Comparacion de iPhone 12 y 13: which to buy in Spain

Updated: 2026-08-25 · Tech and mobiles

Key points

• iPhone 13 adds roughly two extra hours of video playback versus iPhone 12.
• A15 Bionic delivers smoother gaming and longer security updates than A14.
• Cinematic mode and Photographic Styles exist only on the 13 line.
• Both generations offer mini and standard sizes with flat-edge design.
• MagSafe accessories work on either phone; check 5G band n78 on EU models.

Design and screens: subtle but noticeable

Side by side, iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 look almost identical: flat aluminium rails, glass back and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED on the standard models. The iPhone 13 shrinks the front notch and bumps default storage to 128 GB on many SKUs sold in Spain. If you carry the phone without a case, the 13 feels a touch heavier; otherwise daily handling differs little. Mini versions of both fit small pockets on Barcelona metro commutes, though Apple discontinued the mini size after the 13 generation.

Performance: A14 versus A15 in real use

The iPhone 12 runs Apple’s A14 Bionic; the iPhone 13 steps up to A15 with a faster Neural Engine. Messaging, banking apps and navigation feel equally snappy on either device today. Differences show up in sustained 4K video editing, mobile gaming and on-device Siri processing. If you keep phones four years or more—as many Spanish buyers do—the newer silicon typically receives one additional major iOS cycle, which matters for work profiles and contactless payment security patches.

Cameras and video for everyday creators

Both phones shoot excellent daylight photos, but the iPhone 13 improves Night mode on the wide lens and introduces Cinematic mode with rack-focus effects. Photographic Styles let you set a default look without heavy filters. The iPhone 12 dual-camera setup still covers ultrawide and standard angles for travel around Andalusia or city breaks. Neither standard model includes the Pro telephoto lens; zoom-heavy users should look at 12 Pro or 13 Pro instead of comparing these two base tiers.

Battery and charging habits

Apple quoted a clear battery jump from iPhone 12 to 13 on the same 6.1-inch chassis. Real-world gains depend on 5G usage—Spain’s urban n78 coverage can drain either phone faster than LTE. Both charge via Lightning and support MagSafe wireless pads sold at El Corte Inglés, Apple Store and Amazon.es. If you arrive from an older iPhone with worn cells, upgrading to either model feels dramatic; choosing between 12 and 13 often comes down to whether an extra hour of screen time justifies the price delta on the second-hand market.

Buying in Spain: new, refurb and private sales

Apple’s refurbished store and carriers like Movistar or Orange sometimes stock prior generations with statutory warranty. On Wallapop and Milanuncios, demand iCloud-free devices, Face ID tests and battery health above 80 percent. Confirm the model ends in a European suffix—not a US LL/A variant—so dual-SIM and 5G bands match Iberian networks. VAT-inclusive receipts help if a seller disputes a hidden defect within the EU two-year consumer guarantee window.

What you need

• EU model number compatible with Spanish 5G band n78
• Battery health reading from Settings or seller screenshot
• Proof the device is iCloud unlocked and Find My disabled
• Comparison of remaining iOS support for A14 vs A15
• MagSafe or Lightning cable budget if switching from micro-USB Android
• Receipt or invoice for warranty claims in Spain

Recommended steps

1. List your must-haves: battery, camera modes, storage and one-hand size.
2. Compare same-day prices for 128 GB iPhone 12 and 13 at two refurb sources.
3. Hold both phones in an Apple Store or carrier shop to judge notch and weight.
4. Run a 5G speed test on your usual commute route with a demo SIM.
5. Check Apple’s iOS compatibility chart for each chip generation.
6. Verify battery health and run Face ID before paying a private seller.

Comparison table

In this category

• Comparacion De Iphone 11 Y 12
• Comparacion Iphone 11 Y 12
• Comparacion Iphone 11 Y 13
• Comparación Iphone 12 Y 13

FAQ

See also