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The iPhone 12 Pro is the better fit if you want a dedicated telephoto lens, Apple ProRAW, and a stainless-steel body. The iPhone 13 is lighter and has Apple’s newer A15 Bionic chip, sensor-shift stabilization on its main camera, and Cinematic mode. Both have the same listed 6.1-inch OLED display, resolution, and storage options.
What is the practical difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13?
These are both 6.1-inch iPhones, but they prioritize different things. The 12 Pro adds a third rear camera—a telephoto lens—and support for Apple ProRAW. The iPhone 13 has a newer-generation chip, weighs less, and adds video and stabilization features including Cinematic mode and sensor-shift stabilization on its main camera.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Starlight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $270.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $269.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $185.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $286.73 | Buy on Amazon |
The comparisons below use Apple’s published specifications, not hands-on testing. Apple’s US specification page lists the 12 Pro at 189 g; its Spanish support page lists 187 g, so weight figures here consistently use the US page.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 13 specifications
| Specification | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED; 2532 × 1170; 460 ppi; 800 nits typical, 1,200 nits HDR | 6.1-inch OLED; 2532 × 1170; 460 ppi; 800 nits typical, 1,200 nits HDR |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Rear cameras | Three 12MP cameras: Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto | Two 12MP cameras: Main and Ultra Wide |
| Optical and digital zoom | 2× optical zoom in and out; 4× optical range; up to 10× digital photo zoom | 2× optical zoom out; up to 5× digital photo zoom |
| Camera features | LiDAR-assisted Night mode portraits; Apple ProRAW; dual optical image stabilization on Wide and Telephoto | Sensor-shift stabilization on Main; Smart HDR 4; Photographic Styles; Cinematic mode at 1080p/30 fps |
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.65 mm |
| Weight | 189 g (Apple US specifications) | 174 g |
| Exterior | Stainless-steel design with textured matte glass back | Aluminum design with glass back |
| Storage capacities | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Water resistance | IP68; laboratory rating of up to 6 m for 30 minutes | IP68; laboratory rating of up to 6 m for 30 minutes |
Sources: Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro technical specifications and iPhone 13 technical specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Which phone has the better camera?
Choose iPhone 12 Pro for telephoto framing and ProRAW
The 12 Pro’s dedicated telephoto camera gives you a true optical zoom-in option, alongside its Wide and Ultra Wide cameras. It also supports Apple ProRAW, which is useful if you want more latitude to adjust images in a compatible editing workflow. Its listed camera features include LiDAR-assisted Night mode portraits and optical image stabilization on both the Wide and Telephoto cameras.
Choose iPhone 13 for its main-camera stabilization and video mode
The iPhone 13 does not list a telephoto camera or ProRAW support. Instead, its Main camera uses sensor-shift stabilization, and it supports Cinematic mode video recording at 1080p and 30 frames per second. Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles are also listed among its camera features.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Neither specification sheet establishes that one phone takes better pictures overall. The meaningful distinction is the kind of flexibility you want: a dedicated telephoto lens and ProRAW on the 12 Pro, or the iPhone 13’s listed stabilization and Cinematic mode features.
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Are the displays the same?
Apple lists the same 6.1-inch OLED diagonal, 2532 × 1170 resolution, 460-pixel-per-inch density, 800-nit typical brightness, and 1,200-nit HDR brightness for both phones. Display specifications alone do not provide a clear reason to choose one over the other.
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
How different are their size, materials, and durability?
The phones have the same listed height and width, but the iPhone 13 is 0.25 mm thicker. It weighs 174 g, compared with 189 g for the 12 Pro using Apple’s US specification. The 12 Pro has a stainless-steel design and textured matte glass back; the iPhone 13 uses an aluminum design and glass back.
Both are rated IP68, with Apple specifying a laboratory rating of up to 6 metres for 30 minutes. That rating is not a guarantee that a particular used phone remains water-resistant: Apple says resistance can decline with normal wear. Treat any water-resistance claim about a second-hand device cautiously.
Rank #4
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What was the original price difference?
At launch in the United States, the iPhone 12 Pro started at $999 in October 2020. The iPhone 13 started at $799 before trade-in when Apple announced it on September 14, 2021; availability was scheduled to begin September 24. That makes the iPhone 13’s original US starting price $200 lower than the 12 Pro’s. This is an arithmetic comparison of Apple’s launch prices, not a current price quote.
Sources: Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro launch announcement and iPhone 13 launch announcement.
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Which should you choose?
Choose iPhone 12 Pro if camera options matter most
- You want a dedicated telephoto camera and optical zoom-in capability.
- You plan to use Apple ProRAW in your photo-editing workflow.
- You prefer its stainless-steel design.
Choose iPhone 13 if you prefer a lighter phone and newer listed chip
- You value the A15 Bionic chip over the 12 Pro’s A14 Bionic.
- You want a lighter body and sensor-shift stabilization on the Main camera.
- You expect to use Cinematic mode at 1080p/30 fps.
What to check when buying one today
The launch prices above do not establish which model costs less in the current market. Prices for used, refurbished, or remaining new stock vary by location, storage capacity, condition, seller, and carrier lock. Compare the actual listings available to you rather than relying on historical starting prices.
- Confirm storage capacity and that it suits your needs.
- Check battery health and the device’s physical condition.
- Review the seller’s reputation, warranty, and return terms.
- Verify whether the phone is carrier-locked or unlocked.
Apple’s launch materials do not establish a direct battery-life comparison between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 Pro. Apple’s iPhone 13 announcement compared its battery life with iPhone 12, not the 12 Pro, so that claim should not be treated as a 13-versus-12-Pro result.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
