iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13: Which Refurbished Model Gives Better Value?

If you are comparing the iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 refurbished, the best choice depends on what matters most to you. For most buyers, the refurbished iPhone 13 gives better long-term value thanks to its stronger battery life, newer A15 Bionic chip, and improved camera performance. However, the refurbished iPhone 12 is still a smart option if your priority is saving money while still getting a fast, reliable Apple phone with 5G, OLED display quality, and strong everyday performance.

For UK buyers shopping for a refurbished iPhone, this comparison can help you decide which model fits your budget, usage, and long-term needs.

iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 refurbished: quick comparison

Feature	Refurbished iPhone 12	Refurbished iPhone 13
Release year	2020	2021
Chip	A14 Bionic	A15 Bionic
Display	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Battery life	Good	Better
Camera	Dual 12MP system	Dual 12MP system with improvements
Low-light performance	Strong	Better
Video features	4K video	4K video + Cinematic mode
Base storage	Often 64GB	Usually 128GB
Best for	Budget buyers	Long-term value buyers

Refurbished iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13: price and value for money

Price is usually the biggest reason buyers compare these two models. The refurbished iPhone 12 is normally the cheaper option, making it attractive for anyone who wants an affordable Apple device without stepping too far back in performance. It still offers a premium design, 5G support, Face ID, and a bright OLED display, so it does not feel outdated in daily use.

The refurbished iPhone 13 usually costs more, but it often justifies that extra spend. You get a newer chip, better battery life, improved camera performance in low light, and a higher starting storage option. For buyers who plan to keep their phone for several years, the iPhone 13 often delivers better long-term value rather than just a lower upfront price.

In simple terms, the refurbished iPhone 12 wins on initial affordability, while the refurbished iPhone 13 wins on overall value for money.

Design and display

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 look very similar. Both have Apple’s flat-edge design, Ceramic Shield front protection, Face ID, and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both phones feel premium in the hand and still look modern in 2026.

In display quality, the experience is close, but the iPhone 13 has the edge with higher typical brightness. That means it can be slightly easier to use outdoors in bright conditions. Both screens remain sharp, vibrant, and excellent for streaming, browsing, social media, and everyday apps.

For most buyers, display differences alone will not decide the purchase. Both phones still offer a strong flagship-style screen experience.

Performance and everyday speed

This is one area where the iPhone 13 pulls ahead more clearly. The iPhone 12 runs on the A14 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 13 uses the newer A15 Bionic. In real-world use, both phones feel fast, smooth, and responsive, especially for messaging, browsing, video streaming, social apps, and general multitasking.

The difference becomes more noticeable if you keep many apps open, play heavier games, edit videos, or simply want a device that feels newer for longer. The iPhone 13 is better suited for buyers who want a little more performance headroom and a bit more future-proofing.

That said, the refurbished iPhone 12 is still more than capable for the average user. If your main goal is getting a reliable iPhone at a lower price, it remains a practical choice.

Battery life

Battery life is one of the biggest reasons many buyers choose the refurbished iPhone 13 over the iPhone 12.

The iPhone 13 is known for better battery efficiency and longer daily endurance. For moderate to heavy users, that can make a real difference. It is generally the safer pick if you use your phone a lot for streaming, navigation, video, work apps, or social media throughout the day.

The iPhone 12 still offers respectable battery life, but it is more likely to need a top-up sooner, especially with heavier use or 5G turned on. If battery performance matters a lot to you, the refurbished iPhone 13 is usually the better buy.

When buying any refurbished iPhone, it is also important to check battery health and choose a trusted seller that clearly tests devices before sale.

Camera comparison

Both phones have dual 12MP rear cameras and deliver strong image quality for everyday photography. The iPhone 12 still takes excellent photos and videos, especially in good lighting. It remains a solid choice for casual use, social media, and everyday moments.

The iPhone 13, however, improves the camera system in ways that matter for many users. It performs better in low light, offers stronger video features such as Cinematic mode, and benefits from sensor-shift stabilisation for smoother and more stable results. These changes make it the better option for users who care more about photos, video recording, and content creation.

If camera quality is one of your top priorities, the refurbished iPhone 13 is the more complete package.

Software support and long-term value

Because the iPhone 13 is a newer model, it is expected to remain useful for longer. That matters if you want to keep your refurbished iPhone for several years.

The iPhone 12 still has good life left in it and remains a strong option in 2026, but the iPhone 13 gives you a little more breathing room when it comes to future iOS support, long-term speed, and resale appeal.

This is one of the reasons the iPhone 13 often gives better long-term value even if it costs more upfront.

Who should buy the refurbished iPhone 12?

The refurbished iPhone 12 is the better choice if:

you want the lowest possible price
you mainly use your phone for everyday tasks
you still want a premium Apple design and OLED display
you do not need the latest camera upgrades
you are happy with solid battery life rather than the best battery life

For budget-conscious buyers, students, or anyone upgrading from a much older iPhone, the refurbished iPhone 12 can still be an excellent deal.

Who should buy the refurbished iPhone 13?

The refurbished iPhone 13 is the better choice if:

you want better battery life
you care more about camera quality and low-light performance
you want a newer chip and better long-term value
you prefer higher starting storage
you plan to keep your phone for longer

For most buyers, the refurbished iPhone 13 is the smarter all-round option if the price difference is reasonable.

What to check before buying a refurbished iPhone

Choosing between the iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 refurbished is important, but where you buy from matters just as much.

Before buying a refurbished iPhone, make sure you check:

battery health expectations
condition grading
warranty coverage
whether the phone is unlocked
whether the device has been fully tested
seller reputation and after-sales support

Buying from a trusted refurbished phone retailer can give you much more confidence than buying a standard used phone from a private seller.

If you are browsing for a reliable option, you can explore the full range of refurbished iPhones at Zextons and compare the latest available stock before making your decision.

Final verdict: which refurbished iPhone gives better value?

For most buyers, the refurbished iPhone 13 gives better value in 2026. It offers better battery life, a newer and faster chip, stronger camera performance, and better long-term usability. If you can stretch your budget, it is usually the smarter buy.

The refurbished iPhone 12 still makes a lot of sense if your main focus is affordability. It remains a capable iPhone with strong performance, a premium display, and modern features that still hold up well.

So the final answer is simple:

Choose the refurbished iPhone 12 if you want the cheaper option.
Choose the refurbished iPhone 13 if you want the better all-round value.

FAQs

Is the refurbished iPhone 13 better than the refurbished iPhone 12?

Yes, for most buyers the refurbished iPhone 13 is better because it offers improved battery life, better camera performance, and a newer A15 Bionic chip.

Is the refurbished iPhone 12 still worth buying in 2026?

Yes, the refurbished iPhone 12 is still worth buying in 2026 if you want a lower-cost Apple phone with good performance, 5G support, and a premium OLED display.

Which has better battery life, the refurbished iPhone 12 or iPhone 13?

The refurbished iPhone 13 has better battery life and is usually the better option for heavier daily use.

Which is better for camera quality, the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 refurbished?

The refurbished iPhone 13 is better for camera quality, especially in low light and video features.

Which refurbished iPhone gives better value for money?

The answer depends on your budget. The refurbished iPhone 12 gives better short-term affordability, while the refurbished iPhone 13 gives better long-term value.