iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16e
Quick answer
The iPhone 16e is 7.3 millimetres0.29 inches wider and 32 grams1.13 ounces heavier than the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone 12 mini on Amazon (paid link) is discontinued but available renewed, keeping a compact choice alive. The iPhone 16e (paid link) is current, has a newer chip, and lasts all day, though it fills more pocket space. Choose the 12 mini for portability or the 16e if you want modern features and longer life.
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 16e
from $599 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 16e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 167 grams.
12 mini, 16e 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 16e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 mini 131.5 millimetres, 16e 146.7 millimetres.Height: 12 mini 5.18 inches, 16e 5.78 inches.Width: 12 mini 64.2 millimetres, 16e 71.5 millimetres.Width: 12 mini 2.53 inches, 16e 2.81 inches.Depth: 12 mini 7.40 millimetres, 16e 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 12 mini 0.29 inches, 16e 0.31 inches.Weight: 12 mini 135 grams, 16e 167 grams.Weight: 12 mini 4.76 ounces, 16e 5.89 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 mini | 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 131.5 millimetres5.18 inches | 146.7 millimetres, 15.2 millimetres more5.78 inches, 0.60 inches more |
| Width | 64.2 millimetres2.53 inches | 71.5 millimetres, 7.3 millimetres more2.81 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 | 167 grams, 32 grams more5.89 ounces, 1.13 ounces more |
| Volume | 62.5 cubic centimetres3.81 cubic inches | 81.8 cubic centimetres, 19.3 cubic centimetres more4.99 cubic inches, 1.18 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 85 percent | 86 percent, 1 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 5.4 inches | 6.1 inches, 0.7 inches more |
| Resolution | 1080 × 2340 | 1170 × 2532 |
| Pixel density | 476 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 16 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Notch | Notch |
| 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 | 26 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 | 599 dollars, 100 dollars less |
| Released | Nov 2020 | Feb 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 16e is 15.2 mm (0.60 in) taller, 7.3 mm (0.29 in) wider, 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 32 g (1.13 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 16e measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 167 g (5.89 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 12 mini
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- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16
- 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 bigger is the iPhone 16e than the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 16e is 15.2 mm taller and 7.3 mm wider than the iPhone 12 mini. It also weighs 32 g more and has a slightly thicker body.
What is the screen size difference between iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e has a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch display. This makes the iPhone 16e screen about 0.7 inches larger.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone 12 mini is easier to use with one hand due to its smaller width and weight. The iPhone 16e is larger and may require two hands for comfortable use.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Yes, both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 16e fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. The iPhone 12 mini fits in women's pockets while the iPhone 16e does not.
Is the weight difference between these phones noticeable?
The iPhone 16e weighs 167 g compared to 135 g for the iPhone 12 mini. This 32 g difference is noticeable when holding the devices.
Is upgrading from iPhone 12 mini to iPhone 16e worth it for size alone?
Whether the upgrade is worth it depends on your needs since the iPhone 16e is larger and heavier. The iPhone 12 mini remains the more compact option if size is your priority.