Comparison iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro: duel of specifications

The key in the ‘Pro’ ranges of the iPhone

Apple has been used to launching various devices for several years now. On the one hand the standard models that have been accompanied by the ‘mini’ in the last two generations and on the other hand the ‘Pro’. Although it is true that they share many things between them, such as the processor or a good part of the improvements in cameras, they also have differences.

Precisely in the cameras there are also differences. The normal models have a double camera formed by a wide angle and an ultra wide angle that matches in specifications with those of the ‘Pro’, although the latter add a third that is the telephoto lens and that allows to have a higher quality optical zoom than the digital of the standard, in addition to having the addition of its own digital zoom. Also in these years they are incorporating higher quality formats in photography and video such as ProRAW or ProRES. All this without forgetting the exclusive LiDAR sensor of this range for the moment.

At the performance level, they usually have a little more RAM that facilitates their tasks at the photo, video level and carrying out heavier editing or rendering tasks. In some cases such as the ’13 Pro ‘some additional improvement such as the ProMotion screen is included, while in the past they were the ones that OLED panels had when the standard ones mounted LCD.

As far as size is concerned, we also see differences, although in these generations that we are comparing, the iPhone ’12’ and ’13’ have the same inches (6.1) as the ’12 Pro ‘and ’13 Pro’. Where if there are changes is in the ‘Max’ that incorporate the largest sizes which, in the case of these, are 6.7 inches.

Comparative table iPhone 12 Pro and 13 Pro

And given the fundamental differences that these ranges usually have with the rest of the models, it is time to begin to analyze their differences in particular. Below you will see a comparative table with the raw specifications of both generations. Where you see that ‘Pro’ and ‘Pro Max’ appear is because within the same generation there are differences, while if you do not see this indicative it is that it is a common characteristic for both.

Given this, and despite the fact that we will analyze each section more in depth later, we will tell you which are the most outstanding differences first:

• Weight: although in dimensions they are practically identical, almost their difference in thickness is negligible, the weight has changed in a remarkable way. It is not very exaggerated, but if you notice that the ’13’ weigh more.
• Screen: although they have identical sizes and resolutions, the screens of the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max have a higher brightness and also have ProMotion technology.
• Processor: be it more or less remarkable, the generational leap between one and the other is noticeable. A14 for the ’12’ and A15 for the ’13’.
• Cameras: in its corresponding section we will explain what it affects, but the lenses of the most recent models increase in size and improve their specifications.
• Price: the ’13’ start from identical prices to the ’12’ at the time, but are no longer comparable as the old ones have been discontinued. However, you can still find units in some stores such as Amazon .

The few changes at the design level

It is true that visually and especially in photos, they are seen as very similar phones. However, there is some difference to highlight between them beyond the increase in thickness of which we have already mentioned that it is hardly appreciated in person. One of them is the color palette theme. Although graphite and silver remain identical shades in both generations, the same is not the case with the other two.

The gold color has become a somewhat more cream color in the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, while the blue color is not even similar. “Pacific blue” called Apple to the ’12’ being a darker tone that even tends to a black color depending on how the light hits it. While the “alpine blue” or “sierra blue” of the ’13’ is a much softer color that in his case would tend to be more disguised with whites.

Same form factor, except for two details

And although in the end that of the colors goes by taste (never better applied the saying of “to taste the colors”) if there are some more changes such as the increase in the size of the camera module. In the ‘Max’ models it is noticeable somewhat less because already in the ’12 Pro Max ‘we found larger lenses than those of the ’12 Pro’, but between the 6.1-inch versions of both generations we do see appreciable differences and it is that the module has grown considerably.

Precisely this camera module, together with the fact that the buttons have moved slightly , are the culprits that there is no compatibility of covers between one generation and another. It is not serious if you do not have any of them, but if you go from one generation to another you will have to go through the box again if you want to protect the device.

