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iPhone 16e vs iPhone 12 mini

Quick answer

The iPhone 12 mini is 7.3 millimetres0.29 inches narrower and 32 grams1.13 ounces lighter than the iPhone 16e.

Both support current iOS updates, but the iPhone 12 mini on Amazon (paid link) disappears into any pocket while the 16e needs larger coats. The iPhone 16e (paid link) delivers modern internals and lasting battery life, but feels distinctly larger and heavier in the hand. Choose for maximum portability at this price, or pick the modern model if you need the endurance.

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Easier one-handediPhone 12 mini

PocketiPhone 12 mini

Weight differenceNoticeable

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HeightWidthDepthWeight16e146.7 millimetres5.78 inches71.5 millimetres2.81 inches7.80 millimetres0.31 inches167 grams5.89 ounces12 mini131.5 millimetres, 15.2 millimetres less5.18 inches, 0.60 inches less64.2 millimetres, 7.3 millimetres less2.53 inches, 0.29 inches less7.40 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less135 grams, 32 grams less4.76 ounces, 1.13 ounces less

Height: 16e 146.7 millimetres, 12 mini 131.5 millimetres.Height: 16e 5.78 inches, 12 mini 5.18 inches.Width: 16e 71.5 millimetres, 12 mini 64.2 millimetres.Width: 16e 2.81 inches, 12 mini 2.53 inches.Depth: 16e 7.80 millimetres, 12 mini 7.40 millimetres.Depth: 16e 0.31 inches, 12 mini 0.29 inches.Weight: 16e 167 grams, 12 mini 135 grams.Weight: 16e 5.89 ounces, 12 mini 4.76 ounces.

Specifications

Specifications for iPhone 16e, iPhone 12 mini. Differences are given against iPhone 16e.
Specification16e12 mini
Height146.7 millimetres5.78 inches131.5 millimetres, 15.2 millimetres less5.18 inches, 0.60 inches less
Width71.5 millimetres2.81 inches64.2 millimetres, 7.3 millimetres less2.53 inches, 0.29 inches less
Depth7.80 millimetres0.31 inches7.40 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less
Weight167 grams5.89 ounces135 grams, 32 grams less4.76 ounces, 1.13 ounces less
Volume81.8 cubic centimetres4.99 cubic inches62.5 cubic centimetres, 19.3 cubic centimetres less3.81 cubic inches, 1.18 cubic inches less
Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure.86 percent85 percent, 1 percent less
Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches.6.1 inches5.4 inches, 0.7 inches less
Resolution1170 × 25321080 × 2340
Pixel density460 pixels per inch476 pixels per inch, 16 pixels per inch more
CutoutNotchNotch
Rear main48MP48MP
Rear ultra-wide——
Rear telephoto——
Front camera12MP12MP
ChipA18A14 Bionic
Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity.26 hrs15 hrs
PortUSB-CLightning
Wireless5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0
Water resistanceIP68 (6m for 30 min)IP68 (6m for 30 min)
Storage128 – 512 GB64 – 256 GB
Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars.599 dollars699 dollars, 100 dollars more
ReleasedFeb 2025Nov 2020
StatusCurrentLegacy

Dimensions

The iPhone 12 mini is 15.2 mm (0.60 in) shorter, 7.3 mm (0.29 in) narrower, 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 32 g (1.13 oz) lighter than the iPhone 16e. 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). 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 16e

Questions about these phones

How much bigger is iPhone 16e than iPhone 12 mini?

iPhone 16e is 15.2 mm taller and 7.3 mm wider than iPhone 12 mini. It also has a 6.1 inch screen compared to 5.4 inches.

Is iPhone 16e heavier than iPhone 12 mini?

iPhone 16e weighs 167 grams while iPhone 12 mini weighs 135 grams. The 32 gram difference is noticeable in hand.

Which phone has a bigger screen?

iPhone 16e has a 6.1 inch display, which is 0.7 inch larger than iPhone 12 mini.

Which phone is easier to use one handed?

iPhone 12 mini is easier to use one handed since it is smaller and lighter.

Do both phones fit in jeans pockets?

iPhone 12 mini fits in both median men's and women's jeans pockets. iPhone 16e fits in median men's jeans pockets but not women's.

Is the size upgrade worth it?

Whether the size only upgrade is worth it depends on your preference for screen space versus portability. iPhone 12 mini is better for small hands and offers more portability.