iPhone 16 vs iPhone 12 mini
Quick answer
The iPhone 12 mini is 7.4 millimetres0.29 inches narrower and 35 grams1.23 ounces lighter than the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 12 mini on Amazon (paid link) is the last true compact option, available only as renewed stock, while the iPhone 16 (paid link) offers modern performance and lasting battery life at a full price. If your priority is pure pocketability, grab the mini; otherwise, the 16 is the sensible daily driver.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 12 mini
Pocket: iPhone 12 mini
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (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 16: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 170 grams. iPhone 12 mini: 131.5 by 64.2 by 7.4 millimetres, 135 grams.
16, 12 mini shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (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: 16 147.6 millimetres, 12 mini 131.5 millimetres.Height: 16 5.81 inches, 12 mini 5.18 inches.Width: 16 71.6 millimetres, 12 mini 64.2 millimetres.Width: 16 2.82 inches, 12 mini 2.53 inches.Depth: 16 7.80 millimetres, 12 mini 7.40 millimetres.Depth: 16 0.31 inches, 12 mini 0.29 inches.Weight: 16 170 grams, 12 mini 135 grams.Weight: 16 6.00 ounces, 12 mini 4.76 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16 | 12 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 147.6 millimetres5.81 inches | 131.5 millimetres, 16.1 millimetres less5.18 inches, 0.63 inches less |
| Width | 71.6 millimetres2.82 inches | 64.2 millimetres, 7.4 millimetres less2.53 inches, 0.29 inches less |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.40 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less |
| Weight | 170 grams6.00 ounces | 135 grams, 35 grams less4.76 ounces, 1.23 ounces less |
| Volume | 82.4 cubic centimetres5.03 cubic inches | 62.5 cubic centimetres, 20.0 cubic centimetres less3.81 cubic inches, 1.22 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 87 percent | 85 percent, 2 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 5.4 inches, 0.7 inches less |
| Resolution | 1179 × 2556 | 1080 × 2340 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 476 pixels per inch, 16 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | Notch |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A18 | A14 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 22 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 128 – 512 GB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 699 dollars, 100 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2024 | Nov 2020 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone 12 mini is 16.1 mm (0.63 in) shorter, 7.4 mm (0.29 in) narrower, 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 35 g (1.23 oz) lighter than the iPhone 16. 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). 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 16
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 14
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 16 than the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 16 is 16.1 mm taller and 7.4 mm wider than the iPhone 12 mini. It is also 0.4 mm thicker.
What is the weight difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 16 weighs 170 grams while the iPhone 12 mini weighs 135 grams. The iPhone 16 is 35 grams heavier.
Which phone has the larger screen?
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch screen while the iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen.
Is the iPhone 12 mini easier to use one-handed?
Yes, the iPhone 12 mini is easier for one-handed use than the iPhone 16. It is also better for small hands.
Do both phones fit in jeans pockets?
The iPhone 12 mini fits in typical men's and women's jeans pockets. The iPhone 16 fits in typical men's jeans pockets but not women's.
Is upgrading from the iPhone 12 mini to the iPhone 16 worth it for size alone?
Whether the size-only upgrade is worth it depends on your preference. The iPhone 16 is noticeably larger and heavier.