Another notable change in design is the notch . While in the ’12’ we found an eyebrow identical in size to the one that was already introduced for the first time in the iPhone X, in the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max we find that it has been reduced by 20% . It is now narrower, although it is slightly higher. All this thanks to a redistribution of the sensors that, in any case, does not affect the correct functioning of the Face ID, speaker or camera that are still located inside.

Displays and the 120 Hz WOW effect

We already saw in the comparison table that both phones share dimensions and resolution. As well as the OLED technology that continues to show very balanced and natural colors with blacks enhanced by the very nature of these panels. And while the changes in brightness and the addition of ProMotion technology may seem small, they really are not.

We cannot honestly say that these two changes are already by themselves a compelling reason to tip the balance in favor of the most recent generation, but they are at the end of those things that you only value when you stop having them after having tried them. The minimum brightness of 1,000 nits is very noticeable and especially in conditions where light falls directly on the screen, although it may not be excessively noticeable in other situations.

However, the ProMotion screen is remarkable. This technology refers to the adaptive auto refresh rate that Apple has introduced in the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max that moves between 10 and 120 Hz . What does this mean? Well, the screen will update its content up to 120 per second. The usual was (and is in the ’12 Pro ‘of 60 Hz). This is something that is noticed simply by scrolling between applications or scrolling through the feed of an application such as Twitter or browsing a web page.

It is also noticeable in video games. And although this is a technology that Apple has not invented by any means (other competing mobiles already had it for years and the iPad Pro themselves since 2017), the truth is that it has certain peculiarities in the iPhone. On a technical level, it works intelligently by making the team interpret where it is in the system or app to adapt the refresh rate. In the middle of a vibrant game of a car game, for example, it will be at 120 Hz, while if you are in a system menu or that same game it will be at 10 Hz.

All this in order to also optimize the battery and unlike what happens in Android. In Google’s operating system, any application that wishes can make use of the 120 Hz refresh rate, but it will be continuously moving at that rate, while on the iPhone it will adapt automatically.

As we said, it is not that it is something decisive, but it is very remarkable. If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or are going to buy it, you will have a very good user experience at the screen level and you probably cannot put a single snag. Now, if you try the iPhone 13 Pro you will notice a substantial change and although when you get used to it this technology is left a little forgotten, you will immediately miss it if you go back.

The differences at the performance level

Although we do not want to detract one iota of importance from the previous sections, it is clear that in the end a phone is made up of much more. And if we are talking about the iPhone of the ‘Pro’ range with even more reason. That is why in the following points we will analyze the highlights of these phones at the performance level, with special emphasis on the actual use that is going to be given to them, but without forgetting those who are looking for a device that can also be taken to the professional field.

Which one does the battery last the longest?

The million dollar question. Saying the exact hours of autonomy of these devices is impossible, but not for lack of data, but because neither in these nor in any other is it possible to give a specific data that ends up being real. Everything will always depend on the use that is given to it or the level of deterioration that the battery takes over time. According to Apple, these are the data, although in the end we insist that they are unreal, since no one will use their smartphone for a single uninterrupted use like the one in these examples, although it serves to orient themselves.

• In offline video playback:
  • iPhone 12 Pro: up to 17 hours
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: up to 20 hours
  • iPhone 13 Pro: up to 22 hours
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max: up to 28 hours
• In streaming video playback:
  • iPhone 12 Pro: up to 11 hours
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: up to 12 hours
  • iPhone 13 Pro: up to 20 hours
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max: up to 25 hours
• ** In audio playback:
  • iPhone 12 Pro: up to 65 hours
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: up to 80 hours
  • iPhone 13 Pro: up to 75 hours
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max: up to 95 hours

Now, in real day-to-day use , how do they behave? Let’s go by parts. The iPhone 12 Pro stood out negatively for offering less autonomy than the normal ’12’. Not much, but remarkable. Assuming that the mobile is at 100% battery health, it is a mobile that with normal use (calls, internet browsing, consulting social networks, email, etc.) will arrive very right at the end of the day. If the use is less intensive, it would not be necessary to charge it, but as soon as you consume content such as YouTube or similar, you will have to have a charger ready.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max for its part makes a substantial difference, making it possible to reach the end of the day without difficulties even with intensive use. It is true that perhaps if the use is excessively intense if you need it, but on rare occasions you will remember the charger if the battery is also in its maximum health.

