Is everything about size in the iPhone 12 mini vs. the iPhone 12 review? Well, it’s a big part of it, but it’s not all. The reasons to choose one over the other go beyond its dimensions and weight, such as price (obviously), battery life, and comfortability, especially if you are looking for a smartphone you can use with only one hand. Let’s see all the differences and similarities to find out the best choice.
Table of contents
iPhone 12 mini vs. iPhone 12: Differences
| Features | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 in (131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm) | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29 in) |
| Display size | 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display |
| Resolution | 2340×1080 at 476 PPI | 2532×1170 at 460 PPI |
| Weight | 4.76 oz (135 grams) | 5.78 oz (164 grams) |
| Notch | More prominent | Less prominent |
| Battery capacity | 2227 mAh | 2815 mAh |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours of video playback | Up to 17 hours of video playback |
| Price (new) | Starting at | Starting at |
| Price (refurbished) | Starting at | Starting at |
iPhone 12 mini vs. iPhone 12: Similarities
- Corning-made glass
- Aluminum frames
- OLED displays
- Ceramic Shield glass for display
- Apple A14 Bionic chips
- 4GB RAM
- 12MP ultrawide cameras
- 4K video recording
- 5G connectivity
- Face ID
- MagSafe and Qi wireless charging
- iOS 17 compatibility
Display
The display size is the center point in the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 comparison and the most noticeable difference. The mini has a display of 5.4 inches, while the larger phone enjoys a 6.1-inch size.
Therefore, the iPhone 12 is able to show more content, with UI elements, such as buttons and bars, separated further apart. Also, the screen keyboard will have larger keys.
On the other hand, the iPhone 12 mini has a more prominent and intrusive notch than the iPhone 12 due to its reduced size. Those who aren’t precisely hard fans of the notch would likely prefer the bigger model.
There aren’t differences regarding the screen quality. Both have the same features and are built with the same technology, but the iPhone 12 has a resolution of 2532×1170 at 460 PPI.
The Super Retina XDR OLED is visually appealing and hard to compete with, but we miss 90 or 120Hz refresh rates, something some competing Android phones offered when released.
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Design and dimensions
While other cheaper models of the iPhone, such as the iPhone SE 3, have some significant differences when comparing them to the regular lineup of the same year, this is not the case here.
The iPhone 12 mini is identical to the iPhone 12 in terms of design, although smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to use with one hand. For this reason, it can be an excellent iPhone for kids and teenagers.
The weight difference is also important to consider since the iPhone 12 mini weighs 4.76 oz (135 grams) while the iPhone 12 weighs 5.78 oz (or 164 grams).
Lastly, they feature aluminum frames and toughened nano-crystalline Ceramic Shield screen technology.
Battery life
Battery life is one of the most important aspects of the iPhone 12 mini vs. the iPhone 12.
According to Apple—and these are always estimates—the iPhone 12 mini delivers up to 15 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 12 delivers up to 17 hours.
Check this iPhone 12 mini vs. iPhone 12 Battery Test video to find out how fast the batteries run out in different scenarios:
In other words, if you absolutely value battery life above everything else, the iPhone 12 is the best choice.
Takeaway
The iPhone 12 mini is the answer for those who want the specs of the iPhone 12 at a lower price. They will be sacrificing some battery life in exchange for a cheaper phone with the same performance and camera. Find the best price for a refurbished iPhone 12 below:
64GB storage
Black
128GB storage
White
However, if you prioritize a larger display and more battery life (and are not particularly a fan of the notch), you can consider the iPhone 12.
64GB storage
Red
Nonetheless, both phones offer superb performance for today’s standard, and the OLED screens are just beautiful.
Buying them refurbished is an excellent option to save money. On RefurbMe, we compare the best deals from multiple trusted merchants that always offer a warranty and a professional refurbishment process.
You can also have a look at the 6 best places to buy a refurbished iPhone to ensure you get the best price on your new iPhone and our comparison on the iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 14, the iPhone 8 vs. the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone X vs. the iPhone 12 to consider more models.
Good luck!
