iPhone 12 Vs iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at
€197.00
€829.00 new
See options
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
€167.00
€689.00 new
See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 (2020) and iPhone 12 mini (2020) are part of Apple's fourteenth-generation smartphone lineup, sharing core technologies within different physical footprints. While both devices run on the same powerful operating system and internal components, their primary distinction lies in their size and the practical implications this has for battery performance and portability.

Scores

Durability

Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini launched in late 2020, meaning they share a similar expected lifespan regarding software support and general durability.

  • Operating System Longevity: Both devices debuted with iOS 14 and are anticipated to receive major iOS updates until at least 2027. This suggests several more years of access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Build Durability: Both models feature Apple's Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to improve drop performance, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. The robust construction aims for sustained physical integrity.
  • Repairability Considerations: Both the iPhone 12 and 12 mini received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit (some sources cite 5.5), indicating that common repairs like display and battery replacements are manageable due to modular components. However, specialized screws and a non-easily replaceable glass back are noted challenges.

Year of Release

2020

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

When it comes to raw processing power and overall responsiveness, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini deliver an identical user experience.

  • Identical Core Processor: Both devices are equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, a powerful processor that ensures smooth operation across applications and multitasking scenarios. This consistent internal hardware means no compromise on speed or efficiency between the two models.
  • Consistent Storage and RAM: Users can choose from 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage for either phone, paired with 4GB of RAM. This configuration handles typical smartphone usage, from app juggling to content storage, effectively.
  • Battery Performance Difference: The primary performance difference emerges in battery life. The iPhone 12, with its larger physical size, houses a more substantial battery (2815 mAh) compared to the iPhone 12 mini (2227 mAh). This translates to the iPhone 12 generally offering longer usage times, particularly for heavy users, with up to 17 hours of video playback compared to the mini's 15 hours.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini feature high-quality displays, with the main distinction being the physical size of the screen.

  • Shared Display Technology: Both models utilize a Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. This advanced display technology provides an immersive viewing experience for photos, videos, and general browsing.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi). The iPhone 12 mini, with its 5.4-inch display, has a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (476 ppi). While the mini technically has a slightly higher pixel density, the difference in sharpness is generally imperceptible to the human eye during typical use.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both screens offer a typical brightness of 625 nits, peaking at 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. Both displays operate at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a consistent and smooth scrolling experience.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are functionally identical, offering the same photographic and videographic capabilities.

  • Dual Camera System: Both phones feature a dual 12-megapixel camera setup on the rear, comprising a wide-angle lens with an f/1.6 aperture and an ultra-wide-angle lens with an f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. This setup allows for versatile shooting, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups.
  • Photography Features: Key photographic enhancements like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3 are present on both models, contributing to improved image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions and with complex textures. Optical image stabilization is included for the wide lens, aiding in sharper photos and more stable videos.
  • Video Recording Capabilities: Both devices support HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 frames per second, along with standard 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. They also offer slow-motion video at 1080p and cinematic video stabilization.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, primarily concerning their physical form factor.

  • Physical Dimensions and Handling: The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighs 164 grams. In contrast, the iPhone 12 mini is significantly more compact at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm and weighs only 135 grams. This size difference makes the mini notably easier for one-handed use and pocketability, while the standard iPhone 12 offers a larger screen for content viewing.
  • Connectivity Standards: Both phones support 5G connectivity (sub-6 GHz and mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless performance for modern networks and accessories. They also feature Apple's Ultra Wideband chip for enhanced spatial awareness.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices feature a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, foregoing a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. For security and convenience, both rely on Face ID for biometric authentication.

Weight

164 g

135 g

Width

7.15 cm

6,42 cm

Height

14.67 cm

13,15 cm

Depth

0.74 cm

0,74 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

5.4

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback from communities like Reddit often highlights the central trade-off between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini: size versus battery life. Many users praise the iPhone 12 mini for its incredibly compact form factor, appreciating its one-handed usability and ease of carrying in pockets. For those who prioritize a smaller phone and do not heavily consume media or game on their device, the mini is a highly regarded option.

However, the most frequent criticism directed at the iPhone 12 mini is its comparatively shorter battery life. Users engaging in demanding tasks or extended use often report needing more frequent charges, making the standard iPhone 12 a more suitable choice for those seeking full-day endurance. The iPhone 12 is generally seen as a balanced option, offering a larger, more comfortable display for media and a more robust battery without being excessively large.

For students, the iPhone 12 might offer a better balance for note-taking and multimedia consumption with its larger screen and battery. Professionals who require consistent communication and app usage throughout the day may lean towards the iPhone 12 for its improved battery longevity. Travelers, on the other hand, might appreciate the iPhone 12 mini's extreme portability, though they would need to consider portable charging solutions. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished iPhone 12 or 12 mini provides an eco-friendly alternative, allowing consumers to align their practical needs with sustainable choices while extending the lifespan of these capable devices.