iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 mini
Quick answer
The iPhone 12 mini is 7.3 millimetres0.29 inches narrower and 15.2 millimetres0.60 inches shorter than the iPhone 12.
Both share the same engine and software, making the choice a matter of ergonomics over performance. The iPhone 12 mini on Amazon (paid link) is lighter and slips into any pocket, while the standard iPhone 12 (paid link) offers more screen space for comparable renewed prices. If ease of use matters most, pick the mini; otherwise, the standard model wins on display size.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 12 mini
Pocket: iPhone 12 mini
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 12
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 12 mini
from $699 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (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: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.4 millimetres, 164 grams. iPhone 12 mini: 131.5 by 64.2 by 7.4 millimetres, 135 grams.
12, 12 mini shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 12
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 12 mini
from $699 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 146.7 millimetres, 12 mini 131.5 millimetres.Height: 12 5.78 inches, 12 mini 5.18 inches.Width: 12 71.5 millimetres, 12 mini 64.2 millimetres.Width: 12 2.81 inches, 12 mini 2.53 inches.Depth: 12 7.40 millimetres, 12 mini 7.40 millimetres.Depth: 12 0.29 inches, 12 mini 0.29 inches.Weight: 12 164 grams, 12 mini 135 grams.Weight: 12 5.78 ounces, 12 mini 4.76 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 | 12 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 146.7 millimetres5.78 inches | 131.5 millimetres, 15.2 millimetres less5.18 inches, 0.60 inches less |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 64.2 millimetres, 7.3 millimetres less2.53 inches, 0.29 inches less |
| Depth | 7.40 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.40 millimetres, the same0.29 inches, the same |
| Weight | 164 grams5.78 ounces | 135 grams, 29 grams less4.76 ounces, 1.02 ounces less |
| Volume | 77.6 cubic centimetres4.74 cubic inches | 62.5 cubic centimetres, 15.1 cubic centimetres less3.81 cubic inches, 0.92 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 86 percent | 85 percent, 1 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 5.4 inches, 0.7 inches less |
| Resolution | 1170 × 2532 | 1080 × 2340 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 476 pixels per inch, 16 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Notch |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 17 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 699 dollars, 100 dollars less |
| Released | Oct 2020 | Nov 2020 |
| Status | Legacy | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone 12 mini is 15.2 mm (0.60 in) shorter, 7.3 mm (0.29 in) narrower and 29 g (1.02 oz) lighter than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.40 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.29 in) and weighs 164 g (5.78 oz). 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).
Also compared with iPhone 12
Questions about these phones
How much smaller is the iPhone 12 mini than the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 12 mini is 15.2 mm shorter and 7.3 mm narrower than the iPhone 12 while having the same depth.
Is the iPhone 12 mini lighter than the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 12 mini is 29 grams lighter than the iPhone 12, which is a noticeable weight difference.
What is the screen size difference between iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen and the iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed, iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 12 mini is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 12 because it is smaller and lighter.
Do both iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
The iPhone 12 fits in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a women's, whereas the iPhone 12 mini fits in both.
Is it worth upgrading from iPhone 12 to iPhone 12 mini for size alone?
Upgrading from iPhone 12 to iPhone 12 mini for size alone depends on your preference for a smaller device.