When Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 series in 2020, fans and critics alike were abuzz about the sleek new design, improved camera capabilities, and robust performance. Fast-forward to 2021, and the iPhone 13 Pro series was met with similar excitement, featuring incremental yet significant upgrades to its predecessor. But amidst the fanfare, one question persisted: Are the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro the same size?
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll delve into the dimensions, design, and features of both flagship models, examining the similarities and differences that set them apart.
Design Evolution: A Brief History of iPhone Sizes
Before we dive into the specifics of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro, let’s take a step back to understand the broader context of iPhone design evolution. Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, experimenting with various sizes, shapes, and materials to create an increasingly sleek and user-friendly experience.
The iPhone 6, launched in 2014, marked a significant shift towards larger screens, with the 4.7-inch model becoming the new standard. This trend continued with the iPhone 7, 8, and X, featuring incremental screen size increases. The iPhone 11 Pro, released in 2019, introduced a more angular, stainless steel frame, setting the stage for the iPhone 12 Pro’s refreshed design.
The iPhone 12 Pro: A New Era in Design
The iPhone 12 Pro, unveiled in October 2020, boasted a radical redesign, featuring a more seamless, flat-edge frame reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5. This change was a deliberate nod to the past, while incorporating modern materials and technology. The iPhone 12 Pro’s dimensions are as follows:
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 inches (146.7 mm) |
| Width | 2.82 inches (71.4 mm) |
| Depth | 0.29 inch (7.4 mm) |
| Weight | 6.66 ounces (189 grams) |
Enter the iPhone 13 Pro: Refining the Formula
The iPhone 13 Pro, announced in September 2021, built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. While retaining the same overall design language, the iPhone 13 Pro introduced subtle yet significant refinements. Here are its dimensions:
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 inches (146.7 mm) |
| Width | 2.82 inches (71.4 mm) |
| Depth | 0.30 inch (7.65 mm) |
| Weight | 7.19 ounces (204 grams) |
A Tale of Two Sizes: iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro
Now that we’ve examined the individual dimensions of each model, let’s directly compare the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro. The most striking similarity is their shared height and width, with both phones measuring 5.78 inches (146.7 mm) and 2.82 inches (71.4 mm), respectively.
The primary difference lies in depth and weight. The iPhone 13 Pro is marginally thicker, with a 0.30-inch (7.65 mm) profile compared to the iPhone 12 Pro’s 0.29-inch (7.4 mm) thickness. This increase is largely due to the iPhone 13 Pro’s more advanced camera module, which we’ll explore later.
The weight disparity is more pronounced, with the iPhone 13 Pro tipping the scales at 7.19 ounces (204 grams), approximately 0.53 ounces (15 grams) heavier than its predecessor. This added heft is likely attributed to the upgraded camera system and potentially more robust internal components.
Camera Capabilities: A Key Differentiator
One of the most significant upgrades between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro lies in their camera systems. The iPhone 13 Pro boasts a more advanced quad-camera setup, featuring a:
- Wide-angle lens with a larger 1/1.7-inch sensor and a wider ƒ/1.5 aperture
- Telphoto lens with a longer 2.5x optical zoom and an ƒ/2.8 aperture
These enhancements enable better low-light performance, improved zoom, and more detailed images. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro’s camera system, while still impressive, features a smaller 1/2-inch sensor and a narrower ƒ/1.6 aperture.
The camera module on the iPhone 13 Pro is also more prominent, with a slightly larger bump on the rear casing. This increased size is likely due to the more complex camera system and the need for additional components to support features like advanced noise reduction and improved Portrait mode capabilities.
Other Key Differences: Battery Life and Performance
Beyond design and camera capabilities, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro exhibit differences in battery life and performance.
Battery Life: The iPhone 13 Pro offers a slightly larger battery, resulting in up to 1.5 hours more battery life compared to the iPhone 12 Pro, according to Apple’s estimates.
Performance: The iPhone 13 Pro is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, providing a 15% boost in CPU performance and a 30% increase in GPU performance compared to the A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 Pro. This translates to smoother overall performance, faster app launching, and improved gaming experiences.
Conclusion: Sizing Up the Competition
So, are the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro the same size? While they share identical height and width dimensions, the iPhone 13 Pro is marginally thicker and heavier due to its more advanced camera module and potentially more robust internal components.
