Small and mighty
The iPhone 12 mini offers the same cameras, same IP68 water resistance, and same features (including 5G) as the iPhone 12 but in a much smaller form factor. However, its OLED screen is only 5.4 inches making the entire body much smaller.
For
- Great for one-handed use
- Slightly higher PPI
- A lot of same features as more expensive iPhones
- $100 cheaper than regular iPhone
Against
- Smaller screen might not be for you
- Typing may feel cramped
Regular-sized fun
The iPhone 12 is the next-gen upgrade of the iPhone, with all the same features as the smaller model. With 5G and a 6.1-inch OLED screen, the iPhone 12 is the standard iPhone we all know and love.
For
- Great for watching media
- Larger screen
- Typing won't feel cramped
- Great new features like 5G
Against
- Less compact
- Slighter lower PPI
When it comes to the iPhone 12 mini vs. iPhone 12, you'll notice that the two models are identical when it comes to features. 5G, the new camera setup, the ceramic shield glass on the front, and the new MagSafe are all on both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12. So which one should you buy? It comes down to size.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12: The specs you need to know
Before we dive into some of the advantages and disadvantages of a smaller device, let's look at the important specs — which are almost the same on both models — so you know what you can expect from the iPhone 12, regardless of which model you pick up.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Screen | 5.4-inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED |
| Resolution | 2340-by-1080-pixel resolution at 476 ppi | 2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP Ultra Wide: ƒ/2.4 aperture + 12MP Wide: ƒ/1.6 aperture | 12MP Ultra Wide: ƒ/2.4 aperture + 12MP Wide: ƒ/1.6 aperture |
| Video recording | 4K up 60 fps | 4K up 60 fps |
| Water-resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Night Mode | Yes | Yes |
The list of the exact same features between the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 goes on and on. However, if you looked closely, you'll notice that the size difference does make a bit of a difference in resolution — specifically the PPI.
The iPhone 12 mini has a slightly higher PPI, meaning the pixel density is greater, which makes sense with the smaller display. You'll notice the iPhone 12 has a 460 PPI, which is only very slightly worse than the 476 PPI on the iPhone 12 mini. Fortunately, in real-world use, I doubt you'll be able to notice the difference. The difference in PPI is likely not going to be a factor for anyone, but it's worth knowing about in case it's important to you.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12: What's in a size?
The biggest difference when asking comparing the iPhone 12 mini vs. iPhone 12 is the literal size difference. Yes, the iPhone 12 OLED screen is 6.1 inches, while the screen on the iPhone 12 mini is a mere 5.4 inches, but that doesn't tell the whole story.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.18 inches | 5.78 inches |
| Width | 2.53 inches | 2.82 inches |
| Depth | 0.29 inch | 0.29 inch |
| Weight | 4.76 ounces | 5.78 ounces |
As you can tell by the table above, the iPhone 12 mini comes in a significantly smaller chassis, which stands over half an inch shorter than the regular-size iPhone 12. The width is a less dramatic change but still noticeable, and the weight is surprising over a whole ounce lighter. What does it all mean?
The iPhone 12 mini starts $100 cheaper than the iPhone 12 and offers all the same features.
Well, it means if you've been waiting for a small iPhone that is as powerful as its bigger siblings, the wait is over. The iPhone 12 mini will be significantly easier to carry around, scroll through larger menus quickly, and, most importantly, touch every part of the screen only using one hand. This is a huge boon for people with smaller hands or people who like to save space. Since most flagship phones seem to get bigger and bigger each year, it's nice to see Apple offer something slightly different.
The other thing to keep in mind is the regular iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro have the same size and dimensions, meaning you can share the best iPhone 12 cases between those two models. Obviously, with the iPhone 12 mini being so small, it needs its own cases.
Of course, there are some things that a bigger screen does better. Watching movies or YouTube videos on a larger screen always feel nicer, and typing texts or emails will likely feel much less cramped. Still, it's good to know that whether you are okay with the standard 6.1-inch screen or want something smaller, the only thing you're sacrificing is size.
The iPhone 12 mini starts $100 cheaper than the iPhone 12 and offers all the same features, so the decision is up to you. Whether you go big or go small — you're getting a stellar phone either way.
Keep it tight
The iPhone 12 mini offers the same cameras, IP68 water resistance, and features (including 5G) as the iPhone 12 but in a much smaller form factor. Its OLED screen is only 5.4 inches making the entire body much smaller to boot.
The same size as last year
With all the same features as the smaller model, the iPhone 12 is a small next-gen upgrade. With 5G and a 6.1-inch OLED screen, the iPhone 12 is the standard iPhone we all know and love.