The iPhone 13 Pro already makes a difference with the ’13’, now having an autonomy that, despite not reaching that of the ’12 Pro Max ‘, does not generate too many difficulties. We would still not recommend forgetting the charger if the use is very intensive, but you could go a bit more relaxed knowing that you have a mobile capable of holding and not leaving you lying down.

With the iPhone 13 Pro Max we take off our hats. In various tests carried out, it stands as the high-end smartphone with the longest autonomy on the market, which is said soon. It is a device that in intensive use can continue with battery at the end of the day. Sometimes in a hurry, but with enough battery and sometimes even with percentages of around 20%. In normal use it could even be 40-50%, which leads us to see that it can last more than a day. If the use is also minimal, you can perfectly go a day and a half without remembering to charge it.

Only then will you notice the change in the processor

It is not the same to change from a generation of processors to one that is 2, 3 or 4 years ahead. There the change is very noticeable, even in small details. However, when the change is from one year to the next, the difference is small. Be careful, we are talking about noticing the change in an obvious way. The evolution from one chip to another, as is always the case, is very meticulous and well-worked. There is a technical difference that, according to data from Apple and various tests, places the A15 of the iPhone 13 with 50% more power than the A14 of the iPhone 12.

However, going back to day-to-day use, you may not notice any changes. The operating system works equally smoothly in both, the apps take little time to open in each one and both chips manage their respective batteries in an excellent way, thus asserting that Apple’s competitive advantage by being the one who designs software and hardware.

So where can you see this evolution? Well, in addition to the photographic and video treatment, which we will talk about in the next section, in very specific tasks that have a high level of demand. Video recording is precisely one of them, but not the only one. It can be seen in the rendering times of a photograph that is opened with professional editing apps, in the layout of videos or in specific apps focused on architecture or similar.

Although as we already mentioned with the section of the screens, we do not believe that this is a determining point. Obviously you will notice changes if you are a professional who focuses his iPhone to work with very demanding applications and tools, but perhaps not excessively, the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max still being excellent terminals for this. But if you are a less demanding user, you will not even notice a difference in the use of one and the other.

Is the evolution noticeable in the cameras?

It must be said that there are interesting changes in the cameras. It is perhaps not a radical change or one that makes a very relevant difference for all types of audiences, but there are certain changes to take into account starting with the increase in the size of the lenses in the most recent models, fundamental to achieve improvements such as the ones they have incorporated. In this table you will see what these differences are on paper and later we will delve into it a little more.

Photography with little change

Leaving the always cold technical data in the background and going to real life, we can find certain photographic improvements mainly promoted by the improvements in aperture of the ultra-wide angle lens of the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. This favors the taking of photos in Night Mode to be much better, offering greater luminosity.

One of the aspects where this improvement is most noticeable is in photographs of the stars. We can now take a perspective of the night sky achieving truly amazing results that are worthy of professional cameras, although obviously at a lower resolution, since they are still photographs captured by a mobile.

We also found improvements to the stabilization of the iPhone 13 Pro thanks to the fact that there is now a scrolling sensor that helps snapshots come out with less noise without being shaken. Although it must be said that this sensor was already incorporated in the iPhone 12 Pro Max, this being a difference of this with the ’12 Pro ‘.

We also see a telephoto lens with a longer reach that reaches x3, which although it is not a radical leap, helps us to be further from what we want to photograph without losing optical focus, also having a digital zoom of up to x15. Small improvements that although they do not suppose a beastly jump from ’12’ to ’13’, they do have to be taken into account.