In conclusion, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro may appear similar at first glance, but they exhibit distinct differences in design, camera capabilities, battery life, and performance. The iPhone 13 Pro’s refinements, while incremental, contribute to a more comprehensive and appealing package for those seeking the latest and greatest from Apple.
When choosing between these two flagship models, consider your priorities: If you value a more streamlined design and don’t mind slightly older camera technology, the iPhone 12 Pro remains an excellent option. However, if you’re willing to invest in the latest innovations, including an enhanced camera system, improved battery life, and robust performance, the iPhone 13 Pro is the clear winner.
What are the dimensions of the iPhone 12 Pro?
The iPhone 12 Pro has a height of 5.78 inches (146.7 mm), a width of 2.82 inches (71.4 mm), and a depth of 0.29 inches (7.4 mm). These dimensions make it slightly taller and wider than the iPhone 11 Pro, but slightly thinner.
It’s worth noting that the iPhone 12 Pro has a stainless steel frame and tougher glass on both the front and back, which makes it more durable and resistant to scratches and drops. Despite its slightly larger size, the iPhone 12 Pro feels comfortable to hold in the hand, and its weight is well-balanced, making it easy to use with one hand.
What are the dimensions of the iPhone 13 Pro?
The iPhone 13 Pro has a height of 5.78 inches (146.7 mm), a width of 2.82 inches (71.4 mm), and a depth of 0.30 inches (7.65 mm). These dimensions are very similar to those of the iPhone 12 Pro, with only a slight increase in depth.
Overall, the iPhone 13 Pro has a very similar design to the iPhone 12 Pro, with a similar size and shape. However, the iPhone 13 Pro has a slightly larger camera module on the back, which accommodates the new telephoto lens and other camera enhancements. Despite this, the iPhone 13 Pro still feels comfortable to hold and use, and its size and weight are well-balanced.
How do the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro compare in terms of weight?
The iPhone 12 Pro weighs 6.66 ounces (189 grams), while the iPhone 13 Pro weighs 7.31 ounces (207 grams). This means that the iPhone 13 Pro is slightly heavier than the iPhone 12 Pro, probably due to the new camera module and other internal components.
Despite the slight increase in weight, both phones feel solid and premium in the hand, and their weights are well-balanced, making them comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time. However, some users may notice the slight difference in weight, particularly if they are used to holding the iPhone 12 Pro.
Do the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro have the same screen size?
Yes, both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro have the same screen size, which is 5.8 inches (14.7 cm) diagonally. This means that they have the same resolution, pixel density, and overall display quality.
The screens of both phones are OLED, which provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a high contrast ratio. The screens are also capable of reaching a maximum brightness of up to 1,200 nits, making them suitable for use in a variety of lighting conditions.
Are the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro compatible with the same cases?
Due to their very similar dimensions and design, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro are compatible with the same cases. This means that if you already have a case for the iPhone 12 Pro, it will likely fit the iPhone 13 Pro perfectly.
However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the compatibility of a case before purchasing, particularly if you’re buying a case from a third-party manufacturer. Some cases may have specific design features that are tailored to one phone model or the other, so it’s always a good idea to check the product description or manufacturer’s website for confirmation.
How do the camera modules of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro compare?
The iPhone 12 Pro has a triple-camera module with a wide-angle lens, telephoto lens, and ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 13 Pro also has a triple-camera module, but with a slightly larger module that accommodates a new telephoto lens with a longer focal length, as well as other camera enhancements.
The camera module of the iPhone 13 Pro is slightly larger than that of the iPhone 12 Pro, which allows for better optical zoom and more advanced camera features. However, both phones have high-quality cameras that are capable of taking excellent photos and videos, and the differences between them are likely to be relatively minor for most users.
Are the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro water-resistant?
Yes, both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro are water-resistant, with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529. This means that they are designed to withstand being submerged in water up to a depth of 4 meters (13 feet) for up to 30 minutes.
It’s worth noting that while both phones are water-resistant, they are not waterproof, and Apple does not recommend intentionally submerging them in water or exposing them to high-pressure water jets. However, if you accidentally drop your phone in water, the water-resistance feature can help to protect it from damage.