Tech head-to-head
Apple iPhone 13 minivsApple iPhone 15
Apple iPhone 13 mini and Apple iPhone 15 are both Apple, and they average 8.0 and 8.4. Apple iPhone 15 takes Durability, 8.6 to 7.2.
Apple iPhone 13 mini
Apple
8.0
The last small iPhone with a full flagship camera, and the battery is the price you pay for that.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Apple iPhone 15
Apple
8.4
The newest iPhone resale has made sensible, and the first to show its battery cycle count.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Where they diverge
The widest gap is Durability, Apple iPhone 15 ahead 8.6 to 7.2. They come closest on Performance, 8.6 to 7.8. Left of center is Apple iPhone 13 mini, right is Apple iPhone 15.
Which one to pick
Take the Apple iPhone 13 mini
Leads on Value.
- One-handed use matters more to you than anything else on the spec sheet
- You carry a phone in a front pocket and hate the bulge
- You want the iPhone 13's cameras in a smaller body
Take the Apple iPhone 15
Leads on Performance, Durability and Ease of use.
- You want the longest runway of iOS updates you can get without paying new-phone money
- Everything else you charge is already USB-C
- You want to verify a seller's battery claim yourself in Settings
Design scores identically, so that axis can't break the tie.
What each one gets wrong
Apple iPhone 13 mini
- You're a heavy user; a worn mini battery won't last a full day
- You read a lot on your phone and the small screen strains your eyes
Apple iPhone 15
- Apple Intelligence is on your list, since it needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later
- You move a SIM card between phones; US models are eSIM only
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Apple iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) |
| Chip | A15 Bionic (4-core GPU) | A16 Bionic |
| Main camera | 12MP | 48MP |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C (USB 2 speed) |
| Battery | Up to 17 hrs video playback | Up to 20 hrs video playback |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Both are Apple. Which one do I want?
- Apple iPhone 15 leads on Performance, Durability and Ease of use. If Value matters more to you, take the Apple iPhone 13 mini instead. Apple iPhone 13 mini averages 8.0 and Apple iPhone 15 averages 8.4, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
- Where do the two Apple models actually differ?
- Durability is the widest gap, Apple iPhone 15 ahead 8.6 to 7.2. Design comes out level, so it won't help you choose.
- Which one ranks higher in "Used iPhones on eBay: six worth buying, oldest last"?
- Apple iPhone 15 sits at #1 in "Used iPhones on eBay: six worth buying, oldest last", Apple iPhone 13 mini at #4.