Apple iPhone 13 mini vs Google Pixel 5
The Verdict
Both phones deliver flagship experiences at identical $699 price points, but with different priorities. Apple's iPhone 13 mini excels with the powerful A15 Bionic chipset, brighter 1200-nit Super Retina XDR display, and superior computational photography through Cinematic mode video. Its compact 5.4-inch form factor appeals to users preferring pocket-friendly devices. Google's Pixel 5 counters with a larger 6.0-inch screen, higher 90Hz refresh rate, more generous 8GB RAM, and a significantly larger 4080mAh battery providing noticeably longer endurance. The Pixel's 16MP ultrawide and computational night mode photography remain competitive despite lower megapixels. Performance-wise, the A15 outpaces the Snapdragon 765G considerably. For users prioritizing processing power, display quality, and compact design, the iPhone 13 mini edges ahead. However, the Pixel 5 better suits those wanting larger screens, superior battery life, and USB-C convenience. Choose iPhone 13 mini for premium performance in a tiny package; pick Pixel 5 for balanced all-around value with practical battery longevity.
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 Google Pixel 5 if…
- →Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- →90Hz smooth OLED display
- →Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
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
Google Pixel 5
Pros
- Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- 90Hz smooth OLED display
- Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
- IP68 water resistance
Cons
- Mid-range Snapdragon 765G in a $699 phone
- No telephoto camera
- 8 MP selfie camera is dated
- Only 128 GB storage option
- Bio-resin coating scratches easily
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Google Pixel 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 11 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 140 g | 151 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front | Aluminum unibody, bio-resin coating |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.6, OIS with sensor-shift | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Cinematic mode | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.4 | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2406 mAh | 4080 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 12W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 5.4 inches | 6.0 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 700 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.22 GHz + 4x1.82 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 620 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
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 Google products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 13 mini or the Google Pixel 5.