. Surgical steels offer a high level of corrosion resistance. All models have a Ceramic Shield front for better screen protection and are water-resistant to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. You probably don't want to take your iPhone for a swim, but you can relax a bit if it accidentally gets wet.
Price
As of this writing, the mini is the most affordable iPhone 13 at $699. You'll pay $999 for the Pro and $1,099 for the Pro Max. There's a huge price difference between the mini and the Pro Max, but each model has its own pros and cons. If portability and budget are your main concerns, the mini 13 is a reasonable choice. However, if you're using your phone for gaming, streaming videos, and other demanding tasks, the extended battery life and better screen can make the Pro Max more appealing. The Pro is closer in price to the Max, but its screen is slightly smaller and it's a bit lighter and more compact than its larger sibling.
