Apple iPhone 13 mini vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
The Verdict
Both phones share Apple's A15 Bionic processor and iOS 15, but diverge significantly in display and camera capabilities. iPhone 13 mini features a superior 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 2340x1080 resolution and 1200 nits brightness, while SE (3rd gen) relies on a dated 4.7-inch IPS LCD with only 625 nits. Camera differences are substantial: the 13 mini offers sensor-shift OIS, ultrawide lens, and Cinematic mode, whereas SE provides basic 12MP with 7MP selfie and no advanced features. Battery capacity favors 13 mini (2406 mAh vs 2018 mAh), and MagSafe charging provides convenience. SE compensates with a $270 lower price point and more compact design for those prioritizing budget and portability. For photography enthusiasts, premium display seekers, and anyone valuing modern features, iPhone 13 mini delivers substantially better experience. SE remains solid for basic users accepting legacy specs.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 13 mini if…
- →Ultra-compact one-hand-friendly design at 140 g
- →Same A15 Bionic chip as the Pro models
- →Cinematic mode video recording
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) if…
- →Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- →Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- →Compact and lightweight design
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 13 mini
Pros
- Ultra-compact one-hand-friendly design at 140 g
- Same A15 Bionic chip as the Pro models
- Cinematic mode video recording
- Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield
- Attractive $699 starting price
Cons
- Small 2406 mAh battery limits screen-on time
- No ProMotion 120Hz display
- No telephoto camera
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Last mini model Apple ever made
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Pros
- Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Long iOS software support
Cons
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera
- Small 4.7-inch LCD display
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Modest battery life
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | iOS 15 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 140 g | 144 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.6, OIS with sensor-shift | 12 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 | 7 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Cinematic mode | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2406 mAh | 2018 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 7.5W Qi |
| Display | ||
| Size | 5.4 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 1334 x 750 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 625 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.22 GHz + 4x1.82 GHz) | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU (4-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | Lightning |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Xiaomi 13 Lite
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Vivo V29 Pro
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Tecno Camon 30 Premier
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Apple products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 13 mini or the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation).