iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16
Quick answer
The iPhone 16 is 7.4 millimetres0.29 inches wider and 35 grams1.23 ounces heavier than the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone 12 mini on Amazon (paid link) remains a viable option at renewed prices, but its battery often demands a midday top-up while the iPhone 16 (paid link) carries you through without a hitch. You lose the compact comfort in the larger frame, but gain noticeably faster performance and support for new AI features just as the latest models arrive. Choose the mini for pure portability; the 16 is the smarter long-term pick.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 12 mini
Pocket: iPhone 12 mini
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 12 mini
from $699 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 12 mini: 131.5 by 64.2 by 7.4 millimetres, 135 grams. iPhone 16: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 170 grams.
12 mini, 16 shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 12 mini
from $699 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 mini 131.5 millimetres, 16 147.6 millimetres.Height: 12 mini 5.18 inches, 16 5.81 inches.Width: 12 mini 64.2 millimetres, 16 71.6 millimetres.Width: 12 mini 2.53 inches, 16 2.82 inches.Depth: 12 mini 7.40 millimetres, 16 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 12 mini 0.29 inches, 16 0.31 inches.Weight: 12 mini 135 grams, 16 170 grams.Weight: 12 mini 4.76 ounces, 16 6.00 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 mini | 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 131.5 millimetres5.18 inches | 147.6 millimetres, 16.1 millimetres more5.81 inches, 0.63 inches more |
| Width | 64.2 millimetres2.53 inches | 71.6 millimetres, 7.4 millimetres more2.82 inches, 0.29 inches more |
| Depth | 7.40 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 135 grams4.76 ounces | 170 grams, 35 grams more6.00 ounces, 1.23 ounces more |
| Volume | 62.5 cubic centimetres3.81 cubic inches | 82.4 cubic centimetres, 20.0 cubic centimetres more5.03 cubic inches, 1.22 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 85 percent | 87 percent, 2 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 5.4 inches | 6.1 inches, 0.7 inches more |
| Resolution | 1080 × 2340 | 1179 × 2556 |
| Pixel density | 476 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 16 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A18 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 22 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 699 dollars | 799 dollars, 100 dollars more |
| Released | Nov 2020 | Sep 2024 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 16 is 16.1 mm (0.63 in) taller, 7.4 mm (0.29 in) wider, 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 35 g (1.23 oz) heavier than the iPhone 12 mini. The iPhone 12 mini measures 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.40 mm (5.18 × 2.53 × 0.29 in) and weighs 135 g (4.76 oz). The iPhone 16 measures 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm (5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in) and weighs 170 g (6.00 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 12 mini
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- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 18 Pro
Questions about these phones
How much taller is the iPhone 16 than the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 16 is 16.1 mm taller than the iPhone 12 mini. It stands at 147.6 mm in height compared to 131.5 mm for the iPhone 12 mini.
Is the iPhone 16 wider than the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 16 is 7.4 mm wider than the iPhone 12 mini. It features a 6.1 inch display versus the 5.4 inch display on the iPhone 12 mini.
How much heavier is the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 16 weighs 35 grams more than the iPhone 12 mini. This makes the iPhone 16 noticeably heavier in the hand.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone 12 mini is easier to use with one hand than the iPhone 16. Its compact design suits smaller hands better than the standard size.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Only the iPhone 12 mini fits in a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is upgrading from the iPhone 12 mini to the iPhone 16 worth it for size alone?
Upgrading from the iPhone 12 mini to the iPhone 16 increases both height and weight. Whether this size change is worth it depends on your needs.