The so-called photographic styles have also been added in the new generation that allow to preset a series of settings when taking pictures and that are accessible from the camera’s own interface. A function that, although it is available in the ’12’ from the post-editing settings, can save time by capturing the photos directly with the settings we want.

However, at a general level there are no excessive differences and photographic results can be obtained that, except for the aforementioned Night Mode, look practically identical. In addition, both generations can take photographs in Apple ProRAW format that gives a higher quality, so there is no difference in this regard, being able to conclude that in general lines the improvements in photography are notable, but scarce enough to represent a truly groundbreaking change. .

The big leap at the video level

Unlike in photography, here we do see more than substantial changes. Aspects such as the quality of the video do not change, but the modalities do. The absolute star in this regard is the Cinema Mode . This is basically a portrait mode in video that helps the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max to be useful for video content creators and even record movies with great quality.

The operation of this mode is very simple, since it allows people or objects to be focused while the background is blurred, automatically having a change of focus when, for example, the person turns their head to look away. You can also select the focus manually during recording, although undoubtedly what is most striking is that you can change all this once the video is recorded, from the editing settings, so it is possible to retouch and improve it. that was not done live.

The Apple ProRES format has also been added, which gives an even higher quality to the videos of the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, although it is not available for versions of 128 GB capacity, having to go to models of 256 GB or more.

Regarding other video sections, we do not see differences and something similar to what happens in photography happens, and that is that the results of one and the other iPhone can be confused as they are very even. And although we do not want to detract from the great virtues of Cinema Mode, we must say that if this is not a functionality that you think you can take advantage of, the field of cameras in general should not be decisive in your decision to buy or not any of the iPhone 13 Pro.

Other highlights they share

Apart from all this, there are other aspects to highlight about these devices and that we believe it is important that you take them into account. Especially because it is shared by all four and therefore you will have, for better or for worse, the same experience with any of them.

• Operating system: currently iOS 15 and later versions are identical in functions for all four devices. Exceptions such as Cinema Mode or other functions that for obvious hardware reasons do not have the ’12’, but are otherwise the same. And regarding years of updates, it is expected that they will go a long way according to what has been seen with devices such as the iPhone 6s that in 2022 will already be updating their seventh year.
• MagSafe technology: the integrated magnet system in the iPhone 12 remains identical in the ’13’ making it compatible not only with chargers magnetized with this technology, but also with accessories such as card holders.

• 5G connectivity: although the infrastructure that allows connecting to these high-speed networks is still in its infancy, the four devices have the possibility of connecting. Of course, the units sold outside the United States do not have mmWave antennas, probably caused because in Europe there has not been enough deployment of this connectivity.
• Accessories not included: no iPhone, nor of course these, incorporates a charging adapter and wired headphones (EarPods) as they did in the past. They do include a Lighnting to USB-C charging cable.

Last conclusions

At this point, you have already been able to see what are the similarities and similarities between these iPhones in real day-to-day use. If you already have an iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max , at least in our opinion, we don’t think it’s worth the jump. As long as those improvements like Cinema Mode don’t represent a major advance for you, in which case it will be necessary. Also if you want to change the size and go from a 6.1-inch model to a 6.7-inch model or vice versa. If you can also sell the current one at a good price, better than better, but we insist that the change will not be so noticeable and less when you get used to the changes like those of the ProMotion screen.

If you do not have any of them, it is more logical to opt for the most recent models. Especially since Apple no longer sells the iPhone 12 Pro . In this way you will have the most cutting-edge technology and you will notice the change much more, especially if you come from an iPhone prior to ’12’. In any case, if you find in any other store a good offer for an iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max, we do not advise you to reject it because you will also be enjoying a pointing device that will give you many years of joy.

What we can recommend, as we always do in this type of comparison, is that if you are still in doubt, make a list of the most important points that you consider in a phone. Based on them, point out which of these smartphones we are talking about covers it better, so that it can finally help you draw a conclusion about which one to buy.