It seems that Apple has just launched the iPhone 12 series, led by the extremely impressive iPhone 12 Pro Max, but the rumor about the successor is already spinning. Although we have gathered everything we know in one place, we thought about taking a look at how these rumors compare to what we now have with the iPhone 12.
Needless to say, buying any of the iPhone 12 models is now a great decision if you need a new phone. You get the best that Apple has to offer, including 5G support.
Although we are several months away – we anticipate an announcement in mid-september – it doesn’t mean that we can’t get excited and speculate about the next new iPhone. As more information comes to light, we will have a better idea of how the iPhone 13 behaves compared to its predecessor.
iPhone 13 x iPhone 12: price and release date
For the iPhone 13, we expect four models: iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. We base this on what Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said (via MacRumors) last year. Considering the weak sales of the iPhone 12 mini, we would not be surprised to see Apple cancel its plans for the iPhone 13 mini. We certainly hope not, as the iPhone 12 mini is the best small phone at the moment.
With regard to price, current rumors suggest that the iPhone 13 will be an iterative update to the iPhone 12, so we don’t expect the pricing structure to be much different than what the 12 series now offers. That would mean the iPhone 13 mini would start at $ 699 (64 GB), the iPhone 13 at $ 799 (64 GB), the iPhone 13 Pro at $ 999 (128 GB) and the iPhone 13 Pro Max at $ 1,099 ( 128 GB).
If Apple increases the basic storage of the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13, we may see a slight increase in the initial prices of these phones, perhaps $ 749 and $ 849. This is just speculation, however. There is also the possibility of a ridiculous 1TB storage option for Pro models.
iPhone 13 x iPhone 12: screen
For the iPhone 12 series, Apple launched OLED screens for all four models. OLED offers more striking colors and true blacks, among other benefits, and was certainly a welcome update. While we really like the 12 series screens, Apple still has room to grow for its Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
When compared to the Galaxy S21 series, which has excellent Super Dynamic AMOLED screens, the iPhone 12 screens do not have a high refresh rate and Always On Display (AOD). The iPhone 12 models are all locked at 60 frames per second (FPS), or 60 Hz, but rumors suggest that the iPhone 13 Pro series will have a 120 Hz refresh rate, which would generate 120 FPS and therefore rollover and much smoother gameplay.
One benefit of OLED panels is that individual pixels can be turned off, which is how they produce deep, dark blacks. On most Android devices with OLED screens, you get what is called Always On Display. This is a low-energy mode that shows some important information. This varies by phone, but most devices show the clock and pending notifications. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 13 will finally have its own screen always on.
Some, including the Jon Prosser leaker, say Apple will lessen the infamous notch at the top of the screen that houses facial identification technology. This would be a very welcome change, since the notch is quite unpleasant.
iPhone 13 x iPhone 12: cameras
This is not very surprising, but we heard about some camera updates for the iPhone 13. Currently, the iPhone 12 Pro Max and 12 Pro use three lenses: a 12MP f / 1.6 wide angle, an ultra large 12MP f / 2, 4, and a 12MP telephoto with a f / 2.0 aperture (2x zoom on the 12 Pro, 2.5x zoom on the 12 Pro Max). IPhone 12 and 12 mini do not have a telephoto lens and LiDAR flight time sensor.
Some rumors say that the iPhone 13 will feature a periscope camera for better zoom to compete with the ridiculous zoom capabilities of the Galaxy S21 Ultra. More importantly, Apple can upgrade the ultra-wide camera to an autofocus f / 1.8 aperture (versus the f / 2.4 aperture and fixed focus on the 12 series). This comes from Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors).
Other rumors suggest that Apple will use the LiDAR sensor in all four models instead of just the Pro models. Night mode may have some improvements, especially in the ultra-wide camera. Finally, we hear that the iPhone 13 can feature a portrait mode for video and an astrophotography mode for photographing the night sky.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: Touch ID on the screen
The iPhone 13 can bring back the Touch ID, which was last seen in the iPhone 8 series (it’s also on the iPhone SE, but it’s not a flagship device and uses the iPhone 8 body). Apple has been involved with Face ID since iPhone X, but can add Touch ID to iPhone 13. In this pandemic world where we still wear masks, Face ID doesn’t do very well in public.
Apple could use a fingerprint reader on the display, as in the Galaxy S21 – the S21’s ultrasonic sensor is very good and accurate in our tests and use. However, Apple put a Touch ID sensor on the power button on the latest iPad Air. Some Android phones have followed this path in the past and can work very well, in addition to looking quite natural.
Regardless, having Face ID and Touch ID on iPhone 13 would cover all the bases: facial unlocking for not wearing a mask and fingerprint unlocking for public use and Apple Pay.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: Lightning or portless
Speculation that Apple could abandon the Lightning port on the iPhone 13 has floated for a few months now, especially after the company launched MagSafe wireless charging on the iPhone 12 series. Although few people seem to want this, Apple likes to shake things up a bit. USB-C would be preferable, but it may never happen.
Apple hijacker Jon Prosser said one of his sources mentioned that “a” model of the iPhone 13 would have no door. Due to some possible language barrier problems, he thinks that perhaps the Pro models have no doors, not just a variant. However, Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors) suggests that only the iPhone 13 Pro Max will have no ports. Although it is a “courageous” decision, no one knows for sure now.
iPhone 13 x iPhone 12: Outlook
Nothing is set yet for the iPhone 13, but both Kuo and Prosser have a good track record when it comes to predictions. We will not receive anything officially for several months, but more and more rumors are expected to arise in the meantime. The COVID-19 pandemic can also lead to more leaks than normal.
As we mentioned, buying an iPhone 12 is not a bad decision. You can play the game of waiting forever, telling yourself to just wait for the next big thing. Be sure to check out our reviews of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini if you are looking for more detailed information about these phones. And don’t forget to check out our iPhone 12 best deals page before you buy anything.