iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
Quick answer
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 13.8 millimetres0.54 inches wider and 114 grams4.02 ounces heavier than the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone 12 mini on Amazon (paid link) fits in any pocket and costs less renewed, but it feels small next to the iPhone 18 Pro Max (paid link) released just this month. You won't feel the chip difference in daily apps, yet the Max's battery will carry you through far more time without a plug. Stay compact and budget-friendly, or step up to the big screen if endurance matters most.
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 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 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 18 Pro Max: 163.4 by 78 by 8.75 millimetres, 249 grams.
12 mini, 18 Pro Max shown at 2.1 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 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 mini 131.5 millimetres, 18 Pro Max 163.4 millimetres.Height: 12 mini 5.18 inches, 18 Pro Max 6.43 inches.Width: 12 mini 64.2 millimetres, 18 Pro Max 78.0 millimetres.Width: 12 mini 2.53 inches, 18 Pro Max 3.07 inches.Depth: 12 mini 7.40 millimetres, 18 Pro Max 8.75 millimetres.Depth: 12 mini 0.29 inches, 18 Pro Max 0.34 inches.Weight: 12 mini 135 grams, 18 Pro Max 249 grams.Weight: 12 mini 4.76 ounces, 18 Pro Max 8.78 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 mini | 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 131.5 millimetres5.18 inches | 163.4 millimetres, 31.9 millimetres more6.43 inches, 1.26 inches more |
| Width | 64.2 millimetres2.53 inches | 78.0 millimetres, 13.8 millimetres more3.07 inches, 0.54 inches more |
| Depth | 7.40 millimetres0.29 inches | 8.75 millimetres, 1.35 millimetres more0.34 inches, 0.05 inches more |
| Weight | 135 grams4.76 ounces | 249 grams, 114 grams more8.78 ounces, 4.02 ounces more |
| Volume | 62.5 cubic centimetres3.81 cubic inches | 111.5 cubic centimetres, 49.0 cubic centimetres more6.81 cubic inches, 2.99 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 85 percent | 91 percent, 5 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 5.4 inches | 6.9 inches, 1.5 inches more |
| Resolution | 1080 × 2340 | 1320 × 2868 |
| Pixel density | 476 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 16 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP Fusion, variable aperture f/1.48-f/4.0 |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | 48MP Fusion f/2.2 |
| Rear telephoto | — | 48MP Fusion 100mm (4x optical, 8x optical-quality) |
| Front camera | 12MP | 18MP Center Stage f/1.9 |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A20 Pro |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 45 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6 · Apple C2 modem |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 256 GB – 2 TB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 699 dollars | 1,299 dollars, 600 dollars more |
| Released | Nov 2020 | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 31.9 mm (1.26 in) taller, 13.8 mm (0.54 in) wider, 1.35 mm (0.05 in) thicker and 114 g (4.02 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 18 Pro Max measures 163.4 × 78.0 × 8.75 mm (6.43 × 3.07 × 0.34 in) and weighs 249 g (8.78 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 12 mini
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Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 18 Pro Max than the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 31.9 mm taller and 13.8 mm wider than the iPhone 12 mini. It also weighs 114 g more.
Is the iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly heavier than the iPhone 12 mini?
Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max weighs 249 g while the iPhone 12 mini weighs 135 g. The weight difference is noticeable in hand.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch display compared to the 5.4 inch screen on the iPhone 12 mini. This gives the iPhone 18 Pro Max 1.5 inches more vertical viewing area.
Which phone is easier to use one handed?
The iPhone 12 mini is easier to use one handed than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. It is also better suited for small hands.
Do both phones fit in a typical jeans pocket?
The iPhone 12 mini fits in both typical men's and women's jeans pockets. The iPhone 18 Pro Max fits in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is upgrading from the iPhone 12 mini to the iPhone 18 Pro Max worth it for size only?
Whether the size upgrade is worth it depends on your preference for larger screens and battery life. The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers significantly more endurance but is much larger.