iPhone 13 vs 12 4G
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 3 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The iPhone 13 edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: iPhone 13 60 · 12 4G 63 — methodology
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
The 12 4G's screen is the better one — 6.67-inch amoled, fhd+, 120hz, up to 2000 nits peak.
The iPhone 13's Apple A15 Bionic is simply the faster chip.
Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.
5,000mAh vs 3,240mAh — the 12 4G lasts longer between charges.
The iPhone 13 is supported until Sep 2028 — 3 months longer than the 12 4G.
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Full spec table
| Spec | iPhone 13 | 12 4G |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $249 | $175 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz | 6.67-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 3,240 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired (50% in ~30 min), MagSafe 15W wireless | 67W wired SUPERVOOC |
| Rear cameras | 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 50MP main, 2MP depth |
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.65 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 174 g | 187 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP54 |
| Supported until | Sep 2028 | Jul 2028 |
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.